Pefume has the ability to attract or repel people. Does the same thing apply to bugs? After her travel doctor recommended a specific perfume brand to keep mosquitoes away, she embarked on an adventure to her local Victoria’s Secret to find out for herself.
Is Victoria’s Secret…A Mosquito Repellent?
TikTok creator Eugenia McQuarrie (@eugeniamcquarrie) stands in front of Victoria’s Secret building in New York City.
“Buying the mosquito repellent recommended by my medical professional,” she shares in the text overlay. Next, she heads inside, bringing over 977,000 viewers with her on her quest. When the camera lands on a shelf of pink Bombshell Original perfumes, the content creator stops in her tracks. Then, she grabs a box and exits the store with the perfume in a pink bag, confirming her success.
McQuarrie reveals in the comments section, “I just had to try this out because I couldn’t believe it when my doctor told me.”
Viewers Rush To Their Nearest Victoria’s Secret
Self-proclaimed ‘mosquito magnets’ in McQuarrie’s comments section were shocked to learn this and rushed to purchase their own perfume bottles.
“Need to get this- mosquitoes love me, and my bites swell up and scar me,” one viwert commented
“Wait wait I need! I’m so allergic to mosquito bites they tear me up!” another stated.
“What about those of us that get 10 bites to everyone else 1? Does it still work? Always staying desperate for [mosquito] repellent,” a third remarked.
“Wait is this for real because I am a walking mosquito buffet,” a fourth said.
“On my way to the mall!” a fifth wrote.
Can Perfume Keep Mosquitoes Away?
In 2015, a study conducted by New Mexico State University (NMSU) found that Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume was as effective as several generic repellents. In fact, the Academic Group reported that the fragrance deterred pests for two hours, the same duration as one of the best insect repellents, DEET.
So, what is it about the perfume that the bloodsuckers hated? Typically, mosquitoes are attracted to sweet, fruity, and floral scents, as well as human sweat and body odor. Since the perfume has a fruity-floral musk, it had the opposite effect. According to Business Insider, participants sprayed it five times more on themselves than the average amount. As a result, the fragrance was burying the participants’ natural scents. Essentially, it masked odors rather than deterring pests, as any strong perfume at high concentrations can.
Before dousing yourself in your favorite perfume during mosquito season, be sure to find what works for you. When choosing a repellent from a store, the National Pesticide Information Center recommends products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
@eugeniamcquarrie Looks like L’eau du Cleavage is the order of the day
♬ original sound – MOONLGHT
The Mary Sue reached out to McQuarrie via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment as well as Victoria’s Secret via press email.
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