I Tried It Tuesday: Testing the Buzz Around Her Money Eau de Parfum
What happens when you spritz on a perfume inspired by the scent of wealth? One beauty editor explores the claims, the backstory, and the unexpected reactions.
I Tried It Tuesday: The Allure and Oddity of Her Money Eau de Parfum
What if the scent of money could uplift your mood, inspire confidence, or even boost your productivity? This curious premise sits at the heart of Her Money Eau de Parfum, a fragrance that claims to capture not just the aroma but the essence of prosperity. As a beauty editor constantly inundated with new fragrances, I rarely stick to one scent. But when Her Money landed on my desk, its quirky backstory—and the promise of olfactory motivation—proved impossible to resist. Here’s an honest account of my week spent wearing the world’s most lucrative perfume.
Category: Scent Experiments & Reviews
The Backstory: Perfuming the Spirit of Prosperity
Unlike most fragrances with roots in fashion houses or the ateliers of celebrated perfumers, Her Money is the brainchild of Patrick McCarthy, a sales executive in the software industry. The concept originated from a Japanese study demonstrating that pumping the scent of money through factory vents improved worker productivity. Sensing an opportunity—as well as the universal allure of wealth—McCarthy set out to bottle the “scent of money” to invigorate American workers during financially tough times. The result is an eau de parfum that aims to motivate not just your senses, but your very spirit.
The Fragrance Profile: What Does Money Smell Like?
Despite the whimsical promise of capturing the aroma of crisp bills, Her Money is most accurately described as an inviting blend of citrus and florals. The scent profile features:
- Pink Grapefruit
- Mandarin
- Freesia
- Passion Fruit
Rather than the inky-paper scent of fresh notes from an ATM, the fragrance is light, energetic, and fresh, giving off subtle hints of both zest and bloom. This isn’t novelty perfume—it’s surprisingly wearable, suitable for daily use, and sophisticated enough for varied occasions.
First Impressions: Unbox and On-Skin Experience
The initial spritz delivers a sparkling citrus top note, uplifted by grapefruit and mandarin, which quickly settles into a gentle, slightly sweet floral heart. The fragrance never veers into syrupy, overpowering territory. In fact, the base notes retain an almost invisible freshness, making it ideal for those who dislike heavier perfumes or overwhelming sillage.
Putting It to the Test: The Scent That Works Overtime
Wearing a new perfume as a beauty editor usually prompts little more than a passing comment from a co-worker—if that. With Her Money, however, the reactions in the office were immediate and surprisingly positive:
- “What are you wearing? That’s really pretty!”
- “It’s light but memorable—floral-y, but not intense.”
- “I’d totally wear that!”
When I confessed the name, smiles followed: Her Money. Some giggled at the premise; others seemed intrigued by the idea of smelling like prosperity. One or two colleagues even asked for a spritz to test on themselves.
Psychological Boost or Marketing Hype?
Now for the big question: Does it really make you more productive? Sadly, there was no miraculous jump in my writing output or sudden burst of creative genius. However, each time I caught a whiff from my wrist, an unmistakable sense of alertness and motivation seemed to spark. Perhaps the citrus notes mimic the natural energy boost one gets from fresh fruit, or perhaps the mere suggestion of “money” primes the mind for action. Either way, there’s a certain subtle psychological lift—though nothing that outpaces a good cup of coffee.
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Comparing Money Fragrances: For Her and Him
For those interested in spreading the wealth—at least olfactorily—there’s also a His Money Cologne. While Her Money leans on airy florals and citrus, His Money is crafted with a more traditionally masculine base:
- Woody notes
- Rosemary
- Grass
- Citrus
It’s said to strike a comfortable balance between sharp freshness and earthy intensity, making it a playful gag gift—or, perhaps, a subtle aromatic nudge to a spendthrift relative.
Value and Versatility: More Than a Gag Gift
Priced at around $32.50, Her Money squarely hits the mark for a fun, affordable fragrance that punches above its weight in quality. Given its fresh composition, it adapts well to varied settings:
- Workday pick-me-up: The uplifting notes make it perfect for the office.
- Weekend outing: Its casual, cheerful aroma suits brunches and errands.
- Layering potential: Pairing with other perfumes could lend additional complexity.
Table: Her Money vs. His Money
| Aspect | Her Money Eau de Parfum | His Money Cologne |
|---|---|---|
| Main Notes | Citrus (grapefruit, mandarin), freesia, passion fruit | Woody, rosemary, grass, citrus |
| Fragrance Family | Fresh Floral/Citrus | Woody Aromatic/Fresh |
| Target Audience | Women | Men |
| Occasion | Work, casual, daytime | Everyday, gift, light formal |
| Price Point | ~$32.50 | Similar range |
Not Just for Laughs: Giftability & Conversation Starter Qualities
The undeniable novelty factor in gifting a “money-scented” perfume cannot be overstated. Its playful packaging and outrageous concept make it a conversation starter. For someone seeking an offbeat, inexpensive present for a friend, relative, or even an office grab-bag, Her Money and His Money offer lighthearted, low-stakes fun.
But here’s the twist: beneath the tongue-in-cheek premise lies a genuinely likable scent. If you’re not fixated on luxury branding or time-honored elegance, you’ll likely find Her Money shockingly easy to wear.
Expert View: Why Novelty Scents Sometimes Work
Novelty fragrances often fizzle out after the joke wears thin. However, creators who marry quirky concepts and solid perfumery can surprise even the toughest critics. While Her Money may not reach the nuanced sophistication of designer mainstays, freshness, wearability, and affordability put it ahead of most single-note or gag fragrances. Its origin story also illustrates a unique blend of commerce, science, and scent artistry rarely found in mainstream launches.
Ideal Wearers and Everyday Appeal
- Anyone who wants a light, non-cloying fragrance for office or daily use.
- Fragrance enthusiasts intrigued by olfactory psychology and experimental scents.
- Gift lovers looking for humorous yet wearable presents.
- Those wishing to layer a citrus-floral base with stronger perfumes for added complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Her Money actually smell like cash?
A: While marketed as capturing the “scent of money,” Her Money is best described as a fresh blend of citrus and florals, with no inky or paper-like undertones.
Q: Will wearing it make me more productive or lucky?
A: There is no scientific link between wearing this fragrance and boosted productivity or luck. Any effect is likely psychological, spurred by the citrus notes and power of suggestion.
Q: Is this perfume suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Like many mass-market fragrances, Her Money uses standard perfume alcohol and conventional ingredients. Patch test first, especially if you have fragrance sensitivities.
Q: How long does the scent last?
A: Its longevity is moderate. While the initial citrus-floral burst is vibrant, expect to reapply after a few hours for full effect.
Q: Can men wear Her Money?
A: Absolutely. While its composition leans “feminine” by traditional marketing, the fresh notes can blend seamlessly with all genders, especially when layered with a woodier fragrance.
Final Thoughts: Is Her Money a Frivolous Trend or Fresh Classic?
If you’re searching for a signature scent with an intriguing story, Her Money is a refreshing option. Its light, mood-boosting profile brings levity to your daily routine, while the concept—however tongue-in-cheek—serves as a fun reminder of fragrance’s power to shape our moods. Just don’t expect it to replace your morning coffee or fatten your wallet.
Carly Cardellino is a seasoned beauty editor and the former beauty director at Cosmopolitan. Her passion for fragrance and honest reviews lend clarity and fun to the world of scent exploration.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a10281/i-tried-it-tuesday-her-money-eau-de-parfum/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrr7VkO3xvg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pYYPL_MeKw
- https://fragamour.wordpress.com/tag/cosmopolitan/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g45523067/long-lasting-perfumes/
- https://polishedcouture.com/2016/01/11/cosmopolitan-the-fragrance/
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