"She Smelled Terrible": People Who've Met Celebrities In Real Life Are Revealing Exactly What They Smelled Like, And Some Of These Are Truly Jaw-Dropping

Just like a celebrity's work or legacy, a person's smell can leave a lasting impression. The scent of someone can be jarring and unexpected, or a seamless extension of their personality. I’ve often wondered what my favorite cultural icons smell like, but I’ve never had the chance to know…until now.

Reddit user piratev00 asked Reddit’s NichePerfumes community, “Have you ever met a celebrity? What did they smell like?” Here’s what people had to say:

Note: Scent profiles have been added to describe each referenced perfume or cologne. 

Also, these have been submitted by people on the internet, so feel free to take them with a grain of salt.

1. “A long time ago, I was sitting next to Brad Pitt at a bar. He smelled of sandalwood, sandalwood, and more sandalwood.”

3. “Samuel L. Jackson and his navy, three-quarter-length cashmere coat smelled of Acqua di Parma Colonia (notes of ozone, bergamot, and rosemary). As if I needed another reason to try to get that man alone 🤣. He smelled divine.”

4. “Back during the Destiny Child days, Beyoncé smelled terrible. I met her at a daytime talk show. She smelled like spoiled baby oil and body odor.”

5. “I met Eva Mendes in an elevator at Barney's in New York. She was drenched in a heavy, rich Chanel-like perfume, which normally grosses me out, but it matched her vibe.”

6. "Ariana Grande circa Dangerous Woman tour smelled sweet, but not as extremely candied and sweet as her perfumes. It was more of a soft, sweet, and fruity scent."

7. “Big Sean came into my workplace back when I worked in radio for an interview. He smelled of strong patchouli, in the best way 🍃💚.”

8. “I rode in an elevator with Adrien Brody, and I knew right away that he had Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille cologne on. He was so shy, but I wanted to let him know that he smelled fabulous.”

9. “Yoko Ono smelled like tea and comfort.”

10. “I met Fat Joe over a decade ago, and I still can’t get over how good he smelled. He smelled like very clean, expensive, fresh laundry. The funniest part is that many years later, I found out another friend of mine had worked with him on a project. They ALSO mentioned how good he smelled.”

11. “Amy Lee from Evanescence smelled like Falling in Love by Philosophy (notes of jasmine, vanilla musk, and blackberry) when I met her in 2016. I’m not sure if that’s actually what she was wearing, but it certainly reminded me of it.”

12. “I met Julia Roberts while antiquing in Ventura. She smelled like patchouli.”

13. “I met Nick Nolte in a Chinese buffet line at the mall. He smelled a bit like farts. It may have been the food. I know this isn’t what you were hoping for, but it’s a true story 😬.”

14. “Kyle MacLachlan is super kind and smelled vaguely of aftershave or deodorant.”

15. “I gave Lizzo a high-five as she ran through the audience during a taping of Late Night With Seth Meyers. She smelled amazing; the most elevated vanilla/amber-like blend.”

16. “I was a security escort for a few bands doing US tours in the late '90s. Natalie Merchant stood out because she wore Chanel N°5 (notes of bergamot, neroli, and amber), and it absolutely sent me.”

17. “Gregory Hines smelled like freshly-shaved pencils. It was pleasant.”

18. “Molly Baz smelled freshly showered, but also cool and interesting. I asked what she was wearing, and she wrote it down in my notes app: Penhaligon’s! I think it was Halfeti Cedar.”

19. “Peter Steele from Type O Negative smelled spicy, manly, leathery, and red wine-ish. Not unexpected!”

20. “Trent Reznor smelled like fresh laundry and mint.”

21. “I waited on David Cassidy at a restaurant, and he smelled extremely clean, like a bubble of soapy freshness was around him.”

22. “I met Miguel, and he smelled like Iris Malikhan (floral, leathery, verdant).”

23. “I met William H. Macy, and he smelled very powdery and citrusy.”

24. “Peewee Herman (Paul Reubens) smelled soapy…like restroom soap, and shampoo.”

25. “He was in costume when I met him, but Ethan Hawke smelled of hot polyester.”

26. “Tiger Woods did not smell great, but it was outside while he was golfing. The BO was remarkable.”

27. “I met Ben Barnes, and he smelled like Guidance (unisex fragrance from The House of Amouage with notes of pear, saffron, and sandalwood).”

28. “Guillermo del Toro didn’t smell of anything.”

29. “For the British people here: I sat next to Sandi Toksvig (a famous broadcaster) on a train, and she smelled extra nice. Sweet and powdery, but not overpowering. She was also lovely 🥹.”

30. And lastly: “I met Dan Mangan, and he smelled like really nice sandalwood and soap.”

Have you ever met a celebrity whose smell stuck with you? I want to hear about it! Let me know in the comments or fill out the anonymous form below.

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.