There is always that unfortunate moment, washing your hands in a public restroom (ranging from fast food pit stops to office buildings), when you wave your hand under the censor, push a lever, or press down on the pump, and a pink, pearlescent liquid comes into your palm with a stench that does not quite evoke cleanliness. Let's call it the 'Curse of the Doctor’s Office Soap' smell. The odor sticks around on your 'fresh' hands far longer than you’d like. But what to do? You can’t not wash your hands—it’s very important!—but that smell. Ugh. Gross. Stop. Get away. Which is why we are really feeling You Smell’s Paper Hand Soap.

Consider them a cousin to your normal blotting papers: the mini packs—bigger than a pack of matches, smaller than a business card—come with twenty-five sheets of hand-scenting goodness primed for twenty-five washes (3 packs for $8.75!); just take one thin rectangle, dampen it with a few drops of water, and wash like you would with a normal bar of soap. Whether you’re a fan of Lemon or Divine (reminiscent of fresh laundry), there is a cute pocket friend for everybody. Plus, if nothing else, You Smell has figured out their marketing: on the back of the packet, there are 'warnings' like: “Possible outcome from use: repeatedly being asked how you always smell so good, hand sniffing, and people standing awkwardly close to you. Few have the mental fortitude to smell this good. Enjoy, and God Speed!”

So, remember, “Being fragrant is natural. Just make it the good kind.”

Photos by Elizabeth Brockway.