Umm al-Mu'mineen Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: She used to set out (for Hajj) with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and before entering into Ihram, musk perfume would be applied to her. Then she would perspire, and its effect would be visible on her face. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would see her and he would not forbid her from this.
Hadith Referenceمسند اسحاق بن راهويه / كتاب المناسك / 310
Hadith Takhrij«سنن ابوداود ، كتاب المناسك ، باب يا يلبس المحرم ، رقم : 1830 . قال الشيخ الالباني : صحيح . مسند احمد : 79/6»
Explanation & Benefits
Hafiz Abdush Shakoor Tirmidhi
Benefits: After donning the ihram, it is not permissible to apply any kind of fragrance. However, if fragrance was applied before donning the ihram and its effect remains after donning the ihram, then it is permissible. As narrated from Sayyidah Aisha radi Allahu anha, she said: "It is as if I am seeing the fragrance in the parting of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam's hair, while he had been in ihram for three days." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Chapters on Manasik, Hadith: 2928)
Applying fragrance before ihram is a Sunnah. As Sayyidah Aisha radi Allahu anha states: "I used to apply fragrance thoroughly to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam before he donned the ihram, then he would don the ihram." (Muslim, Book of Hajj, Chapter: Recommendation of Applying Fragrance Before Ihram)