Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) to put the best possible face on otherwise unpalatable facts.

1942		Davis & Wolsey Call House Madam (1943) 440: Oh lord – cripes – Jesus – don’t be perfumed! I’ve led a life of hell.
1947		M.H. Boulware Jive and Sl. n.p.: Perfume it ... Make it pretty.