Should you wear perfume to meetings?
Smelling nice is always a good thing, but if a colleague is wearing too much perfume or aftershave in the office it can be really overpowering. And if you’re in a meeting with someone who’s really overdone it on the fragrance it can be difficult to concentrate.
In the US, some employers have gone as far as banning perfume. Employees in the US Census Bureau and at the government offices in Detroit can no longer wear any kind of scent to work. We look at four top tips on wearing perfume to meetings and how to get your scent just right.
1. Less is more
If people are getting up and moving seats to avoid sitting next to you during meetings, it may be a sign that you’re overdoing it with the perfume. If you really feel naked without a daily spray of scent, try a more delicate fragrance or just dab a bit on your wrists rather than misting yourself from head to toe. Men – the same goes for you with the cologne. It’s not just ladies who can overdo it on the fragrance front.
2. Consider the occasion
You may have a favourite perfume that you like to wear all the time – but the fruity number that you wear going out on the town may not be the right scent for a business meeting. While a sultry, seductive scent might work well in a nightclub for attracting the opposite sex, in the boardroom this may not give off the right impression.
According to Lilydirect.com some good choices for professional women include: Yves Saint Laurent Paris Premieres Roses, L’Eau par Kenzo and Infusion d’Iris by Prada. These scents say that you’re dynamic and ready to do business.
3. Soaps and oils
If your company doesn’t allow you to wear perfume, you could try using a nice-smelling soap, shower gel or body cream. Chanel does a lovely smelling range of soap, such as No.5, so you can still have a light trace of scent without being overpowering.
Another option is to use a dry oil, as they provide a much softer fragrance. Ahava has a range of body oils that condition your skin and leave behind a light scent, and there are various other brands that leave your skin silky smooth and smelling delicious. Body creams are also lighter smelling and good for your skin. Donna Karan Black Cashmere is velvety soft and smells of delicate sandalwood and cedar.
4. The power of fragrance
Our sense of smell is a powerful thing, and certain scents can trigger all kinds of different emotions. Think of the smell of freshly baked bread or cut grass – does it make you happy?
Perfume can do the same thing. Research has shown that the oils from sandalwood and frankincense can increase the brain’s oxygen levels by 20% – causing a change in emotions, learning and attitude. Fragrance can also have a lasting effect on memory – so make sure that your scent is having a positive effect on business colleagues. You want to leave a meeting having made a good impression on people – not have them diving for an open window to get some fresh air.
Scents that can help to combat stress include: clarysage, frankincense, bergamot, lavender, patchouli and chamomile.
Fragrances that are said to improve memory and concentration include: rosemary, peppermint, black pepper, cypress and basil.
Vanilla, civet and musk are said to increase libido – but it’s probably best to avoid these scents during a formal business meeting…
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Posted by Julie Tucker
