Negotiate better with perfume

Written by Glenn Lauritz Andersson & Denis Vasilije, fragrance experts
Updated 2026-10-07

You have a meeting where you need to secure a good deal with a supplier, or perhaps you're simply negotiating a pay rise with your boss. Can the right fragrance help you achieve a successful outcome – and if so, how and which one should you choose?

Summary

• Fragrance influences how others perceive you and can strengthen your position in negotiations.

• The right perfume conveys calmness, control and professionalism in high-pressure situations.

• Using fragrance strategically can help create a more relaxed atmosphere and a positive starting point.

It's no secret that wearing perfume at work is a delicate balancing act. You want to give yourself a boost and feel fresh, but you shouldn't disturb those around you. As a general rule, discreet fragrances are best for the workplace. Scent is deeply personal, and there's no guarantee your colleagues will appreciate you completely drenching yourself in your favourite perfume – especially if it isn't to their taste. At work, less is more.

That doesn't mean perfume can't be used as an effective tool – or even a weapon, if you like – in particular situations where you need to gain the upper hand or make a lasting impression. If you're sitting at the negotiating table, engaged in a tough battle to secure the best possible deal, or perhaps looking for an extra boost before discussing your salary with your boss, you can adopt a different strategy. In these situations, you can use perfume in a way that differs from your everyday approach at work.

We divide this strategy into two fragrance categories depending on the situation and your personality. However, whichever you choose, the fragrance must feel right for you and reflect who you really are. Experimenting with a scent you believe will disarm your "opponent", but which you don't actually enjoy wearing, will do nothing to strengthen your confidence or communicate your true identity. Taking the wrong shortcuts is never a good idea, and you may end up appearing fake. Another rule that always applies is: Never overapply!

The classic – understated yet elegant

If you're not comfortable with a more aggressive fragrance style, it may be wise to stick with the discreet type of perfume you normally wear to work. This time, however, focus on fragrances within that category that convey classic masculinity. You won't overwhelm the person sitting opposite you at the negotiating table, but your choice of fragrance will communicate reassurance and confidence despite its subtle character. It can also influence your own state of mind, helping you feel relaxed.

Fragrances in this category can have a classic character with a certain businesslike sophistication, often featuring citrus notes, whether you're wearing a cologne or a more exclusive eau de parfum. Perhaps you feel most comfortable with a simple cologne, or maybe the luxury of an expensive, exceptionally well-crafted perfume gives you an additional lift. Or perhaps your budget ultimately determines your choice.

Fresh, understated fragrances with a touch of class and elegance are perfect for office meetings, whether you choose something invigorating with lavender or marine notes. If you prefer woody fragrances, select something sophisticated and restrained. Among niche fragrance houses, there are plenty of eau de parfums and perfumes to choose from across different price ranges. The key is finding something that suits your taste and identity. We particularly recommend the sophisticated designer brand Brunello Cucinelli and the French fragrance house Fragrance du Bois.

Fearless – for the bold

Perhaps you're someone who prefers to be more daring, enjoys taking risks and isn't afraid to go all in. You like announcing your arrival and establishing early on who's in charge. If so, you're probably more comfortable with perfumes that project a considerable amount of character and courage. Even here, however, it's important not to go overboard and to remain mindful of the situation. Animalic creations that smell exclusively of manure should be approached with caution. They might certainly bring negotiations to a swift conclusion. The question is whether it will be the conclusion you had in mind.

Dark fragrances with depth, weight and presence are suitable choices here, perhaps featuring spices or leather. They may also contain unusual combinations of notes that make the person across the table notice you and, more importantly, remember you. The idea is to combine classic masculinity with an unexpected twist that gives you a psychological advantage and makes you appear invincible. However, while avoiding overapplication is generally important when wearing perfume at work, with fragrances in this category it is an absolute requirement! One or, at most, two sprays on the neck, for example, are enough – unless you want the opposite effect and can forget about negotiating anything ever again.

For extra personality and expression through unexpected clashes of fragrance notes, we happily recommend Widian 71 from the Abu Dhabi-based house Widian. Believe it or not, it has an animalic character with smoky and spicy nuances. A fragrance with considerable presence, perhaps better suited to a date than the negotiating table.

And if you truly want to stand out and project authority, it's difficult to imagine a better fragrance for an important meeting or a senior executive than Kyara, the flagship creation from the Japanese house Di Ser. A masterpiece whose limited availability of raw materials adds an extra dimension of exclusivity. Nobody will forget you in a hurry, we promise.

Consider which personality and fragrance would make you feel most comfortable in the situation you're facing. Be yourself rather than trying to disguise your identity behind a false persona. A fragrance should be an extension of who you are or complement the aspects of your personal style that you want to emphasise. Hopefully, your choice of perfume will help you seal the deal!