negotiate better with fragrance

Written by GlenN Lauritz Andersson & Denis Vasilije, fragrance experts

You have a meeting where you need to land a good deal with a supplier, or perhaps negotiate your salary with your boss. Can the right fragrance help you achieve a better outcome – and if so, how and which one?

Summary

• Scent influences how you are perceived and can strengthen your negotiation position.

• The right fragrance signals calm, control and professionalism in high-pressure situations.

• Strategic fragrance use can soften the conversation and create a more favourable starting point.

It’s no secret that wearing fragrance at work is a delicate balance. You want a boost and to feel fresh, but you also don’t want to disturb your surroundings. As a rule, office fragrances should be discreet – scent is highly personal, and your colleagues may not appreciate being enveloped in a cloud of your favourite perfume, especially if it's not to their taste. At work, “less is more”.

That said, fragrance can still function as an effective tool – or weapon, if you will – in certain situations where you need the upper hand or want to make a specific impression. If you’re sitting at the negotiating table in a tough business exchange, or need that extra boost before discussing your salary with your boss, you can use fragrance differently than you normally would at work.

We divide the strategy into two fragrance types depending on situation and personality – but in both cases, whatever you choose must feel right for you and represent who you are. Experimenting with a scent you think will “disarm” the other party but that you don’t personally feel comfortable in will not strengthen your confidence or communicate your true identity. Cutting corners is never a good idea – and with bad luck, you may come across as fake. Another rule that always applies: don’t overdose!

the classic – low-key but elegant

If you’re not comfortable with a more aggressive fragrance style, it may be better to stick to the subtle type you already wear at work. But in this scenario, focus on scents that project classic masculinity. You won’t overwhelm the person across the table, but your scent choice will still signal confidence and dependability. This also influences you mentally, helping you feel calm and grounded. These types of scents often have a timeless business character, whether you choose a cologne or a more luxurious eau de parfum. You may feel more at home in a simple cologne – or perhaps the luxury of a high-quality perfume gives you an extra edge. Or maybe your wallet decides.

Examples of excellent colognes include Roja Elysium Cologne, a fresh yet distinctly masculine classic from one of the world’s leading luxury houses. Another option is British grooming brand Truefitt and Hill’s classic Sandalwood Cologne – a fresh but elegant scent that works in all seasons, and a perfect suit accessory. Acqua di Parma’s timeless original Colonia, over a hundred years old and still going strong, is another excellent choice – especially if you enjoy citrus tops paired with true old-school powdery elegance, suitable for all genders.

Among the more luxurious but understated niche options, we can mention Roja Vetiver – the ultimate business fragrance, thanks to its dry vetiver root note. Or the beautifully subtle and sophisticated unisex gem Santal Complet from French luxury brand Fragrance Du Bois, with its gentle hints of sandalwood sweetness and sensual coconut. Equally stunning on both men and women. From the same house, the soapy luxe creation Heritage is also worth highlighting if you feel like investing in true high-end indulgence.

fearless – for the bold

If you instead belong to those who are bold by nature and enjoy taking risks, showing others “here I come” and establishing your presence early in the room, then you may prefer fragrances that project strong character and courage. The key here is still not to go overboard or ignore the context – animalic creations that smell purely of barnyard are something to handle with care. Sure, they might end the negotiation quickly, but probably not in the way you intended.

Dark scents with depth and authority are ideal here, perhaps with spices or leather, or unusual note combinations that make the other party notice – and remember – you. The goal is to combine classic masculinity with an additional twist that gives you a psychological edge and makes you appear unshakeable. However, if it is generally important not to overapply fragrance at work, then in this category it is an absolute requirement. One or at most two sprays on the neck are enough – unless you want the opposite effect and no future negotiations at all.

In these cases, eau de parfums (EdP), parfums or pure extracts are usually the best options. The British brand Roja also works well here – why not the spicy Aoud from their extrait-rich oriental oud line, but without overly animalic notes? Dry spices and saffron always work beautifully to enhance that extra confidence, and Nasomatto’s Duro, with its woody oud character, can be a perfect fit. Their Terroni provides a similarly strong impression, though with a more earthy aura.

For something with greater personality and surprising collisions of notes, we gladly recommend Abu Dhabi brand Widian’s London for late evening meetings at restaurants, with its intriguing mix of leather, incense and raspberry. Another exciting option for the truly fearless is Widian’s 71 – a fragrance with an unmistakably animalic character, smoky and spicy. A powerful scent that may be better suited for a date than a negotiation table.

If you want to stay in the oud territory, it’s hard to resist the luxurious feel of Fragrance du Bois’ dark, European-dry Parisian Oud – like wearing a Rolex in a bottle. And if you truly want to stand out and radiate authority, there is no finer meeting-or-executive scent than Japanese house Di Ser’s flagship Kyara – a masterpiece whose rare raw material gives you an extra layer of exclusivity. No one will forget you anytime soon, we promise.

Find out which personality and fragrance make you feel most secure in the situation at hand. Be yourself, and avoid disguising yourself in a “false suit” – a scent should be an extension of who you are, or highlight the part of your style you want to bring forward. Hopefully, your fragrance choice will help you seal the deal!