With so many different fragrances on the market today it’s impossible to just pick a few to showcase in this article – although I will tell you what my personal favourites are later. The majority of this article focuses on the lesser known art form of Power Scenting.
The theory is that scents that contain certain ingredients are more likely to exude an aura of power, intelligence, and elegance and how that fragrance can give you the mind set to perfectly take on the task ahead with confidence.
But there are certain rules that you need to follow in order to get the most out of Power Scenting and they are:
- Picking the right scent for you.
- Applying it correctly.
- Power Scenting is not about using half a bottle of scent before you depart for your engagement.
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Engaging your mind so it relates the sense of power when you wear the fragrance.
Wearing fragrance not only finishes your beauty regime it’s also an indicator of your personality, and in business it’s very important to define your personality with people you meet. Scent can be your opening without your lips even moving. It can also be how people remember you when you exit a room.
So let’s look closely at the different types of perfume you can buy and what they consist of.
Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau to Toilette and Eau de Cologne relate to the amount of oil concentration in a fragrance. The smallest amount would be the lightest in strength. For example Perfume (or parfum) is the strongest concentration followed by Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and finally Eau de Cologne. There is not a lot of difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne and generally one is associated with women and the other with men.
Generally scents last on the skin for four – six hours. Dry skin looses scent quicker than an oilier skin type.
Fragrances consist of many scents which are called notes. The top note is the one that lasts the least amount of time, roughly 5 – 10 minutes, middle notes take hold after about 15 minutes and last for around an hour, and finally bottom notes; these are the real soul of the fragrance and last several hours.
Finding your scent
Generally fragrances can be defined for the purpose.
Casual scents tend to have citrus bases that are crisp and fresh. These are best avoided when you want to allude to a more powerful demeanour.
Seductive scents have bases that contain sandalwood, musk or some sort of spice.
Of course there is a whole scope in between and that’s when you need to head to your nearest perfume stockist and try a few based on the base notes you’re most attracted to. Remember; power often relates to the seduction family so you may get the most out of Power Scenting when you use musk or sandalwood based scents.
When you try on a scent:
- Spray on a pulse point
- Give the fragrance ten minutes for the alcohol to evaporate before you smell it.
- Resist the urge to rub the fragrance in as this will cause bruising of the scent which basically means it will mix in all the notes and this will not allow them to rise naturally.
- Do not try on any more than two at a time (one on each wrist)
Once you’ve picked your perfect fragrance, and if applicable picked up the lotion or wash in the same scent, you are ready to embrace the art of Power Scenting.
The art of Power Scenting
It’s almost like a ritual so please enjoy it. Firstly you are going to want to layer the fragrance.
Layering involves applying the fragrance cream and if you so desire bathing in wash that goes with the scent before you actually dab or spray your scent.
When applying the lotion do not just apply it on your arms but also all over the body. It will be a lighter version of the fragrance you are going to spray.
Layering also helps the fragrance last longer and therefore it’s quite cost effective to buy the additional products that go with the scent.
If your fragrance does not have a lotion or wash that goes with it pick one which closely matches the base notes of the fragrance.
Now apply the perfume. You can either do two things. You can either spray it in front of you and then walk through the mist (keeping your eyes closed) and let the whole fragrance envelope you. Or, if you prefer, you can simply dab or spray it on your pulse points.
Remember you don’t want people to smell you four blocks away. Our noses tend to get very accustomed to fragrance and because of this we are often inclined to spray more, and more. Don’t do it – your business colleagues will thank you for going for the less is more theory.
Throughout the day apply just a touch more of scent – again keep it to a minimum and let it settle so it slowly lets off each note.
A little psychology of Power Scenting
So you’ve applied the layers and sprayed the fragrance but are you ready for the attention? I have seen with my own eyes so many ladies get really embarrassed when people comment positively on the fragrance they are wearing. Power Scenting isn’t just about finding the right fragrance and applying it correctly. It’s about knowing that this scent is part of you, your personality and it dictates authority.
Think of your fragrance as part of your business kit. You have your notepad, your lap top, the suit and the smart phone – you also need that one fragrance which people remember you by.
I never really believed the power of Power Scenting until I was serving two ladies in a department store a few years ago. One of them put on a fragrance to test and she said, ‘Oh my goodness, this is the perfume so and so used to wear. I love this.’ When I asked what she liked about it she went into more detail about the lady she used to know who’d worn it than she did about the perfume.
The fragrance relived memories for that person – a person she admired. In effect the fragrance was that person in demeanour and personality.
My favourites
I’ve had the luxury of working in fragrance halls so I have tried many fragrances but these are the scents that garner me the most attention and are my power scents
Bvgari Jasmin Noir This scent commands attention but is never overpowering. I’m equally happy wearing this in the day as I am in the evening. Its subtle spices give it an air of mystery. They say this fragrance is best suited to a mature lady but I like to think what they mean is this fragrance gives a nod to being wise – and of course all good business women are wise!
Midnight Poison by Dior is a warm spicy scent that is perfect for business dinner meetings and parties. It is not only elegant in scent but the notes are beautifully aligned giving the wearer a touch of elegance, mystery and confidence.
If your business is not in a boardroom but that of the great outdoors then you may like Cool Water by Davidoff as much as I do. Technically it is a citrus based scent but its power comes from the woody notes that make it memorable as well as light.
There are hundreds more scents to choose from and you may want to head over to
www.fragrancenet.com . You can find the fragrance strength, ingredients and recommended use on each fragrance. You’ll also be able to read other people’s reviews, but remember – fragrances are personal to you and your personality.
Enjoy Power Scenting, both in mind and body.
Vanessa Reece ©2010
Main picture Sarah Barth © 2010
Original Editorial in Gemini Magazine April 2010
