Whether you've got a job interview or are punching the clock, your signature, professional scent is just as important as your work capsule wardrobe. So, we've asked the experts which perfume notes make for the best office perfumes...
The best perfumes—whether you're a floral perfume gal or vanilla fragrance lover—can help us leave a lasting, good-smelling impression. And don't get us started on what those dreamy aromas do for our confidence. All of these factors mean having a good perfume game is essential in the workplace, especially if you're working at a desk, in close proximity to others.
Since you have to be around people for eight hours (give or take), ideally you want to smell dang good, all day long and beyond—y'know just in case you've got after-work plans (we've got you covered date night perfume-wise too). So these are the best long-lasting perfumes to add to your Monday-to-Friday beauty regime...
Office perfumes: which notes to opt for?
So, regardless of whether you prefer an oud perfume or 'skin scent' (like Niall Horan's favorite cologne), what fragrances give off chic and boss b***h vibes?
Well, we asked Natalia Ortiz, Chief Commercial Officer at The Fragrance Shop for some insights on the best office scents that will give you a good-smelling reputation but won't overpower your colleagues...
What perfume notes are ideal for a long work day?
Ortiz says to focus on the base notes when it comes to selecting a long-lasting scent, adding: "Base notes are what's left once the top and middle notes evaporate throughout the longer you wear them. Woody notes tend to have a heavier structure and strong staying power, so fragrances such as Armani Emporio She EDP."
If you're wondering where to spray your perfume so it lasts all day, Ortiz says: "The best places to spray for a long-lasting scent is on your wrists, behind your ears on your neck and your inner elbows. A tip is to go for areas where the vein sits close to the skin, focusing on your pulse points." You can also try scent layering and mixing your perfume with your lotion, to both your scents longevity.
Best scents for boosting confidence and professionalism
As for which aromas you should opt for, to make you feel and smell like a million bucks, Ortiz says: "Notes that make people feel confident vary from the activity they're doing, who're they seeing and the time of day. We all have our fragrance wardrobes where in the day, wearing a florally scent might make us feel confident in our job, or wearing a musky scent might bring out our confidence when meeting new people."
Ortiz adds: "Professional perfume notes commonly include those that smell crisp, sharp but not overpoweringly so. Look for clean scents such as fresh linen, bergamot, apple, white florals, vanilla and lemon/citrus notes."
If you're on the hunt for a perfume that will boost your confidence and inspire you, Ortiz recommends 'complex' scents, "made with unique notes or a blend of scent families such as fruity scents with a leathery undertone. Something like Paco Rabanne Lady Million Empire (available at The Fragrance Shop)," this fragrance features rich notes of cognac, with a floral kick of magnolia.
Best perfume notes for working from home
If you work from home but still want to immerse yourself in a motivating, professional scent, that will help you focus and feel like you're ready for the day—even if you're still sporting your favorite comfy loungewear—Ortiz recommends opting for something light, like a floral body mist, as opposed to an eau de parfum.
She says: "Working from home, you might not be as conscious to wear perfume if you're not going anywhere, and instead, opt for a body spray such as Chanel Eau Fraiche Sheer Moisture Mist—which has a fresher, sparkling floral scent for easy wearing without feeling like you haven't gotten ready for the day."
MIL's edit of the best office perfumes
So, if you're looking to add a new scent to your work routine, these are our picks—and Ortiz's recommendations—of the best, and chicest office perfumes...
