Complete guide to perfume business etiquette: The rules of scent that will make a good impression at work

table of contents

1. Basic principles of business perfumery
2. Differences in perfume etiquette by industry
3. Bad perfume habits at work
4. How to use perfume for different occasions
5. Perfume strategy for interviews and business negotiations
6. Using perfume in the era of remote work
7. How to boost your career with perfume
8. Business Perfume Q&A

"I can't concentrate in a meeting because the person next to me has such a strong perfume..." or "I'm worried that my perfume will make me stand out at work..." Have you ever had an experience like this?

Perfume in the business world is a double-edged sword . If used properly, it can improve your impression, but if used improperly, it can have the opposite effect.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to use perfume to make a good impression at work , including the opinions of human resources and recruitment professionals.

Basic principles of business perfumery

Principle 1: Ideally, it should be "barely noticed"

The golden ratio of business perfume:

• 50cm away: Almost no scent
• 30cm away: Faint fragrance
• Handshake Distance: Elegant Scent

Principle 2: Give top priority to time, place and occasion

Factors to consider:

1. Industry culture (financial vs. creative)
2. Position/position (new employee vs. manager)
3. Relationships with others (internal vs. customers)
4. Season and time of day (summer vs. winter, morning vs. evening)

Principle 3: Avoid "Deductions"

In business situations, it is more important to avoid deducting points than to gain points .

Examples of perfumes that can cause points to be deducted:

• The aroma fills the conference room
• It interferes with the aroma of food at the dinner table.
• Making you feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces (elevators, taxis)

Principle 4: Continuity and consistency

Why is this important:

• Scents are strongly linked to memories
• Express your individuality with a consistent scent
• Functions as part of branding

Differences in perfume etiquette by industry

Finance and Insurance

Characteristics: Conservative, emphasis on reliability Recommended scent:

• Citrus (clean)
• Light floral (elegance)
• Avoid: Orientals, heavy musks

Practical example:

朝：手首に軽く1プッシュ
香り：ベルガモット系
ポイント：「清潔で誠実」な印象を重視

IT/Tech Industry

Characteristics: Casual, creativity-oriented Recommended scents:

• Fresh (innovative)
• Green (natural appeal)
• Relatively high degree of freedom

Unique point: The tech industry tends to embrace scents that are "unique but not unpleasant."

Medical and nursing care industry

Characteristics: Hygiene is the top priority. Basic rules:

• Many workplaces prohibit the use of perfume
• Consideration of the patient’s physical condition
• Be especially careful with alcohol-based perfumes

Alternative: Use fragrance-free products and focus on natural cleanliness

Sales and customer service industry

Features: Close to customers Recommended scent:

• Floral for everyone
• Seasonal citrus
• Avoid: Scents that are too distinctive

Segmentation by industry:

• Luxury brands: Slightly more refined scents are OK too
• For the masses: discreet and approachable fragrance

education industry

Characteristics: Suitable for a wide range of ages Recommended scent:

• Clean soap system
• Light floral
• Avoid: sexy, heavy scents

Creative Industries

Characteristics: High degree of freedom of expression Recommended scents:

• Unique and easy to accept
• An artistic fragrance
• But: Be discreet during meetings and presentations.

Bad perfume habits at work

Bad Pattern 1: Eating too much

Example:

• The person in the elevator coughs
• The aroma fills the room the moment you enter
• The scent lingers as you pass by

Solution: Follow the correct method and use the appropriate amount

Bad Practice 2: Ignoring the Time, Place, and Occasion

Example:

• Sexy perfume for dinner parties
• Heavy oriental in the morning meeting
• A rich fragrance in a closed office during the summer

Bad Pattern 3: Layering too many scents

Common mistakes:

シャンプー（フローラル）
 ↓
ボディクリーム（バニラ）
 ↓
香水（ムスク）
 ↓
柔軟剤（シトラス）
 = 香りのカオス状態

Example of correct answer:

無香料シャンプー
↓
無香料ボディクリーム
↓ 
Perfume (citrus) only 1 type
 ↓
 Fragrance-free fabric softener
 = A unified scent

Bad Pattern 4: Not taking into consideration your physical condition and the environment

Cases to note:

• I have a pregnant coworker
• There is someone with allergies nearby
• Cold and hay fever season
• Food-related meetings

How to use perfume for different occasions

Coming to work in the morning

Timing: 30 minutes before work Scent: Light citrus Amount: Moderate (about 70% of normal) Place: Wrists, ankles

Reason: The first impression in the morning is important. A clean and fresh look will make a good start to the day.

Lunchtime

Basic rule: Avoid using perfume or don't reapply it. Reason: To avoid interfering with the smell of food.

Exception: If you're going out for a business lunch, it's best to leave the aroma of the morning fresh.

Afternoon business meetings

Strategy: The morning scent is moderately calm . No additions: Basically do not reapply. Exceptions: Only before important external meetings, very lightly.

Evening Events and Social Gatherings

Timing: After work Scent: A little flashy is OK (floral) Amount: Normal Place: Neck, wrists

Note: Wipe off the scent first to avoid overlapping with the daytime scent.

Perfume strategy for interviews and business negotiations

Use of perfume at interview

Basic policy: Super subtle or none at all

Conditions for attaching:

1. The industry is tolerant (creative, fashion, etc.)
2. A talisman that gives you self-confidence
3. A level that is completely unnoticeable

Recommended scents:

• Soap-based (cleanliness)
• Very light citrus (refreshing)
• Avoid: floral, oriental and distinctive scents

Perfume Strategy in Business Negotiations

Domestic business negotiations:

• Subtle citrus
• Adapt to the client's industry
• Not to be used with meals

Overseas business negotiations:

• Europe and the US: Being a little proactive is OK
• Asia: As modest as Japan
• Middle East: Religious considerations may apply

During presentation

point:

1. Harness the power of self-confidence
2. Consider the distance from the audience
3. Light sweating due to tension

Practical example:

プレゼン2時間前：軽く香水
プレゼン30分前：制汗対策
プレゼン直前：香りチェック（同僚に確認）

Using perfume in the era of remote work

Perfume in online meetings

Direct effect: not conveyed to others Indirect effect: affects one's own mental health

Usage:

1. Change of pace : Breaking the monotony of staying at home
2. Switching : Switching to work mode
3. Boosting your confidence : The psychological benefits of looking good on camera

Important points to note when working with hybrid systems

Gap between days at home and days in the office:

• At home: A little strong is fine
• Coming to work: Moderate adjustments needed

Solution: Use different perfumes for work days and at home

How to boost your career with perfume

Impression management through scent

Newcomer period:

• Emphasis on cleanliness
• Modest and likeable
• Don't offend your superiors

Mid-career period:

• It's okay to show a little individuality
• Consider the impact on subordinates
• Create a professional look

Management position:

• An elegant and sophisticated fragrance
• Showing leadership
• Be an example for your subordinates when using the tool

The memory consolidation effect of scent

Scientific evidence: Scents have strong memory associations and can strengthen your impressions

Practical example:

重要なプレゼン前：特定の香水を使用
↓
成功体験と香りが結びつく
↓
同じ香水で自信が高まる好循環

Scent Strategy in Networking

When exchanging business cards:

• A faint scent at the moment of shaking hands
• Easy to remember
• However, avoid discomfort at all costs.

Social gatherings and parties:

• A little flashy is OK
• It can also be a conversation starter
• Incorporate a seasonal feel

Business Perfume Q&A

Q1. My boss told me to refrain from wearing perfume.

A. Accept it and take steps to improve:

1. Reduce the amount significantly (50% or less)
2. Change where you wear it (focus on the lower body)
3. Rethink your scent choices (towards lighter scents)
4. Consider suspending use for a while

Follow-up: After making improvements, confirm with your supervisor to demonstrate sincerity

Q2. My colleague's perfume is too strong for me

A: This is a delicate issue, so please be careful:

Direct: "I'm not feeling well, could you please tone down the scent?"

To communicate indirectly:

• Communicate through HR or your boss
• Proposal for perfume etiquette training for all employees

Q3. I don't want people to know that I'm wearing perfume

A. Tips for "sneaky perfume":

1. Very small amount : Less than half of one pump
2. Lower body : ankles, back of knees
3. Light scent : citrus, soapy
4. Time difference : Put it on 1 hour before coming to work

Q4. What perfume do you wear when visiting clients?

A. Adapt to the other party's industry and culture:

Conservative industries : Don't use fragrances or use them sparingly. Liberal industries : Use light fragrances in moderation. Overseas companies : Research the culture of the country in advance.

Q5. What if I have an allergic reaction to perfume?

A. Immediate response:

1. Discontinued use
2. Report to your workplace (if necessary)
3. See a doctor
4. Consider alternatives (switching to fragrance-free products)

Q6. Do your perfume preferences differ depending on your industry?

A: There are clear differences:

Finance/Law: Conservative, emphasis on cleanliness IT/Startups: Relatively free, individuality OK Fashion/Beauty: Aggressive, emphasis on trends Medical/Education: Very reserved, or prohibited

Q7. Do I need to wear perfume when working remotely?

A: Whether you need it or not is up to you, but there are benefits:

merit:

• Mood-changing effect
• Switching to work mode
• Increased confidence in online meetings

Important point: Be aware of how to use it when you are in the office.

Summary: Make perfume your business ally

Perfume in business situations can be a powerful ally if used appropriately .

Key success factors:

1. Understand the culture of the industry
2. Be sure to eat in moderation
3. Give top priority to TPO
4. Don't forget to be considerate of others
5. Be consistent

Cavto's advice: It is important to learn the basics of perfume and how to apply it correctly , and then apply business etiquette.

In particular, the elegant and sophisticated fragrance of Ranjatai Eau de Parfum is very effective in business situations when used in the right amount. The deep fragrance inspired by the Japanese incense ceremony culture will give you an intelligent and trustworthy impression.

Use perfume to your advantage and make your career shine even more.

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Related articles:

• Complete guide to applying perfume: 7 tips to make your perfume last twice as long
• The relationship between perfume and the seasons | How to choose and use the best scent for spring, summer, autumn and winter
• A beginner's guide to choosing perfume

The information in this article is based on general business etiquette knowledge. Fragrance sensitivity varies from person to person. Please follow the regulations of your workplace when using this product.