To help you get a better job…
It was the morning of my interview. I’d done my research, prepped my project to within an inch of its life and spent the night before trying on 37 variations of the same outfit. In fact, the only thing I hadn’t planned was my fragrance.
But on my way out the door, I reached for the most grown-up perfume in my collection: Chanel Les Exclusifs Coromandel. Fast forward to the interview; my stomach felt like wool and my sweat glands were working overtime. My interviewees took their seats. I was up. ‘What perfume are you wearing?’ asks the editor. ‘Sorry? I say. ‘Your fragrance, what is it?’ ‘Oh, it’s Chanel Coromandel,’ I reply. ‘Mmm, great taste.’ This, from the editor of a magazine. I whizzed through my project with a sudden self-assurance. After, I wondered whether the confidence boost came from the perfume, the compliment, or a combination of the two
(I’m going with that last one). Chanel Coromandel’s warm, smoky and subtle spiciness made me feel professional, as if I were wearing a Chloé cashmere jumper when, in reality, it was Zara wool; like the scent equivalent of power dressing. I got the job, by the way. My perfume broke the ice, made me stand out and gave a little insight into my tastes. Maybe I’ve been power scenting for years without even knowing it. Chanel Les Exclusifs Coromandel Eau de Parfum, £140 for 75ml
AZZI SAYS: The aim of the game is to go for creative, confident, memorable fragrances, rather than subtle, soft and pretty: the freshness of neroli is known to enhance confidence, the heritage of oudh and vetivert can help to improve your memory, while cinnamon is known to help fight mental fatigue and boost concentration and focus***.
TRY: Fresh, oriental, woody
Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Toilette, £60 for 50ml
The Perfumer’s Story by Azzi Sequoia Wood Eau de Parfum, £95 for 30ml Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Minérale Eau de Parfum, £155 for 50ml