At the beginning of 2026, I decided it might be fun to assign my year to a single word. This word would represent everything I wanted to bring to the table, everything I wanted to embrace, and everything I wanted to be recognized for.
The word I landed on was “authenticity”.
Authenticity, to me, means bringing my whole self to the table each day. In any situation, with anyone, I will always show up as the person I am at heart, not the persona I think I should be. Even in the moments where I need to tweak who I present as to fit the setting (think a job interview), my values, what I believe in, and what I feel about myself will be consistent.
With that being said, part of being authentically myself means giving new things a try, even if I’m not sure about them at first. I’m a woman always up for adventure, always looking for ways to expand my identity and perspective of the world.
What am I trying this year? A new perfume!
When given the opportunity to experiment with authenticity via Armani Emporio’s Power of You, I knew I had to jump at the chance. Sealed inside a ruby-like bottle, the fragrance is a delicate yet intense whirl of passion fruit, frangipani accord, and warm vanilla. With a burst of fruity gourmand at the beginning, it soon levels out into subtle and bright sensuality.
At first, I hesitated. I’m not someone who usually opts for fruity fragrances, usually reaching for silky musks with warmth from ginger and sandalwood. To put it clearly, Power of You was out of my comfort zone. Complex, vibrant, and elegant, the perfume dared me to try it, to embrace something new.
Designed to elevate confidence in its users, Power of You promises feelings of courage and authenticity, leaving others experiencing wonder as they question what it is you’re wearing. Spokesperson and face of the brand, Kendall Jenner, says the perfume makes her feel nostalgic, remembering times when she chose fruitier scents. “It’s energetic, very fruity, and feels really alive,” she tells Elle Magazine.
Everyone wants to bring new energy into their life. Reaching for the bottle, I chose confidence instead of fear, breaking the boundaries of what I believed I could use and embracing new territory. A new version of me was created, wearing fruity floral sensuality as she walked outside.
The perfume itself is an excellent opportunity for growth. A unique scent requires a good amount of mental strength to put on, knowing it will attract attention because of its intricacies. Not everyone is used to smelling intense passion fruit and frangipani, especially CU Boulder students in a landlocked state. The fragrance excites the mind and draws you in. Wearing it, even in places as simple as our humble classrooms, creates a sense of confidence and self-assurance. “You can wear this scent”, it says, “because you’re you, and that’s a qualification in itself.”
I adore Power of You’s bottle and packaging. Simple and gorgeous, the bottle is a gem to be treasured, with secrets and luxury contained within. Topped with Armani’s signature rings, I find my eye drawn to it when looking for something to wear. It feels both precious and dangerous, enticing me to pick it up and embrace the power of myself.
Embracing authenticity and the power of the person you are is never a challenge with Armani Emporio’s Power of You. Challenge yourself to break down the barriers of who you believe you are and connect with all you can be. Thank you to Armani Beauty for allowing me to test Power of You!