When searching for the perfect perfume, do you look for something that captures your unique essence? do you try to make a statement about who you are and how you feel? If that's you, then keep reading because you're going to love the technique of fragrance layering.Just like blending colors on a canvas, perfume layering lets you mix fragrances to craft a unique and delightful aroma.It's all about personalization and self-expression!
In this beginner's guide, we'll take you through the magic of combining scents, some tips to get you started, recommendations on scents combinations and more! So get ready to embark on a fragrant adventure that's as exciting as it is personal!
What is fragrance layering?
Fragrance layering is the art of combining multiple scented products, whether they belong to the same fragrance family or not, to craft your very own, one-of-a-kind perfume. The best part? There are no hard and fast rules here. One day, you might layer different perfumes, while other day, you could combine your perfume with scented oils, soaps, scented body lotions, and more. It's a creative playground that lets you design your very own signature scent.
Layering scents, apart from allowing you to create a unique scent that captures your personality, also intensifies certain fragrance notes and can even extend the longevity of your scents.
How do I do it?
Although there are no set rules in layering, we'll share some handy tips for all the beginners in this world of fragrance fusion (but remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and more importantly to enjoy the journey while doing it!).
- Begin with a base like a scented body wash or lotion to enhance the following layers.
- Layering fragrances doesn't mean you have to spray all of them on top of each other. Instead, try spritzing on your wrists, behind your ears, the back of your knees, and you can even experiment with a light application on your hair.
- If you're combining multiple layers of perfume, start with the strongest one and then add lighter scents to prevent overwhelming the more delicate notes.
- Dab—don’t rub. This allows the fragrance to breathe, so you experience the true complexity of your combination.
- Don’t over do it! Layering more than three fragrances can quickly become overwhelming.
Which scents go well together?
When choosing your perfumes or perfumed products for layering it’s important to first understand the different layers in each fragrance. Every fragrance has a family scent and its own notes (top, middle or heart and bottom notes), but what does this really mean?
The top note is what you smell right away, they represent the lighter and most fleeting treble notes, often associated with freshness. The middle note is the heart of the fragrance and is usually warmer and softer, and finally the bottom or base note is what stays with you for hours, like the low frequencies in music, they vibrate very deep, slow and for a long time.
So, you might want to keep this note in mind when combing your scents, for example, combining similar top notes is a safer way to layer familiar perfumes.
For the beginners in this fascinating world, one tip is to combine fragrances that have a common note and go from there. Or, if you’re adventurous, try combining two or more opposite fragrances. The fragrance wheel can guide you in selecting scents that complement each other, guaranteeing a well-rounded and delightful aroma.
Our favorite pairs
Maison Crivelli Rose Saltifolia EDP & Goutal Paris Rose Pompon EDP
For those new to fragrance layering, opting for simpler scents with fewer different notes to combine can be a smart choice. Perfumes that highlight a single scent in their name, are excellent options for blending since they are typically less complex in composition. Try layering these two floral fragrances with freshly blossomed roses.
Ligne St. Barth Vanilla Body Lotion & Parfums de Marly Delina EDP
Delina Eau de Parfum is a charming, floral fragrance. With a vanilla note at the base of its composition that accentuates its sensuality. Use the Vanilla Body Lotion as a base layer to intensify this note even more.
Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Caressing Body Oil & Creed Spring Flower EDP
Start with the Gingerlily Body Oil as your base scent and complement it with the freshness scent of Fleurs de Gardenia Eau de Parfum, a perfect combination!
Mancera Paris Cedrat Boise EDP & Creed Aventus For Her EDP
Try wearing a heavier scent such as Cedrat Boise Eau de Parfum with Woody Notes, Leather, Oakmoss & Sensual Vanilla and create a lighter rendition by layering floral and fruity notes on top with Aventus For Her Eau de Parfum for Creed.
