Combining Perfumes & Fragrance Layering
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What is Fragrance Layering?
Fragrance layering is the practice of using multiple scented products together to create a unique and longer-lasting fragrance. This can involve combining perfumes, body lotions, shower gels, and other scented products that complement each other.
Here’s a detailed look at why and how to do it:
Why do fragrance layering?
Jonny Webber from PerfumeDirect.com explains:
“Fragrance layering is a fantastic way to customise and update your signature scent. I think we can all get frustrated sometimes when we simply can’t smell our favourite fragrance on ourselves anymore. By combining different scents, you can create a unique fragrance that reflects your personal style. This customisation can make your scent more memorable and distinctive.
“Perfume does go off if your bottle has been opened for too long. So this is a great way of using up your open bottles before they go past their best. On average people in the UK have more than five bottles of perfume open at any one time – with many people in at least double figures – so mixing two scents together to make a new and unique fragrance is the ideal way to maximise your current scents …and it won’t cost you a penny to get a fresh new smell!
“Fragrance layering is also ideal if you just can’t find ‘the one’, a perfume that you absolutely love. Instead, you have the chance to make your own signature scent using perfumes you already like.
“Layering fragrance can help to make your scent last longer too – something we’re all keen to achieve, especially in the summer. Using a scented body lotion or oil as a base can help lock in the scent, while a matching or complementary perfume adds depth and longevity, and your skin won’t absorb all the fragrance oils as quickly.”
“I’ve also heard that one reason to switch up your scent with fragrance layering is if the memory associated with a perfume is a bad memory like being with an ex-boyfriend – if you add a different element to that scent it makes it better!”
How to do fragrance layering
“Although there aren’t any strict ‘rules’ in what you can and can’t layer, you might want to follow some general guidelines to try and achieve the best results”, says Jonny.
“Start with a base: Use a scented body lotion or oil. This not only moisturises your skin but also helps to hold the scent longer.
“Apply the main fragrance: Always spray the heavier scent first, or it could overpower the lighter fragrance.
“Add additional layers: If you’ve never layered your fragrances before, consider combining two scents that complement each other. This usually means sticking to the same fragrance family (e.g., floral, citrus, woody) or selecting notes that blend well together.
“If you’re feeling a little braver, choose two opposite fragrances; for example, a spicy note mixed with vanilla, or a woody note with something citrus-based.
“In many cases, woody and musk-based fragrances are the easiest to layer with, as they can combine effortlessly with fruity notes, floral notes or even something spicy.
“Add other fragrances: You can also use hair mist as an additional layer.
“Another great new idea is to mix male and female versions of the same fragrance. Take Creed Aventus as an example – many women prefer the male version over the women’s but used on its own the male version can be a little too masculine for some – and is very distinctive – so a great option is to layer the men’s and women’s versions for a unique scent.”
Tips for successful fragrance layering
“Fragrance layering can work really well, and there are some perfume lines like Jo Malone that are intended for custom layering. However, not every perfume will work with it, as some are just too individual, and sometimes you end up with weird effects.
“You also need to deal with issues like differences in sillage (or how much of a scent trail you leave) and duration (how long the scent lasts). This is fun to experiment with, but it can take you a long time to find a good combination, and even then the mix will depend on placement and getting the exact same amount each time.
“Understanding the various notes and layers within each individual fragrance can also help. The top notes of a fragrance are what you usually smell straight away when you spray it; they can be fresh and light. Middle notes form the heart of the fragrance and often consist of warmer and soft scents. The bottom notes develop last and linger for hours.
“Everyone’s perception of scent is different, so try experimenting until you find a combination that you love. It’s wise to avoid combining two heavy fragrances as this could result in an overwhelming blend. For example, Black Orchid by Tom Ford is absolutely best worn on its own as it’s already very intense and complex.
“And test and adjust. Try out new concoctions out of your perfume collection, you never know what you could end up with!”
Ideas for Fragrance Layering
Anything Jo Malone! Jo Malone is all about fragrance layering and there are many combinations of its perfumes and creams that go well together including Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Crème with its Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne.
COMBINE TWO JASMINE FRAGRANCES
If you’ve never layered your fragrances before, consider combining two perfumes that share a common note. A good example of this would be jasmine, which is very popular and used in a multitude of different fragrances. Teaming Daisy Eau So Fresh, which has Jasmine middle notes as well as fresh and fruity top notes (grapefruit, raspberry, pear & green notes), with Michael Kors Glam Jasmine will give a great combination of two Jasmine-based fragrances that will keep the overall result of a sensual, rich and sweet scent that’s a bit more unique!
FLORAL + WOODY (both with Jasmine)
Feeling slightly braver? Try teaming Gucci Bloom (a floral fragrance with notes of jasmine) and Mugler Alien (a wood-based fragrance with jasmine).
Popular woody floral fragrances include Channel No5 and Baccarart Rouge, as well as Marc Jacobs Daisy and Jimmy Choo Blossom.
CITRUS + DRY WOODS
These two notes sit next to each other on the fragrance wheel, so combining these notes can make a new and exciting combination but you can be fairly safe that they will blend well.
While CK One is the fragrance that most people associate with a strong citrus smell, Versace Yellow Diamond Intense has top notes of Amalfi Lemon and middle notes of African orange flower. And with woody middle and base notes Estee Lauder’ Sensuous is an opulent woody fragrance for women that, when combined with citrus, creates an intriguing scent with lots of personality.
In many cases, woody and musk-based fragrances are the easiest to layer with, as they can combine effortlessly with fruity notes, floral notes or even something spicy.
FLORAL + ORIENTAL
To create a popular floral oriental scent, which is how Coco Mademoiselle and Tom Ford’s Private Blend Soleil Blanc are described, go for an overtly floral fragrance like Jimmy Choo floral and combine it with a more intense oriental perfume such as Secret Obsession. Oriental notes are typically herbs and spices or dry, powdery, resin notes and described as exotic and seductive.
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
If you’re feeling a little braver, choose two opposite fragrances; for example, a spicy note mixed with vanilla. Or if you combine two notes from the opposite sides of the fragrance wheel, you can get something really exciting.
VANILLA + SPICY
For a popular vanilla perfume try Lancome’s Idole then layer with the spicy notes of Diesel Loverdose which is a playful composition of spicy with a hint of floral.
COMMONLY COMBINED NOTES
Some fragrances already combine notes, which you can also create from your collection.
With a price tag of £235.99 for a 100ml bottle, Tom Ford’s unisex fragrances, such as its Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum, might be stretching the perfume budget somewhat.
For a similar combination of spicy notes with vanilla you could try layering a spicy noted fragrance such as Calvin Klien’s Obsession with Miss Dior which has vanilla base notes.
Chloe Nomade is a scent famed for its perfectly balanced fruity floral and woody notes.
Floral scents provide a great anchor for mixing so start with a classic floral boutique like Viktor + Rolf’s Flowerbomb and combine it with a sophisticated scent like Cartier La Panthère, with woody base notes including oakmoss, leather, patchouli and musk, for a more refined fragrance.
