If you’re looking to take your scent game to the next level, fragrance layering is a great way to add an extra touch of personalisation. Rather than settling for a single fragrance, layering them together allows you to tailor your scent to any mood, style, and occasion, and create a signature scent that’s bespoke to you. Want to become an aroma alchemist but not sure how to layer perfume? You’ve come to the right place.
From a deep dive into fragrance layering to the best perfumes for layering, scroll on to learn how to smell scent-sational with brands like KAYALI, Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae, and more.
What is scent layering?
Fragrance layering is a process that involves combining complementary scents to create a unique fragrance that’s personalised to you. Instead of wearing just one perfume, different scents are applied in layers, either by using various products from the same fragrance family or by blending entirely different ones. This process enhances and adds depth to your overall scent, while giving it a longer lasting wear. It’s also a great way to embrace the changing seasons, opting for lighter, fresher combinations in warmer weather, or richer, deeper scents in the cooler months.
How to layer perfume
Luckily for those who love a low maintenance beauty hack, layering perfume is a quick and effective way to create your unique signature scent. Follow these simple steps to get the most out of your fragrance layering experience:
Step 1: To begin with, use a lightly scented body product that won’t overpower the others, such as shower gel, body lotion, or oil. This will help to hydrate your skin, allowing any following scents to adhere better and last longer.
Step 2: Once you’ve identified which fragrance you’d like to be the most dominant in your layered combination, spray onto your pulse points. These include the wrists, neck, and behind the ears.
Step 3: Repeat this process with fragrances that have complimentary or contrasting notes to the first scent you spritzed. For example, if the first perfume you layered had citrus notes, this could be nicely complemented with a floral scent, or contrasted with a woody scent.
Step 4: Lastly, have fun with it! Finding your favourite fragrance is all about testing, adjusting, and experimenting until you find the combination that’s perfect for you.
@beautybay Because being told you smell nice has to be up there with one of the BEST compliments to receive 😍 #BEAUTYBAY #fragrancetok #perfumetok #perfumelayering #fragrancelayering ♬ Chill and gentle lo-fi/10 minutes(1455687) – nightbird_bgm
How To Layer Scents And The Combinations To Try
Citrus and floral? Or woody and fruity? Whatever your vibe, we’ve put together the best frangrance layering combinations for every type of style and occasion.
How to layer vanilla scents
Vanilla really is having a moment in the fragrance world, with brands like KAYALI and Sabrina Carpenter perfecting the scent. Notes of tonka bean, patchouli, brown sugar, and whipped cream pair perfectly with vanilla to create a warm, rich combination of fragrances.
How to layer citrus scents
Citrus scents are often the bright, invigorating top notes in the world of perfume, and can uplift and energise in a single spritz. Zesty fragrances create a light, airy base that can enhance the crispness of other notes in a layered fragrance. Top citrus fragrance combinations include the sweetness of bergamot with the sourness of lemon or the intensity of lime. Citrus fragrances provide the ultimate refreshing pick-me-up.
How to layer floral scents
Floral fragrances are the heart and soul of many perfumes and can range from delicate to deeply romantic. Whether you choose the soft sweetness of jasmine or the lush richness of roses, a little flower power can add a touch of femininity and sophistication to any perfume blend. While we love a floral fragrance every day of the year, blending floral notes like rose, violet, jasmine, and lavender are perfect for spring.
How to layer fruity scents
Vibrant and playful, nothing says summer quite like a fruity fragrance. Smelling like you’ve just stepped off a tropical island is the goal, and combining fruity notes like ripe berries, exotic lychee mango, and refreshing peach is the solution. If you like a scent that’s juicy and sweet or sun-soaked and sensual, a fruity vibe is sure to bring some fun and energy to your fragrance game.
How to layer woody scents
Woody fragrances are earthy, aromatic, and grounding, and can offer a hint of warmth or a bold, smoky undertone. Try layering notes like sandalwood, vetiver, and cedar to bring a rich, natural quality to your signature scent. If you like an intriguing, mature, and luxurious fragrance, this one’s for you.
