What is layering scents?

Fragrance layering is the art of mixing different scents and perfumes together to create a unique, signature perfume. There are lots of popular perfumes and lotions out there, with many people opting for the same favourites. But this doesn’t allow the individualism you seek for your own personal scent. Layering allows you to create an inimitable aroma through the combination of different fragrances from perfumes, scented body moisturisers and fragrant oils. In this post, we will look at the most effective ways you can layer scents for maximum impact.

What fragrances work well together?

‘Notes’ refer to the different layers within a fragrance that make up a final scent, which can be detected individually or all at once. There are three different notes: top notes, heart notes (middle notes) and base notes. When layering, apply your base note first, this is the richest and heaviest of the scents you will choose and could come in the form of a body wash or body lotion. Musk and sandalwood fragrances work well here. You can then contrast this with a top or middle note that will be lighter, and more floral and fruitier to balance out the base note.

Use a fragrance wheel

Referring to a fragrance wheel is an easy way to familiarise yourself with scent families. Typically, there are four, including fresh, oriental, woody and floral. A fragrance wheel will allow you to see this how scents are grouped together and their relation to other scents. Try layering scents that are close to the same ‘scent family’, for example, citrus, aromatic and water scents work nicely, as do floral and oriental notes.

Best places to place your scents

Layering scents does not simply mean you put one fragrance on top of the other. You can choose different parts of your body to apply different scents to create an overall aroma. For example, you may use some perfume behind the ears, some on your wrists and behind your knees. Pulse points and the cleavage area are also good points on the body to apply scent, but be careful not to rub in the perfume on the wrists too much as this can alter the notes of your perfume. Spraying an eau de toilette or eau de parfum over the top of a base lotion can work well as this creates sillage, a French word used to describe a lasting odour in the air, often observed as a scent left behind by someone after they have gone.

Fragrance layering tips

Getting it right with fragrance layering can take a bit of time. Rather than an exact science, it’s more a delicate balancing act that’s fun and experimental. Here’s a few other points to remember before you start:

· While experimenting, allow your skin to absorb your combination of scents for an hour or so after applying. This will allow time to see how it blends into your own skin as scents smell different from individual to individual.

· Scents are not limited to perfumes, they are also found in the shower gel and soaps you use, so try to use unscented versions or align the fragrances in them with your perfume. Using scented body lotion works well and the more moisturised your skin is, the better the fragrance can hold on to it. When your skin is dryer, a fragrance can dissipate from your skin more easily.

· Some scents don’t last as long as others, and evaporate more readily, to keep the aroma going, take a travel-size spray to bring those smells to the surface again.

· Misting or spritzing the bottom of your hair creates a long-lasting effect. Using the method of spraying your perfume into the air and walking through it can help prevent damage done to your hair rather than saturating with a direct squirt.

· Finally, experiment with as many different techniques and fragrances as you can to achieve the scent you want!