LAYERING FRAGRANCES: HOW TO CRAFT YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT
Ever walked down the street and had an alluring aroma you couldn’t quite place encase your senses? We can guarantee that perfume wearer has mastered the art of layering fragrances.
With our love of scents going as far as being able to name exactly what someone has spritzed, finding something exciting and personal has become the next step in the olfactory space.
But how do you craft a scent unique to you? Well, that’s where fragrance layering comes in handy. With no need for chemistry know-how, here at Cult Beauty we’re going to teach you exactly which perfumery partners work best and how layering fragrances results in you being the person to stop people in their tracks...
Noses at the ready, we’re taking a trip through base, mid and top notes to learn how to layer fragrances...
IN THIS ARTICLE:
How To Layer Fragrances
Firstly, and most importantly, layering fragrances isn’t necessarily just spritzing two random scents at once. Oh no, it’s a much more delicate and considered approach. Layering fragrances is like a game of trial and error to find which aromas you like, and which last on your skin the longest.
1.Start with using a fragrant body wash and perfume: forming an aromatic canvas on your skin, layering your fragrance on top of a scented body wash enhances the depth and longevity of your scent profile.
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2. Lather limbs with a fragrant body lotion and perfume: acting like a primer for your body, a scented moisturiser allows your favourite fragrance to sink into your skin more effectively, enhancing its overall scent. Plus, blending with your moisturiser your layering prowess creates a harmonious, multi-dimensional experience that smells richer and lasts longer.
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3. Mix and match a hair perfume with your perfume: adding a subtle layer of scent, this method delivers a more immersive fragrance experience as hair holds onto aromas longer than skin (as it’s more porous), meaning an all-encompassing olfactory experience whenever you swish your strands.
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4. Try a body mist under or over a perfume: adding dimension, using a body mist as a fragrance layering technique boosts and extends your favourite aromas for a blend that can be reapplied seamlessly throughout the day... Plus, as body mists are more delicate, they won't overpower your perfume but simply elevate it.
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TOP TIPS FOR LAYERING FRAGRANCES
Now we’ve learnt how to layer our fragrances, let’s get into some top tips...
Consider simple base notes: when looking for your base to begin layering fragrances, look for aromas that are built around musk or vanilla. This makes for a pleasant, unfussy blend when mixed with something more complex on top.
Keep to the same fragrance family when you’re starting out: for example, layer two floral notes like rose with jasmine or amber with cedarwood before you begin experimenting with more advanced pairings.
Make sure your skin is hydrated: If your skin isn’t moisturised enough then the scents you spritz are less likely to sink in and stay lingering for longer. It’s also a great opportunity to begin your layering process by choosing delicately fragranced shower washes or body lotions.
Always spritz the lighter scents first: this ensures that the delicate aromas aren’t overpowered by the more potent fragrances. Plus, it also creates a more harmonious blend on the skin.
THE BEST FRAGRANCE LAYERING COMBINATIONS
Vanilla and Spice
Rich, comforting and slightly provocative, mixing vanilla and spice is the perfect pairing when it comes to layering fragrances. Why? Because it balances exotic peppery notes with the warm and sweet scent of vanilla.
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Citrus and Floral
Citrusy scents are best used as invigorating top notes in the olfactory world. Working to brighten and uplift, they can enhance the crispness of other fragrances and work perfectly when mixed with anything floral.
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Woody and Fresh
Earthy and grounded, woody aromas are renowned to work well with the light and airy notes in fresh fragrances. Versatile for both day and night wear, these layering fragrances are both sophisticated and balanced.
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Gourmand and Floral
Ideal for those who adore a romantic scent, a sweet gourmand aroma enhances the alluring notes of florals for a deliciously captivating fragrance pairing.
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LAYERING FRAGRANCES FAQs
Does layering scents actually work?
Yes! Layering fragrances is an effective way to not only ensure that the scents you love linger far longer, but it’s also a simple way to create evocative and unique aromas that are specific to you and your preferences.
How many perfumes should you layer?
There are no hard and fast rules to layering fragrances, however it is recommended to start with two different scents and then work your way up. This can simply be a scented body lotion and then your favourite perfume on top, or a mix of two different eau de perfumes.
What is oud called in English?
Oud is actually called Agarwood in English and refers to a fragrant, dark and resinous wood that forms in Aquilaria trees. Called liquid gold, Agarwood is incredibly difficult to harvest and with the scarcity of its availability, contribute to its luxury status and high value within the perfume industry.
And there you have it, now you've learnt how to create your very own signature scent all that’s left to do is mix, match and indulge in your olfactory cravings...
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Junior SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or co-hosting her own parenting one, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
