The Art of Layering Perfumes: A Comprehensive Guide

Fragrance layering is an art that allows you to blend perfumes together to create a scent almost as unique as you. You can put different fragrances together to achieve a new unique scent that is exotic, unique, better performing and versatile.

Our goal at Sensa Beauty is to help you save money and follow your passion for perfumes. We do this by sharing our knowledge about fragrances, trends and techniques like layering. Here we will cover the benefits of layering perfumes, a few scent families to layer together, perfumes pairs that we enjoy, tips for successful layering, combinations to avoid, and what to do if a combination doesn’t smell as expected. Where we can, we share examples to help you along this new journey so make sure to read between the lines.

Benefits of Layering Perfumes 

1. A Scent That is Unique

What better way is there than showing your unique personality than with your perfume. Combining different perfumes allows you to explore and find unique scents that express who you truly are. For example, combining a light floral perfume like Chloe Siganture EDP with a deeper woody scent like Tom Ford Oud Wood  can show both your light feminine fun side and the part of you that has it all together.

2. Longer Lasting Longevity

Pairing a lighter fragrance with something bolder can lengthen the longevity of both perfume’s notes. Some perfumes evaporate faster than others, so layering can help ensure your scent lasts throughout the day. For instance, a base note-heavy perfume like Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille can anchor a lighter, more volatile top note fragrance like Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue.

3. Adds Depth and Complexity

Layering adds a level of depth that brings about a sophistication in fragrances. The combination of different notes from the different perfumes blend to create something entirely new with added layers, combinations and ultimately evokes a new set of emotions. For example, mixing Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia with Parfums de Marly Layton can create an exotic and balanced blend of floral and spicy vanilla notes.

4. Versatility

Layering allows you to make a deep warm fragrance that is usually for winter, a more versatile fragrance by pairing it with something lighter. Combining different fragrance types allows for a more versatile and robust fragrance collection. For instance, pairing a citrusy scent with a warm spicy note can transition your fragrance from day to night seamlessly.

5. Good for your wallet

We like to save you money. If you are a fragrance collector and want to add an extra touch to your style then maybe you won’t save money, but you still get the other benefits. If you are however someone who wants to save money on your expensive new habit, then layering perfumes is a great way to do that. If you have 4 perfumes that can pair nicely, by layering you will have 6 new possible layered combinations if you layer 2 at a time. This is 10 unique scents from just 4 fragrances.

 Common Scent Families That Go Well Together 

By the end of this blog you are going to be an expert at layering perfumes. Let’s explore how difference scent family interact with one another so you can start experimenting for yourself. 

Rules of Thumb for Pairing Scent Families: 

• Balance Intensity:

Like clothes, you want to pair a light with a dark. In perfumes pair a light, fresh scent with a deeper, more intense one to create the balance you desire. For example, a citrusy perfume can be blended with a woody or spicy scent.

• Complementary Notes:

When you make a smoothie, similar to layering perfumes, it is important the fruits and vegetable flavors work together like cucumber and apples. In perfumes you want to look at the notes of the perfumes and make sure they pair well together with the different scent families, which will be discussed in depth in the next section.

• Layer by Strength:

You always want to set the foundation first. Start with the stronger base scent and layer a lighter fragrance on top of the base. This helps the lighter scent shine while being supported by the base for longevity.

For your reference:

Lighter scent families: citrus, fruity, aquatic, green, and floral.

Stronger scent families: amber, woody, leather, musky and gourmand. 

• Similar Scent Families and Notes:

One of my go-to strategies is searching for perfumes that have common notes. For example, Thierry Mugler Angel and Prada Candy both have this gourmand like experience and share vanilla and caramel notes.  

• No More Gender Norms:

Unisex perfumes have become the norm. Balancing wood notes with florals can work for both men and women. Do not be afraid to layer something that you wouldn’t normally consider.

Let’s Explore Some Examples of Scent Families That Go Well Together:

• Citrus and Woody:

This one might be my favorite. Fresh citrus notes like lemon and bergamot goes well with woody notes like cedarwood or sandalwood. This combination creates something refreshing and sophisticated.

To achieve this combine Dior Homme Cologne and Terre d’Hermes. This combo is awesome because the citrus gives it an energetic kick, while the woody notes keep it smooth and classy, perfect for any time.

• Floral and Fruity:

Combining florals like rose and peonies with fruity notes like strawberries gives you something sweet and romantic perfect for the spring or summer.

A good combination for this is Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede and Burberry Her. This combo works great because the fruity notes add a fresh sweetness, while the florals keep it light and lovely for warm weather.

• Spicy and Vanilla:

The warm notes of spicy scents like cinnamon can be sweetened like sugar in my coffee with vanilla. This combination makes an inviting fragrance like being curled in a soft blanket in front of a fireplace. This is a great late fall and winter combination.

Try Tom Ford Tabacco Vanille and Replica by the Fireplace if you want to get this warm scent profile. This pairing is perfect because the spicy notes add warmth and depth, while the vanilla keeps it sweet and cozy, just right for cold weather.

• Aquatic and Green:

The fresh, clean notes of aquatic scents combine well with green notes like grass or herbs, creating an invigorating and natural scent almost like combining the forest with the ocean. This gives you something light perfect for late spring or summer.

A nice combination to get this fresh natural feeling is Davidoff Cool Water and Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil. This pairing is great because the aquatic notes bring a crisp, refreshing vibe, while the green notes add a touch of earthiness, making it perfect for warmer weathers.

• Gourmand and Floral:

Edible-smelling gourmand notes like caramel or chocolate can add depth and richness to delicate floral scents like lily or gardenia. This particular combination adds a level of versatility otherwise not found in many fragrances.

Pair Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Dior Hypnotic Poison for a versatile yet rich and floral scent. This combo works beautifully because the gourmand notes make it deliciously sweet, while the floral notes keep it elegant and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion.

• Herbal and Citrus:

The fresh herbal notes of lavender and rosemary blend very nicely with zesty citrus notes, creating a balanced and uplifting scent that's perfect for a springtime celebration.

Try Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarine with Acqua di Parma Colognia and be uplifted. This combo is fantastic because the citrus notes add a bright, zesty freshness, while the herbal notes provide a calming, aromatic touch, making it perfect for spring.

• Musk and Floral:

The smooth musk really brings out the soft floral notes, making it a comforting and elegant scent. It's got that perfect mix of sexy and romantic. Get that musk from Lancome Idole and that floral from Chloe EDP. This pairing works wonderfully because the musk adds a smooth, sensual base, while the floral notes keep it light and romantic, perfect for any occasion.

• Fruity and Woody:

Sweet, juicy fruit notes like apple or berry mix with deep woody notes, creating a balanced fragrance that's perfect for any occasion. Pair the woody Dolce & Gabbana L’Imperatice 3 with Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt. This combo is perfect because the fruity notes add a vibrant sweetness, while the woody notes bring depth and sophistication, making it versatile for any time.

 Experimenting with Layering

Finding the right combination of perfumes often involves some experimentation. Here are some tips to help you in the process:

1. Start Small

Begin with a small amount (1 spray should do) of each perfume on just one part of your body (say your wrists which are easy to smell) to see how they blend on your skin. You can always add more if you enjoy the combination.

2. Test on Your Skin

The perfumes will smell different on your skin vs paper. You want to see how the perfumes interact with your body’s oils to see how they really smell on you.

3. Two at a Time

Start with 2 perfumes before heading towards more complex combinations.

4. Keep Notes

Write down the combinations you try and your thoughts on each so you can back to them in case you forget.  

 What Combinations Should You Avoid?

While experimenting with layering can be fun, there are certain combinations you should avoid to ensure the final scent is pleasant and harmonious:

1. Strong with Strong Scents

Avoid combining too many strong or overpowering fragrances. For example, layering two heavy, intense perfumes like a rich oud and a strong musk can result in a scent that's overwhelming and cloying.

2. Conflicting Notes

There are some combinations that just do not work. For instance, citrusy scents might not blend well with deep, earthy fragrances like patchouli or strong leather notes, which can result in a discordant and jarring fragrance.

3. Overly Sweet Combinations

Sweet is good, but too sweet will make you sick. Avoid combining heavy vanilla, caramel or sugary notes together. If one perfume is very sweet, do not pair it with another very sweet perfume. Be wise and balance. Pairing a sweet scent with something more subtle or fresh can prevent it from becoming too intense.

4. Mixing Different Themes

Don't just mix any perfumes together without thinking it through; some fragrance families clash more than others! For example, combining a fresh aquatic scent with a rich oriental fragrance might not blend well and can lead to an awkward and unappealing scent profile. Get inspiration from our amazing natural earth. If it looks good in a picture, it’ll probably smell good too.

5. Overpowering Base Notes

Combing strong bases together like amber, musk, or oud can be difficult. Layering two perfumes with strong base notes can dominate the overall scent and overshadow the other notes, leading to a heavy and unbalanced fragrance.

6. Contrasting Gourmand, Fruit Fresh and Citrus Notes

I love my cooking analogies. Think of what will go well together in food. Strawberries and chocolate are a classic combination for a reason. Avoid combining flavors that you do not typically see together like caramel and lemon or like combining vanilla and apple.

 What to Do If You Don’t Like the Combination 

If you try a combination and don't like it, there are several ways to make the perfume fade more quickly:

1. Soap and Water

Just like the doctor ordered, wash your hands for 10 seconds with soap and water to remove the perfume from the surface of your skin. This will speed up removing the perfume, but it will not get rid of it entirely.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Dab that cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol and then gently rub the area where the perfume was applied to break down the oils in the perfume.

3. Oil-Based Remover

Just like taking off makeup, use an oil based remover like makeup remover or coconut oil to get the excess perfume oil lifted and off your skin. The oil can help lift the perfume from your skin.

4. Unscented Lotion

Apply an unscented lotion or moisturizer to the area. This can help dilute the scent and make it fade faster.

5. Exfoliation

Gently exfoliate the area with a scrub to help remove the top layer of perfume on your skin to help rid the scent. 

Conclusion 

Fragrance layering is an art that allows you to blend perfumes together to create a scent almost as unique as you. It can expand upon your existing fragrance collection, make your perfumes last longer, add versatility and some uniqueness to your style. At Sensa Beauty, we encourage you to explore and experiment with our wide range of perfumes to discover your signature fragrance.

Happy layering!