I’m convinced there is no greater high than the one that comes when a stranger stops you to ask what perfume you’re wearing. The only detail that can elevate this euphoric feeling though, is being able to say, ‘it’s a mix’.
Scent layering is the simplest way to personalise the way you smell. Depending on your technique, it can enhance projection and longevity, or serve up something completely bespoke. Fragrance is one of the most personal tools of expression we have – it’s intimate and says a lot about us. Like tailoring or custom suiting, scent layering indicates inherently great taste (not to mention, a sense of individuality).
Below, I'm explaining how scent layering works, plus some previously gate-kept combinations that deliver unforgettable impact.
What is scent layering?
Scent layering is essentially the art of wearing multiple fragrances at once. This could mean layering two or more individual fragrances, or layering different formats – like body cream, oils, perfume and hair mist – to enhance projection and longevity. There's no hard and fast rules, the way you personalise is entirely up to you.
Will scent layering make my perfume last longer?
It depends on your method, but technically speaking yes, layering your fragrance will increase its longevity. For example if you use a scented body cream, layered beneath a perfume, and finish off with a hair mist, you're pretty much guaranteed to smell incredible for hours and hours. It's a big reason why so many fragrance houses launch scented collections with creams, lotions, oils and mists – they compliment eau de parfums.
How to layer your scents:
As mentioned, you can layer to your hearts desire, but there's two main layering methods worth knowing about:
1. Layer your signature scent
Many popular fragrances also come as shower gels, bubble bath, body creams and so on. If you're dedicated to one scent, or just want to increase the intensity of your fragrance, layer shower and body products underneath your perfume. Picture this: Your beauty routine consists of CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle shower foam, body lotion, eau de parfum and hair mist? Say less.
2. Wear two or three fragrances at once to create a custom mix
Another scent layering technique is to choose a few complimentary perfumes and wear them at the same time. Try not to spray them directly on top of one another though, as it can crush or dampen the respective notes. The end result is a bespoke mix guaranteed to get you compliments.
As for choosing what to layer, you can be experimental but safe options are to pair scents with similar notes (for instance, two gourmand vanillas). You can also opt for a soft, skin-like scent (such as Glossier You) with a bolder option. Alternatively you can play perfumer and pair opposing notes – think rose and leather, or a spicy musk with a true floral.
What are some powerful scent layering combinations?
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk and Diptyque Orpheon
This is one of my favourite pairings. Vanilla Milk is super soft – it's creamy but not overly sweet. It adds a fluffy richness to the Parisian jazz club vibe of Orpheon.
PHLUR Heavy Cream with PHLUR Vanilla Skin
A TikTok approved pairing for anyone that wants to smell good enough to eat.
DS & Durga I Don’t Know What with Glossier You
If you want to smell like nothing but everything all at once, this is the pairing to try. Think warm cashmere woods, linen, skin, musk and powdery newborn sweetness.
Tom Ford Oud Wood with Le Labo Rose 31
Smoke, leather, thorns and blooming red rose – a formidable fragrance pair.
Byredo Bal D'Afrique & Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturalle
This fragrance pairing layers the intrepid richness of Bal D'Afrique (African marigold, bucchu, violet, cyclamen) with the floral femininity of Chloé. Intoxicating and sure to render you the best-smelling person in any room.
Images: @byredo
