FRAGRANCE LAYERING 101

Fragrance is deeply personal — but layering can take it to the next level by creating a unique fragrance that can't be duplicated (as long as you don't spill the tea of course). If you’ve ever wanted to smell like you, not just your perfume, layering is the way to go. It’s the art of combining two or more scents to create something totally your own.

Now, in transparency, I'm not a huge fan of layering with more than one perfume. When I purchase perfumes, I purchase them to wear separately, but I really don't judge people who layer. What I do, however, is build my fragrance starting with my body wash. I start out with an antibacterial soap of course, but after that I decide which body wash would compliment the fragrance that I want to wear for the day. After my shower I pick out either a matching body oil, lotion or butter or one that compliments the fragrance that I am wearing. After that, I apply the fragrance to my pulse points (some or all depending on how strong the fragrance is) and then do an additional one to two sprays on my clothing after I am dressed.

Everyone has their own system so do what works for you. There are some combinations created with layering that can't be created any other way. So, I would say, give it a shot, play around and see what you can come up with. It doesn't have to be complicated.

One thing I would suggest, it you are new to layering is to patch test. Take your wrist and spray one spray of each perfume that you want to use in the same spot on your wrist. Note how it smells initially. Wait 15-30 minutes and note how it smells. If you like it, just note how many sprays of what you used so that it can be easily replicated. You may have to adjust it to achieve what you're looking for but that's part of the fun right?

Here’s everything you need to know to start layering your perfumes with confidence — no chemistry degree required.

What Is Fragrance Layering?

Fragrance layering (also called “fragrance cocktailing”) is when you combine scents by:

• Wearing multiple perfumes at once

• Using matching body products with your perfume

• Blending products from different brands or lines to create a new scent profile

It’s about personalization. Layering lets you tailor your scent to your mood, the season, or the occasion.

Why Layer?

• Boost longevity – Layered fragrances tend to stick around longer

• Add complexity – You can deepen or brighten a scent with another

• Create a signature – No one else will smell exactly like you

• Breathe new life - Create a different scents for perfumes you don’t love solo

How to Layer Perfumes (The Right Way)

1. Start light to heavy.
Always apply the lighter scent first, followed by the stronger or heavier scent.

2. Stay in the same family... at first.
If you’re new to layering, try combining scents within the same fragrance family (like florals with florals, or gourmands with gourmands).

3. Use complementary notes.

Pair:

• Citrus + Floral – bright and feminine

• Vanilla + Woods – warm and cozy

• Rose + Oud – bold and sensual

• Amber + Musk – soft and skin-like

4. Don’t overdo it.

Layering doesn’t mean more sprays necessarily — it means smarter placement as well. Try different scents on pulse points, or apply one on skin and another on clothes.

Layering Beyond Perfume

Try matching your:

• Shower gel + lotion + fragrance

• Body oil + mist + hair fragrance

This builds your scent in layers from the base up — and helps it last longer.

Pro Tips

• Test combos on paper first if you're unsure. They can help but better to test on skin to make your final decision

• Use a body cream/oil/lotion as a buildable base layer

• Don’t forget: Skin chemistry matters — what works on someone else might not work on you

Final Thoughts

Fragrance layering is fun, creative, and uniquely yours. There are no strict rules — just opportunities to explore and express.

So go ahead. Mix it up. Let your scent tell a story no one else can wear.

Let me know what you come up with,

XO,

Jackie