Layering Fragrances to Create a Signature Scent

Layering Fragrances to Create a Signature Scent
by Michael Doorey (Guest Author - FIT Major in Fragrance and Cosmetics) & Dr. Shamil.

Choosing a scent to wear is among the most personal of choices. A fragrance can reflect your personality, your sensuality, and the emotions you are feeling at any given moment. Our preferences of fragrances are unique and what one person loves, the other might hate. Likewise, one fragrance may work seamlessly with one person’s body chemistry, and clash with another’s. Overall, when wearing a fragrance, we are trying to create a scent for ourselves that is recognizable and creates a certain perception for others. One of the best ways to achieve this is by layering two or more scents you already own. This combination will give you a blend that is completely custom to you.

To start, take a good look at your current collection of perfumes and scented body products. A lot of people might assume that layering scents is exclusive to only perfumes. However, scented body lotions and sprays also offer a unique aspect to layering. The first thing you’ll want to do is separate your fragrances into two categories, heavier scents and lighter scents. As a rule, when layering, heavier scents are applied first. You can think of them as a base. Like top notes in a single perfume, lighter scents will be applied second to accentuate and lift the heavier scent.

Next, you’ll want to figure out what fragrances you want to layer together. This can be a daunting task, but no one knows what you like better than yourself. As a general guide when first starting to experiment, try to layer just two or three fragrances that share a common note. For example, white floral notes such as jasmine and tuberose. While they are different, they are both white floral notes that integrate seamlessly. It is also important to understand the structure of single fragrances. The top notes are what you smell first. They are usually sparkling and vivacious. Below that are middle-notes, which is often referred to as the heart of the fragrance. Lastly, are base notes, which are the heaviest and stay with you hours after the top notes have dissipated.

After you feel that you’ve developed a skill for mixing scents, be adventurous. Try layering fragrances with uncommon notes such as a spice with vanilla. There are no rules to layering scents; you create what is reflective of you and your emotions, as well as how you want others to perceive you. Likewise, there isn’t an exact place to apply your fragrances. You could spray them in the same place or one of the wrist and another on the neck. Wherever you find the right balance is the best place.

Layering fragrances to create a unique signature scent will take time and experimentation. Have fun with different combinations, and if you’re nervous, take things slow and avoid mixing very large, heady fragrances at first. Then ease your way into figuring out what vision you are trying to convey to others and what notes represent that vision. Fragrance is an art form that is individual to us all and is an excellent way to feel beautiful, confident, creative, and stylish and, hopefully, project such emotions to others.


#fragrance #perfume #layering #style #fashion #beauty #lifestyle #personalstyle #scent #shopping #body #wellbeing #wellness #health