Should You Combine/Layer Fragrances? [Perfume Layering 101]

Written By Nazia Haque

Scent layering is one of the oldest techniques people have been using for ages.

Although many fragrances combine beautifully, I still feel that mixing perfumes is a tricky business. Therefore, you should be well prepped before layering your fragrance.

So, let’s check if you should layer your perfumes or not.

Please keep reading to find out the proper ways to layer your fragrances.

Should You Combine and Layer Fragrances

Should you Combine/Layer fragrances?

By layering fragrances, you can get a unique scent. However, you may ruin the final aroma if you don’t understand the notes well. For example, if you mix two scents that don’t complement one another, you may have an awful result.

Can You Layer Fragrances?

Yes, you can layer your fragrances. Moreover, layering scents is pretty straightforward.

Fragrance layering is mixing or wearing two or more fragrances to create a new scent.

However, fragrance layering doesn’t only mean mixing scents. For example, you can wear a lovely scented lotion with your favorite fragrance or two different perfumes on different areas of your body.

Most importantly, you must be well accustomed to the scents and understand what notes can be paired with.

And there are many advantages of layering fragrances as well. Let’s check that out first.

But before that, check our latest post What is Fragrance-Zoning?

What are the Benefits of Fragrance Layering?

When you pick out a perfume, it resonates with your personality. So your signature scent is a deeply personal matter.

Meanwhile, when a scent interacts with our skin, it creates a different aroma than the one you’d smell in the store.

However, that particular fragrance may not have the wow factor you’d want in your signature scent. However, fragrance layering can help you with that. Here are the advantages of scent layering:

#1 You get a unique scent

Wouldn’t you love to stand out among the crowd for smelling divine? Perfumes can make you feel unique and beautiful. So imagine wearing a scent that is unique to only you– how extra special would that make you!

Since you cannot expect others to combine the same fragrances as you, so your scent will be uncommon.

#2 Increase the longevity of your fragrance

Yes, you saw it right. By fragrance layering, you can make your scent long-lasting. If your skin’s too dry, you can hold the aroma longer.

Have some time to spare? Check out- What Are Perfume Flankers?

#3 Bring some variety

If you have only 2 or 3 bottles of perfumes and are bored with those scents, then you can spice them up by mixing them.

In short, wearing mixed scents is your choice, but if you wish to combine fragrances, you must do it right.

How to Layer Perfume?

Layering perfume can be fun and easy if you know about notes and perfumery. For instance, see what aromas complement one another.

Most importantly, you should spray heavier scents first, so they don’t overpower their lighter counterparts.

Here are some notes that suit each other:

  • Citruses and florals
  • Rose and woody
  • Rose and patchouli
  • Oud and rose
  • Vetiver and rose
  • Citrus and woody
  • Rose and oriental

Once you are familiar with the notes of a fragrance, it’ll be easier to figure out ways to mix and match smells for layering.

Therefore, take your time to get used to the scent before mixing it with others. Since what we smell when we first take a breath of a perfume is very different than what it will smell as it dries down.

Also, it’s essential where you spritz your fragrance. And it is a good and recommended practice–that you spray perfume on your pulse points, so they last longer and smell amazing as well. In your pulse points, blood vessels are closest to your skin – it releases heat that traps the scent and projects it properly.

Follow our post on perfume subscriptions ScentBox vs ScentBird

Here are the pulse points:

  1. Wrists
  2. Behind the earlobes,
  3. At the base of the neck,
  4. Behind the knees
  5. In the crooks of elbows

So, if you plan to wear two different fragrances, try wearing them in other pulse points instead of spraying one on top of another. I’d also suggest you not layer more than two perfumes as the more you add notes, the more complicated it will get.

On the other hand, you don’t only layer with fragrances but also with lotions. And that’s what we will be checking next!

How to Layer Perfume and Lotion?

Not only can you combine two perfumes, but also pair a scented body lotion underneath your fragrance. As you know, fragrance layering is the perfect way to intensify and customize your chosen scent – leaving you with a unique scent.

For example, suppose you have a lotion with a patchouli or oak musk-type intense woody smell and a perfume with vanilla notes. So you’d first apply the cream and smell the intense aroma, then spray the vanilla on top. As a result, you get a great combo of long-lasting scents.

Most important, putting on the complimentary lotion for our scent can add intensity and longevity to the fragrance, and we can enjoy the aroma for longer.

Here’s how you can layer perfume and lotion:

#Step-1: Apply Your Lotion

Smooth your lotion of choice onto areas where you would apply perfume.

#Step-2: Spritz on Your Fragrance

Spray the perfume of your choice on the areas you have applied lotion.

#Step-3: Enjoy your customized scent

Not only will you smell exceptional, but your fragrance will also last longer on your skin. Dry skin is the enemy for keeping your scent longer, so lotions are a savior.

Quickly check out our post on perfume ads- Why are Fragrance Commercials so weird?

Moreover, you get perfume gift sets with lotion in some department stores. And it’s the same scent as the fragrance, perfect for intensifying your aroma. Therefore, you will make your scent last longer as you apply the lotion and the same smelling perfume on top.

Also, fragrance layering doesn’t stop here. Not only can you combine scents with lotion but also with perfume oils.

How to Layer Perfume Oils?

Perfume oils are another perfect method for layering fragrances. For instance, adding essential oil to a perfume strengthens the scent and makes it last longer as well.

So try combining an oil that compliments your fragrance and enhances the notes of your perfume. On the other hand, you can use a contrasting scented oil that will boost your scent and fill in its lacking.

Likewise, if you have a perfume that’s too sweet for your tastes now, try adding an oil that’s citrusy and fresh. And if a fragrance smells too strong, soften the edges with vanilla or musk-based fragrance oil.

Also, perfume oil is best applied to the pulse points on the body as the blood flow warms the oil, releasing its divine scent.

In addition, never rub the spot when you have applied the oil, as it can break or dilute the scent.

Finally, it’s preferable not to layer two oils on top of each other, as they can react on your skin, and the end aroma may not be pleasant. Therefore, apply perfume oil to your clean skin and have fun building the scent with your chosen perfume.

Layers of Scent

Fragrance layering is an art. As a result, if you mix the scents right, you get a unique aroma that will be special and wonderful to wear.

Most importantly, perfume layering is for you if you like to be creative and experimental. All you have to do is keep specific notes in mind when you start to combine your scents. And once you layer perfume and lotion, you end up with a captivating fragrance that lingers.

Looking for something different? Then check out our guide on  Why Does Perfume Change Color?

To summarize, combining fragrances can give you a long-lasting and unique scent.

If you have any questions, please share them in the comment section below.

About The Author
Nazia is passionate about perfumes. Her love for perfumes started with her father whom she lost in 2017. She’d often reminisce his memories with the help of his fragrances’. Writing about fragrances makes her happy as she can share its wonders with the world. She also loves reading sci-fi novels and traveling.

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