Perfume 101 : Perfume Layering

Fragrance cast a spell on memories and scents that are unique usually are imprinted deeper in the memory and do make a comeback when something smells similar rekindling the memories.

Just like clothes speak about who you are and project a bit of your personality so does the way you smell project a lot about you. Many a times you might like a perfume but essentially it isn’t exactly how you want to smell like but aren’t wary of it. Sometimes layering and experimenting with layering helps you achieve this goal of creating a signature scents that is unique to you and helps people register you a bit faster through sense association.

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Spritzing random perfumes may make or break this scent which is why it is imperative to know your scents and how they wear through the day before you layer it with other essences. Some may come of to overpowering while some might completely hit it off. That again depends on ones perception of the notes and how these perfumes react on their skin.

Layering scents may vary from season to season and also person to person based on skin chemistry, climate and the time of the day. Layering perfumes might be a tedious task for some who find it difficult to tell scents apart and may result in revolting concoctions. For example Musky and oaky scents combined with floral and fruity notes might not be the perfect combination to wear during a summer morning at office.

Its essential to know how your scent performs through the day to combine the scents with other perfumes. When you begin the procedure it is imperative to know that both the fragrances should be sprayed at the same place along the same time to avoid a weird smell amalgamation and disturbing the projection. An ideal corner to spray your two scents is the wrists where you can rub them against each other and create a desired blend.

Certain pointers for layering are:

1. For amateurs choosing minimalist fragrances which do not project multiple accords is a better choice to layer. That means anything that calls out a scent in the name — like rose, vanilla, or freesia — is a great mixing perfume, since it's likely far less complex
2. Some olfactive families are easier to mix than others: Woods and spices don't always play well with air, water, or sport, but both can work with florals and citruses. Florals are the easiest to be combined with to create a rather beautiful blend. A floral bouquet as they usually are called can be a amalgamation of two or more opulent floral notes like for example Rose and Jasmine or Freesia and Lily. Citrus scents as well are ideal for layering like orange blossoms with bergamot or lemon or Ozonic accords.
3. Combining similar top notes is a safer way to layer familiar perfumes. For example perfume having a beautiful opening or have the main note as the same accords like say Lemon can we paired them with each other as layering partners to avoid a repulsive opening and eventual die down of a perfume.
4. Categorize the your scents into two groups: Those rich in floral or citrus notes should comprise group A. Round up aquatic (anything ozonic), green, and powdery notes into group B. Play with a combination of Group A and B to cook up your signature scent. You shouldn’t meddle with scents that are heavy like spicy, woody or smoky to avoid a cyclone of notes which can be overbearing for if not the wearer but for the people around. Thus they should only be layered if you know your perfumes well and have a nose for fragrance mixtures.
5. Layering scents isn't exclusive to perfumes; you can also apply scented body oils, lotions, and creams both together and under perfumes to give it an extra appeal and dimension