Layering perfumes has been a trend that has become more spoken of in the last few years. However, layering is a concept that people have experimented with for many years. The only difference now is there is more information. An idea that stayed within the confines of the bedroom is now being discussed more openly. Furthermore, it is a technique perfect for making perfumes last longer.
From having a mindset of opening multiple perfumes at once as wasteful to now opening multiple simultaneously felt unnatural at first.
What is Layering?
Layering is combining two or more products (not limited to perfumes), for several different reasons:
- To create a brand new scent: As I have discussed (click here), perfumes have notes that give them dimension. Sometimes layering is the solution to having a brand new fragrance without breaking the bank. With layering you can unlock and create the fragrance or scent profile you want from the existing scented and unscented products in your home. Anyone with a perfume collection, big or small, knows there are some fragrances you love, and others you’re waiting to finish. But rather than letting those unwanted perfumes collect dust at the back of the shelves. Layering can aid in creating a new scent profile, through amplifying elements you like whilst muting others.
- To improve the performance of a perfume: Layering can improve the overall performance of your perfumes by increasing its longevity and projection. Combining body lotions and stronger products with your weaker products, such as body mists and Eau de Toilettes, can change their scent profile. These changes allow such products to emulate Eau de Parfums. Weaker products benefit from being layered with the ‘heavy hitters’, as without body mists typically would only last 3-4 hours. The duration is dependent on several factors. These factors include fragrance concentration, application method, environmental factors, and fragrance layering.
- Add what is missing in another perfume’s scent profile: You may love a fragrance but feel like it is missing something. You may have a fragrance that is citrusy or fruity, but you want a floral note in the fragrance. This is where layering comes in, where you can introduce a floral scent into the mix to elevate the overall scent.
- To make a scent more unique: We all know some perfumes have a lot of notoriety and are easily recognisable. For instance, one of my favourite perfumes is Angel by Thierry Mugler. But anyone who loves perfumes knows what Angel smells like. It is a scent profile that is distinct and a standout. Even though, I would deem it a classic scent that doesn’t need to be changed. Others may want to add another fragrance to manipulate its renowned scent profile.
It all starts in the shower
A point of discussion is where the process of layering begins. While some argue it starts at base preparation with body lotions and oils, others like myself argue it starts in the shower. Even though I can see why others may deem it unnecessary, I love mixing and experimenting with fragrant shower gels. Layering is not exclusive to perfumes but involves anything with a scent: shower gels, body scrubs, lotions, oils, and fragrances.
Layering in the shower jump-starts the process.
Anything with a scent
As much as layering is experimental and in many ways expressive. It is still important to pay attention to the scent profile in the shower gels you are using, and this extends to all aspects and stages of the layering process. Even the deodorant you use is important, you may not have thought about it because I know I haven’t. It is easy to overlook but any deodorant that is not non-scented also has a scent profile. Which needs to compliment other scent profiles that you apply as part of your layering process, as it will add to your overall scent bubble.
For those who are beginners in layering and just starting out, practicing with less fragrant shower gels and deodorants may be beneficial to dip your those in the layering world. It may be easier to start your process from base preparation in terms of moisturisation, and let that be your focus rather than in the shower. The only thing I will say is very effective and should be done whether you are a beginner or expert in layering is exfoliating. This will aid in increasing the longevity and performance of your perfumes when in contact with your skin. I mean as long as you leave the shower smelling good that’s the main thing, right?
Moisturising is key
Moisturising is pivotal and is single-handedly the most important part of successfully and efficiently layering your perfumes. We touched on the reasons why people layer, majority of the reasoning was based on improving perfume performance. Perfume performance inclusive of longevity, projection, and sillage.
The scent needs moisture to hold on to. Hence it is very important to not only moisturise, but to choose a moisturiser that is rich and doesn’t dry out. When coming out of the shower, make sure to pat dry your skin so that your body is still damp when applying your lotions. In terms of what moisturisers you can use, both generic and more fragrantly focused lotions are welcomed. Personally, I like to use a lotion that is oil-rich just to offer a stronger foundation for my scents to hold on to, especially as I have dry skin and have suffered from conditions like eczema.
As I said, the use of generic and fragrant-rich lotions is welcomed. Generic lotions often come with a subtle and soft scent, so on the days that I want to have a stronger scent bubble and profile I like to use lotions that are heavily fragrant. Those who have been reading my content will know that I am a perfume addict who loves my scent bubble to cause a commotion. A perfume addict who loves to leave a trail.
My love for perfume started when I smelled Angel by Thierry Mugler. I absolutely loved it as a fragrance, and despite coming across a lot more scent profiles since then, it is still a fragrance that holds a place in my heart. One product that almost compares to my love for the Angel perfume is 100% the lotion. Even though, in regards to fragrant creams, I am still exploring what works for me, personally. I know that with my reasonings behind layering, which is primarily to improve performance, the Angel lotion goes above and beyond to deliver.
After experimenting with fragrant lotions, I came across the Bath and Body Work Japanese Cherry Blossom body lotion.
For those who want a fragrant lotion that is still moisturing, but with a subtle scent profile I was obsessed with the Nivea Oil in Lotion Coconut and Monoi Oil. It was a lightweight moisturiser, good for summer weather but still had a nice fragrance to it that was not overpowering.
No Wrong or Right Way to Layer
There are no rules with layering, as long as you are getting the desired result that is all that is important. For placement, commonly people spray the stronger scent on their skin first to act as an anchor. Then they spray the weaker scent directly on top, as the stronger scent is supposed to amplify the performance of the weaker fragrance. For instance, a scent that has a more subtle scent profile or a fragrance will lower concentrations, such as a body mist or an Eau de Toilette.
However, what some people found was doing this method, though it is the standard would sometimes result in the weaker fragrance being drowned out. Therefore, there wasn’t a perfect blend happening between the two fragrances, which is a desired benefit of layering. Of course, there are perfumes that stand out on their own and will naturally overpower any perfume paired with them. Especially one that is weaker in performance, for instance, Angel. However, for perfumes that are still able to be paired successfully with other scents, you want to give them the ability to do such.
As an alternative, consider spraying the two fragrances next to each other to create the perfect blend. As I have said layering should be fun and experimental, so it may take a few trials to see which application method works better for you.
Fabric is your best friend
Doing all the base preparation is all well and good, but do you know what holds onto fragrance more than your skin? Your clothes! Spray the fabric, spray everywhere! Spraying on your clothes is literally the cherry on top of layering and making your perfumes last longer. Times, when I have generously sprayed perfume on my clothes, have had them still smell of the fragrance days, even a week later.
Trial and Error
It takes trialing layering combinations physically to truly see whether it works. Spraying both scents on tester strips is all well and good, but perfumes perform differently when on the skin. Hence, it is a good idea to test combinations at home before that next date or special occasion to know if the scents really do marry well. You can do this by simply applying non-fragrant cream on your skin and spraying both fragrances on the area. Pay attention to how the overall scent profile smells as time passes. Don’t just rely on the top notes of the two scent profiles, but see how the middle and base notes combine.
How do I choose layering combinations?
The easiest way to determine layering combinations is to focus on scent profiles – perfect for beginners! For example, layering is used to amplify specific notes. Use that logic when choosing fragrances for a layering combination. For instance, marrying fragrances that both have vanilla notes in them. Alternatively, if you have a perfume with a vanilla note but want to make that vanilla note more prominent then you can pair that perfume with another fragrance that is heavily vanilla-based, for example, Bare Vanilla by Victoria’s Secret.
All in All about Layering
I hope you have learned more about layering. If you take one thing away, I hope it is that you should be having fun layering. Sometimes, it can come across as technical and complicated like a formula, but it’s all about creativity and practice.
Come back to ‘She Approved’ to read my personal favourite perfume combinations, and please comment on any combination recommendations you have down below. Looking forward to reading through them.
