|
|
Time to read 8 min
The world of perfume offers endless variety. And yet, there comes a moment when it feels like you’ve smelled it all. That’s when it’s time to start creating your own scent compositions. Layering perfumes is the perfect way to blend two (or more) existing fragrances into something entirely new.
Perfume layering refers to the technique of applying multiple fragrances - either on top of each other or at different times to create a scent that’s uniquely yours.
The method adds depth to a fragrance, extends its longevity, and opens up space for creative reinterpretations of existing scents.
Molecule-based perfumes or scents specifically designed for layering like those from Bon Parfumeur or Borntostandout are ideal for beginners.
When layering, it’s essential to combine compatible fragrance families, apply in the right order (heavier scents before lighter ones), and practice restraint when it comes to the number of perfumes used.
Layering comes from the verb “to layer” and quite literally means stacking one thing on top of another. That’s exactly what you do when layering perfume you apply two (or more) fragrances on top of each other. But why bother? Simple: layering can amplify certain notes or even soften them. This creates entirely new scent combinations you may never have experienced before. Especially if you’ve got perf
With your own custom scent combination, you won’t run into anyone who smells exactly like you. Uniqueness: guaranteed.
You have the power to highlight certain notes or push less appealing ones into the background.
Older fragrances can be reinvented into something entirely new - tailored to your personal taste.
Layering allows you to add more depth and texture to your fragrances.
When layering throughout the day - starting with one perfume in the morning and adding another around midday (see below) - you create an evolving scent journey that shifts completely from morning to evening.
Before you start layering your perfumes, it’s good to understand that every fragrance can be broken down into distinct layers or notes. The fragrance pyramid is a helpful guide here – it divides each scent into three main categories: top notes, heart notes, and base notes. You’ll find more details on this structure in our article “Finding Your Signature Scent.”
Yes, there are actually different ways to layer your fragrances. Most people think of the classic method: spraying two (or more) perfumes directly on top of each other. That’s the most straightforward approach to combining scents. But you can also apply one perfume in the morning and wait a few hours before adding the second. This method lets you play more with the heart notes and deepen the evolution of the scent over time. A third option is to apply each fragrance to different areas of your body. This allows the scents to blend subtly as they diffuse – without clashing directly. Which method works best? That’s entirely up to you and how the scents perform on your skin. Try them out and see what feels right.
If you’re just getting started with perfume layering, the first thing to ask yourself is: Do you want to highlight a specific note and if so, which one? Or maybe there’s a certain nuance you’d rather tone down? For beginners, it’s a smart move to start with fragrances that are specifically designed for layering. These are meant to modify the character of an existing scent - making it softer, sweeter, or deeper. Molecule perfumes are especially beginner-friendly. Unlike complex compositions, these usually focus on a single aroma molecule, which makes them easier to combine. You can spray a clean, minimal molecule scent over your favorite perfume or even layer two molecular fragrances with each other for a subtle yet personal result.
Once you’ve got a better sense of how different perfumes behave on your skin, you can start exploring combinations based on fragrance families. These families group perfumes by their dominant notes and overall character. Some common ones include: Citrus, Floral, Woody, Amber, Fresh, and Leather.
When thinking about which scents work well together, focusing on these families can be a helpful guide. Here are a few pairings that tend to blend beautifully:
Fruity + Floral: Sweet fruity notes add a playful brightness to soft florals, making them feel more vibrant and dynamic.
Aromatic + Woody: Warm, spicy notes often found in aromatic or aromatic scents gain extra depth and structure when paired with woody accords.
Green + Citrus: The crisp freshness of green notes harmonizes with the zesty lift of citrus, creating an invigorating, clean scent.
Citrus + Aquatic: Marine-inspired notes amplify the lightness of citrus fragrances, resulting in a breezy, summery freshness.
At its core, your fragrance creation should be something you enjoy—so much so that you quite literally like the way you smell. That said, there are some scent combinations that are known to harmonize particularly well. When complementary fragrances are layered, the chances of creating a pleasant overall scent are high. There are two main types of complementarity: contrasting (where balance is achieved through opposites) and harmonizing (where notes deepen and reinforce one another).
In contrasting combinations, one scent offsets the other. Light, fresh notes can be paired with heavier ones to add brightness and lift. A classic example: citrus with amber, or mint with musk. In harmonizing combinations, layering adds complexity and depth without any clashing. Woody and resinous notes like sandalwood and incense blend particularly well. If you focus on mixing complementary scents, chances are someone will stop and ask you what you’re wearing.
It’s best to apply the heavier scent first, followed by the lighter one. That’s because heavier fragrances often have a more intense and longer-lasting base. Notes like patchouli, amber, musk, or vanilla can linger for hours. In contrast, notes like lemon, mint, or aquatic accords are considered lighter and are usually the first things you smell when a perfume is freshly applied. By layering from heavy to light, the base stays intact while the lighter notes add a fresh, refined touch to your new fragrance blend.
When mixing perfumes, less is often more. It’s best to stick to a maximum of 2–3 fragrances that you spray on top of each other. Once you go beyond that, it becomes difficult to control which notes are emphasized and which are not. With two scents, it’s easiest to stay in control. You choose one fragrance as your base, and the second is used to refine it.
With three scents, you’ll need to pay more attention to how well they complement and harmonize with each other. A solid trio, for example, could be a combination of one floral scent, one woody, and one with a fresh, aquatic character.
There are a number of fragrances that are perfect for layering. The scents from Borntostandout are specifically designed to be combined with others. The fragrance Sugar Addict is a so-called Fragrance Sweetener and was developed to enhance the sweet facets of other perfumes.
As mentioned earlier, molecule fragrances are especially suitable for layering. The perfume I Don't Know What by D.S. & Durga is ideal for this - it’s not only a molecule scent but also a Fragrance Enhancer. That means it’s designed to boost, extend, or highlight other perfumes. With its fresh, transparent, and slightly woody character, I Don’t Know What pairs beautifully with 902 by Bon Parfumeur, creating a deeper, more textured scent with a toned-down sweetness.
Bon Parfumeur’s fragrances, like those from Borntostandout, are made to be mixed and matched. If you want to freshen up a sweet scent like 402, you can easily layer it with the citrusy 001. Another great combo from the brand: the floral 103 with the woody-spicy 602.
Fun fact: Ludovic Bonneton, founder of Bon Parfumeur, prefers combining fresh, light scents with aquatic ones. His go-to pairing? 004 and 801.
There are also perfumes that function as so-called Solid Colognes wax-based rather than oil-based fragrances. They provide excellent adhesion on the skin and serve as a great foundation for layering. Santal Super by Son Venïn is one such Solid Cologne and works well as a base layer. It pairs especially well with floral and citrus-based perfumes. One fitting combination: Santal Super with Dirty Flower Factory by Kerosene Fragrances. The base of Dirty Flower Factory – sandalwood, amber, and musk – complements the woody facets of Santal Super and adds a spicy depth to the overall scent.
Perfume layering isn’t limited to just combining two fragrances. You can also pair a scented body care product with your perfume - an ideal approach for beginners. It gives you a first impression of how two scents interact and evolve together.
The best way to start is by using a shower gel or body lotion underneath your perfume. This can add dimension, intensity, and longevity to your fragrance. For example, Grown Alchemist Hand Cream: Vanilla & Orange Peel pairs beautifully with Sweetly Known by Kerosene Fragrances. The sweet and spicy accents harmonize with the hand cream’s vanilla and orange notes, creating a well-rounded and long-lasting olfactory experience.
Things can go wrong quickly when layering perfumes. That’s why it’s important to ease into it. Combining scents that are too different can result in clashing notes and turn two lovely perfumes into something quite unpleasant. In the beginning, stick to scents that are similar in style. Fragrance families are a great guide, especially if your nose isn’t fully trained (yet). As mentioned before, order matters. Avoid spraying heavy scents over lighter ones. The lighter notes will get drowned out, and the heavier fragrance will dominate the composition.
If you follow these simple steps, not much can go wrong. But don’t worry - no one’s born a layering expert. Sometimes, you’ll end up with a combo you just don’t like. That’s part of the process. Testing with samples is a great way to experiment, or you can drop by your trusted perfumery and play around with their testers.
