How to Layer Fragrances Like a Fragrance ExpertHow to Layer Fragrances Like a Fragrance Expert
How to Layer Fragrances Like a Fragrance ExpertHow to Layer Fragrances Like a Fragrance Expert
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You've probably heard about layering fragrances - combining multiple scents to create a unique, personalized fragrance experience. But how do you actually do it right?
As a fragrance fans, We are going to let you in on all our layering secrets so you can smell as incredible as we do every day.
How to Layer Fragrances Like a Pro
Layering fragrances is an art. Do it wrong and you'll end up with a muddled, headache-inducing mess. But when done right, fragrance layering allows you to craft truly unique scent combinations. Here's how to layer fragrances successfully:
Start with fragrance families. Citrus, floral, fresh, and woody fragrances tend to layer more seamlessly than say, combining a heavy oriental with a light aquatic. Feel free to experiment, but generally it's best to stick within 1-2 fragrance families.
Apply the base fragrance first. This is the fragrance you want to last the longest, usually a perfume or eau de parfum concentration. Apply to pulse points as you normally would - inside wrists, behind ears, etc.
Next, add your middle fragrance. This second layer acts like a modifier, usually an eau de toilette, cologne or body spray. Apply lightly to pulse points, blending with the base.
Finally, add top notes if desired. These tend to be lighter eaux de cologne that provide initial brightness when you first apply. Spritz above the other layers.
Take it slow. Add fragrances gradually, smelling as you layer. Less is often more when it comes to blending.
Consider "notes." Fragrances with shared dominant notes like vanilla, jasmine or vetiver will layer more seamlessly than those with clashing notes.
The Best Fragrances with Vanilla Notes
Vanilla is one of the most universally loved fragrance notes. Sweet, warm and sensual, the scent of vanilla evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. If you love vanillic fragrances, here are some of the best perfumes showcasing luscious vanilla notes:
Midnight inspired by Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium - This modern women's perfume opens with notes of pear and pink pepper, leading to a heart of orange blossom and coffee wrapped in rich vanilla and patchouli. It's sweet yet spicy.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille - A gorgeous unisex fragrance with tobacco flower, spices, cocoa, tonka bean and dried fruits swirled into vanilla. It's slightly boozy - pure decadence in a bottle.
By Killian Love Don't Be Shy - A gourmand fragrance lover's dream, this perfume combines orange blossom, rose and marshmallow with a base of civet, amber and tonka bean twisted around vanilla. It's both floral and edible.
Viktor & Rolf Bonbon - This playful women's scent features delicious notes like orange, peach, guimauve, caramel and vanilla. It's a sugar overload in the best possible way.
Dior Hypnotic Poison - A seductive, spicy oriental, Hypnotic Poison weaves notes of coconut, tonka bean, almond and jasmine together with a vanilla base. The effect is narcotic and intoxicating.
Best Fragrance with Patchouli
Derived from a plant Perfume in the mint family, the note of patchouli in fragrance is earthy, musky and slightly sweet. It has a rich, heady aroma that adds depth and mystery to perfumes. Some great fragrances featuring patchouli:
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - This iconic perfume for women marries patchouli with notes of bergamot, orange, jasmine, rose and tonka bean for a bold, feminine scent with staying power.
Givenchy Organza Indecence - A seductive blend of vanilla, amber, woodsy notes and patchouli. Sophisticated yet sultry.
Marc Jacobs Decadence - This opulent fragrance combines plum, iris, saffron, vetiver, papyrus woods and liquid amber, all wrapped around an earthy patchouli core. Pure luxury.
Hermès Eau des Merveilles - A brighter take, this lively women's scent combines woody notes like vetiver and cedar with fruity orange and an armful of roses, wrapped in warm patchouli and ambergris.
Le Labo Patchouli 24 - As the name suggests, this unisex fragrance is an intense tribute to patchouli, blended with smoky birch tar, leather and spicy cardamom.
Sandalwood Scents for Inner Peace
Prized in perfumery, the sacred note of sandalwood has a creamy, woodsy aroma that is subtly spicy and balsamic. Sandalwood is said to promote relaxation and inner calm. Some favorite sandalwood perfumes:
Diptyque Tam Dao - This unisex fragrance is a gorgeous blend of sandalwood with rose, cypress, musk and amber. The effect is crisp yet sensual.
Monac 540 inspired by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 - One of the most coveted fragrances of the decade, this scent mixes jasmine and saffron with ambergris and cedarwood threaded with warm, creamy sandalwood.
Monac Santel inspired by Le Labo Santal 33 - A cult favorite eau de parfum that mixes sandalwood, papyrus, cedar, iris, jasmine and cardamom. Unisex, unique and utterly captivating.
Kayali Vanilla 28 - For the gourmand lover, this perfume intertwines vanilla, magnolia, jasmine, tonka bean and creamy sandalwood for a hypnotic effect.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne - A lighter take, this fragrance breezily combines ambrette seeds, woody notes and sage with the sun-drenched aroma of sandalwood.
How Fragrances Interact with Our Hormones
Scent is intrinsically tied to our hormones and chemistry. When a fragrance interacts with our hormones, it literally changes our mood, perception and behavior.
Androgens like testosterone respond to more masculine fragrances like pine or cedar, which may boost confidence.
Estrogen connected scents like jasmine and rose promote nurturing feelings and sensuality.
Sandalwood, lavender and chamomile fragrances interact with serotonin and melatonin, promoting relaxation.
Vanilla and other comforting scents trigger dopamine, eliciting pleasure and affection.
Minty and citrusy scents interact with stimulating hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine.
Fragrance directly impacts the brain's limbic system, influencing emotion and memory recall.
Scent helps regulate reproductive hormones, enhancing attraction and social bonding.
Fragrance chemistry is highly individual. A scent that evokes joy in one individual may produce anxiety in another.
Perfume Vs Cologne Vs Fragrance
The world of fragrance can be confusing when you see terms like perfume, cologne, eau de parfum and more. But it's actually quite simple:
Perfume (parfum) - Highest concentration of essential oils, usually 15-40%. Lasts the longest, 6-8 hours.
Eau de parfum - 10-30% concentration. Also lasts approximately 6-8 hours.
Eau de toilette - Lower concentration, usually 5-20%. Lasts around 3-4 hours.
Eau de cologne - Typically just 2-6% essential oils. Lasts 1-2 hours.
Aftershave - Refers to men's fragrances designed for post-shave. Varies in concentration.
Cologne - Historically referring to lighter men's citrus scents, but now interchangeable with most fragrances.
Unisex - Fragrances suitable for both men and women.
Designer/niche - Refers to the brand. Designer scents are mass marketed. Niche fragrances are produced by smaller artisan brands.
Fragrance families - Classification of scent types like floral, oriental, woody, etc.
So in summary - Perfume and eau de parfum last the longest. Eau de toilette and cologne offer lighter, brighter scents. All terms can generally refer to any gendered fragrance!