Fragrance Layering 101: Methods to Create Your Signature Scent
Scent mixing, fragrance layering, perfume cocktailing. No matter you might name it, the artwork of blending two or extra scents is an under-the-radar method that folks have been utilizing for ages. Unsure the place to start out? We spoke with the consultants and requested their recommendation on layering perfumes to create a really distinctive scent. As a result of nobody desires to catch a whiff of their “signature” scent on another person.
Right here’s all the things it’s essential to find out about layering perfumes.
What’s Fragrance Layering?
Relying on who you ask, fragrance layering is both a retail technique or a solution to invite the fragrance wearer to create one thing distinctive. In keeping with Lengthy, if it is the latter, it requires some thought past randomly selecting up scents to put on on high of each other. “Layering may imply utilizing varied physique merchandise from the identical vary to extend the longevity of a single fragrance,” she says.
The Advantages of Fragrance Layering
“Customized scents seize the character of a person,” Rahme says. “It permits [them] to whip up their very own scent blends each time the temper fits them.” In different phrases, you get the liberty of custom-blending a really signature scent to mirror your character or the way you’re feeling. Consider it as a temper ring in your nostril.
Methods to Correctly Layer Perfumes
Layering scents doesn’t essentially imply spraying two perfumes immediately on high of one another—it could possibly begin as early as if you apply a scented lotion after your bathe. Or, you possibly can spray one scent in your wrists and one other in your neck. Mess around with completely different mixtures and don’t be afraid to experiment. As a common rule of thumb, heavier scents needs to be sprayed first in order that they don’t overpower their lighter counterparts.
In keeping with Lengthy, there are a number of methods you possibly can strategy layering. “The simplest is to discover a pretty unfussy perfume that’s already constructed round musk or typical base notes like vanilla, then add one thing with extra complexity on high. You then’ll have a excessive likelihood of a delightful remix,” she says. Another choice is to make use of a single-note fragrance underneath or over an present scent. “For instance, when you have a favourite citrus perfume however you are feeling it doesn’t final, you would put a sandalwood or cedarwood or one thing comparable beneath,” says Lengthy.
What Scents Go Nicely Collectively?
To know learn how to greatest mix your scents, you first want to grasp the completely different layers in particular person fragrances. “The highest be aware is what you odor immediately if you spray it [and usually consists of] the glowing and vivacious contemporary notes,” Rahme says. “The center be aware is the guts of the perfume and is normally hotter and softer. And at last, the underside be aware is what develops final and what stays with you for hours—lengthy after the highest notes have disappeared.”
“My recommendation is to experiment and also you may discover a enjoyable shock! Instance basic mixtures are vanilla, resins and bergamot, rose and patchouli, or herbs with citrus,” says Lengthy.
Maintain these notes in thoughts if you begin to mix your scents. If you happen to’ve by no means layered fragrances earlier than, attempt to mix two fragrances which have a standard be aware—jasmine, for example—and go from there. Or, if you happen to’re adventurous, attempt combining two or extra reverse fragrances—a spice and vanilla for example. “There is no such thing as a proper or fallacious,” Rahme says. “Making a fragrance is a part of science, but it surely actually is an artwork—the artwork of translating an emotion into a sense.” Her very best mixture? She suggests pairing Bond No. 9’s Central Park West ($400)—a heat, springtime perfume with Narcissus, tangy ylang-ylang, and hints of jasmine—with Bond No. 9’s Central Park South ($400)—a vivid, fragrance with widespread notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang, but additionally sandalwood, cedar bark, and musk.
What Scents Ought to You Keep away from Layering?
Rahme’s mindset in direction of perfume layering may be very open-minded—she thinks a person ought to select as many layers and as many strategies as needed to precise precisely what their imaginative and prescient is. If you happen to’re actually nervous about inflicting any “what’s that odor?” moments, hold this in thoughts: keep away from combining two scents which might be too darkish and heady—they are often overwhelming when used collectively. Lengthy agrees.
“Sometimes, you don’t want to oversaturate when layering, and what I imply by that’s that when you have two extremely advanced perfumes and you set them collectively, there’s a probability that they share some elements, and the consequence will likely be jarring,” she says.
Lengthy recommends mixing a most of three scents when layering. “You possibly can mix two if each have some complexity, three when you have chosen single be aware fragrances,” she says. “Single be aware fragrances are available two varieties— those which might be a single be aware (single ingredient Molecule 01) and ones which might be themed round a single be aware (resembling rose) however are fully-fledged perfumes round that inspiration.”
The Last Takeaway
Rahme says to permit as a lot time because it takes in your scent to “converse the language” you envisioned. In different phrases, be affected person and have enjoyable experimenting!
