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Whether it’s Phlur’s Missing Person, The 7 Virtues’ Vanilla Woods, or even Byredo’s Gypsy Water, it feels like you can’t scroll on TikTok without coming across a fragrance enthusiast raving about their latest buy. Usually, these creators boast collections that include upwards of 100 bottles of fragrance and that can be pretty intimidating. So, if you’re someone who is just starting your collection but still craves the versatility that a large collection brings (or want to keep up with the latest trends in the space), allow us to introduce you to the art of layering your perfumes.
“Fragrance layering is all about creating something that feels uniquely yours,” Emma Gonsalves, founder of The Roster, tells StyleCaster. “By blending different notes, you can craft a unique scent, one that evolves from bright top notes to rich, lingering base notes. It’s like being your own perfumer, designing a fragrance that fits your mood or moment.”
In a world where individuality and self-expression has begun to manifest in the overconsumption of micro-trends, experimenting with fragrance is an easy way to stand out from the crowd. Still, the process can be understandably intimidating, so Gonsalves has some tips to get you started.
Why People Layer Fragrances
As with any trend, individuality is highly coveted, and that is one of the many reasons why people like to layer their fragrances. “Fragrance layering has become popular because it allows individuals to create more personalized scents that are also dynamic,” dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, FAAD, says. “This means they can change their scent slightly depending on their mood or a planned event.”
Additionally, layering fragrances allows your perfume to last longer, and one of the most popular ways to build up a scent bubble is to be intentional about your body-care routine. “Ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter, and petrolatum, support the skin barrier and help to prevent irritation,” Dr. Love says. “Also, since lotions and creams blend into the skin, they can form a beautiful base for fragrance building.”
When choosing a fragranced moisturizer or body care product, Dr. Love recommends first focusing on high quality ingredients and then choosing your scent (i.e. whether you use scented or unscented body products, make sure that they leave your skin moisturized and hydrated, which is the best base to allow fragrance to cling to the skin and project well). “If you have dry skin or are even just sensitive to fragrance but want to build a body-care routine to get the best wear out of your perfumes, be mindful to choose hypoallergenic formulas and to still prioritize high-quality ingredients,” Dr. Love says. “Some of my favorite moisturizers come from E.O.S. with the Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion being one of my absolute favorites.”
How to Layer Fragrances
One of the best ways to start your layering journey is to look at the types of fragrances you already enjoy, and then take a closer look at the notes that make up the perfume. You’ll likely start to see some similarities in the scent profiles that you naturally gravitate toward.
Gonsalves also recommends starting with the classics. “Florals and citrus notes provide a fresh, light scent when combined, while woody and spicy notes create a warm, grounded foundation,” she said. “It’s about pairing fragrances in a way that lets each element shine while maintaining a smooth, cohesive scent profile.”
If you’re ready to just dive into the experience, Gonsalves says to start your mixtures with dependable base notes like vanilla, musk, or amber. “They’re perfect for grounding your scent,” she said. Perfumes like Dream Husband, Kayali Vanilla 28, and Initio’s Musk Therapy are great places to start. From there, Gonsalves says to add florals like magnolia or rose. Some of our favorites include Parfum de Marly’s Delina Exclusif and Tom Ford’s Rose Prick. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, toss in a citrus twist like bergamot or lime. (See: Dolce and Gabanna’s Velvet Vetiver and Casamerati’s Dama Bianca.) These are your go-to “safe bets” that blend beautifully with almost anything, giving you plenty of room to play without stepping too far out of your comfort zone.
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Vetiver
Once you’ve decided on your favorite scent profiles, start layering from the moment you step into the shower. Choose a body wash with similar notes as the fragrances that you’re layering, then follow it up with a lotion, and body oil. The products you pick can enhance certain notes over others, so if you just want to make sure your fragrance lasts a long time, make sure to use unscented but highly moisturized products like Dr. Love recommended — your body will be hydrated and primed for your scent without any potential clashing of fragrance notes.
Nécessaire The Body Lotion (Fragrance-Free)
In short, layering your fragrance can be a great way to get creative with a smaller perfume collection, or a shortcut to finding a truly unique signature fragrance that not many other people will have. When you add in body washes, scented oils, and lotions, the combinations that you can create become endless — and that’s where the fun really begins.
My Layering Method
Personally, I (Ariel) find that I gravitate toward musky, woody notes with a hint of something sweet. My personal layering method typically involves the heaviest notes (which are typically ouds, woods etc.) first so that they have time to sink into the skin while I figure out the rest of the concoction. Lately my go-to base layers have been Creed’s Absolu Aventus, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s 21:50 Rêverie, Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Oud, and Commodity’s Paper+. For my second layer I like something light—a fragrance that brings out the notes in the base layer but that won’t clash with the last perfume that I put on. I go for something like a skin scent. My favorites are I Don’t Know What from D.S. and Durga as well as Gold and Paper Personal from Commodity.
Commodity Paper Expressive Eau de Parfum
Lastly, I’ll add something sweet—think notes of marshmallow, cotton candy, or vanilla. My current go-tos are Oriana by Parfums de Marley, Vanilla Cloud by Clean Classic, and Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar by Kayali.
