Layering
Create the perfume for your identity
Written by GlenN Lauritz Andersson & Denis Vasilije, fragrance experts
Layering, perfume cocktails, or fragrance remixing. Whatever you call it, it’s about the art of wearing two or more fragrances simultaneously in the best possible way. This allows you to create your very own personal and unique signature scent. Women have been doing this forever, but now the idea is starting to catch on among men as well. So how do you do it, and where do you start?
The opportunity to blend a new scent
...that fits perfectly in the moment, whether it’s the situation or your mood inspiring the mix you choose—that’s what layering is all about. And it doesn’t have to be based solely on After Shave or EdP; it can even begin with the scented body lotion you might use after a shower. However, keep in mind to start with the stronger fragrances and base notes first. Applying heavier scents last risks them overwhelming the entire composition. Instead, it’s better to begin with the base and then layer lighter scents on top.
But first, a touch of fragrance theory
...to make understanding the principles easier. Fragrances are often described in terms of three ‘notes’ that together make up a perfume. The top note is what you smell first when spraying, for example, an EdP. These are usually fresh, lively scents that fade relatively quickly. Citrus and herbs are common top notes. Then come the heart notes, which form the core or heart of the fragrance, often featuring flowers and spices. Finally – sometimes as late as 30 minutes later – the base notes appear, anchoring the fragrance with depth and substance. Examples of base notes include woods, musk, vanilla, and patchouli.
3 tips to help you get started
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
...fragrances from the same perfume house often complement each other harmoniously. This could be because they may have been created by the same perfumer, sharing a similar philosophy and personality. More importantly, it’s due to the oils and essences used, which have a common origin. An exceptional layering duo comes from the perfume house Nasomatto. Silver Musk is a clean and subtle fragrance that works as a base, while Blamage offers a fruity, woody, and mysteriously powerful complement.
If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the combination, Widian's Baniyas is perfect for layering with Silver Musk. Together, they create a "second skin" sensation that gently rests and delights on the skin.
Opposites attract
...and if you want to be adventurous, try combining two (or more) contrasting fragrances, such as citrus with oud, as we demonstrated above. Perfume creation may be a science, but blending scents is an art, and anyone can experiment. Who knows, maybe you’ll start your own perfume house one day? There are several Swedish brands that have excelled at this in recent years, with Byredo leading the way. One magical pairing we highly recommend is combining the warm and sweet Xerjoff Casamorati Lira EdP with the cool and fresh Creed Viking. A Mediterranean star meets a Scandinavian Viking, creating unparalleled harmony.
Finally, we can
...recommend starting with linear fragrances—those that don’t change much while being worn—as they are more predictable. These often feature woody and musky base notes. The main point is that there are no strict rules. There are ‘usually does’ and ‘usually doesn’t,’ but just like any creative endeavor, breaking the norms often leads to the most exciting discoveries. In other words, it’s time to start experimenting!
Bonus tip
An extra layer of dimension is that a layering – like the one above with Xerjoff Casamorati Lira EdP & Creed Viking – can consist of what used to be considered a men’s and a women’s fragrance. The key is that, with two clearly different foundations, you and your partner can use the same combination while distinguishing yourselves by the proportions you choose to reflect your individual taste and personality.