The Quick Guide to Perfume Layering
Or, how to create your signature scent
Mixing perfumes, layering fragrances, or creating perfume cocktails… whatever you choose to call it, is the latest trend in perfume lovers around the world.
Wearing multiple scented products at once is called fragrance layering, and it can be as simple or as complex as you like.
Why should I layer my perfumes?
Did you know that the number of perfume layers you use directly impacts on the intensity and longevity of your perfume? It’s true!
That’s just one good reason to start layering perfumes.
However, there’s another even more compelling reason to mix fragrances.
We know that there is no shortage of award-winning, intoxicating perfumes available to us. While this is great for us perfume addicts, there’s nothing worse than smelling like everyone else!
Imagine a world where you have a one-of-a-kind perfume that has been created just for you.
It has all your favourite scents and notes, and works perfectly with your unique body chemistry.
Yep! Suddenly that one-scent-to-rule-them-all approach seems a little less appealing.
Sadly, however, creating a signature perfume has one downside: customised perfume has a price tag that will leave you breathless.
Even designer fragrances bought off-the-shelf are priced so exorbitantly they are too hefty for our monthly budget. So what to do?
Don’t give up just yet!
Perfumes for Africa’s fragrances smell like your favourite designer perfume, at a fraction of the cost.
Combine that with the benefits of fragrance layering, and you get a personalised, signature perfume, without the royal price tag.
Ok great! So we know that fragrance layering or perfume mixing has to do with combining different off-the-shelf perfumes together to come up with a unique scent.
Suddenly, so many doors of signature scent-opportunities are open to you! However, as with most things experimental, there will be a fair amount of trial and error before you get it just right.
How to know which perfumes to blend
Did you know that each perfume has its own set of layers?
So, when we layer many perfumes, we are either doubling up on a shared layer, or supplementing with one or more where the other is lacking.
But how do you know what the layers in your perfume are?
- Top note. This is what you smell straight away when you spray. Think sparkling, light, bright smells.
- Middle note. This is the heart of the perfume, and is usually a little warmer and softer.
- Bottom note. This is the smell that takes the longest to develop, and stays with you for hours.
How to layer fragrances like a pro
Once again, this is experimental. When creating your own signature fragrance, bear in mind that it is unique and 100% subjective. There are no fixed rules, but there are some useful guidelines to help start you on your way.
- Start with a fragrance that you love and are familiar with as a base.
- Choose a perfume that smells similar but slightly different to this one, or one that is contrasting to it. This will add another dimension to your favourite fragrance.
- Ask yourself what you’d like to bring out in your perfume. Maybe you feel your favourite designer brand lacks a little ‘something’. Is it too ‘shallow’ and needs more warmth? Try adding a perfume with vanilla notes. Is it too heavy and needs some lighter notes? Try layering with perfumes that have fresh tones (see below).
- As a guide, it is always good to spray the strongest perfume first. Starting with the heaviest fragrance, and topping it with the lighter scent(s), will avoid overpowering the more delicate notes.
- You can also consider what season you are in. In summer, try blending fresh, fruitier, lighter scents. In winter, try warmer, more musky perfumes.
- Try and try again until you have found one, two, or more blends that are perfectly ‘you’!
Finally, be kind to yourself, and have a sense of humour! Some blends might smell like a back alley, and some might smell like heaven! Remind yourself that you are experimenting.