Basics to Perfume Layering

HOW TO LAYER PERFUMES

Perfume layering. Scent mixing. Fragrance Cocktailing. Whatever you may call it, the art of mixing two or more scents together. Perfume layering is a wonderful way to create a signature scent by combining two different perfumes. The art of pairing scents gives you so many more options by experimenting with your favorite perfumes and exploring your existing fragrance wardrobe – creating a truly personal scent that is completely unique to you.

What Are the Benefits?

You get the freedom of custom blending a truly signature scent to reflect your personality or how you’re feeling. Think of it as a mood ring for your nose. Perfume Layering captures the personality of an individual.

What Scents Go Well Together?

In order to understand how to best combine your scents, you first need to understand the different layers in individual fragrances. The top note is what you smell right away when you spray it and contains the sparkling and vivacious fresh notes. The middle note is the heart of the fragrance and is usually warmer and softer. And finally, the bottom note is what develops last and what stays with you for hours—long after the top notes have disappeared.

Keep these notes in mind when you start to combine your scents. If you’ve never layered fragrances before, try to combine two fragrances that have a common note—jasmine, for instance—and go from there. Or, if you’re adventurous, try combining two or more opposite fragrances—a spice and a vanilla, for instance. “There is no right or wrong,” To deftly mix your fragrances and strike the perfect balance, follow these recommendations closely:

• Perfumes with very strong scents should be avoided since they may overshadow or mask the other fragrances you’re laying with.
• Basic layering: combine one or more complementary products with a perfume. Make sure you get it right by choosing formulas with notes from the same fragrance family (oriental, woody, etc.).
• Expert layering: those with lots of experience or who are simply gifted in the art of combining scents can give layering two perfumes a shot. To start, experiment by matching fragrances that have a common ingredient, such as vanilla, coconut, green tea or rose. Then, if you’re feeling more daring, take it to the next level by layering opposing perfumes. That’s right: in the world of fragrances, opposites attract and complement one another! Examples of Opposing notes: Spicy + sweet, Fresh + rich, Fruity + floral

It is important that you pair perfumes that have a similar perfume concentration so one fragrance doesn’t overwhelm another. You will get the most striking results by mixing perfumes with different notes rather than pairing perfumes with similar characters.

Make use of Experience Kits:

A great way to learn how to pair perfumes is with Experience Kits. Our sets, for example, feature four of our most iconic perfumes. You will have countless options to layer all these striking perfumes. Buy them here: https://mysugandhco.com/collections/sample-kit

Suggested Pairs:

Explore the exciting art of perfume pairing with the help of our guide to perfume layering.

1.FLORAL

Either fresh and spring-like or heady and intoxicating florals span a variety of ingredients and effects. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose and Gardenia.

Pair with
Citrus	Citrus notes cut through florals to freshen and lighten.
Fruity	A touch of juicy fruits adds richness to floral notes.
Woody	A woody note can cool and deepen top-heavy florals.
Oriental	Spice spiked florals are rich and exotic.

 

2.CITRUS

Sharp, zesty and refreshing this top note adds energy and sunshine to perfumes. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Lemon, Bergamot, Petitgrain and Mandarin

Pair with
Woody	The perfect combination creating green freshness.
Fruity	Creates a sweet cocktail when paired with citrus notes.
Fougere	Brings lightness and a more zesty top to fougere.
Chypre	A bright opening delves into a dry mysterious scent.

 

3.FRUITY

Sweet and juicy fruity notes bring a playful note to perfumes. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Peach, Plum, Apple and Berries.

Pair with
Floral	Creates a sweet and more energetic bouquet.
Gourmand	Sweetening fruity notes to create a juicy edible tone.
Chypre	Lifts the dryness of a chypre from the top.

 

4.AROMATIC

Aromatic notes are usually combinations of sage, rosemary, cumin, lavender and other plants that possess a very intensive grass-spicy scent. 

Pair with
Floral	Brings a soft romanticism to chypre fragrances.
Oriental	Brings a spicy richness to dry woods and moss.
Woody	Adds further dryness or aromatic characteristics.

 

5.AQUATIC

Like a breath of fresh air, icy and fresh like laundry or a sea breeze. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Sea Salt, Watermelon and Calone.

Pair with
Citrus	Citrus is an exciting offset to cool blue notes.
Floral	It creates a light breezy floral effect.
Woody	Giving depth and anchoring top notes to the earth.

 

6.SPICY

Warm, sensual notes of cardamom, incense, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper are common. Basically, this is the perfume one would wear if they wanted to feel mysterious. 

Pair with
Woody	Gives a more robust depth by enhancing woody notes.
Floral	Brings delicacy to the warm spicy notes.
Citrus	Brightens and lifts to create a vibrant energy.

 

7.WOODY

A variety of different characteristics come out of this family from rich ad smokey to clean and smooth, aromatic and fresh, dry and damp. These ingredients are incredibly versatile in the perfumers’ palette. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Agarwood.

Pair with
Oriental	Adding warmth and mysterious depth to create complexity.
Citrus	Lifting from the top to create a harmonious balance.
Gourmand	Adds a touch of sweetness with vanilla or cocoa notes.
Floral	Spring like notes lift darker woods from the base.
Ozonic / Aquatic	Aquatic notes cool and lighten deeper woody notes.

 

8.ORIENTAL

Spices, musks, incense and resins, these ingredients make up some of the oldest in perfumery and are warm, rich and multifaceted. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Labdinum, Musk and Frankincense.

Pair with
Floral	Adds romanticism where exotic spices meet sensuous florals.
Fruity	Spicy and fruity, a combination that creates tantalizing delights.
Aquatic	A surprising combination adds depth to ozonic notes.
Woody	Increases depth and resinous accords.

 

9.GOURMAND

Edible but not necessarily obviously sweet (coffee and salt are the new gourmand trends), warm and comforting gourmand are perfect for winter. Classic ingredients in this scent family include: Vanilla, Cocoa, Pastry and Caramel.

Pair with
Fruity	A touch of fruit can add juiciness to overly sweet notes.
Floral	Creates a charming delicacy like sugar dusted roses.
Woody	Sweetens resinous tones, bringing candy to dry woods.
Oriental	A rich blend of spices and sweetness, an exotic delicacy.