Hi dolls and happy Sunday!
Ever since I started to grow my fragrance collection, I got more into layering. I know it's not something everyone is into because most times, they don't understand the idea behind it. For this exact reason, I wanted to introduce a Layering 101 series to my blog. Every now and then, I will be updating you all with the best tips and combos I have tried to help you master the art of layering fragrance. If you're interested to find out more, let's get right into it!
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Layering 101 Series
Originally developed in the Middle East, fragrance layering is - quite simply - a technique which allows you to mix two or more scents together in order to create your own, unique scent. When it comes to layering, there is no right or wrong. This is because layering allows you to find your own perfect, personal scent, so you can layer whatever fragrances you wish together and experiment as much as you want. However, it's best to avoid combining two scents that are strong and heavy as they can be too overwhelming when used together to the point it will give you a headache. I always recommend applying the heavier scent first and a lighter one on top to create a nice and smooth layering.
If you're a beginner and you'd like to take it slow, you should pick two or more scents from the same fragrance family to start exploring. My personal recommendation would be checking out
Escentual's Blind Trial Boxes - they offer a new blind box every month with a different theme which includes 8 x 2ml mystery fragrance samples. Previous boxes focused on fragrance families such as Fruity, Solar, Aquatic and Fougere. The fragrances later get revealed on their Facebook group and not only is it a fun way to explore new scents but also layer scents together from the same fragrance family without having to purchase full bottles.
Who said you can only layer fragrances together? Try mixing your favourite fragrance with a hand or body product to create your unique scent. Not only will the lotion make the fragrance last longer but you will have created your personal combo you can't find in stores.
Another fun way of layering fragrances is finding scents that share one or more similar notes. For example, my favourite fragrances notes are Vanilla, Pear and Musk. In this case, I'd look for two fragrances that share the notes of Vanilla to layer together which will also help to intensify the Vanilla more.
To layer fragrances, you don't necessarily have to spray them in the same place. You can also spray one scent on your neck and the other on your wrist. This will also make your fragrance last the longest, whether you're wearing one or more scents at the same time. The best places to apply your perfume are your pulse points, behind your ears, behind your knees and inside wrists. More importantly - DO NOT RUB YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER. I see this happen 99% of time and it makes me want to scream. Rubbing your wrists together will not only dull the top notes of the fragrance but also change the way it smells all together.
The best part about layering is the fact you don't have to do it for years to become a PRO at it. You can master the art of layering by simply trying out different combos - whether you like them or not - to find your personal favourites. I promise you once you start, you'll never really stop.
I always have so much fun testing new fragrances and trying to find the best layering combos. Two of my favourite fragrances to have when layering are
CITRUS | 08 BY KAYALI and
MFK BACCARAT ROUGE 540. Baccarat Rouge 540 is super unique on its own but it also makes the perfect base for any type of fragrance - try any of your favourites layered on top and thank me later. Kayali's Citrus is very refreshing and works well with pretty much all of my favourite scents.
I actually learnt how to layer fragrances after Kayali has launched. For those of you that are not aware, Kayali (translated from Arabic to 'my imagination') is a fragrance brand by Mona and Huda Kattan also known from Huda Beauty and Wishful. Kayali's fragrances are designed to be layered and combined together to create a scent that is truly yours. I have all their 8 fragrances in my collection and although Citrus | 08 isn't my top Kayali, it's a must-have for me when it comes to layering.
I also recommend buying mini fragrance duo's from the same brand to experiment with layering. They will most likely share the same DNA, so if you want to take it a bit slow this is definitely the perfect option. One of my favourite duos is
Narciso Rodriguez gift set I was sent by Escentual - it includes two 20ml spray bottles to customise your fragrance, ideal for fans of Narciso's scents.
Here are some of my favourite layering combos you should try!
I have also included some of the ones you guys have recommended over on instagram.
Did you know that of all the fragrance ingredients out there, lavender's probably the most widely recognised for its soothing, calming aromatic qualities? One of my favourite layering combos is
Ariana Grande's R.E.M fragrance on top of
YSL's Libre. It will make you feel at peace.
As previously mentioned, you can layer
Kayali's Citrus | 08 pretty much on any fragrance and it will create magic. One of the first layering combos I've started using was Citrus on top of
Good Girl and I am obsessed to this day!
Another beautiful Kayali layering combo. On its own,
Invite Only Amber | 23 is very seductive and addictive while
Vanilla | 28 is sexy and yummy. Can you guess how amazing it gets when you join the two together? Warning, this combo will turn people's heads!
Both Dior's fragrances -
J'adore and
Miss Dior (2017 version) have Jasmine in common and if you're a fan of this sweet and fresh note, I'm confident you will also love this combo.
The latest combo I've tried and fell in love with -
For Her Pure Musc layered on top of
Lancome's Idole Aura. This is a beautiful, clean scent to die for. One I will be wearing more for sure.
Who said you can only layer fragrances together? Other than a body/hand lotion, you can also layer your favourite body mist on top of your favourite fragrance. This combo is once again made in heaven for all my Vanilla lovers - try
Vanilla Mist by So Fragrance? on top of
Ariana's Cloud.
Is Baccarat Rouge 540 your favourite fragrance? Try layering ANY other perfume on top of it and thank me later. I find Baccarat Rouge 540 to be one of the best scents to layer with - not only is it so perfect and unique on its own but it also adds so much to other scents.
Do you layer fragrances? What are your favourite layering combos? Which of the ones I mentioned are you hoping to try? Let me know down below and stayed tuned for more parts to this series - I will make sure to do an updated version at least once a month with more combos for you to try out.
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