Fragrance Layering 101 - What are the best layering combos?

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. 


Ariana Grande Cloud layered on top of Kayali's Vanilla | 28 will help to intensify the Vanilla note in both fragrances. This is truly heaven for all my Vanilla lovers!


Anna Sui's Sky and Lancome's Idole both share the note of Pear and layering the two together will give you a beautiful, fruity mix. 


This is the perfect combo for all my Coconut lovers! Layering Kayali's Utopia Vanilla Coco | 21 on top of Lancome's La Vie Est Belle Soleil Cristal will immediately transport you to your dream holiday destination. 


Need something refreshing? Why not layer Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana on top of Kayali's Citrus | 08 for an instant uplift.


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.


This is the perfect duo for any Narciso Rodriguez's fragrance lovers. I really like the two scents separately but there is something magical once you layer them together!


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!


Kayali's scents are meant to be layered together and one of their best combos is Citrus | 08 on top of Kayali's Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25. If you own the two, try it out!


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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11 comments

  1. This series is such a great idea! I would like to layer my perfumes more, thank you for your recommendations. I’ll be trying my best to grab Lancome’s Idole perfume ๐Ÿ˜

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  2. Thank you for all these great layering tips, I’m intrigued in some of your favourite combos. Great post! xx

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  3. Perfume layering is what everyone has been talking about this year and I do enjoy it myself. Thanks for your recommendations ❤️

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  4. I already own Kayali's Deja Vu, so what are the best combos to go with this fragrance?

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  5. Loving this series idea, keep it up!

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  6. I've never tried to layer, I usually stick to the same few perfumes and repurchase them. I will try out some of your recommended combos! x

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  7. I love mixing my Ariana Grande fragrances. Great post! xoxo

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  8. Baccarat Rouge and Voce Viva Intensa... So beautiful...

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  9. I usually just randomly layer stuff, lots of fails but br540 and original jpg le male is good and quite an interesting scent.

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  10. Thanks so much, I love the combination you have suggested, I am definitely will try these combinations you have suggested.
    Very much appreciate it๐Ÿ’œ

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  11. So happy I purchased Kayali Citrus, it's so good for laying. I tried an unbelievable combination of Kayali Citrus + Ariana Grande Mod Vanilla. Wow, this takes both fragrances to a whole new level. I wear and enjoy it often. Please post more layering recommendations.

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