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!

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. 

☀ Morning Routine ☀

Step 1 - Double Cleansing

Although you may think that you already have clean skin from the previous night's routine, the truth is that after sleep there are impurities, dead cells and sebum that has to be eliminated. 

Step 2 - Exfoliant
It's best to use chemical exfoliants only at night.

Step 3 - Toner
It's advised to use a toner in order to restore the skin's pH level after cleansing as well as to avoid the sensation of tightness. Avoid toners which contain alcohol as their ingredients!

Step 4 - Essence
Using an essence will help the other products that you're using penetrate better.

Step 5 - Serum
Serum will provide hydration for your skin.

Step 6 - Eye Cream
An eye cream is a must in order to decongest the eye area. It will help especially if you noticed to have bags under your eyes.

Step 7 - Lotion and Cream 
They should both be applied in this order if you have a very dry skin. If you have normal, oily or combination skin, you can use only one of these.

Step 8 - Sun Cream
This is the final step in the morning skincare routine and can be applied as a cream or BB cushion format.

☾ Night Routine ☾

Step 1 - Double Cleansing
This step is required to ensure that you have a clean skin to continue your routine.

Step 2 - Exfoliant
A chemical exfoliant is best used at night, so that the skin will not be immediately exposed to the sun after using it. Exfoliant is not applied everyday, so you can alternate it with other treatments.

Step 3 - Cleansing Mask 
You can use a peel-off clay mask to use at night. When choosing a mask, make sure you pick one that works best for your skin type, and include it into your routine once every week. 

Step 4 - Toner
It's essential in both morning and night routines, but mostly after using a cleansing mask because it re-balances the skin's pH. Also, make sure to use a toner that does not contain alcohol in its ingredients!

Step 5 - Single-Use Face Mask
It's not a step to be used everyday but every now and then it's okay to include a face mask into your routine as a hydrating treatment. 

Step 6 - Essence
Even though some face masks already contain essence, it is still important to apply it to your skin.

Step 7 - Serum
Serums are best applied at night because it's the most powerful treatment for your skin when dealing with specific issue.

Step 8 - Eye Cream
Eye cream should be applied before face cream to protect the delicate eye areas. Never use facial cream as an eye cream because it is too heavy for the eye area.

Step 9 - Cream
Face cream is the best option for the night routine instead of lotion, which you might prefer to use in your morning routine. Creams are denser, but the texture will not bother you while you're asleep. Also, make sure to apply cream to your neck to moisturise it!

Let me know down in the comments what is your morning/night routine and what products are your go-to! Hope you enjoyed this post, I really recommend checking out the book "The Korean Skincare Bible" as it provides the crucial information about skincare that I believe everyone should know. You can buy it via the link below, however it is an affiliate link. 

1. Knowing your skin is the first step to finding a routine that's right for you

Skin can be classified into three types: oily, dry and combination. Practically, no one's skin is normal. 90% of people who think have 'normal' skin most likely have combination skin. 
How to discover your skin type?

- Wash your face as you would normally do.
- Don't apply any product on your face and wait for about an hour.
- After an hour, look in the mirror. If your complexion is shiny and appears greasy, you most likely have oily skin. If your complexion is only greasy in the T-zone, you have combination skin. If your skin feels right and there is no greasiness - you have dry skin. Voila! 



2. The skin around the eyes is up to five times more delicate than the skin on the rest of the body, so it requires greater attention

Eye cream should be applied gently with light touches with the fingertips, preferably the ring finger - it should not be rubbed or massaged forcefully. Remember - the prevention of wrinkles starts with an eye cream!


3. Know which ingredients will suit your skin

Oily skin - Centella calms irritated skin, reduces acne scarring and eliminates excess sebum.

Dry skin - Hyaluronic Acid as dry skin is always desperate for hydration. Squalene, a fatty acid that the skin produces naturally, is another ingredient that works miracles against dry skin.

Combination skin - Use ingredients for dry skin on your cheeks & other dry areas on your face, and ingredients for oily skin in T-zone.

Mature skin - Use bee and snake venom to stimulate the skin to produce its own collagen.

Sensitive skin - Calendula, Aloe Vera and Camomile are three very delicate vegetable ingredients which are known for their soothing properties.



4. Remember to care for your neck!

Apply the same cream on your neck that you use on your face. Neck skin loses elasticity, firmness and hydration over the years, so it is very important to look after it as well. 



5. Do not skip cleansing! 

It is the fundamental step in the Korean skincare routine. Using a cleansing oil is the first step in the Korean skincare routine as it eliminates impurities, such as sebum and make-up and leaves the skin as clear as fresh, white sheet.

To be honest, there are so many tips and information that I have learnt from reading this book about K-Beauty that it is so hard to only pick 5 to share with you guys. I would really suggest doing your own research about it and especially read a book about it if you're interested to find out more. I'm really excited to get more into K-Beauty and now with all this information I am able to order myself some Korean beauty products to test out and review for you guys in the new year. 

Let me know down below what you think about Korean skincare/K-beauty! Like I mentioned above, you don't have to buy this exact book or use my affiliate link to do so, but I honestly recommend picking up a book about it or a really long and detailed article to get as much detail as possible. Hope you all enjoyed this post and see you in the next one! xo

1. USE CONCEALER AND PRESSED POWDER AS AN EYESHADOW PRIMER

PS. Make sure to follow my blog if you haven't already by simply clicking HERE. Thank you for 500 followers!!!

Love, Olivia xo