How To Layer Perfume for Your Signature Scent

We love (and respect) the concept of a signature scent, a scent that’s uniquely yours, and we’re pretty sure we’re not alone. Imagine someone thinking of you whenever they smell that special blend of vanilla, sandalwood, and charisma. 

But how does one create a “signature” scent? Do you lock yourself in a lab, going mad while extracting your essence into test tubes? That’s one way to do it, but what if we told you Snif can remove the madness with one simple hack: Layer Up! 

Before we get started, we’ve got something to say about the word “perfume”: At Snif, we believe that fragrance is for all. That's why we don't use words like perfume or cologne to actively describe our scents. However, we recognize it is our role to help educate and translate the fragrance world, and so we'll occasionally reference these words in our blog posts!

Now, let’s get back to our favorite layering hacks. We’ve figured out the do’s and don’ts, and we’ve done all the homework for you. All you need to do is find a scent that you love.

to layer or not layer? that is the question. 

Think about it: Fragrances are basically just a combination of layered scents, pre-packaged and waiting for you. We wouldn’t have Sweet Ash if we didn’t think of mixing fir balsam, black vanilla bean, and tonka. 

Layering fragrances can take things to the next level, tailoring your scent to your unique personality and style. Once you know the ins and outs of how to layer perfume*, you can figure out your perfect signature scent.

six tips on mixing scents

keep it simple

Pairing two complex fragrances might overstimulate your senses. Keep at least one of your scents simple. When you layer a more complicated fragrance with a lighter one, you’re adding a fresh, new element to an existing combination. 

So, focus on either adding two relatively simple scents together or layering one complex scent with a lighter one. Keep this in mind when you feel like getting carried away: Sometimes less really can be more.

some scents don’t mix

Some scents simply aren’t the right fit for each other. Certain fragrances will clash, leaving you with layers that would smell better separately. Think of it in fashion terms, unless you’re teaching high school drama, you wouldn’t layer a scarf on a scarf. That’s why one of our key fragrance layering tips is to combine scents that you know from experience will blend well.

We’re going to highlight some fragrance families below so that you can make an informed decision about whether to incorporate a new ingredient into your mix. Keeping your blends within a fragrance category is always a safe bet, but that doesn’t have to be your only option. 

Knowing some common descriptors can help you understand which fragrance families you enjoy together — you’ll sound like a fragrance expert in no time. Until then, fake it ‘til you make it.

• Woody Scents: might have descriptors like "wood," "mossy," or "warm."
• Amber Scents: might have descriptors like "herbal," "spicy," or "resin.”
• Floral Scents: might have descriptors like "flowery," "fruity," or "light."
• Fresh Scents: might have descriptors like "bright," "citrus," or "clean."

Learning the basics of these scent families can help you know what to look for when you’re thinking about a new layered fragrance, too. 

Maybe you’ll even find out you like the way ambers and floral scents smell together. There’s nothing wrong with layering intuitively; if you love the way a combination of scents smells, go for it.

layer your scents in one place

Our next piece of advice is to layer your fragrance combinations in one place. 

It wouldn’t truly be a layer if it was just two different scents on two different parts of your body — that would just be using two fragrances. 

Put your fragrances on top of each other, whether it’s on your wrists, neck, or behind the ears to create a layered scent that blends the original elements together. That way, you’ll avoid creating a combination that clashes.

layer your heavier scent first

Once you’ve chosen where to spray your different fragrances, it’s time to choose which fragrance goes first. If you tend to just spritz on whichever fragrance you find first in your makeup bag, think again. 

You always want to layer your fragrances in a strategic way, by starting with your heaver fragrances and then moving to your lighter fragrances. Heavier fragrances are the woody and amber scents. They might be described as bold, luxurious, and rich. 

From there, move on to your floral, fresh scents. You’ll know a scent is lighter if it’s described as clean or bright. 

apply body lotion before fragrance

Before you start layering, it’s time to lotion. When your skin is dry, fragrance will have a hard time sticking to it. This means your scent will fade quickly, and you won’t be able to make the most of its lasting power. 

Applying lotion, moisturizer, or body oil will give your fragrance something to latch onto so that it sticks around longer. 

layer contrasting scents for a unique scent

Last but certainly not least, remember that the beauty of layering scents is that you can create a truly custom scent by combining fragrances. 

While you should keep in mind the general rules surrounding complementary scents, don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite fragrances and experiment with contrasting smells. 

the pros and cons of layering fragrances

Like anything in life, there are pros and cons to layering your fragrances. We’ve compiled the simple ones to start us off. Don’t think of these as strict guidelines; they are more just tips to get started on your fragrance layering journey. 

pros

1. Layering your fragrances gives you a scent that is uniquely you. Having a scent that is specifically yours isn’t just a fun accessory; it’s also a confidence booster. 
2. Layering provides the creative expression to explore scents you love. When you combine a couple of fragrances that you already enjoy wearing, you sometimes find that they work even better together than separately. 
3. Layering can be budget-friendly. When you layer your scents, you create something entirely new without needing to spend too much money. At Snif, every 30 mL fragrance is $65, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank every time you run out of your bottles. Save that money for a rainy day.

cons

1. Perfecting your ultimate fragrance mix might take a little bit of patience. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the time it might take to find a layer that works for you. Enjoy the process, and know that you smell great either way.
2. You might just find that certain scents don’t go together. That’s fine. Just wash them off and try again.
3. Layering scents is a personal, creative process, and you might find that a layered smell isn’t for you! If you enjoy a simpler scent, there’s nothing wrong with that. It just takes some trial and error.

how do you know if fragrances are a good pair?

Perfecting a layered fragrance does come with a little bit of work. Try to understand the contents of two scents before you pair them together. Is a warm, woodsy smell going to match well with something meant to be fresh and fruity? There are no rules here, but using the tips we shared earlier in this post can be helpful.

Fragrance making is an art and a science. Thankfully, you don’t need to do hours of research to find the right mix. The simple knowledge of what scent notes make up your fragrances will help you create the perfect combo in the long run. 

have fun mixing and matching

The most important part of finding your ideal layered fragrance is to have a good time doing it! it should be an expression of your confidence, self-love, and unique personality.

Create a blended scent that’s just for you, and have a fun time while you explore it. Leave those heavy expectations to the wayside. Fragrances are meant to be fun.

get your fine fragrance collection started

Now that you know how to create your own beautifully layered signature fragrance, it seems like you’re in need of some new scents. 

Snif has got you covered with the most vibrant, modern, sustainable, and affordable fragrances around. Plus, we send a sampler with all of our scents, so you can try any of the fragrances that spark your interest without needing to commit immediately.

You don’t need those overpriced department store fragrances to become a layering pro. Start with us today, and we promise you won’t regret it.

Sources:

How to Mix Perfume Oils | HowStuffWorks

Do You Need a Rainy Day Fund and an Emergency Fund? | The Balance

The Role of Fragrance and Self-Esteem in Perception of Body Odors and Impressions of Others - PMC | NIH