THE ART OF PERFUME LAYERING

Scent is memory and, if you're anything like us, you prefer that your signature scent is exclusive. Perfume layering means to layer perfumes with notes that go well together to create a unique scent. Layering can also mean using various body products from the same range to increase the longevity of a single perfume. 

MASTERING LAYERING

Understanding the various notes and layers within each individual fragrance can help. The top notes of a fragrance are what you usually smell straight away when you spray it; they are usually fresh and light. Middle notes form the heart of the fragrance and often consist of warmer and soft scents. The bottom notes develop last and linger for hours .As a general rule of thumb, heavier scents should be sprayed first so they don’t overpower their lighter counterparts. Examples of classic combinations are vanilla, resins and bergamot, rose and patchouli, or herbs with citrus.  You can 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 vanilla works wonders.

It is important to avoid combining two scents that are too dark and heady as they can be overwhelming when used together.

Similarly, taking a look at the fragrance families may help you choose notes that naturally pair together better than others.

For instance, our Retro Rose can be layered with Initio Oud for Greatness to create an astonishingly fresh and spicy scent with the elegance of rose that is bound to turn heads.

Another beautiful pairing combination with Retro Rose we can suggest is that of YSL Libre or Nishane Hunred Silent Ways to create spellbinding scents that can leave any nose mesmerized. 

The easiest way is to find a fairly unfussy fragrance that is already built around musk or typical base notes like vanilla, then add something with more complexity on top. Then you’ll have a high chance of a pleasing remix.

For a vanilla theme mix, pairing our Khizan with Kayali Vanilla 28 or Kilian Angel's Share will give you the most delicious fragrance all day long.

For something spicy such as notes of clove bud or pepper, Absolute Santal is a fire combo with Tom Ford Tobacco Vanilla or Oud Immortal by Byredo for a woody and warm spicy touch.

Similarly, if you have a favorite citrus fragrance but you feel it doesn’t last, you could put a sandalwood or cedarwood or something similar underneath. Millennial grass from our collection would be the perfect pick as it’s an exquisite blend of bergamot zest combined with the earthiness of cedarwood, musk and leather.

HOW TO MAKE THE LAYERED SCENT LAST

The way layered scents wear on the body has as much to do with the formulas as the wearer's body chemistry. This is why the same perfume can smell totally different depending on the person wearing it. While you may not have much control over the fragrance formula, you can be proactive about increasing a scent's duration on your skin. (Pure oils have a tendency to outlast blends as the alcohol base evaporates quickly.) It all boils down to moisture.

Dry skin won't hold on to an aroma as well as hydrated skin because the scent has nothing to adhere to. By introducing moisture back into the skin, first by ensuring the skin is prepped to combat natural dryness and then by adding a hydrating lotion while the skin is still damp, you can create the perfect canvas for scents to cling to. For hydrating lotions we recommend Colish body lotion range. 

Our body lotions are enriched with jojoba oil and vitamin E and are absorbed to instantly hydrate and moisturize, infused with Colish signature perfume fragrances for diffusion of scents. The lotions work as a primer for perfumes. Apply on hands and skin and layer with your favorite perfume for a long lasting scent.

Layering is all about experimenting, creativity and having fun. By mastering the art of layering, you sculpt an aromatic masterpiece uniquely yours—endlessly enchanting and entirely unforgettable.