The Art of Layering Perfumes

Why layer at all

Layering lets you adjust a composition to your skin, the season and the occasion without owning twenty bottles.

The three rules

1. Anchor first. Apply the heavier, base-driven fragrance to skin first.
2. Accent second. Add the lighter, brighter fragrance on top, one spray.
3. Share a note. Successful pairs overlap in at least one material.

Pairings that reliably work

• Vanilla + citrus
• Sandalwood + jasmine
• Vetiver + neroli
• Amber + rose

If you cannot name what the two have in common, they will not blend.

What to avoid

Never layer two loud white florals. Never layer two ouds. And never layer on top of a scented body lotion you have not tested.

Testing a pair

Use opposite wrists for a day before committing to a single arm. For structural background, revisit top, heart and base notes.