What is layering?
A very popular trend from Asia, layering is the new buzzword in cosmetics. Made very popular by Korean skincare routines, this technique consists of superimposing several layers of skin care products: cleanser, serum, toner, moisturizer, etc.
Some brands recommend up to 9 daily steps to care for your skin.
But did you know that layering is not just for facial care? In fact, women and men have been practicing it since the dawn of time in the Middle East. And like Asian layering, this trend is gradually becoming democratized in Europe, even extending to perfumery.
Applying the layering technique in perfumery?
No, layering is not about putting 9 different perfumes on your body at the same time. Well... not really!
While in the Middle East, the layering technique involves up to 7 different layers, they are not applied in the same form or to the same areas of the body.
The different layers consist of scented sprays, but also incense, creams and balms, and are applied to the skin, hair or even clothes, to create a harmonious overall effect.
Why apply several layers of perfume?
What is appealing about this practice is the creativity it allows.
You become an alchemist-perfumer, creating a bespoke fragrance that is uniquely yours. This way, you are free to choose the intensity of the scents, the olfactory family, etc...
The result is a unique scent trail that is 100% you.
And layering in Europe, is it new?
In Europe, the practice of layering is more moderate.
It is generally advised not to apply more than two or three perfumes to pulse points, hair, or clothes. It is also important not to overdo the quantities: a light, almost discreet scent is preferred.
How to successfully layer perfumes?
There are no strict rules in this regard. Everyone is free to experiment and draw their own conclusions. But there are still some tips to follow to avoid an olfactory disaster. And yes, if perfumer is a profession in its own right, it's because the world of smells can quickly turn from a sweet fragrance to a nauseating stench.
Knowing how to blend scents
Put away your test tubes, we're not here to play apprentice sorcerers! The best thing before embarking on perfume layering is to learn the basics. Did you know that there are several families of perfume?
There are 7 of them and they are composed as follows:
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Citrus: composed of citrus fruits, this family brings freshness and energy to your perfume. We love it in summer, probably because it reminds us of cocktails on the terrace, Sicilian lemon trees and grapefruits for breakfast. E.g.: lemon, orange, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot...
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Floral: with this name, you've immediately guessed what makes up this family with its sweet and delicate notes. It is also the most used family in the design of feminine perfumes, and it is beginning to export to the world of men's perfumes. E.g.: rose, magnolia, jasmine, orange blossom, lily of the valley, lilac...
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Woody: very present in most perfumes, woody notes seduce with their intensity and diversity. Like nature, we find dry, damp, amber, smoky woody notes, etc... E.g.: cedar, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood...
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Fougere: one of the first families to compose the first perfumes. These scents, generally reserved for gentlemen, transform according to the composition of the perfume, moving from a musky fragrance to something powdery, coppery or even amber. E.g.: oak, coumarin, moss, geranium.
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Chypre: this family takes its name from a perfume: Chypre, created in 1917 by François Coty. Its accords of bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli and cistus labdanum made it a success and continue to inspire creations with character. E.g.: oakmoss, peach, mirabelle plum, thyme, lily of the valley.
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Oriental: here we find ingredients straight from warm countries that bring with them the sensuality of exoticism. Its round and voluptuous notes appeal to both ladies and gentlemen and make it one of the most popular families. E.g.: vanilla, patchouli, spices.
- Aromatic: the name speaks for itself. These scents may seem more familiar to us: they fill our gardens and have been used for centuries in perfumery - especially masculine. It is often their freshness and invigorating aspect that seduces perfumers. E.g.: rosemary, thyme, mint, lavender, anise...
You now know the different families of perfume. You know where to draw to bring gourmet, floral or rather spicy notes to your perfume.
How to layer perfumes to create a fragrance?
As you've probably noticed, perfumes don't all have the same intensity. This varies depending on whether it's an eau de toilette, an eau de parfum, or a perfume, but also on the composition of the product itself. (Don't know the difference between these three products? Don't panic, we explain everything in our article on the differences between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and perfume!)
So how do you know in what order to apply the different layers? It is advisable to always apply the perfume with the most intensity first, and the least concentrated second. And especially if you want to mix eau de parfum and eau de toilette. Since eau de parfum is more concentrated, it is wise to apply it first.
As for perfumes with the same strength, the order does not matter, since neither scent should overpower the other.
But what we offer at Nolença is to diversify not only the scents, but also the materials.
Mix&Match at Nolença
This is the principle of Mix&Match: an eau de parfum to spray on your clothes and hair, and a solid perfume to apply to your pulse points (neck, wrists, elbows, knees...). You can compose your own set and test different combinations.
Our three favorites?
- Vanilla Floral: a blend of Vanilla and Swing Feather that offers a powdery and gourmand scent.
- Sandalwood Floral: by combining D.D.D and Sandalwood, choose an elegant scent, both floral and woody.
- Sweet Orange Blossom: mix Orange Blossom and Rosca Amettla for a gourmand and floral match.
What if I mess up my layering?
My perfume smells too strong
If the scent is too strong, you can add a floral perfume, for example, with rose, jasmine or lily of the valley. This will soften the whole and make the fragrance lighter to wear.
I am not satisfied with the final result
When practicing layering, there can be some misses... And that's okay! Simply run the area where the perfume was applied under water and rub with a little soap and a washcloth. The scent should disappear in a few seconds and leave you with a fresh canvas to repeat the experience.
Create your own scent, make your perfume your own!
You now have all the tools to create the scent of your dreams. The only limit is your imagination!
If you don't dare to embark on major experiments right away, we have a list of our favorite perfume associations, or you can also select the sets on our shop!
Don't hesitate to share your discoveries with us, we love reading your feedback!
