How To Master The Art of Fragrance Layering
There’s so much more to wearing perfume than what meets the eye, or (skin in this instance), and there are levels to testing different fragrances in the Harrods Beauty Hall, which include the art of layering.
Layering your perfume isn’t just a way to separate yourself from the average scent wearer. It gives a scented glimpse into your personality in the most intimate way possible.
When you learn how to blend your fragrances from your perfume library, you’re letting everyone else know, “I don’t just wear perfume, I understand and appreciate the magic behind it”
Layering allows you to attain a level of depth and a signature smell that can’t be bottled by one brand.
I believe fragrance layering is the ultimate tell-tale sign that you have an appreciation for detail.
It’s not just what you wear, it’s how you create it. And once you start, there’s no going back to single-note simplicity.
If you love building small rituals that make your life feel effortlessly elevated, you’re going to love my Living in Luxury Guide.
Why Fragrance Layering Feels Like a Personality Test
Detecting a perfume cocktail instantly indicates whether that person is in a playful, romantic, laid back or bold mood without a single word exchanged. Why?
Because how you build your scent story reflects:
Light florals + fresh citrus = She’s easy going, optimistic, and probably loves a white linen dress on Sundays.
Dark oud + musky amber = She’s powerful. She’s commanding. She didn’t come to play.
Sweet gourmand + vanilla = She’s indulgent, feminine, and knows how to leave a lasting impression.
Your layers are a personality test you didn’t even know you were taking.
Where It All Begins
Every masterpiece starts with a foundation, and fragrance is no different.
The base note is what lingers the longest, you know, the last thing you can still smell after a long day of running errands, and coming home through the rush hour. It’s the heartbeat of any note.
Me? I’m a gourmand girly, meaning I crave something rich, decadent, and almost edible. Give me Phlur Heavy Cream every time.
A good gourmand to me is like the colour gold - it’s opulent, and not only does it go with everything, it elevates everything. You could wear gold strappy heels with a simple black dress or a satin zebra mini.
And like the colour gold, gourmands play well with everything: florals, ambers, citruses, and even smoky ouds.
It softens sharper notes and makes your final blend feel expensive without trying too hard.
How to Build Your Signature Layer
And so, layering is an art. Create some structure, otherwise you’ll end up smelling like a duty-free counter in Heathrow Terminal 5.
Here’s the formula I swear by:
1. Start with Your Base (The Lasting Impression)
Think warm, cosy, sensual:
Vanilla (always)
Tonka bean
Amber
Patchouli
In the Living in Luxury Guide, I show you how to build your fragrance library that makes people stop and ask what I’m wearing.
2. Add a Middle Note (Your Personality)
This is where you express your mood:
Florals like jasmine, rose, or peony for romance
Fruits like blackcurrant or pear for playfulness
Spices like cinnamon for depth
3. Finish with a Top Note (Your First Impression)
The opening is everything—it’s what people notice first:
Citrus for brightness
Light florals for elegance
Green or herbal notes for freshness
You could get away with just a base and a top note if you don’t want to blend too many. Once you become more comfortable with layering, try adding three scents.
Becoming That Woman with Her Own Scent
Don’t mix too many strong notes. Two to three layers is the sweet spot.
Apply in order of weight. Heavier scents first, lighter last.
Stick to the same family. Gourmand + floral works. Citrus + oud? Not so much.
Moisturise before you layer. Oils make fragrance last longer. Palmer’s Coco Butter Body Oil is perfect for this.
Finally
Next time you layer your perfume, ask yourself, “What does this say about me today? Whether you realise it or not, your fragrance story is doing all the talking before you even open your mouth.
And if you want to take this beyond perfume, if you want to create a life of intention on a luxury scale, start with my Living in Luxury Guide. Because true luxury is always in the details.
