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Fragrance layering may feel overwhelming with all the scents available. Vogue Philippines talks with experts on how to find your signature scent and make it last longer.
Personal branding goes beyond what you wear. At least, that’s the belief Marko Serrano carried with him when he started Hooni, a brand that carries fragrances meant to be layered. But if a perfumotherapist and olfaction trainer like Renato Lopena Jr. had to emphasize anything about fragrance layering, it would be the intention and understanding of how the smells interact.
But what exactly is fragrance layering? And how do you do it properly? Serrano and Lopena talk with Vogue Philippines about what beginners need to know when deciding to create their own personal scent.
Build your base
According to Lopena, fragrance layering is not simply applying different fragrances all at once. To start, choose a base first, then build up from there. Begin with a lotion, followed by a perfume. From there, start spraying complementary scents and using other formats to enhance longevity. For example, a gourmand fragrance can go best with a fruity scent for a fresher touch, or a woody fragrance for added depth, the perfumotherapist explains.
Ratio matters
When layering two different fragrances, the ratio should be considered. Applying about two to three sprays of a heavier scent, then layering it with three to five sprays of a fresher fragrance, would even out the odor intensity. Applying them to the same part of the body will help the smells blend more seamlessly.
Adjust to the weather
Choosing the right combination, depending on the weather, can technically make or break the scent. In hot, humid weather, fragrances tend to project more strongly but evaporate faster; smells that are already strong, like sweet, spicy, or heavy woods, can easily become overwhelming. At the same time, freshness doesn’t last long because heat speeds up evaporation. Remember: what smells balanced in cooler weather can come across as louder and less controlled in the heat.
In summer, lighter scents like citrus, aromatic, green, and soft floral layers work best. For Serrano, amber and Middle Eastern scents like oud, saffron, and gourmand smell better in the heat.
Keep your skin hydrated
Hydrated skin helps fragrance last longer. Dehydrated skin will cause fragrance molecules to evaporate quickly rather than sink in. Make sure to gently exfoliate dead skin and take warm showers. Layering with the same scent in different formats, such as using scented lotion before perfume, would also work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fragrance layering?
Fragrance layering is the process of combining different scents and fragrance formats to create a more personal, long-lasting scent. It focuses on balance and on understanding how different notes interact.
How do you do fragrance layering?
Start with a base like lotion, followed by a perfume, then add complementary scents in controlled amounts to enhance depth and longevity. Applying fragrances to the same area of the body also helps the scents blend more seamlessly.
How do you know the right scent combination?
The right scent combination depends on balance, weather, and personal preference. In warmer weather, lighter scents with citrus, green notes, aromatic notes, and soft florals usually work better, while stronger scents should be layered carefully to avoid becoming overwhelming.
