Fragrance can be tricky. Apply too much and you’re likely to clear out a room; apply too little, and there’s little point to wearing it at all. Then there is the whole other side of the hard-to-achieve fragrance—but always superunique—spectrum: Layering your scents. Here are four must-know things to keep in mind before you attempt it:
Keep It Simple
Like most things, simplicity creates the best results. “Fragrance says so much about you and is one of the longest-lasting impressions that remains after you have left the room,” says Rosie Johnston, creator of by Rosie Jane. “If you are layering, keep it simple.”
Complementing Is Key
According to Johnston, opposites complement when it comes to fragrance. So how can you achieve it? A simple tip for starters: “If you are wearing a sweet scent, try layering with a floral to even out the sweetness—it still keeps it light, but also complex.” One recipe that Denise Richards swears by: kai perfume oil layered with Child perfume. According to Gaye Straza, CEO and founder of kai perfume, she built the entire kai line (which is currently one exotic white floral scent with a much-anticipated second one on the way).
Try Different Products
Layering doesn’t always mean going for another, totally different fragrance—and for some, layering simply means combining different products in a range (you’ve seen them, the lines that have way more than just a perfume) of one single scent. According to Straza, she built the entire kai line (which is currently one exotic white floral scent with a much-anticipated second one on the way) on the concept of layering, as devotees can opt to use the shampoo and conditioner to start off the day, followed by an application of the lotion or body butter, before they even spray the actual fragrance itself. The result: a longer-lasting fragrance effect throughout the day.
Go Light
The most important thing to keep in mind regarding fragrance? “A little goes a long way!” Johnston says. “Lightly apply. You only want a hint of your personal notes in the room.”
