Before addressing the main question of our article, we believe it is important to clarify the definition and meaning of layering in perfumery, and finally to focus briefly on this practice, which is still little known and not yet accepted by the Western public.
What is layering in perfumery?
Layer in English translates to “couche” in French. In perfumery, layering consists of superimposing, combining, and associating several fragrances.
You might ask, "But Carlito, what's the point of doing that?" Others will tell me it's madness, and I understand and respect everyone's opinion. The deeper idea behind layering isn't just about layering fragrances, but rather about having a unique scent that's truly one of a kind, allowing you to personalize your fragrance trail and stand out.
This is a practice often criticized in the Western world because some see it as an insult to the art of perfumery, and as I said earlier I understand and respect it because layering appeared in France and more broadly in the West through the influence of Middle Eastern countries where this practice is used by everyone without taboo or complex.
Having completed our brief focus, we can now turn to the main question of this article.
How to achieve a good layering effect?
Layering is a skill that is not always mastered; it's not simply about mixing perfumes together without any specific purpose. It has several objectives, and we will detail here some of what we believe to be the main goals of layering. The different objectives of layering:
- To lighten a very strong perfume.
- To accentuate a note present in one of your perfumes.
- To enhance the character or sillage of a perfume.
- Stand out with a unique scent.
Layering should, in all cases, convey the message you've decided to communicate to the world around you. Here are a few rules to help you achieve successful layering and avoid the worst, because yes, bad layering does exist. Imagine mixing couscous with Nutella—strange, isn't it?
- In perfumery, as in love, opposites generally attract; you can combine a very vanilla fragrance with a much more woody, spicy, or very floral fragrance such as jasmine, for example.
- When practicing this exercise, it is important to apply the strongest fragrance first.
- Limit yourself to two fragrances.
- Avoid layering two very distinctive or complex perfumes.
Not all perfumes go well together; sometimes certain perfumes are so atypical and characterful that it is not necessary to combine them. Don't fall into the "trap" of wanting to layer all the perfumes you wear; layering is above all about enhancing your sillage and sending a strong message.
Conclusion
To excel in the art of layering, you need to practice and not hesitate to follow your instincts; it is sometimes in these moments that we have the best surprises.