Fragrance Layering for Beginners
Two scents, one signature. How to combine what you already own without smelling like a department store.
Layering is the quietest way to make a fragrance yours. Done well, it creates a scent no one else is wearing. Done badly, it smells like a cloakroom. The difference is in the pairing.
Start with a simple rule: one anchor, one accent. The anchor is the quieter of the two, usually a woody, musky or ambrosial base. The accent is the personality: a citrus, a floral, a spice.
- Apply the anchor first, to pulse points, and let it settle for a minute.
- Add the accent lightly, on the wrists or the base of the throat.
- Wait ten minutes before judging. Fragrance changes as it warms on the skin.
If you are nervous, begin with scents from the same family: two florals, two woods, two fresh ones. The more you play, the more confident you will become, and the more you will learn about what you actually like.
Written by
Priya Nandakumar
Beauty and wellness editor. Sceptical of miracle claims, devoted to a good moisturiser and a long walk.
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