A Personalized Scent Experience

Brittan Bates

Global Brand Storytelling

4 min read

Expert Advice

Fragrance layering involves wearing more than one perfume to create uniquescent profiles. By understanding perfume notes and fragrance families, you can mixperfumes for a personalized aura.

How to layer fragrances

Fragrance layering enhances the traditional perfume experience by adding a personalized touch. By mastering the art of layering perfumes, you can unlock a spectrum of aromatic possibilities to express your personal style and mood. The array of scents in fresh’s Signature Collection allows you to customize your fragrance aura.

The journey of fragrance layering, past to present

Fragrance layering isn't a new concept. It's a practice dating back to ancient Egyptians, famous for their opulent use of scents. They layered fragrances to create unique aromatic profiles, a tradition passed down to the Greeks and Romans and later adopted worldwide.


Fast forward to the present, when the art of layering perfumes is seeing a revival. The wide assortment of fragrances available today, the trend towards customization, and social media channels sharing inventive combinations have all contributed to this resurgence.


The science of layered scents

Fragrance layering isn’t simply about mixing perfumes – it’s a science. Each fragrance is an array of volatile compounds categorized into “notes.” The top notes are light and fleeting, immediately noticeable when applying the perfume. The heart notes are sturdy, forming the essence of the fragrance, while the base notes are enduring, providing the fragrance with its lasting character. Being familiar with these notes and their interaction is vital for successful fragrance layering.


The joy of layered scents extends past crafting a personalized aroma. This process results in a nuanced scent profile that changes throughout the day. It also enhances the fragrance’s longevity, allowing varying scent notes to be experienced at different times. There's a distinct pleasure in curating a scent that aligns with mood or preference.


Understanding fragrance families

Fragrances are sorted into families based on their dominant notes. These include floral, citrus, fruity, and woody, among others. For instance, Rose Morning Eau de Parfum falls under the floral family, while Hesperides Grapefruit Eau de Parfum belongs to the citrus family. Recognizing these families assists in the process of mixing perfumes.


The basics of crafting scent combinations

Layering fragrances from the same family is one popular strategy for creating harmonious scent combinations. For instance, fresh's Hesperides Grapefruit Eau de Parfum, with its vibrant citrus character, can be layered with Fresh Life Eau de Parfum, boasting top notes of lime blossom and Amalfi lemon—leading to an extra refreshing result.


Going beyond basic harmony

For those wanting to venture beyond the basics, consider layering complementary notes or even creating contrast.


For an unexpected twist, fresh's Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfum can be layered with a fragrancewith woody notes, like Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum, resulting in a delightful mix of sweet and spicy. And the lusciously fruity Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum can be coupled with Rose Morning Eau de Parfum, a warm floral fragrance, to generate a playful, romantic aroma.


Layering techniques and tips

Every fragrance aura is as distinct as the individual—since no eau de parfum smells exactly the same on everyone. To create your distinct aura, layer with another fresh fragrance by alternating the location of each scent. For example, if you spray one scent on your neck and collarbone, spritz the second on either side of your shoulders and inside of your wrists. This allows the fragrances to mingle without merging, and it creates a unique chemistry with the wearer. You can also spray one fragrance in the morning and then refresh with a different scent while on the go.


Your path to mastering fragrance layering with fresh

To excel in fragrance layering, always start with the “heavier” of the two scents—scents that have woody, musky, or fruity facets should be applied first. But be aware of common pitfalls. Over-layering is one of the major errors—it’s best to begin with small amounts and build gradually. Also, make sure to allow time for each spritz to settle before adding the next. Most importantly, feel free to experiment.


The fresh range of fragrances offers a vast palette for creative layering. With their well-balanced blend of top, heart, and base notes, these fragrances facilitate the art of creating your own fragrance aura.


Author Profile
blog author Brittan Bates

Brittan Bates

Global Brand Storytelling

Written by Brittan Bates for Fresh. Brittan is an NYC-based writer, editor, and storyteller with 9 years of experience spanning digital and print journalism, copywriting, brand strategy, and more. Her work has appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue and brands including Diane von Furstenberg, abc carpet & home, FRĒDA SALVADOR, and more.