Fragrance layering — also known as perfume layering — is a technique that has been gaining more and more attention in the perfume world. Far beyond a passing trend, it represents a gesture of creative freedom and personalization, allowing each person to craft their own olfactory signature by combining different perfumes.
But what exactly is layering?
In essence, it means applying more than one fragrance to the skin, creating a new sensory experience through the fusion of different notes. This practice, common among niche perfume lovers, is attracting a growing audience worldwide, precisely because it opens up endless possibilities for creation — always reflecting the personality and mood of the wearer.
Why try layering?
Mixing fragrances allows you to explore contrasts or intensify sensations. You can pair a delicate floral with a deep woody scent, soften citrus notes with a sweet base, or transform a daytime perfume into a more intense version for the evening. Each layer interacts with the other, revealing nuances that a single fragrance might not provide on its own.
Additionally, layering is a sophisticated way to extend the longevity of your perfume on the skin. Some more volatile notes, such as fruits and citrus, fade quickly. When combined with more persistent base notes like woods and resins, they gain a stronger and longer-lasting structure.
How to start practicing layering?
For beginners, the ideal approach is to test combinations gradually, starting with perfumes that share similar ingredients or belong to the same olfactory family. For example, a fragrance with rose notes may blend beautifully with another that also features this flower, but with an oriental twist such as amber or patchouli.
Another tip: always apply perfumes directly to the skin without rubbing them, to preserve the more delicate notes. Start with the lighter fragrance and finish with the stronger one, maintaining balance between the layers. In fact, the order of application can completely change the result — and that’s where the magic lies.
Is there a right or wrong way?
Definitely not. Layering is about experimenting, feeling, and creating something that reflects your identity. Still, it’s important to remember that some combinations may clash, especially when both fragrances are very intense or have drastically different structures. That’s why you should always test before applying all over the body.
Another valuable tip: consider the climate and setting. On hot days, layering intense perfumes can make the scent overpowering. On cool evenings, however, such combinations tend to feel warm and enveloping.
Layering in niche perfumery
Brands like Felisa, which work with exclusive compositions and high-quality ingredients, provide the perfect canvas for layering. Because they are more complex and well-structured, niche fragrances reveal new dimensions when interacting with others, enriching the experience even further.
At Felisa, each perfume carries a destination, a carefully selected raw material, and an artistic vision. When you layer them, you’re not just creating a new scent — you’re weaving together stories, memories, and territories into a single sensory journey.
