How to master the art of fragrance layering
A personal way to pair scents
We’ve always been sticklers for the rules when it comes to fragrance, keeping a strict calendar of singular scents that revolve around each respective season.
We rarely stray from bright, fresh notes for summer and moodier blends for winter.
But we’ll be honest, we’d like to step out of our comfort zones and experiment.
We’re all about getting creative with makeup and manicures, but flipping the script on fragrance is a little more complicated by comparison.
However, Pinterest predicted that scent stacking was set to be the biggest beauty trend of 2026, which ended up (as usual) being exactly the case.
In fact, the social platform reported a 125 per cent increase in searches for 'perfumer layering combinations' and a 75 per cent search increase for 'scent layering' — "Gen Z and Millenials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft their very own fragrance formulas".
Which is why we’ve employed the help of Ciara Mahoney and Elle Wallace, the Founders and Creative Directors of SŚAINT Parfum. Here, the brand founders (and best friends) bless us with their expert knowledge on the tricky subject of pairing perfumes.
Why experiment with fragrance?
“There are two beliefs when it comes to fragrance,” says Mahoney and Wallace. “One argues that every finished scent is unique and should remain as it was originally created, [while] others believe in using perfume notes and blending scents to build an individualised signature scent.”
“The result is highly personal,” the pair admits. “And [it] captures the mood or personality of an individual.”
“There are so many brands producing beautiful fragrances at the moment,” they went on to say. “Why wouldn't you want to indulge in them all?”
Image credit: supplied by SŚAINT
The golden rules of fragrance layering according to SŚAINT
Mahoney and Wallace both admit that layering fragrance requires a bit of trial and error.
“Typically, two perfumes that are on the opposite side of the fragrance wheel (a circular diagram that represents every scent family — woody, floral, amber, and fresh — and then subfamilies within them) make good combinations,” the pair explains.
“For example, citrus scents and woody scents in your collection of fragrances work well together, as they tend to project smoothly and adapt to most notes”.
But their best advice is to simply “experiment and have fun while doing so”.
“It's helpful to know which fragrance notes you're drawn to,” they tell us. And then through layering your favourite notes, you can create “a custom signature scent of your own”.
Image credit: supplied by SŚAINT
How to avoid going over the top
There’s no warning signs or hard lines that can be crossed when layering fragrance. Again, it all comes down to experimentation.
However, if you’re planning on completely dousing yourself, Mahoney and Wallace say that having a shower nearby won’t hurt. The process “can certainly be hit-and-miss”, after all.
“Interestingly, when the pH balance of the skin differs slightly, it can change the way a scent smells [too],” says the SŚAINT founders. “Certain skin types can project a different scent when it comes to fragrance.”
Their advice? “Always check the effect of one fragrance on your skin before layering.”
How to scent layer
While there are no set rules, the idea is to stack complementary notes, starting with a base, introducing a core scent and finishing with a contrasting mist or extract to seal the layers. The options for how or how many scents you layer are endless, and it really depends on your preferences.
Ahead, tips for mastering the art of scent layering (though, really, you can’t go wrong if the result smells good to you!), the key product categories to know and our top recommendations in each.
The foundation
Start on damp skin with a fragranced body wash, moisturiser or oil. Hydrated skin acts like a sponge to lock in moisture, giving scent molecules a rich base to grip so your custom aroma lasts through the humidity.
The heart
Next, spray your primary eau de parfum or roll on your perfume oil onto moisturised pulse points – wrists, collarbones and inner elbows. Opt for crisp florals, sheer musks or vibrant citrus notes that wear well with summer’s often stifling heat.
The contrast
Finish with a body mist or contrasting eau de parfum or perfume oil. Spritzing a lighter scent over a deeper base creates dimension, preventing the final profile from feeling heavy or flat.
Scented body wash
The initial rinse-off layer that subtly scents skin right out of the shower. We love The Body Shop Vanilla Bath & Shower Gel ($15 from The Body Shop), L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil ($49 from L'Occitane) and Aesop A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser ($67 from Aesop).
Scented body moisturiser
A hydrating cream or lotion that softens skin while locking down your foundational scent notes. Our picks are Salt & Stone Neroli & Basil Body Lotion ($88 from Sephora), Ecoya Guava Lychee Sorbet Hand And Body Lotion ($34.95 from Myer) and Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Body Creme ($162 from Jo Malone London).
Scented body oil
Fast-absorbing nourishers that give skin a healthy glow and act as a magnetic base for perfume molecules. Our favourites are the Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino '97 Golden Shimmer Body Oil ($160 from Victoria Beckham), The Body Shop Solar Glow Dry Body Oil ($29 from The Body Shop) and Santa Maria Novella Dermo-Protective Oil ($119 from Libertine Parfumerie).
Body mists
Airy, alcohol-light spritzes ideal layering over richer bases or for refreshers on a hot day. Our picks are Who Is Elijah Cherry Fiesta Body Mist ($59.99 from Who Is Elijah), Frank Body Skinny Dip Hair & Body Fragrance Mist ($28 from Frank Body) and Lush Sticky Dates Body Spray ($60 from Lush).
Perfume oil
Concentrated, roll-on formulas that stay close to the skin for an intimate, subtle scent throw. We love NEST Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil ($179 from Sephora), Orb Lenny Fragrance Oil ($90 from Orb) and Gentle Habits Byron Bay Perfume Oil ($50 from David Jones).
Main image credit: @ssaint.official
Looking for fragrances from different families you can layer? These are fragrances inspired by the ocean, and spicy and gourmand perfumes we love too.
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
