Perfume layering 101: All the do's and the don'ts from the queen of layering, Mona Kattan (plus the best combos to consider)
Perfume layering is an excellent way to create your own signature scent without having to literally create your own line of fragrance. Put simply, it involves combining two or more different perfumes on top of each other in order to create an entirely unique concoction.
But layering fragrances is nothing new. In fact, the art of layering originates from the Middle East and is still widely commonplace today. “For centuries, people from the region have been using different types of fragrances,” explains Mona Kattan, founder of Kayali. “When it comes to eau de parfums, people are very experimental in the Middle East, especially Dubai.”
Best perfumes for layering at a glance – our top picks:
- Best perfume for layering with notes of vanilla: Kayali Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum, WAS £73 NOW £54.75, Boots
- Best premium perfume for layering: Dior Oud Rosewood Perfume, £320, Dior
- Best fruity perfume for layering: Tom Ford Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum Spray, £280, LookFantastic
- Best affordable perfume for layering: Glossier You Eau De Parfum, £49, Glossier
However, even for the biggest perfume aficionados, just the thought of mixing multiple scents to create an entirely new fragrance can seem a tad overwhelming. To help you get started, we've put together an edit of some of the best perfumes for layering on the market. Plus, we've also caught up with the queen of layering herself, Mona Kattan, to demystify the art of combining fragrances to answer some of your most burning FAQs. Enjoy.
What is perfume layering?
Perfume layering involves mixing two or more fragrances or fragranced products such as body creams to create a signature scent. According to Mona, being able to create a personalised concoction that unique to yourself is one of the best parts of fragrance layering.
“You can be more individual. You can take a popular fragrance like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 or Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb and make it your own,” she shares. “You can lift [the fragrance] up and make it more energising with a citrus or make it more sexy using more spicy, floral notes. The combinations are endless.”
What kind of fragrance families lend themselves well to perfume layering?
While there are no clear-set rules, many people like to start off with their heavier fragrances such as musks and ouds first, before moving on layer-by-layer with botanical and floral scents and rounding off with lighter citrusy or spicy scents at the top.
If you're someone who has never tried layering scents, the single most important advice that Mona has to share with you is to have fun and not to overthink it. “Try something new everyday. Write down what you create and pay attention to what works for you and your mood.”
What are the best perfume layering combinations?
That's the best part – there are no rules or best combinations when it comes to layering scents. There's also no such as thing as right or wrong or too little or too much, so don't feel restricted as to how many fragrances you can spritz on at a time. In fact, you can easily start off with as little as two or three fragrances and go as big as you want. “If I really have time before I go out, I'll use like 15 or 20 fragrances,” says Mona. “I know that sounds extreme, but I have so many floral, vanilla and oud fragrances that I love. It makes it more complex, more interesting, more unusual and more individual.”
“My favourite combination right now is Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 with Kayali Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64 – it's my go-to,” she shares. “When I'm running morning errands, I like using the Kayali Vanilla | 28 and the Kayali Musk | 12 as it's not too strong. From other brands, I love Armani Beauty Prive Vert Malachite and Mancera Roses Vanille.”
After more new-in fragrance content? Shop floral fragrances, zesty perfumes, vanilla perfumes, men's aftershaves and colognes and perfume gift sets aplenty. We also have skincare-related buying guides, including the best shower gels and body washes, best hand creams and the best moisturisers and body lotions.
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scrolls down for our full edit of all the best perfumes for layering…
Kayali Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum, WAS £73 NOW £54.75, Boots
Why we love it: Inspired by Middle Eastern heritage, this jaw-dropping fragrance features notes of creamy jasmine and rich vanilla. Great for adding sweetness to your signature scent.
Top notes: Jasmine and Madagascan vanilla orchid.
Middle notes: Brazilian tonka, musk, amber, patchouli and brown sugar.
Base notes: Wood.
Check out our Boots discount codes to save when you shop for the best perfumes for layering.
Bvlgari Allegra Magnifying Myrrh Eau de Parfum, £160, Harrods
Why we love it: Created specifically to complement other perfumes, this radiant and aromatic fragrance is just thing if your goal is to add some spiciness to your overall concoction.
Top notes: Liquorice.
Middle notes: Myrrh.
Base notes: Amber.
Glossier You Eau De Parfum, £49, Glossier
Why we love it: This unique fragrance is designed to work differently on each wearer. Unlike some heavier scents, it provides a warm and soft foundation for you to mix-and-match with different fragrances.
Top notes: Pink pepper.
Middle notes: Ambrette seeds and ambrox.
Base notes: Iris.
Dior Oud Rosewood Perfume, £320, Dior
Why we love it: Known for its strong character, this premium perfume from Dior has a woody fragrance that is bound to turn heads. Because of this, it's best used as a base when using different combinations to create a powerful and well-rounded scent.
Top notes: Raspberry and quince.
Middle notes: Sandalwood and animal notes.
Base notes: Agarwood (oud) and palisander rosewood.
Kayali Musk | 12 Eau De Parfum, £73, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This fragrance carrier a light floral aroma combined with heady musks to create depth and add warmth to any concoction. Particularly great for adding a degree of feminine energy into the mix.
Top notes: Lotus flower, freesia and sheer.
Middle notes: Musk.
Base notes: Vanilla and sandalwood.
Kayali Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64 Eau De Parfum Intense, £79, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: A fan of Kayali's Vanilla | 28 fragrance, but want to up the ante? Check out this rich scent, which builds on its predecessor and adds a sense of royalty with a hint of patchouli. Perfect for releasing your ‘inner royalty’.
Top notes: Warm vanilla orchid, jasmine and golden rum.
Middle notes: Vanilla infusion, vanilla surabsolute, crème brulée, almond, smoky leather and tobacco.
Base notes: Brown sugar, sugared patchouli and musk.
Kayali Invite Only Amber | 23 Eau De Parfum, £79, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: With a creamy and comforting blend of vanilla, sandalwood and tobacco, this fragrance can be used to add a bit of mystery. Perfect for creating a seductive and empowering scent.
Top notes: Black cherries, roasted hazelnuts, tobacco leaf and Honey de Provence.
Middle notes: Citrus leaf, rose centifolia and rose damascena.
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood, amber resin, cypriol, musks and patchouli.
Kayali Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 Eau De Parfum, £79, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Sweet and spicy? Yes please. This electric fragrance is perfect for the modern woman, helping create a scent that just screams spontaneity and sensuality.
Top notes: Pink pepper, bergamot, royal lily and saffron.
Middle notes: Rose, magnolia and vanilla orchid.
Base notes: Patchouli, musk, amber and sandalwood.
Tom Ford Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum Spray, £280, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Sure, this TikTok-famous perfume is arguably one of the best fragrances to wear on its own. However, it's also great for layering with different scents to create an intoxicating concoction that's perfect for a special occasion or an evening out.
Top notes: Sour cherry, almond liquor.
Middle notes: Rose, jasmine and plum.
Base notes: Tonka bean, Peru balsam, sandalwood, vetiver, cedar, benzoin and cinnamon.
Mancera Roses Vanille Eau De Parfum, £77.50, Selfridges
Why we love it: With notes of fresh lemon, Turkish delight and vanilla, it's safe to say that this perfume sits comfortably among the sweetest of fragrance families. But don't mistake it for a single-note wonder – it has a subtle sexiness to it too.
Top notes: Fresh lemon of Calabria.
Middle notes: Turkish delight and rose.
Base notes: Cedarwood, intense vanilla and white musk.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Eau de Parfum, £54, Boots
Why we love it: Designed to give you a taste of paradise, this ultra-feminine fragrance features notes of vanilla, bergamot and sweet pear. Ideal for adding a hint of sensuality to your layering combination.
Top notes: Green pear.
Middle notes: Bergamot.
Base notes: Vanilla.
Armani Beauty Prive Vert Malachite, £190, Harvey Nichols
Why we love it: Thanks to a botanical blend of white lily, Arabian jasmine and ylang ylang, this energetic fragrance can be the final piece to puzzle when it comes to creating your own custom scent. Plus, it's definitely worth picking up just for its gorgeous packaging.
Top notes: Bitter orange and petitgrain.
Middle notes: Pink pepper, sambac jasmine absolute and ylang ylang essence.
Base notes: Lily, vanilla and benzoin.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum, £157, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This Le Labo cult classic is great for adding leathery and musky notes to any unisex concoction. Inspired by the American Wild West, it's incredibly sensual and therefore perfect for making your scent that much more seductive.
Top notes: Violet accord and cardamom.
Middle notes: Iris, papyrus and ambrox.
Base notes: Cedarwood, leather and sandalwood.
Jo Loves Pomelo A Fragrance, £75, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Created by Jo Malone, this Jo Loves perfume is practically a Caribbean holiday in a bottle. Thanks to grapefruit and pomelo-infused aroma, you can layer it with your favourite fragrances to add a bit of a sweet kick as a scent topper.
Top notes: Pomelo and rose.
Middle notes: Vetiver and clove.
Base notes: Patchouli and suede.
Maison Margiela Replica Whispers in the Library Eau De Toilette, £110, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: With an already-mysterious blend of peppery and woody notes, this classic fragrance from Maison Margiela is great for adding a bit of nostalgia to your concoction. Trust us, each spritz will take on a trip down memory lane.
Top notes: Pepper essence, orange flower petals and patchouli.
Middle notes: Tonka bean absolute.
Base notes: Cedarwood, vanilla absolute and vetiver.
