Episode Details

In some Middle Eastern cultures, people layer up to SEVEN fragrances at a time. Sometimes many more! Never be afraid to play with perfume. (The wonderful thing about fragrance is there is no right or wrong: if you like something, then it’s right. If you don’t, you can wash it off. It’s not a tattoo after all.)

One listener recently wrote in with a specific question about layering options throughout the day (and into the evening); but before we get to that, we go back to basics and tell you ALL the things you need to know about layering (without overwhelming yourself or others!) in an easy how-to guide…

First: Decide what you are layering for. To make a scent last longer? Or so you can add more nuance / alter an aspect you’re not as fond of (eg you want to make it sweeter, or cut through the sweetness)? Or perhaps to carry a daytime scent through to more a sultry evening vibe?

The best way to begin layering is to practice with an existing fragrance you wish had more oomph: Start by selecting a scent you like a lot but wish could last even longer / add more character to.

Then, before you spray a single drop…

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Particularly in warmer climates. Nothing makes fragrance disappear more quickly than dry skin. Try using a matching body lotion or oil to your fragrance (many have matching products like shower gels as well – the more layers of the scent the better!) Aroma molecules evaporate far slower on well-hydrated skin.

For the truly devoted, layering with matching scented body products can create a beautifully nuanced aroma.

Try also spraying the scent into your hair, so it wafts around you all day. Hair doesn’t heat up as much as skin, and will absorb the smell more deeply. It also billows beguiling around you all day if you have longer hair. Do a patch test, first, to ensure the fragrance doesn’t discolour your hair (spray on a tissue to be sure!) Be on the lookout for matching hair mists to your favourite perfume - increasing numbers of brands do these, now.

Next: add a body mist (again, a huge number of fragrance houses releasing these versions of beloved favourites).

Now: Spray your fragrance. This can be done immediately or, if you just want the subtlety of the mist to breathe on its own for the morning, you can carry a travel bottle or decant of an eau de toilette or eau de parfum to top up layer in the day.

Suzy’s top tip is to spray a scarf (or jacket lining) with your chosen scent, as fragrance lasts way longer on fabric (like hair, it’s more porous and doesn’t heat up as much as skin, the aroma molecules don’t evaporate as quickly).

If you’re wanting to increase the longevity of a perfume that’s proving to be annoyingly fleeting, you may also add an ‘amplifier’ or fragrance booster. Several of these are available, but some of the best known ones are:

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01: Primarily Iso E Super, which gives a velvety, cedarwood skin-like scent that boosts longevity and creates a personal musky aroma.

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume: A minimalist scent featuring cetalox, making it a popular choice for adding a cleaner, soft white musky enhancement.

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