The perfume side of TikTok (known colloquially as #PerfumeTok) is obsessed with fragrance layering, the idea that you can create a bespoke scent by wearing two distinct fragrances at once. Thousands of videos center on the best combos and, just as importantly, the ones to avoid. After doing a lot of research (ahem, scrolling through TikTok), I became cautiously optimistic that I could create a signature scent combo—as long as I could avoid common pitfalls.
That's the thing. While I love the customization aspect of this trend, I know it's not as simple as it might seem. Combine two perfumes that don't play well together, and an overwhelming and indiscernible scent will announce your presence long before you do. That's exactly what I want to avoid, which is why I reached out to scent experts—a master perfumer and a brand founder—to learn how to layer perfume the right way. I wanted to know their best tips and tricks for achieving an incredible, individualistic, and compliment-collecting fragrance combo. Luckily, they delivered. Ahead, see five scent-layering secrets I wish I knew years ago.
Tip #1: Consider the "Fragrance Pyramid" and Pair Complementary Notes
Nicole Mancini is a scent expert and DSM-Firmenich perfumer. She says fragrance layering is "an art form that allows for creativity and personal expression," but before you start spritzing any two fragrances together, there are some good guidelines to follow. "To start, it's helpful to follow the fragrance pyramid, which consists of top, middle, and base notes," she says.
You can pair two fragrances that have a similar pyramid for a simple scent combination. Or, for more complexity, you can pair two fragrances that have complementary pyramids. "For instance, pairing a vanilla-based gourmand scent with a floral or woody fragrance can enhance depth without overwhelming the sweetness," she says.
Complementary Scent Combinations to Try
- Floral + Pretty Much Anything: "Floral notes are incredibly popular and versatile, making them easy to pair with fresher top notes and rich, deep base notes." — Mancini
- Musk + Citrus, Floral, or Amber: "Musks pair well with citrus, floral, and amber notes, adding a sensual and skin-like quality to the fragrance." — Mancini
- Woods + Citrus or Floral: "Woods pair beautifully with citrus and florals, providing a grounding and sophisticated base."
Noncomplementary Scent Combinations to Avoid
- Heavy Spice + Delicate Floral: "Strong spicy notes (like cinnamon or clove) can overpower delicate floral notes (like lily of the valley or violet), making the floral notes hard to detect."
- Heavy Base Note + Heavy Base Note: "Layering multiple heavy base notes, like oud, patchouli, and amber, can result in a scent that feels too dense and overwhelming."
- Herbal Note + Fruit/Sweet Note: Some aromatic notes (like herbal or green notes) might not blend well with certain fruity or sweet notes, leading to a discordant fragrance."
Tip #2: Mix Warm + Sweet Fragrances
If you don't want to dig down into the fragrance pyramids of two scents, you can take a shortcut—that is, combine warm with sweet. That's according to Barbara Stegemann, CEO and founder of The 7 Virtues, which is a clean, sustainably sourced fragrance brand that specializes in layerable scents. "If you love fruity florals, don’t just pile them all on—shake things up with a grounding note like santal or saffron," she says. "Warm, woody, or spicy notes add depth and keep things interesting, so your scent doesn’t end up too one-note. That’s why people go wild for Candied Lychee ($94) layered with Vanilla Woods ($94). The sweet, juicy lychee and floral peony in Candied Lychee are perfectly balanced by Vanilla Woods’ caramel warmth and rich, cozy base. It’s playful yet sophisticated, sweet yet deep—the best of both worlds!"
Tip #3: Let One Note "Take the Lead"
Remember how Mancini recommended avoiding pairing a heavy base note with another heavy base note? Well, Stegemann seconds this. "Fragrance is personal, so if you love it—go for it! But if you want to avoid a layering disaster, be mindful of mixing too many competing power notes. Two deep ouds? That’s a little intense. Heavy spices layered with citrus? It can work, but it has to be balanced. The best way to avoid a clash is to let one note take the lead. If you have something bold, pair it with something softer. It’s like fashion—if you’re wearing a statement piece, you balance it with neutrals. And honestly? If you’re not sure, trust your nose! If it smells incredible to you, that’s what matters most."
Tip #4: Mix & Match Perfumes From a Layering-Friendly Brand
Another genius shortcut to creating a compliment-collecting perfume combo? Use two perfumes from the same layering-friendly brand. If a brand designs each of its fragrances to be layered with one another, chances are they'll play well together no matter what. Layering friendly brands include Jo Malone, Diptyque, Henry Rose, and The 7 Virtues. "All of The 7 Virtues perfumes contain vanilla—it’s the perfect base note, so every single one of them blends seamlessly together. You literally can’t go wrong," Stegemann says.
Oh, and when you're working with layering-friendly scents, you can actually combine as many as three perfumes at a time. Yep, take it from Stegemann. "Clementine Dream, with its bright, zesty citrus, layers beautifully with Amber Vanilla and Coconut Sun for a little tropical moment. I love watching people's eyes widen with this blending trio."
Tip #5: Don't Apply Perfumes in the Same Area—Use Distinct "Pulse Points"
According to Stegemann, "Pulse points are your best friend—wrists, neck, behind the ears." These are warm spots (areas where you can feel your pulse) that help a scent cling to the skin and radiate throughout the day. "Instead of layering scents directly on top of each other, apply them to different pulse points—one on the wrists, another on the neck," Stegemann says. "That way, each fragrance has its own space to shine while still blending beautifully. And if you want your scent to last all day, start with an unscented moisturizer first. Hydrated skin holds fragrance longer, so your signature scent stays with you from morning to midnight."
My Favorite Perfume Combos at the Moment
"The sweet, juicy lychee and floral peony in Candied Lychee are perfectly balanced by Vanilla Woods’ caramel warmth and rich, cozy base," Stegemann says. "It’s playful yet sophisticated, sweet yet deep—the best of both worlds!"
Light, floral peony and warm musk make this combo a no-brainer.
Lately, I've been loving the combo of Henry Rose's Windows Down and Flora Carnivora perfumes. The former's fresh, citrus notes smell divine when mingled with the latter's jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom notes.
Diptyque's Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum is fresh, light, and almost powdery in nature, whereas the Vetyverio Eau de Parfum has a natural, grounded woodiness. To me, this combo smells complex yet perfectly balanced.
Here's another 7 Virtues perfume combo I've been loving lately. To be clear, I didn't come up with this one—it came courtesy of Stegemann, and in my opinion, she describes it perfectly. "It smells like sunshine in a bottle—creamy vanilla wrapped in fresh citrus zest. I love how it transports me from an Italian citrus grove straight to the French Riviera. It’s got that perfect mix of freshness and warmth that makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even when I’m not."
