What is the layering technique for perfume? How to enjoy your own unique scent

Want to enjoy perfume more freely and in a more personal way? We recommend perfume layering for those who want to do just that. This method of combining multiple scents to create your own original scent has been gaining attention among fragrance lovers in recent years.

In this article, we will explain in detail what perfume layering is, what combinations go well together, and some tips and tricks to keep in mind. We hope it will help you discover your own special scent.

table of contents

• What is perfume layering?
• The benefits of layering
• How to choose perfumes suitable for layering
• Recommended layering examples
• Basic Layering Techniques
• Common mistakes and how to fix them
• How to enjoy the scent of Ranjatai through layering
• Advice from a professional perfumer
• FAQ
• Summary: Layering scents to create your own unique style

What is perfume layering?

Layering literally means "stacking layers." In perfumery, it refers to the technique of applying multiple scents in sequence to create a unique scent.

This custom, which was originally common in the Middle Eastern cultural sphere, has recently spread to Europe, the US and Japan as "personalized perfume." Brands are also developing lineups specifically for layering, and this is becoming a new trend in the way perfume is enjoyed.

History of Layering

Layering fragrances is an ancient culture. In particular, on the Arabian Peninsula, there is a custom of wearing multiple fragrances, such as oud and musk, in sequence, which is the origin of modern perfume layering. Since the late 2010s, luxury perfume brands in Europe and the United States have focused on this culture, and have launched a series of perfume lines dedicated to layering under the concept of "personalization." In Japan, it has also begun to attract serious attention since around 2020.

The benefits of layering

Create your own scent

You can enjoy a completely original scent by combining commercially available perfumes. For example, if you feel that your favorite perfume is "a little sweeter," you can get closer to your ideal scent just by layering it with a vanilla perfume.

You can control the scent impression

You can adjust the impression you want to create, such as sweetness, freshness, depth, etc. For example, you can make fine adjustments according to the occasion, such as strengthening the heavy scent in a formal setting and adding lightness in a casual setting.

Can be changed according to the season and occasion

You can adjust the scent to suit the temperature, your mood, and the time, place, and occasion. You can also express the feeling of the season by adding a more refreshing scent in summer and a warmer scent in winter. You can also change the balance of the scent between day and night.

Expanding the possibilities of perfume

You can discover new ways to enjoy perfumes you already own by combining them together. Even if the perfume you purchased doesn't smell the way you expected, layering it together can be a great way to change the impression.

How to choose perfumes suitable for layering

Not all perfumes can be layered, so keep the following points in mind when choosing your perfume:

1. Simple perfume

So-called "solid scents" that are not too complex in notes are suitable for layering. For example, single-note rose, musk, vanilla, etc. Layering a scent that is too complex can result in the ingredients fighting with each other, making the impression more confusing.

Perfumer's advice: "If you're trying layering for the first time, I recommend starting with simple scents like 'clean musk,' 'vanilla,' or 'citrus.'"

2. Perfumes with similar scents

Perfumes that are somewhat similar in direction tend to blend together, such as floral + citrus, woody + vanilla, etc. It is best to avoid combining completely different scents, especially for beginners. For example, a strong marine scent and a rich oriental scent.

3. Determine the strength of the scent

If one scent is too strong, the two will clash, so it's important to be aware of which scent is the main and which is the supporting scent. For example, if you use a strong perfume, it's easier to harmonize with the other by choosing a lighter scent.

4. Pay attention to fragrance concentration

The fragrance concentrations in eau de parfum and eau de cologne are very different. When layering, applying scents from highest to lowest concentration will make it easier to clearly distinguish between the dominant and subordinate scents.

Recommended layering fragrances for beginners

• Single note perfumes : Perfumes that focus on one scent are the basis for layering.
• Citrus perfume : Great for adding a fresh touch
• White Musk : Works well with almost any scent and brings the whole thing together
• Vanilla perfume : Perfect for adding warmth and softness

Recommended layering examples

Below are some examples of combinations that even beginners will not easily fail at.

Vanilla x Musk

The soft, elegant sweetness spreads and is a scent that blends well with the skin. The warmth of vanilla and the gentleness of musk blend together to create a scent that is perfect for a winter date or special dinner.

Recommended occasions: Autumn/winter dates, special dinners, and a relaxed atmosphere

Citrus × Floral

A bright fragrance with a good balance of freshness and elegance. The freshness of citrus is combined with the femininity of floral notes, making it perfect for spring and summer days. It is an easy-to-use combination for the office or casual outings.

Recommended occasions: Spring and summer daytime, office, casual outings

Woody x Spicy

Gives a deep, calm impression. Recommended for autumn and winter. The warmth of wood and the stimulation of spices are exquisitely blended to create an intelligent and mature atmosphere. Also suitable for business and formal occasions.

Recommended occasions: Autumn and winter business scenes, important meetings, formal occasions

Luxury × White Musk

A unique layering of a mysterious and profound fragrance with a light translucency. The mysticism of the Orient and the universal cleanliness of musk combine to create a memorable fragrance with a strong presence. A combination that will give you confidence on special occasions.

Recommended occasions: special events, when you want to make a lasting impression, when you want to improve yourself

Layering different perfumes creates a complex and deep scent.

Basic Layering Techniques

1. Pay attention to the order of scents

Basically, layering a light scent (such as citrus) followed by a heavy scent (woody musk) helps create a sense of unity throughout. This is related to the volatility of scents, so by layering a more volatile (fast-dissipating) scent first, you can enjoy the change in layered scents over time.

Practical tip: After applying perfume A, wait 10 to 15 minutes before applying perfume B to create a more harmonious scent.

2. Don't apply too much to the same area

By applying the scent to different parts of the body, such as the wrist and the neck, the scents do not mix too much and you can enjoy a natural change. For example, you can apply the base scent to the neck and the accent scent to the wrist and inside of the elbow.

Practical tip: Areas with high body temperature (such as the neck, the insides of the elbows, and the backs of the knees) tend to have stronger scents, so these are good places to apply the main scent.

3. Use a small amount

Since you will be using more than two types of perfume, use a small amount each time. If you use too much of the scent, it will leave a heavy impression. We recommend that you start with a small amount, especially at first, so that you can find the amount that suits you.

Practical tip: If you are using a spray type perfume, hold it about 15cm away from your skin and apply one spray to each area.

4. Get into the habit of testing

When trying out a new combination, it's a good idea to test it on a small area first (such as the inside of your wrist) and allow it to evolve over a few hours before using it in earnest.

Practical tip: Another effective method is to use perfume blotting paper to check the compatibility of scents on paper.

Layering Steps

1. Choose a base perfume (a strong scent such as woody or oriental)
2. Choose a perfume that will accentuate the look (a vibrant scent such as citrus or floral).
3. Make sure your skin is clean (unscented soap is best)
4. Apply the base perfume to areas with high body temperature
5. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes
6. Apply accent perfume to different parts of your body
7. Check the overall impression and adjust as necessary

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The scents clash and create a cacophony

Cause : Combining incompatible scents, or using too much

Solution : First, wash lightly with unscented soap, then try again with less or switch to a more compatible combination. Fragrances with different scents tend to go badly together, such as citrus and a strong sweet scent, or marine and a rich woody scent.

The scent is monotonous and unchanging

Reason : Combining similar scents, applying them to areas too close to each other

Solution : Try choosing more contrasting scents or applying them on different areas of the body. For example, try adding a fresh citrus scent to a warm oriental scent.

The scent is too strong and bothers those around you

Cause : Using too much, combining strong-smelling perfumes

Solution : Try reducing the amount used by half or switching to a lighter scent, especially if you are using a concentrated perfume such as an eau de parfum. A common mistake when layering for the first time is to try to make all the scents equally strong. The secret to creating a beautiful harmony is to decide on a main and supporting role and create a hierarchy of scents.

How to enjoy the scent of Ranjatai through layering

The Ranjatai Eau de Parfum , which is available from our brand, is characterized by its woody and profound fragrance. It has a strong presence on its own, but by layering it with musk or vanilla, it gives off a more modern and familiar impression.

We also recommend trying different combinations each day, as if you were listening to the scent in the art of incense. This will give the Ranjatai fragrance a new look, allowing you to enjoy it for a long time without getting bored.

Recommended layering with Ranjatai

• Ranjatai x White Musk : Mysterious depth with a clean feeling, making it easy to use in your daily life
• Ranjatai x Vanilla : A traditional fragrance fused with modern sweetness for a warm and soft impression.
• Ranjatai x Wood Sage : The depth of natural fragrant wood is combined with herbal freshness to create an intelligent and sophisticated impression.

Layering suggestions for each season

• Spring : Ranjatai x Light floral (cherry blossom, wisteria, etc.)
• Summer : Ranjatai x Citrus (bergamot or lemon)
• Autumn : Ranjatai x Spicy (Cinnamon and Clove)
• Winter : Ranjatai x Rich Vanilla or Amber

Wearing the world's greatest fragrance in modern times

Ranjatai Eau de Parfum was inspired by the legendary fragrant wood loved by Oda Nobunaga. Why not enjoy its profound fragrance with your own layering?

¥7,800 (tax included)

View Ranjatai Eau de Parfum

A Perfumer's Guide to Layering

A group of international perfumers have shared their knowledge and experience in sharing their insights on perfume layering.

We offer practical advice from a perspective that combines Japanese and French perfumery techniques.

When enjoying layering, it is important to be aware of the "story of the scent." When layering different scents, think about whether the story they tell is consistent. For example, if you combine a floral scent with a citrus scent, the story will be "a bright and gorgeous spring garden."

Also, the way the scent appears varies greatly depending on body temperature and skin type. It is most important to actually try it on your own skin. Japanese skin is particularly suited to expressing delicate scents, so we recommend starting with a modest amount.

To bring out the beauty of a complex fragrance like the traditional Ranjatai, it is best to combine it with a simple fragrance. To preserve its mystique, choose fragrances that complement each other to create a beautiful harmony.

FAQ

Are there any perfumes that you can't layer?

Perfumes that are too complex or too strong tend to be difficult to blend with other scents. Be especially careful with strong spicy or marine scents, as they can overpower other scents. Perfumes with very different alcohol concentrations can also be difficult to mix with each other.

Can I layer with items other than perfume?

Yes, you can combine it with not only perfume but also body cream, oil, soap, etc. For example, if you apply vanilla body cream and then citrus perfume, you can enjoy a more natural scent that blends with your skin. For those with dry skin, it is especially recommended to use it in combination with a moisturizing body cream.

Does layering change how long the fragrance lasts?

In general, proper layering tends to make a scent last longer. In particular, layering scents with different volatility creates layers in the scent, revealing different aspects over time, making the overall impression of the scent last longer. Also, combining it with something that contains oil, such as body cream, helps the scent stay in place better.

How often should I change my layers?

This is entirely up to personal preference. It is common to change your look according to the season, your mood, or the occasion, but some people change theirs every day, while others choose a signature combination and use it for a long time. Especially for those who are just starting out, we recommend finding two or three combinations and making adjustments based on them.

Summary: Layering scents to create your own unique style

Layering perfumes is a great way to express yourself through scent. By experimenting with the types, order and amounts of perfume you use, you can achieve a unique scent that you can't get from any pre-made product.

If you are a beginner, start with a simple scent and try different combinations little by little. And the most important thing is to find a scent that you yourself find comfortable. Don't worry too much about other people's opinions, trust your own sensibilities and enjoy your scent adventure.

In particular, a fragrance with a strong tradition and history like Ranjatai can show even more variety when layered. Why not add a special scent to your special moment?

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