Exactly How to Layer Your Perfumes, According to Experts

"When you want to create a distinctive, layered scent it's good to remember that different aroma molecules have different molecular weights," says Mariya Nurislamova, CEO and co-founder of Scentbird, a monthly perfume subscription service. The heavier an aroma molecule is, the longer it will take to evaporate — which is why you tend to see so many perfumes with light citrus notes such as grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, and lemon as top notes, explains Nurislamova. She also adds that heavier notes such as resins, vanilla, amber, and spices will stay longer on the skin and are best used as foundational scents in a perfume.

"When you're layering a scent, always make sure to spray the spicier, heavier one first and follow it up with a lighter, zestier, brighter citrus or floral scent on top," advises Nurislamova. If you layer a spicy perfume on top of a light floral or fruity fragrance, you run the risk of smothering the lighter, breezier quality all great light perfumes have, she explains.

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