Create your own signature scent (with ones you already own!)

When you think about it, perfume is a pretty unique beauty category. Not only can scents affect our mood and bring back the fondest of memories, they also smell completely different on each of us, thanks to our individually unique body chemistries, so it’s pretty safe to assume it’s a very personal part of your daily routine.
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So consider this: instead of buying a new scent every season – which normally leaves you with a dozen half empty perfumes just waiting to expire – why not make your fragrance all the more personal and create a signature scent, exclusive to Y-O-U.
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The good news is, you already own it. Well, sort of.
If mixing and matching perfumes you already own sounds like a way better option than forking out for a new scent (that probably everyone else is wearing too), here’s what you need to know about fragrance layering to create a blend that’s exclusively unique to you.
GET LAYERING
Layering fragrances is a personal and customisable experience. It allows you to discover, experiment and create something that is 100 per cent yours. It might sound intimidating and the combinations mind-boggling, but when done right, you’ll have your very own custom scent!
LEARN THE BASICS
Before you start pulling out your perfumes, there’s a few tips to knowing where to start. As a basic guide, try pairing a brighter top note with heavier base ones. For something a little richer, wear heavier scents like vanilla, woods or musks, then layer fresh, fruity or water notes on top.
Just remember: dominant notes will always stand out, no matter what order you layer them in.
A little forewarning: there are a couple of combinations you should steer clear of, and the worst offender is a mixture of green florals and orientals with gourmand fragrances as they tend to clash, causing disharmony.
ORIENTAL + FLORAL
Nothing complements oriental more than florals. While oriental scents define a fragrance, it’s the floral hit that provides depth and breath into the scent.
Oriental: Tom Ford Shanghai Lily, Donna Karan Liquid Cashmere Black, Lancôme Les Secrets Magie Noire, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Floral: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau EDT, Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
CITRUS + WOODY
Quite common in men’s fragrances, citrus and woods are a harmonious blend. Consider layering lemon notes with cedarwood for a soft, delicate aroma.
Citrus: Chloe L’Eau de Chloe Eau de Toilette, Bond No. 9 New York ‘Little Italy’, Crabtree & Evelyn West Indian Lime Cologne
Woody: Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Collection - Indonesian Oud Eau de Toilette, Vilhelm Parfumerie Smoke Show EDP
FLORAL + FRUITY
Fruity notes are the perfect opening introduction to florals. They give lift and work in tangent with any floral accord.
Floral: Coach Poppy Flower, Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Floral Drops, Stella McCartney Stella EDT, L’OCCITANE Néroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette
Fruity: Marc Jacobs Pear EDT, Michael Kors Coral Eau de Parfum Spray, Givenchy Dahlia Divin EDT
Have you ever tried to create your own signature scent? What notes did you use?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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72 Member Comments
Great ideas for mixing it up
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I don't have a signature scent. I love a variety of different fragrances, I love to change up my perfumes regularly.
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I've layered perfumes before
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I love layering scents! Jo Malone makes is so easy. I love to wear Wood Sage & Sea Salt with Nectarine Blossom & Honey at the moment
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i wish i had my own scent like all the other celebrities, I think this is a great idea. I like the advice that oriental loves floral! I will have to mix my perfumes and remember the advice given here. This is really layering as the scent is ever present and I have friends who tell me that when they smell Aromatics anywhere - they expect to turn around and see me there :- )
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I'm gonna be brave and this layering bizzo. Not something I had ever thought of doing but it's time I step out of the box a little
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I love floral scents
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I love the Coco Madamoiselle
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I love layering fragrances. Usually a body spray with a perfume. It all just depends on how I'm feeling.
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yes please floral and fruity for me!!
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It happens that I mix fragrances but when I do I try to mix similar ones, if I use Green Tea than I can spray something light as well. I like the idea of Jo Malone fragrances. They go well together.
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I love the idea of this! What a cute thing to do!
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yup, with DIY essential oil spray mix. I use it as a deodorant hehe. If I would even try and layer any of these I would die (there are only 2 perfumes of synthetic origin so far I can use without having bad side effects)
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I mix SJP's Lovely and MOR's Marshmellow - they are both sweet but somehow smell irresistible together.
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These all look fantastic
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The hardest part for me would be choosing which type of scent I would want as I like so many
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The Bond no.9 looks like something a James Bond Girl would have! Too cool!
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That sounds really cool. Will definitely try layering my frangrances.
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Love this article
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I've always wanted to make my own perfume. I've always loved floral and fruity aromas. Haven't had the time though!
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I recently started experimenting with layering some of the Lavanila perfumes but the combinations didn't work. I will keep experimenting with other brands.
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Nothing nicer than a new bottle of perfume
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Fun way to find a unique and interesting fragrance combo!
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Great article! Thank you!
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