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?