Written by Menswear Style in Fragrance on the 27th January 2023

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to smell good but didn’t have the time to plan out your fragrance? Or maybe you’ve been searching for ways to make your scents more complex without breaking the bank. Well, good news is that layering men’s aftershaves is super easy and there are so many benefits to it. Essentially, layering is the process of combining a base scent with another scent (called an accords) that will enhance it and give it even more complexity and character. The accords can be anything like patchouli or vetiver; or synthetic solvents that will allow other notes to last longer. However, doing so takes patience and practice. Fortunately, this article explains how to do it right and achieve that perfect scent in no time. Keep reading to learn all about layering men’s fragrances.

What Is layering? 

Layering is the process of mixing two or more fragrances together (or layering) to create a more complex scent. This can be done to create a scent that is more personal and more likely to appeal to the wearer. Layering aftershaves can be done by spraying different scents on top of each other so that they mix together. The most effective way to layer men’s fragrances is to spray the first scent on the shirt, then spray the second scent on top of it. You can either do this one scent at a time or use different scents for each layer.

Understanding scent families 

Scent families are like a blueprint for creating your own scent. When you’re trying to layer fragrances, you’re only creating a small part of the overall scent. Most fragrances have a specific scent family that they belong to. For example, vetiver belongs to earthy or woody scent. In most cases, scents belong to one of the top five families: citrus, green, woody and aromatic. You can use other scents from these families to layer with other fragrances to create a unique scent. For example, you can use a patchouli scent to layer with a citrus scent and create a unique, complex scent. 

How to layer men’s fragrances 

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to layer men's aftershaves for creating a unique and creative scent: 

Step 1: Start with a light and subtle base layer. Choose a fragrance with a light and fresh scent, such as a citrus, sea-salt, or light woodsy scent. 

Step 2: Add a slightly heavier layer on top of the base layer. You can choose a fragrance with a slightly more intense scent, such as a musky, spicy, or woody scent. 

Step 3: Layer on a final deep note. Choose a fragrance with a strong and bold scent, such as a leather, oud, or tobacco. 

Step 4: Allow the fragrances to blend together on your skin. Wait at least 10 minutes before adding any additional scent layers. 

Step 5: Re-apply as needed. For a long-lasting scent, you may need to apply the fragrances several times throughout the day, depending on the base notes.

When to use layering in fragrance 

There are many reasons why men choose to layer different fragrances and aftershaves. Here are some common reasons: 

- To achieve more complex scents 

- For a signature scent 

- If you don’t want to buy a new fragrance 

- If you’re looking for a mix of scents that are similar 

- If you just want to play around with different scents 

- If you’re looking for a more lasting effect 

Tips for new fragrance mixers 

For a unique scent, try mixing and matching men’s aftershaves samples from the same scent family. Start by using the same scent in different concentrations or try using two scents from the same family at the same time. If one scent isn’t as strong as desired, layer it with another from the same family. Make sure to store all scents in an airtight container since air can drastically decrease the life of scents.

Difficulties in layering fragrances 

It's important to avoid overpowering one scent with another, as well as having too much or too little moisture in the diffuser. Fragrance mix-ups can also happen if scents are coming from different sources. So, it’s important to ensure that all scents are properly mixed together. Additionally, ensure that all fragrances have a similar longevity for the best results. To get the perfect scent, experiment with different combinations of fragrances until you find the perfect mix. Additionally, pay attention to the order in which you layer the scents, as this can make a difference in the outcome. 

Layering is an art, and like anything new, it takes time to get the hang of it. It’s important to remember that it might not work well the first few times. You might end up with a mix of scents that don’t smell good together. But don’t worry, trying to find a unique scent can take time. Just try again and make sure you don’t use the same scents when experimenting. Layering is a great way to save money, create unique scents and give your scents more complexity. However, you must be patient and practice to make sure you get it right. Don’t give up and have fun with it! If you’re interested in trying it out, we suggest you start with a couple of scents from the citrus family.

How to Achieve a Complex and Personalised Scent, Understanding scent families, and Tips for new fragrance mixers.