If you’re new to the Gulf, your nose must be having an absolute treat! From opulent florals to clean musks to rich ouds, perfumery here isn’t just a matter of smelling good but is tied to deep cultural heritage. And the same can be said of fragrance layering.
But First, What Is Fragrance Layering?
Fragrance layering is creating a cocktail of fragrances that are personal to you. Not only that, but the combination of scents and your body’s own chemistry means fragrance layering creates a scent completely unique to you.
And, expectedly, this practice began in the Middle East. Beginning with attars and ending with bukhoor, the scent was rich, personal, and deeply complex. Hence why everyone here smells so good. This practice is now a ritual and a cultural habit that one can’t do without.
But Before You Start, Have A Clean Base
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When it comes to fragrance layering, your best bet is starting with a clean base. That means showering. Bonus points if you do it with a scented body wash that complements the scent profile of the perfumes you will eventually spray. This, combined with a scented moisturiser or body oil, helps the longevity of the scent while deepening the scent profile.
Heavy Scents First
You cannot just spray two perfumes together and call it a day. You have to start with the stronger scents first—think of it as a base. We’re talking woody, sweet, oriental fragrances as well as high intensity scents like eau de parfums.
Lighter Scents After
The second layer is meant for lighter scents. No matter how many layers you go through, always remember that stronger, high-intensity scents go first, and lighter, low-intensity scents sit on top. This means florals or scents with fresh or citrusy notes. When it comes to intensity, eau de toilettes are perfect since they usually have a fragrance concentration of anywhere between 5 to 15%.
Finishing Touches
While not mandatory, a hair mist is one of those finishing touches that leaves you smelling good from head to toe. For most in the Arab world, bukhoor is usually used to scent hair and clothes, but there are plenty of hair mists as well that leave behind a gorgeous scent without damaging your hair.
The Most Important Step…
Is to have fun with it! As long as you remember the rule of stronger first, lighter after, you can play around with fragrances to see what suits you best. And while two or three fragrances hit that sweet spot, nothing is stopping you from going crazy with the spritzes. If it creates the perfect skin scent, then it’s worth it.
