Discovering the art of fragrance opens you up to a whole world of possibilities! As a fragrance novice, you go through the stage of discovering notes, learning different perfume brands and houses, and finding your signature scent. Then comes the intermediate level: layering perfumes. The subject of this piece.

Whether you’re a bona fide perfume collector or it has just recently piqued your interest, layering fragrances or combining two or more perfumes to create a personalized scent can prove to be a trial-and-error process. Sometimes, you think two scents might jive together, but the result doesn’t turn out quite like you imagined. But to find a good combo is like hitting the jackpot. Turns out, even when it comes to perfumes, two really can be better than one. A good combo can elevate a scent you already love or even treat your senses to a great new olfactory experience.

To help you rig your chances of hitting that jackpot, we’ve enlisted the help of some of our favorite people from #fragtok to spill their favorites so you can have a cheat sheet for your next fragrance concoction.

Bonus! We also asked them about their pro tips when layering fragrances and spoiler alert: they’re really good tips.

JESSY SO

Blanche Bête + Diptyque L’Eau Papier

I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite, but the combo that people really loved when I shared it on TikTok is Blanche Bete x L’Eau Papier. The lactonic touch of Blanche Bete partnered with the transparency of L’Eau Papier makes it such a comforting and cocooning combo!

Jessy So

Layering tip: Familiarize yourself with fragrance families or get to know the fragrance wheel! It’ll help you decide how you want to amplify or neutralize specific facets of your fragrance/s.

CARLO OCAMPO

Frederic Malle Une Rose (now Rose Tonnerre) + Tom Ford Ombre Leather

I love to layer fragrances, which I like to call 'binary opposites’— two fragrances with completely contrasting notes. Yin and yang, hot and cold, soft and hard. A binary opposite fragrance combination I’ve been loving lately: Frederic Malle Une Rose (now Rose Tonnerre), an opulent rose fragrance that we associate to be hyper-feminine + the brute Tom Ford Ombre Leather. Another is the bright and dewy Nasomatto Narcotic V + the damp and melancholic Jo Malone Hinoki and Cedarwood.

Carlo Ocampo

Layering tip: The only rule in fragrance layering is that there are no rules. There are so many guides out there that dictate specific layering combinations, but ultimately, you layer fragrances for yourself—what smells good for you, what you feel the best with. 

I literally take two fragrance bottles, place the atomizers on each nostril, and sniff simultaneously. If they smell good together, they will layer well together. Start with equal numbers of sprays, and if you find that one fragrance overpowers another, add more of the other to balance it out.

ALI KING

Kayali Vanilla 28 + Gentle Fluidity Gold by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

I’ve always been a huge fan of layering Kayali Vanilla 28 with Gentle Fluidity Gold! Vanilla 28 is my go-to layering fragrance whenever I want to enhance the vanilla in a scent. Meanwhile, MFK’s Gentle Fluidity Gold has that refined blend of amber and vanilla, but as a vanilla lover, I always crave a little extra. That’s why this combo is on constant rotation for me!

Ali KingLayering Tip: I like to mix fragrances with similar notes or complementary facets to amplify a specific scent profile. For example, when layering with Gentle Fluidity Gold, I add Kayali Vanilla 28 to boost the vanilla or L’Orchestre Parfum’s Ambre Cello to enhance its warm, ambery nuances. This way, I have more control over which note takes center stage in the blend!

CJ CHUA

Love Don’t Be Shy by Kilian +  Vanilla Powder by Matiere Premier

These two together just give me the most charming scent bubble that’ll last the whole day and turn heads or get me compliments from strangers. But my layering combo starts in the shower with Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream, and then any form of my favorite body shimmer or glitter glow products. These products help create the perfect base for virtually any perfume I put on top of it.

CJ Chua

Layering tip: My tip for layering perfumes is more holistic. Start in the shower. Hygiene is key. You don’t need to have all the body care products in the world, you just need clean, well-hydrated, and moisturized skin so that any perfume you put on top will hug your skin much better.

But in terms of perfumes to be layered, I think that it should be less structured and more free in that it is a chance for people to play around and make discoveries and combos no one else would. But if at all, the key tip is that I don’t suggest layering perfumes by spraying one on top of the other. Rather, spray the perfumes you’ll layer beside each other, and you’ll get the combination of both (or more fragrances) in the air, and it tells a more beautiful story, I feel.

GREG PARILLA

Tom Ford Ombre Leather EDP + Clinique Happy for Men

My favorite fragrance layering combination is Tom Ford Ombre Leather EDP and Clinique Happy for Men. The fresh orange notes in Happy brighten the black leather scent of Ombre Leather, creating a vibrant contrast of juicy orange and luxurious leather.

Greg Parilla

Layering tip: My tip for effective fragrance layering is to choose two contrasting scents that highlight a particular accord or scent family (e.g., citrus and woody, floral and oud, fruity and leathery).  Alternatively, you can layer two perfumes from the same scent family to add depth and complexity.

KRISHA BALA

Scent Therapy Second Skin + Glossier You

Scent Therapy Second Skin + Glossier You! Second Skin lasts an eternity on me. It’s light, citrusy, and quite peppery, but leans more masculine on my skin chemistry. Layering it with one of my favorite skin scents, Glossier You, just adds a more musky and floral vibe to it!

Krisha Bala

Layering tip: I usually layer perfumes of the same scent profile! Like two everyday scents but one is more floral, one can be more musky. Or choose another route like layering two totally different scents. I really enjoy layering vanilla with an airy scent to add a bit of depth to it while still remaining appropriate for the heat!

ELI MAULLON

Musc Ravageur + Dior Homme Intense

I actually discovered it by accident while testing out decants but it turned out amazing on my skin. The warmth, spice, and animalistic character of Musc Ravageur blend so well with the woody, slightly buttery, and powdery character of Dior Homme Intense.

Eli Maullon

Layering tip: I don’t layer scents often, but my tip for layering is to experiment and trust your nose—your skin will tell you what works. Start with fragrances that share complementary notes or a common theme.

RAMZIS RIBO

Diptyque Do Son EDT + Diptyque Tam Dao EDP

One of my favorite layering combinations is Diptyque Do Son EDT with Tam Dao EDP. Do Son’s fresh, airy tuberose adds a radiant floral lift while Tam Dao’s creamy sandalwood brings warmth and depth. Together, they create a beautifully balanced scent that feels both ethereal and grounding. As the day goes on, the fragrance shifts between floral brightness and woody elegance, making it soft yet undeniably sensual.

Ramzis Ribo

Layering tip: When layering fragrances, I usually start with the heavier scent, such as woods, spices, or leathers, before adding a lighter one like florals, citruses, or fruits. This helps create a smoother transition and enhances longevity, ensuring the delicate notes don’t get overpowered. But honestly, there are no strict rules! The best part of layering is experimenting, mixing different accords, and discovering unique blends that feel personal to you. So have fun with it!

ANDREA FERMA

YSL Mon Paris + Atelier Des Ors Pink Me Up

My favorite layering combo right now is YSL Mon Paris and Atelier Des Ors Pink Me Up. They are both fruit coulis that play to each other’s strengths. Mon Paris has a juicy, sweet strawberry and pear opening with a soft floral heart, while Pink Me Up adds an effervescent, champagne-like brightness with blackcurrant and musk. Together, they create a playful yet sophisticated fruity-floral scent that feels lively, elegant, and fun.

Andrea Ferma

Layering tip: Fragrance layering is all about balance, but it helps to identify your ‘why.’ Do you want a unique scent? Better longevity? More brightness or depth? Once you know your goal, start by finding a common note for a seamless blend or mixing contrasting scents for added dimension. There are no strict rules. Just experiment and trust your nose! If it smells good to you, it works.

BERNADETTE LIM

Domus Emeterius Orris & Ambre + Heeley Hippie Rose

I love a layering combination that’s both versatile and sophisticated, then adjusted depending on the occasion. For my foundation, I usually use Domus Emetérius’ Orris & Ambre or Jo Malone Amber & Patchouli—both offer a warm base that adds depth and longevity. From there, I switch up the heart and top notes based on my day. For meetings or professional settings, I layer with Heeley Eau Rose, which is a fresh, slightly smoky rose with green undertones. It adds elegance and a refined, polished feel—perfect for days when I want to feel put-together and confident.

For everyday wear or casual days, I go for a brighter, fresher approach, layering with Tom Ford Neroli Portofino or 4711 Eau de Cologne. The neroli and citrus bring an airy, effortless vibrancy, making it an easy, uplifting scent for any situation. This way, I keep a signature base while adapting the composition to fit my mood and schedule.

Bernadette Lim

Layering tip: For me, layering is all about versatility, balance, and knowing how a scent evolves on the skin. I love a layering combination that’s both versatile and sophisticated, then adjusted depending on the occasion.

Always good to start with a solid base. A good anchor gives structure to your layering and helps the scent last. Adapt it based on your mood and or maybe an occasion. I love having a signature base but tweaking the top and mid notes depending on whether I need something refined for meetings or fresh for everyday wear. I think the key really is to balance light and deep notes. Heavy bases (woods, resins, spicy, amber) pair well with airy or crisp elements (aromatics, citrus, florals) to create contrast and dimension. Layer strategically. I usually start with the lightest notes first then "lock" it in with the heavier scents. Finally, test on a small part of your body first before using it all over.