In today’s episode of Arab girls did it first: layering perfumes. Middle Eastern queens have been doing this for some time, and our FYPs are only now just catching on to the hype. Here’s your authentic guide to fragrance layering.
First, a lesson on tradition:
Arabs have been utilising perfume layering for centuries. It is said to have begun in ancient Egypt, where it was used to cover the scent of decaying bodies (gross…but important). This then evolved into women using it as a form of self-expression.
Middle Eastern traditional clothing, especially in the Emirates, is simplistic, so to show personality, people would use two main elements: jewellery and scent. Due to this, layering fragrance is a ritualistic process that changes depending on whether you’re on the go or on your way to an occasion. Wedding fragrance layering, for example, is MAJOR.
The basic steps…
- Prepare your skin with a preferred lotion, body oil, or moisturiser.
- Bask your clothes in an incense (makhan).
- Add the most intense fragrance (such as a musk) to your exposed areas.
- Apply oud to the back of your hands and behind the ears.
- Lightly spritz over a perfume.
- Douse yourself with a bakhoor.
Extra Tips
The first and most important tip is that placement is key for perfume layering. Your heavier scents should go on any pulse points while the lighter ones can be spritzed onto your hair and clothes.
Also, while it may seem out of pocket, blending opposite scents usually leads to some of the best combos.
On that note, the chosen scents should work in harmony, not competition.
Layering Combinations:
Let’s introduce you to the four fragrance families: woody, amber, floral, and fresh. These can be mixed and matched depending on their notes and whatever works for you (remember: this is your signature scent).
However, to get you started here are some tried and tested layering combinations:
Vanilla + Citrus
Musk + Jasmine
Peony + Sandalwood.
You’ll be smelling gooood all day long. Thank us later.
Looking for some perfumes to try? Check out some must-have scents right here.