counterclockwise: Tanja Bochnig spraying perfume, Mandy Aftel, JK  DeLapp, Mason Hainey and Tanja Bochnig

Layering perfumes. I first learned of the concept in 1990s with Jo Malone, but as I found out many fragrance lovers have been layering fragrances for years. Today, perfumistas discuss via social media and forums their own “custom blend”, sometimes layering up to three and four scents. In this two-part series which will include both natural and mixed media perfumers, we begin with layering natural fragrances, and the expert advice from these well-known independent natural perfumers. We are joined by  Award Winning author, “The Queen of Green” and perfumer Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes,  Award Winning perfumer Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics, Contributor and natural perfumer, Mason Hainey of Mizu Brand, JK DeLapp of The Rising Phoenix Perfumery  and Guest Contributor (and happy early birthday 6/30). -Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes

Do you believe layering natural fragrances is a good idea?

 Mandy Aftel: I think that layering natural fragrances is a terrific idea. You need to reapply natural fragrances much more frequently because they do not last as long on the body as those that are constructed with synthetic essences. Plus, it’s fun to create a new perfume by layering and have the experience of making your own personal fragrance from two perfumes that you love.

Tanja Bochnig: If a perfume is already very complex, then layering another perfume on top of it, becomes overwhelming; at least for me I usually like things simple. But certain “soli flores” perfumes, with a single theme of flowers or aromatics, benefit greatly from layering. It’s almost like adding a base to a top and then a scent becomes whole and a completely different magical story.

Mason Hainey: Yes -In an unconventional way. Personally, I do not layer multiple fragrances, rather I prefer to layer a perfume with a certain environment. When mindfully worn in partnership with a specific mood or atmosphere of nature – the mountains, the forest, spring meadows, they provide greater context and depth to an experience that then deeply impregnates in our memory. What happens if you wore a grassy, sweet scent in the forest? How would that complement the refreshing, clean conifer aroma of the trees?

 JK DeLapp: In short … if it works, it works! You are the Master of your own Scent Universe!

Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics

 

Do you personally layer fragrance?

Tanja Bochnig: It depends on the ingredients and also on the day and mood one is in. Certain days, I feel like less is more, others, I cannot get enough of a beautiful bouquet of aromatics. If a perfume is already very complex, then layering another perfume on top of it, becomes overwhelming; at least for me I usually like things simple. But certain “soli flores” perfumes, with a single theme of flowers or aromatics, benefit greatly from layering. It’s almost like adding a base to a top and then a scent becomes whole and a completely different magical story.

 Mandy Aftel: I like layering natural fragrances, often putting on a liquid perfume at home before going out and then taking a solid perfume with me in my purse and applying it when I am out. Because of the ways that a liquid natural perfume and solid natural perfume evolve on your skin they are wonderful for layering.  A solid perfume wears closer to the body and is a more intimate experience whereas a liquid perfume opens up and has lift and vibrancy when you smell it in the air. They are two different experiences that mingle mix and layer beautifully, to create a third fragrance.

JK DeLapp: Considering that my work is in artisan Sandalwood and Oud Oils, and compounded Attars that I make – yes, all the time. In my own line – I hear from an awful lot of folks that may wear one of my oils on one arm, and another on the other – and find that they pair quite nicely … which eventually leads to layering. I also have my Shibui Series, which is a Japanese aesthetic-inspired line that translates roughly as, “Simple, Subtle, Unobtrusive Beauty”. You can apply Oud or a Sandalwood oil first, and apply pretty much any fragrance to it as a means of enhancing or adding your scent / profile of choice

What is your advice to perfume lovers on tips to layer natural fragrances?

Mason Hainey: Natural perfumes tend to get drowned out when they are layered with their synthetic counterparts, but when mindfully worn in partnership with a specific setting or atmosphere of nature, they provide greater context and depth to an experience that deeply impregnates in our memory.

Mandy Aftel: Pick a perfume that has beautiful and rich base notes and layer with something that you want to add a stronger foundation to.  I always think the best layering comes from layering a solid with a liquid perfume for the as it capitalizes on the difference in textures and the different way they connect to your skin.  Try different combination by swiping one liquid and one solid perfume across the back of your hand to see how that marry.

Tanja Bochnig: I would first start to apply the “heavier” (base note), perfume of the two, (or three?) and then use the “lighter” (middle/top note), one on top. Let is air and reapply during the day as desired. Lighter in the morning, heavier in the evening. One can also layer perfumes on different parts of the body. One perfume in the hair, the other on either or all pulse points. I personally love spraying perfume directly on my heart chakra and throughout the whole day, I do gets wafts of the fragrance up into my nostrils. I would avoid using 2 fragrances that are initially “heavy”, they might become overpowering and in the end smell muddy and can lead into a headache.

JK DeLapp of the Rising Phoenix Perfumery

What products from your line you recommend layering?

JK DeLapp: Man Musk – a green, mossy, woody Attar of mine – with my Jasmine Sambac Attar from the Shibui Series.

Mason Hainey: Palo Santo Perfume Oil with Palo Santo Eau de Parfum

Mandy Aftel: Aftelier Perfumes Antique Ambergris is great to layer with absolutely any other perfume because it goes with any perfume and enhances it and makes it last longer. My favorite is to layer it with my Sepia perfume since they both convey a feeling of time passing and beautiful aging, and they are beautiful together.

Tanja Bochnig: April Aromatics Rosenlust and Precious Woods

For our Layering Fragrances Draw

photo Tanja Bochnig

Worldwide EXCEPT ITALY AND SPAIN: A sample of Aftelier Perfumes Antique Ambergris solid perfume and a sample of Sepia perfume to one registered reader

Worldwide 15 ml of April Aromatics Rosentlust and 15 ml Precious Woods to one registered reader

USA ONLY: 2 Sets of Sample Sizes of: Osmanthus Attar, Shibui Series, Jasmine Sambac Attar, Shibui Series and Man Musk to two registered readers

 You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please comment upon you learned about layering natural fragrances, which fragrances you would like to win (you can enter for as many as you qualify for, but will win only one) and where you live. Draw closes July 2, 2021

Happy Birthday JK !!!!

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