Here's How To Perfectly Layer Your Perfume

Signature scents are nice and everything, but if you don't like having the same one as, oh, a million other people, perfumes that allow you to mix or layer your own custom scent are about to be your new favorite thing. And whether you prefer to build your layering collection from scratch, start out with a bunch of options laid out in front of you, or be provided with a foolproof system, there's a brand that can help you create your bespoke fragrance.

But before you get started, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind. The first is that you don't necessarily have to spray one fragrance directly on top of another to "mix" your custom scent. Instead, for example, you can apply one scent to your wrists and another behind your ears. But if you do decide to literally layer your perfume, be sure to apply heavier scents like musks and spices before lighter scents like florals and citruses. This way, the lighter scents will not be covered up. Ready to start concocting your own scents? Here are eight brands to try. Oh, and make sure you don't make any of these common mistakes when applying your custom, signature scent.

Demeter

Whatever your style of perfume mixing and layering, Demeter's got you covered. Want to experiment mixing and matching 10 different scents? The Foolproof Blending Library is for you. Want to layer three scents in any amount that are meant to be blended? Try a Foolproof Blending Trio. And if you'd rather mix two scents in a bottle so you can more easily tote and apply your custom scent, try the Foolproof Blending Duo. You'll be surprised how good Grass and Dirt smell together.

From left: The Foolproof Blending Library, $20, available November 27 at demeterfragrance.com; Foolproof Blending Trio, $45, demeterfragrance.com; Foolproof Blending Duo, $35, demeterfragrance.com

Atelier Cologne

These highly concentrated, complex scents are perfect alone. But the combination of masculine and feminine scents make this set perfect for mixing and matching.

Necessaire Nomade Gift Set, $45, sephora.com

Elizabeth and James

Both Nirvana White and Black smell amazing on their own. But they smell even better together.

Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set, $25, sephora.com

Commodity

Commodity has a Black Collection that features complex scents like Whiskey, Wool, and Moss; and a White Collection that features bright scents like Mimosa, Rain, and Gold. Mix them together for your perfect perfume cocktail.

$99/100mL or $24/10mL, commoditygoods.com

Philosophy

The perfumes in this set are inspired by ideas like empowerment, compassion, and truth. Individually, they express scent groups like floral, musk, and citrus. But layered? They'll create a rich and complex fragrance.

my philosophy: Layering Collection, $85, sephora.com

The Blend

Whether you want to experience all 10 pure fragrance oils from this collection, or just four of the most classic ones, these scents are produced by Fred Segal, who creates celebrity bespoke scents. So he knows what he's doing. And these sets will ensure that you do too.

From left: Custom Fragrance Blending Kit, $150, sephora.com; Custom Fragrance Blending Mini Kit, $29, sephora.com

Jo Malone

This London-based brand has a cult following. And its website will help you choose your ideal scents for layering. Just pick your favorite fragrance, and then decide if you want to make it warmer or fresher, and you'll receive a recommendation for a foolproof combination.

$125/100mL or $65/30mL, jomalone.com

Clean

As the brand's name implies, all of these scents are clean and fresh. So naturally, they smell pretty great when layered together. The only decision you have to make is: spray or rollerball?

Perfumer Layering Trio, $65, sephora.com; Rollerball Layering Collection, $18, sephora.com

Get ready to have people ask what scent you're wearing instead of recognizing it as their own.

Images: Khorzhevska/Fotolia; Courtesy of Brands