Fragrance layering guide
Perfume layering is the easiest way to create a scent that is completely your own. Wear two fragrances together and they blend on your skin into something new, something nobody else is wearing.
This guide shows you how to layer perfume step by step, which fragrance to apply first, and our favourite perfume layering combinations to try.
Fragrance layering means wearing two (or more) perfumes at the same time so they combine into a new, personal scent. A warm amber can make a fresh citrus feel deeper; a creamy vanilla can soften a bold oud. The result is a signature that shifts with your mood, the season and the occasion.
Every House of Icon Layering Set pairs two full-size 50ml Eau de Parfums chosen to work beautifully together. That gives you three ways to wear one set:
Fragrance holds better on hydrated skin. Apply an unscented body lotion to your pulse points before you spray.
Start with the heavier fragrance: amber, oud, vanilla or coffee. One to two sprays on your neck and wrists is enough.
Spray the fresher or more floral fragrance over the top: on the same spots to blend fully, or on different spots for a softer mix.
Give the blend a few minutes before you judge it, and don't rub your wrists together. Rubbing breaks down the top notes.
Each of these combinations is available as a House of Icon Layering Set: two full-size 50ml Eau de Parfums for R699, with free delivery across South Africa. Here is what each fragrance brings, and what happens when you wear them together.
Unisex
For him
For her
Unisex
Unisex
For him
For her
For her
For her
Start with the richer, heavier fragrance (think amber, oud, vanilla or coffee) and add the lighter, fresher or more floral one on top. The deeper scent anchors the blend, while the lighter one gives it lift. Each combination above tells you which to apply first.
One to two sprays of each is plenty. Layering adds up quickly, so start light. You can always add another spray, but you can't take one away.
Pulse points work best: the inner wrists, the base of the throat and behind the ears. You can spray both fragrances on the same spot to blend them fully, or put one on your neck and the other on your wrists for a softer mix.
You can experiment with almost anything, but blends work best when the two scents share something, such as a note, a warmth or a sweetness. Our Layering Sets pair fragrances chosen to work together, which makes them an easy place to start.
It can help. A richer base fragrance tends to hold the lighter notes on top of it for longer. For the best longevity, apply to moisturised skin and avoid rubbing your wrists together. How long any fragrance lasts also depends on your skin, the weather and how much you apply.
Yes. Every House of Icon Layering Set includes two full-size 50ml Eau de Parfums, so you can wear either one alone or layer them together. That is three ways to wear one set.
Not at all. We have Layering Sets for her, for him and unisex blends. Combinations like Sauvage + Oud Wood and Creed Aventus + Baccarat Rouge 540 are made for anyone who wants a fresh, woody or amber signature.
Find the fragrances that match the scents you already love, or try five 30ml Icons at home with a Discovery Set for R999, then layer your favourites.