Unique And Long-Lasting Fragrances To Layer This Fall

The 53 billion dollar fragrance industry continues to boom with many perfume houses crowding their launch calendars with more and more releases to meet the need of an increasingly sophisticated consumer. As Gen Zers get older, they demand a more custom approach to their olfactory experience, not only wanting to smell unique but craving “beast mode” scents that last all day. Your-skin-but-betters scents are giving way to hyper-dosed formulas from niche houses like Andrea Maack and D’Orsay. Andrea’s niche perfume house out of Scandinavia boasts a line of perfume extraits that feature 20% oils versus 10-15% found in the brand’s eau de parfum counterparts, while French perfume brand D’Orsay just launched a collection of three extraits that feature 30% perfume oils.

Layering has also gained popularity as fragrance obsessives crave not only longevity but uniqueness. Says perfumer Andrea Maack,

“Even if you buy an expensive luxury scent, it does not guarantee that you won’t smell like everyone else around you, which used to be the case some five or ten years ago. Layering perfumes has always been an option, but now the education is taking place on social media, with influencers showing how to do it, and that's why I think it's taken off again.”

Mack has recently launched two scents designed to be worn together Osmo and Zing. Each share citrus top notes and marine accords in the heart notes. They are complex enough to be worn apart but together create a more intense experience.

There are some simple rules to follow when layering scents. Starting with super moisturized skin is essential as this allows fragrance to evaporate from skin at a slower rate. Maack prefers unscented lotion such as Agent Nateur but other popular lotions include L’Occitane almond range, EOS range and most recently launched the Eccentric Molecules body lotions. These all offer a lightly-scented, slightly-sweet neutral base that compliments most perfumes.

Searching out perfumes that share notes is also key when layering. Says MarieAnna Ferdinand, EVP Fragrance Development of Tru Fragrance and Beauty:

“When layering, I would suggest letting one of the fragrances be “the star” and not choosing two super intense formulas as they may compete with one another. Find fragrances that have a common ingredient or feeling to them. A good example would be vanilla. You could layer D.S. & Durga’s Deep Dark Vanilla, a sexy patchouli vanilla scent, with Lake & Skye’s 11 11 Vanilla, an ethereal clean musky vanilla, to balance out those darker notes.”

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Other interesting gourmand pairings include tea scents with vanilla or almond with milk notes to create a latte-like profile.

Pairing a fragrance with synthetic molecule Iso E Super is another fool-proof approach to take when combining scents. Iso E Super is warm, cozy and enveloping, pairs well with nearly any type of perfume and enhances performance. The first perfumer to offer this ingredient as a solo fragrance was Geza Schoen, founder of Escentric Molecules. His fragrance Molecule 01 has inspired a cult following (and many imitators) since its launched in 2006. Says Schoen,

“Molecule 01 is proven to stimulate one of our remaining pheromone receptors, which is why people are instantly attracted to its smell, almost like animal magnetism. It smells woody, soft, cocooning, and velvety, not sweet, fruity, floral, or any other generic impression other perfume raw materials usually have.”

Whether the goal is longevity or individuality, find inspiration from one of these perfume combinations featuring new fall launches and some tried and true classics.

Andrea Maack Zing and Osmo (pictured above)

This combo feels like sipping a fresh-pressed green juice while taking a dip in a cold plunge in the Icelandic highlands. Andrea Maack perfumes have a naturalistic quality that is that much more impressive because they also offer great longevity.

Glossier You Doux and Escentric Molecule 01

This Palo Santo scent bolstered by ambrette and violet has quickly become the favorite of the new scent duo just launched from Glossier. The woodiness of Doux has a lovely transparency that makes it a perfect daytime scent. Play up the scent’s earthiness with the enveloping muskiness of Molecule 01.

3. Sora Dora Ylop and La Danza Delle Libellule

Sora Dora Ylop is a delicious apricot and apple tea scent with a rosemary note. To up the autumnal gourmand vibe, add La Danza Delle Libellule, a scrumptious caramel apple concoction.

4. Arquiste Almond Suede and Heely L'Amandière

This addictive marzipan and leather scent is inspired by medieval Andalusian almond sweets and Cordoba leather goods. Add a spritz of Heely’s L'Amandière an airy sweet linden blossom scent to augment the nuttiness of the heart notes.

Matiere Premiere Santal Austral Extrait and Giardini di Toscana Bianco Latte

Matiere Premiere’s perfumer Aurelien Guichard is all about highlighting meticulously sourced high-quality raw ingredients. Santal Austral Extrait features a super dose of Australian Sandalwood with the addition of a spicy black cardamom absolute from Nepal. Adding the caramel milkiness of Bianco Latte imparts the perfect chai-latte impression.

Le Monde Gourmand Angel Soiree and Sucre de Coton

Angel Soiree was made in conjunction with popular content creator Caroline Stern, who specializes in playfully highlighting niche fragrances to her gourmand-loving followers. Her creation is a milky lychee, apricot and rose cloud. Caroline suggests layering with the brand’s Sucre de Coton when craving a dash of cozy vanilla sugar.

Creed Centaurus and Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby

Centaurus is an intoxicating ambery leather with a lovely heliotrope note that is perfectly complemented by the cherry and patchouli present in Sabrina Carpenter’s new cherry confection.

Merit Retrospect and Orris Tattoo

Retrospect is a perfume extrait featuring jasmine and iris. Add the delicate orris butter of Orris Tatoo to emphasize the clean and cool aspects of the scent.

DS and Durga I Don’t Know what is a fragrance enhancer featuring Iso E Super plus bright notes of bergamot and vetiver. The brand has curated a set of complementary linear scents that can be layered including patchouli, amber, rose, currant and hay options.

D’Orsay Flower Lust and Mizensir Tres Chere

Flower Lust is a perfect transitional floral by famed perfumer Dominique Ropion with a gorgeous orange blossom and ylang ylang heart and a deep resinous amber base. Add airiness and additional brightness with Mizensir’s Tres Chere, a wispy angelic vanilla.