For those who find traditional perfumes too potent or overwhelming, a new approach to wearing scent is gaining popularity. Beauty columnist Sali Hughes frequently fields requests for recommendations from people who dislike strong fragrances, whether due to allergies, migraines, or a simple aversion to pervasive smells.
The Art of Olfactory Watercolours
Her solution is often fragrance layering. This technique involves combining two or more subtly scented products with compatible aromas. The result is described as an olfactory watercolour painting – gentler, more translucent, and less defined than a single powerful spritz. It's a kinder option for sensitive noses and can feel more appropriate for certain settings, like close-quarter offices or public transport.
The New Generation of Layering Products
A wave of brands, particularly those favoured by Gen Z, are now designing products specifically for this purpose. Rare Beauty has launched a set of four Layering Balms, priced at £18 each. The ungreasy balms come in scents like Woody Oak, Amber Vanilla, Floral Peony Blossom, and Bergamot, and are meant to be applied to pulse points as a fragrant base. While designed to be paired with Rare's own signature perfume (£71), they work versatilely with other scents, creating a longer-lasting effect that isn't overpowering.
Body mists have also evolved. Modern versions from brands like Salt & Stone are closer to cologne than the overpowering sprays of the past. Their Santal & Vetiver Body Mist (£45) can be layered over a matching deodorant stick (£20) or body lotion (£49) to build a warm, woody, and gender-neutral scent that lasts all day, potentially eliminating the need for a traditional perfume.
Brands Built for Mixing and Matching
Gen Z favourite Phlur has a strong focus on layering within its collection of light eau de parfums, body sprays, and bodycare. Their scents are conceived to be mixed. For example, the Father Figure Eau de Parfum (from £32) works beautifully over the Cashmere Skin Hair and Body Mist (from £25), creating a harmonious blend that isn't heady.
For those who prefer not to commit to a single brand's ecosystem, some fragrances are natural mixers. Glossier's musky 'You' perfume (from £32), a masterpiece in its own right, is noted for its ability to layer brilliantly with almost any other cream, lotion, deodorant, or perfume.
This trend towards nuanced, buildable scent reflects a broader shift in beauty towards personalisation and sensitivity, offering an elegant solution for anyone who wants to wear fragrance without it wearing them.
