What if spritzing perfume wasn’t just about smelling nice, but about expressing who you are?
Gone are the days of the one-bottle-fits-all ‘signature scent’. Today’s perfume fans want fragrances that are moody, layered and impossible to pin down.
In the UK, more people are breaking up with their go-to perfumes and building ‘scent wardrobes’ that evolve as their day goes on. Google searches for ‘layering scent combos’ spiked last autumn by 157%, right alongside our craving for gourmands, woods and spice.
Maybe it’s because summer scents feel wasted — it sweats off by lunch — but the moment cooler weather hits, fragrance is more likely to cling.
And you don’t need to earn a PhD in #PerfumeTok to smell incredible: L360 spoke with leading perfume brands to decode the layering trend and share how to build your own autumn-ready scent wardrobe.
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What is scent layering and how do you start?
At its simplest, scent layering is the art of combining two or more fragrances (or even scented body products) to create a completely unique scent that evolves on your skin.
So how do you layer for autumn without smelling like you’ve just walked through a duty-free perfume hall?
“We usually advise spraying scents at the same time if you want to have a perfect combination between the two perfumes. If you prefer one perfume over the other one, spray your favourite one last,” recommends Amanda Morgan, managing director UK at Diptyque. “Some people like to layer one perfume with stronger, woody notes and a more floral or fresher one on top of that. This is also a perfect alternative for those who’d like to create a unique combo no one else has.”
Start with a base that has depth — think smoky ouds, earthy vetivers, creamy sandalwoods and let them settle for a few seconds before adding something brighter or sweeter on top.
Autumn layering is about texture: syrupy gourmands meeting crisp spices, or velvety musks softened by dewy florals. A good rule of thumb is to work from heaviest to lightest and let each spray hit a different pulse point (wrists, neck or collarbone) to create a cloud that develops through the day.
Prime your canvas
Before you even think about pairing perfumes, prime your canvas. As the Jo Loves team puts it: “Start with a scented body cream, then add your perfume of choice and refresh with a Fragrance Paintbrush on the go — this creates depth and makes the scent last longer.”
This extra layer makes a huge difference in autumn, when your skin is drier and scents can disappear faster. Think of it as pulling on your base layer before adding the statement coat.
One expert-approved option is the Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Body Lotion, a hydrating staple that’s been winning fans since its launch earlier this year.
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Find your foundation first
Unsure where to start? Matthew Malin, co-founder of Malin+Goetz emphasises that it all begins with interaction: “Autumn is a season of layering — sweaters, memories and scent. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, we crave fragrances with texture that feel warm and intoxicating. Bold, but effortlessly cool.”
Their favourite autumn pairing — dark rum and leather — is a perfect example of how notes interact: the boozy warmth softens leather’s edge, while sweetness and spice add depth. Together, they feel bold yet wearable, nostalgic yet modern.
With that in mind, here are the combinations worth experimenting with this season.
Best scent layering combinations
Woods and florals
The most timeless trick in the book: grounding a delicate bloom with something dark and rooted. The woods give florals a backbone, turning them from innocent to unforgettable. Imagine your favourite summer dress, now throw a leather jacket over it. That’s this pairing in a bottle.
As the Jo Loves team notes, cedar is a favourite in colder weather, showing how warm, woody notes feel comforting and seasonal for autumn — and why they pair so well with softer florals to create a scent that’s both cosy and captivating.
Try layering: Diptyque Tempo Eau de Parfum for a smoky backbone, Jo Loves Rose and Dates Eau de Parfum for a soft floral heart, and/or Liberty LBTY. Tudor Eau de Parfum for a subtle round-off balance of structure and softness.
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Gourmand and oud
When the air cools, sugar needs smoke. Syrupy dates, vanilla or caramel become irresistible when paired with resinous ouds or smoky woods, like a candlelit dinner with just a hint of mischief.
Try layering: Lush Sticky Dates Body Spray for that caramelised warmth, Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold Eau du Parfum adds smoky, resinous depth and/or Kayali Oudgasm Milky Musk for a creamy finish.
Read more: 10 best Lush perfume and body spray dupes — with one swap saving £185
Citrus and spice
The sparkling late-season refresh. Keep the zest of summer alive but anchor it with spice.
Bergamot, clementine or neroli get a grown-up twist when paired with clove, cardamom or pepper. Basically, orange zest pulled over mulled wine.
Try layering: Nest New York Crème de Clementine adds sparkling, zesty citrus, while Homework Fire Eau de Parfum layers in smoky, spicy depth.
Read more: 10 best M&S perfume dupes — save up to £135 on designer scents
Leather and sweetness
Leather alone can feel intimidatingly cool but add a little sweetness and suddenly it’s addictive.
Picture a library, a vinyl record spinning and that edge of a leather jacket — bottled.
Try layering: Malin+Goetz Dark Rum + Leather perfume gives a boozy warmth, Trudon Midnight Omen adds a smoky elegance, and Maison Margiela Replica A Date Night softens the blend with a subtle sweetness.
Musks and anything
The universal topcoat. Musk smooths, softens and unifies, rounding off sharp citrus, lightening heavy gourmands, or making florals feel skin-close.
Try layering: Fenty Eau de Parfum for a soft, versatile canvas, then finish with Dries Van Noten Rock the Myrrh, the creme de la creme of investment fragrances, with resinous depth that carries you through months to come.
Feature image: Canva
