In this week’s column, we tackle the art of layering, and yes, mixing colognes is an art, one worth exploring and arriving at your scent.
Why did no one scream this from the rooftops sooner?
So, I won’t take credit I did not start a layering movement but I’m here for it. It’s like unlocking a secret door in the fragrance world. One or several spritz (because you know I overspray) and suddenly you’re not just wearing a perfume, you’re creating your own. Your mix, your signature, something no one else has imagined.
Sure, some pairings will flop (been there), but when it works? Magic. The trick is simple: look for notes that complement each other or bring out the best in both. That’s when a fragrance goes from pretty to unforgettable.
I’m not your notes girl, I’m your real-talk girl. And the truth is? Layering is where your fragrance really becomes you.
Hez Parfums — Patchouli Primer
Earthy, sweet, and just a little chocolatey — this patchouli sits smooth and grounded, never heavy. It’s the anchor that makes everything layered on top feel richer and deeper. Think of it as your skin’s canvas — warm, earthy, and ready for dimension.
Phlur — Vanilla Smoke
Vanilla with a secret. Bold and Mysterious , wrapped in incense and gentle woods that add an air of mystery. Over Patchouli Primer, it creates a smoky, skin-hugging depth that feels quietly captivating. It’s the kind of scent that lingers like a whisper.
Phlur — Vanilla Blackberry
Bright, juicy, and sweet — this scent adds a playful twist to the base. The berry sparkle lifts the smoky vanilla, creating a contrast that feels fresh yet addictive.
The Clone — Naked Cherry No.33
Sweet, spicy, and a little boozy. Black cherry and cherry liqueur meet bitter almond and clove, melting into creamy tonka and sandalwood. It’s the final touch — a confident, intoxicating layer that turns the whole mix into something unforgettable.
Here’s the playbook: start grounded with Patchouli Primer, build mystery with Vanilla Smoke, add sparkle with Vanilla Blackberry, and finish with the bold sweetness of Naked Cherry. The result? A statement rich, sultry, and completely your own.
Stay shiny
Jisel Krepp is a mother of two, and a former municipal government communications professional who has turned her passion for fragrance into a growing influencer platform. Follow her at @chiki2830.