Tired of Your Everyday Fragrance? What If You Could Create Your Own Signature Perfume at Home?
Fragrance is a deeply personal experience. It’s not just about smelling good – it’s about evoking memories, expressing emotions, and even shaping how others perceive you.
While sticking to a single signature scent works for many, there’s a growing trend that’s catching on: scent layering. This technique involves combining multiple fragrances to create a unique, personalized aroma.
If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the world of fragrance, scent layering offers a fun and creative way to do just that. In this article, we’ll break down what scent layering is, how it works, and how you can start experimenting with it to craft your own signature scent.
What Is Scent Layering, Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics. Scent layering—sometimes called fragrance combining or blending—is all about applying multiple fragrances in a sequence or even at the same time to create a more complex, personalized scent. Think of it as building your own custom perfume, using the fragrances you already love.
You can layer perfumes, but you can also mix in scented body products like lotions, oils, or hair mists. The idea is to make your scent more interesting and unique by combining different notes that complement or contrast each other in cool ways.
So, what’s this business about fragrance notes? Well, perfumes are made up of different layers of scents that come out over time. These layers are called top, middle (or heart), and base notes.
- Top notes are the first ones you smell—usually fresh and light—but they don’t stick around for long.
- Middle notes kick in after the top notes fade; they’re the core of the fragrance and last a bit longer.
- Finally, base notes are the ones that linger the longest, giving the fragrance its depth and richness.
When you’re layering scents, it’s important to understand how these notes interact. You might start with a light, fresh scent as your base—think citrus or a delicate floral—and then add something richer and more intense on top, like a woody or spicy fragrance.
The goal is to create a blend where each layer enhances the others, making the overall scent more dynamic and interesting.
How to Create Your Signature Scent
The best part about scent layering? There are no strict rules, which means you can let your creativity run wild. But, if you’re looking for some guidance, here are a few tips to help you create a harmonious blend.
First, start with fragrances that share a common theme. Let’s say you’re into floral scents – you might layer a rose perfume with a jasmine one, or add a hint of something green and herbal to give it a fresh twist.
If you’re more into sweet, dessert-like scents (hello, gourmands!), you could combine a vanilla base with a touch of caramel or cocoa for a delicious, indulgent blend.
Next, think about the intensity of the scents you’re layering. A good rule of thumb is to start with lighter, more delicate fragrances and then build up to stronger, more powerful ones. This way, no single scent overpowers the others, and you get to enjoy the different notes as they unfold.
For example, you might begin with a subtle musk or a light floral scent, then add a richer, more intense fragrance like amber or sandalwood.
Don’t forget to consider the texture and form of the products you’re using. Start with a scented lotion or body oil as your base layer – this not only moisturizes your skin but also helps lock in the fragrance.
Next, spritz on your first perfume, focusing on pulse points like your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. Finally, apply your second fragrance, either by spritzing lightly over the same areas or focusing on different parts of your body to create a more diffused scent.
Have Fun with Scent Combinations
One of the coolest things about scent layering is that it’s all about experimenting. You can play around with different combinations until you find something that feels just right for you. And remember – there’s no right or wrong way to do this, so trust your instincts and have fun with it.
A great way to start is by exploring combinations within the same fragrance family. For instance, if you’re a fan of fresh, clean scents, you might try layering a citrus perfume with a light, aquatic fragrance.
On the other hand, if you love warm, sensual scents, you could combine oriental notes like amber, vanilla, and spices. Woody notes like cedarwood and sandalwood also work beautifully with florals or even with other woods for a complex, earthy vibe.
But don’t be afraid to mix things up. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most interesting.
A crisp, green fragrance can be softened with a touch of sweet vanilla, or a spicy, peppery scent can be balanced with something creamy and smooth. Start with small amounts at first, and see how the scents interact and evolve on your skin throughout the day.
It’s also a good idea to keep a little journal of your scent layering experiments. Jot down which combinations you tried, the order in which you applied them, and how they developed over time.
This way, you can keep track of what works and what doesn’t, and it can be a fun reference as you continue to explore and refine your signature scent.
Making Scent Layering Your Own
Scent layering is more than just a technique – it’s a way to express your individuality and creativity through fragrance.
By understanding the basics of how fragrances interact, choosing scents that resonate with you, and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a scent that is uniquely yours.
The best part? Your personal fragrance can change with your mood, the season, or even the occasion. It’s all about enjoying the process of discovery and the pleasure of crafting a scent that feels like an extension of yourself.
Whether you’re new to the world of perfumes or a seasoned enthusiast, scent layering offers a fresh and exciting way to engage with fragrance. It turns the act of applying perfume into a fun, creative ritual of self-expression.
So, why not give it a go? Start with the fragrances you already have, mix and match, and see where your nose takes you. You might just discover your new favourite scent – one that no one else can replicate because it’s yours and yours alone.
PS If after trying scent layering you feel that you would like to try even more unique perfumes to find the perfect match to your personality and characteristics then feel free to take a peek at our exclusive services. Our perfumer Tony is creating fully personalised signature perfumes from scratch. That means he’s not merely mixing ready-made perfumes. He starts putting together a perfume suitable for you from the very first ingredient up until the last one. Every ingredient is carefully picked to best reflect your unique characteristics and Tony usually uses over 30 ingredients to reach that perfect combination. Learn more about this exclusive service here.
Piret Reinson: The Sweetness and Bitterness of Doing Nothing
Tony Veiler has hit the nail on the head with the theme and essence of his new fragrance, as well as with its timing.
We are living in an era without boundaries. Boundlessness in all its diverse and possible forms—we can travel freely, there are almost no closed borders; our lives and work have blended together, no longer confined to a nine-to-five office routine—our lives are like a flowing wave, and it’s difficult to even grasp what all fits into that wave nowadays. It’s a fast-paced whirlwind.
This makes it even more important to know and understand who you are.
To celebrate every small, significant moment, to notice and be present every minute and second. Estonians are used to constantly working hard, but this relentless grind no longer creates new quality. The new quality comes from elsewhere—it comes from our deeper inner selves, from knowing who you are as a person and how you can make your own small ripple in this vast ocean wave.
And for that, it’s necessary to take time, to take moments and just be—to listen to the birdsong and your own heartbeat. And this is by no means frivolous or disdainful. On the contrary.
We need to start taking these moments more often and pay attention. And eventually, from these wonderful little moments, a magnificent pattern will form that will carry us forward. If only we dare to trust.
Thank goodness we have our own Tony Veiler, who helps us create this pattern with his enchanting world of fragrances.
A scent burst with its very own vibe for every moment, like a burst of energy, something that helps you remember and recall the important things in the daily whirlwind. To truly be free and enjoy every moment, you need to learn the art of simply being—only then, in that deep personal silence, do you reach the essence of things, and suddenly everything seems to find its rightful place.
The article was inspired by our newest perfume – The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.
You can find the perfume here or by clicking on the image below.
The guest post was written by Piret Reinson
Note: This article is translated. The original text was written in Estonian.
7 high-value Christmas gifts that will make Christmas even more special
Giving gifts to our loved ones is a way of valuing them and strengthening our relationships. As Christmas approaches, we wish to surprise and show our dearest how invaluable they are to us, but every year it seems to become more challenging.
Questions arise – How can I show even more care for a cherished person this year? What could surprise them and not feel like a gift everyone else might also receive?
We’ve pondered over these thoughts as well. That’s why we had a brainstorming session and decided to share a few ideas as a starting point for further and even better ideas.
Here are seven meaningful gifts that convey our heartfelt feelings for loved ones, show how much we care for them, and make this Christmas even more special.
- Personalized Jewelry (Price: €100–€250)
Personalized jewelry with a message or a name emphasizes your special bond and makes the recipient feel unique and treasured. It’s a gift that lasts for years, always reminding them of your unique relationship.
This gift requires personal attention and thoughtfulness from the giver. Every chosen detail highlights the giver’s dedication and care for the recipient, creating a closer connection.
- Luxury Spa Day with Relaxing Treatments (Price: €150–€250)
Offer your loved one a luxurious spa experience, providing an opportunity to relax and pamper themselves. Spending time together and focusing on one another strengthens bonds and helps create special memories.
The giver’s investment in this gift shows a desire to offer relaxation and quality time to the recipient. A shared experience helps reinforce the relationship and create lasting memories.
- High-Quality Electronic Accessory (Price: €100–€250)
A smartwatch, headphones, or another high-quality electronic accessory shows your attention to the recipient’s interests and comfort. This gift suits those who value practicality and provides daily joy, as these accessories often become an integral part of the recipient’s life.
Giving quality electronics that align with the recipient’s interests or needs shows the giver’s attention to details important in the recipient’s life. This gift also reflects a desire to make a loved one’s everyday life more comfortable.
- Christmas Perfume (Price: €40–€100)
The holidays are a time when people come together and express care for one another. Who wouldn’t want to carry that feeling throughout the winter? Christmas and winter-themed perfumes are perfect for this.
A Christmas perfume is an even more special gift if it’s an exclusive, limited-edition scent that highlights the unique nature of your loved one. A unique gift leaves an impression and offers a memorable olfactory experience.
For example, our 2023 Christmas perfume, Festive Elixir, is a wonderful exclusive gift. Learn more -> Christmas Perfume Festive Elixir
- High-Quality Wine (Price: €30–€60)
A quality wine creates the opportunity to enjoy a special evening with loved ones, emphasizing the festivity and significance of your gift.
The giver’s selected wine or champagne provides a chance to share a special moment together, creating pleasant memories and expressing appreciation for the recipient’s taste preferences.
- Carefully Selected Gift Box or Set (Price: €20–€50)
Quality products in gift boxes, such as chocolate sets, scented candles, or gourmet snacks, give the recipient a luxurious and well-cared-for feeling.
A thoughtfully selected gift box or set expresses the giver’s attention and desire to offer something special and well-curated. It also encourages a cozy evening together, where you can open a bottle of wine, light the gifted scented candle, and reminisce about shared moments. What could be a better way to grow closer?
- Memory Book (Price: €15–€30)
A book with a personalized message or filled with photos that evoke memories shows that the recipient is important and that you want to reminisce about shared experiences for years to come.
Such a book expresses the giver’s deep wish to connect with the recipient and, at the same time, shows that they have taken the time to get to know them. It provides an opportunity to grow closer through shared stories and thoughts.
Gifts are more than just material objects – they are expressions of our love, attention, and care for others. With these seven special gift ideas, we aim to show that every gift can tell a story that brings us closer to our loved ones.
Whether the gift is big or small, the most important thing is that it expresses our sincere wish to bring joy and warmth to those we cherish the most.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth and love!
Harmonies and Whispers: Unveiling the Enigmatic Dance Between Mass and Niche Perfumes
Enter the world of fragrances, a realm where scents weave tales and memories linger like forgotten melodies. Within this realm exist two distinct genres: mass-produced perfumes and niche, artisanal creations. Each tells its own story, captivating in its essence. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the enigmatic dance between these fragrant symphonies.
Mass-Produced Perfumes: The Common Symphony
In the Bustle of Commonness
Dive into the orchestra of mass-produced perfumes, where familiar melodies hum in unison. Like city lights, these fragrances gleam with accessibility and affordability, adorning the shelves of bustling markets. They speak to the masses, casting a wide net of approachability.
Masks and Familiarities
In this world, scents wear the masks of familiarity, ensuring consistent notes that echo through time. They sway with the trends, dancing in perfect rhythm with market demands. These perfumes offer a chorus of versatility, a melody for every occasion, each note blending seamlessly into the everyday symphony.
Niche Perfumes: The Uncharted Sonata
A Masterpiece in Rarity
Venture into the gallery of niche perfumes, an exclusive exhibition of olfactory artistry. Here, each bottle tells a story of rarity and exclusivity, akin to a masterpiece painted in limited strokes. They whisper secrets of lavishness and luxury, offered in select ateliers, inviting only the connoisseurs.
The Artistic Crescendo
Within these bottles reside the essence of unbound creativity. Perfumers compose their symphonies with a flourish of artistic liberty, painting fragrant portraits with unconventional notes and rare ingredients. The compositions, rich with depth and complexity, create an opulent tapestry of scents that linger and evoke emotion.
A Dance Between Realms
In the ballad of perfumes, mass and niche play different tunes, each with its allure and charm. The mass-produced echoes familiarity, providing a comfortable embrace, while niche fragrances beckon with their exclusivity and artful uniqueness.
Perfumes, like melodic notes, dance through the air, leaving trails of memories and evoking emotions. The choice between mass-produced and niche perfumes is an invitation to partake in this symphony, each offering a distinct melody. Whether the familiar tune of the masses or the enigmatic sonata of niche creations, the journey through fragrances is a unique exploration of art and personal expression.
MY FIRST RENDEZ-VOUS WITH ESTONIA’S VERY OWN ‘’NOSE’’ AT HIS T-PERFUME LAB
On a windy Monday in August, Tony invites me to his exclusive perfume lab. Having no clue what to expect really, I am super excited to go see how and where an actual ‘’nose’’ works. Conveniently located in Tallinn city center in an office building on Parda street, I find myself stepping into a place beyond time and space. I sense some kind of a shift in my mindset as I try to control my olfaction. The premises ooze mystery and yet everything is perfectly dosed.
First room we go into is where Tony receives his clients and guests and where a stylish presentation of his perfumes is layed out for us. There are currently three perfume bottles with their packaging and samples. Of course I can’t resist and make myself comfortable on one of the two armchairs facing a lushious peonies’ hued wall with T-Perfume’s golden logo in the center. I could almost lose track of time.
But my road to discoveries is still long and so we continue to the next room. It is quite literally the back office. Here too I smell something special that I can only describe as the smell of hard work and dedication. This is a place where Tony spends hours of his workdays preparing orders for clients and making sure business is running smoothly.
But the most fascinating is yet to come. As the next door opens, we step into the magical world of his scent lab. This is something. Technical, squeaky clean and the promised land of all possible fragrance combinations. I make sure my itchy fingers don’t do anything stupid, but all I want is to start sniffing and mixing different aromas. My imagination is simply running wild. I start to fantasize about what could go with what and how I could create my dream perfume. Well, let’s not get carried away now. Tony has spent years perfectioning his skills and I should better leave this insanely difficult work to him.
As we sit down again, he kindly offers me some tea and pastries and I guess all this intense curiosity has sparked my appetite. Then he sprays on me some perfumes that are already on the market and I actually know I love. It sets the perfect ambiance to continue talking about fragrances. But then he opens his secret stash of work in progress scents because he wants my opinion on them. How cool is that !
Now how to act smart and sound intelligent? Obviously I’d like to recognise as many aromas as possible, but it turns out to be trickier than I would have imagined.
No rationality left, only emotions. It feels very powerful, how the first perfume cleanses my head and then suddenly I notice a huge transformation. In all honesty, there is always movement, flow and a sort of element of change to Tony’s creations. The most exciting part is to literally feel it on your own skin. So coming back to this first new work in progress, from the get go it is fresh, spicy, feisty. If you give it some time, it turns into a warm hug, like some comforting sensation. As you wait even longer, and that’s never a problem with us, because our conversations are known to last for hours and hours, you arrive at, what I would maybe call, the endgame of this scent, and it is a tranquil yet sensual undertone. I mean, I am trying my best here to do this perfume justice, but you simply have to smell it for yourself.
Now, the next newcomer that finds its way to my forearm, is a whole nother story. Tony gives me some indications, of what he put into this magic potion and a vague idea of the name it could one day bear. I instantly get him and what’s even more awesome, is that I teleport back to my childhood. Those intense flashbacks of my grandparents’ rose garden make me feel oh so nostalgic. Of course it is wide known that scents have the power to make you remember things and places and moments. This time though it comes over me with such precision. I get the rose petals, the vegetative freshness, the earthiness of the soil, the humidity in the greenhouse, the love and care my grandmother put into growing each and every demanding variety of these beauties. And then Tony’s genious touch, I get the smoke, and the boldness of fire. What a combination ! I can’t stop sniffing my arm, I have become addicted. And then I remind myself that however lovely this emotional timetravel is, I am not that young girl anymore, we all change and transform in time, not only a good perfume, but we, as creators of these memories. Perpertuum mobile…If I had to choose, I’d pick the second fragrance, but probably for sentimental reasons. The first one for sure could come in handy in so many situations in life, where one needs a little self esteem or confidence kick from a perfume.
Now our next topic is framing. My ignorance about this had been complete. I felt like inventing the wheel when Tony explained the reasons behind layering different scents on top of each other. Simply put, two different perfumes will already do the trick. I mean, I wouldn’t go as far as to say whatever two perfumes, but Tony showed me what he had envisioned. And so a unique new perfume is born on my skin. Logical and magical at the same time. Well, truth be told, until recently I had pretty much always been a one-perfume-girl. But this ‘’invention’’ makes me want to play around with combinations. Then again I don’t think Tony leaves anything to chance really, I takes months to come up with variations of molecules and essences that work well together not only on paper but in the bottle as well. And most importantly as I had just witnessed, on my skin. Impossible to leave his atelier empty handed. I rejoyce even more knowing I’ve picked out a unisex perfume for me, because from previous times I remember my husband was very fond of it too. As I walk home from T-Perfume’s HQ I feel my head a bit in the clouds, or is it a cloud of perfumes that follows me around? Who knows. Bottom line is, I can’t help but to feel emotional and I realize the right perfume never really leaves you indifferent. It provides like a time travel vessel to hop on to and take you back and forth in time wherever you dare to go. I guess subconsciously my expectations about meeting Tony that day were quite high but really he did deliver and more. I am genuinely happy that he uses his talent, vision and hard work to create beauty in such a universal way. I am lucky to have gotten a sneak peak into the magical realm of perfume making and I sure hope it wasn’t our last meeting.
Maria Külvja
Article by T-Perfume's first guest blogger Maria Külvja
Instagram: @maria.kulvja
HOW WELL DO WE REALLY UNDERSTAND THE ROLE THAT SCENTS PLAY IN OUR LIVES?
Aromas carry lots of information and values that help us navigate and make the right choices. They can easily influence our sub consciousness over which we have no control. Therefore we can quite easily be manipulated by fragrances. How well aware are we of the effect scents have on us?
Through scents we understand the world
We might not apprehend how important scents are to us until we lose our sense of smell. Those of us who have experienced a proper blocked nose or gone through COVID-19 know exactly how losing the ability to smell can affect our overall conception of the world. Food loses its taste, much of the information is not received, we become insecure and perplexed about what is really happening around us.
Odours surrounding us reassure us that everything is under control and according to our expectations. This is the rational side of scents – providing information for our mind so we can make conscious decisions. For example, when smelling something unpleasant, the brain signals us to keep our distance.
Aside from assisting us with rational analysis and decision-making, aromas mess with our sub consciousness over which we have no control. They awaken memories, affect our mood and help us choose a partner or friends.
Looking for a partner? Trust your nose!
Every human being has a specific odour and their own perfume preferences. This can say quite a lot about a person. We don’t have to be with a trained nose to know, when whiffing someone, if they are ‘’our kind of people’’. In that situation we don’t need to rationalize anything, we just know, feel it deep down.
So what kind of a perfume should we choose to help us find a partner more easily? First of all, we should ourselves smell good, take care of our personal hygiene that also shows we appreciate others around us and value general aesthetics. As for picking out a perfume, it is a truly personal decision that should be based on our very own preferences. If we wear a scent we really love, it will attract people who also respect and cherish it.
A perfume as a reminder
A scent becomes personal once we attach a certain memory or experience to it. Although we perceive space with different senses, it is most often the smell of an event or a place that sticks with us and stirs up emotions.
It functions like a memory stick – even decades later a specific smell can trigger images and details of a place or an experience. It can also work the other way around. You think about something or someone and suddenly smell what you associate with this particular place or person.
The same area in the brain – olfactory cortex, runs both the sense of smell and our emotions. It has been scientifically proven that this area communicates with the hippocampus where information is stored for long-term memory. Therefore when we smell something, this information is directed to the ‘’pantry’’ of our long-term memory and from where specific memories can later be dug up.
You could turn this phenomenon to your advantage. For example when having a special occasion (wedding, anniversary etc.) you could choose an entirely new fragrance. If years later you smell it again, you will feel overwhelmed with those powerful emotions and sweet memories.
Another clever idea is to surround yourself with a new perfume or a scented candle when studying for exams. Then, when it is time to pass the test, reapplying the same scent will trigger memories linked to the study session and help you find the right information from your brain.
A perfume as a means of communication
It is no secret that scents have an important role to play in communication. They can even be used as instruments of persuasion. Scent marketing is a scientific approach to influence customers’ shopping behaviour through aromas.
Have you ever smelled freshly baked cookies in a food store? It might not instantly make you want to buy baked goods, but it very well can send your brain a signal to snack on something and therefore make you engage in more impulse purchases. On another note, when doing business, it is also recommended to use certain scents that help build up trust in the other party.
A perfume as a mood influencer
As we breathe in a perfume, the aroma particles interact with our brain and our nervous system. This consequently influences our mood. So by choosing how we perfume our home or ourselves, we can actually change the way we feel. To impact our feelings, we could even use aromatherapy. Regardless of our own personal preferences, there are types of scents that influence us all in a similar way, may it be calming, cheerful, irritating etc.
A perfume as our body chemistry influencer
Perfumes can help us gain self-confidence, battle depression and increase creativity. We also know by now that scents can affect our body chemistry. This means boost the production of serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. For example vanilla, lavender, coffee and rose aromas enhance our feel-good hormones. The perfume industry also uses components to act as aphrodisiacs to trigger sexual passion and attractiveness.
A perfume as a part of our identity
The fragrance we wear becomes a part of our identity. It tells a story about our values, opinions and characteristics. We are known for and remembered by much thanks to the way we smell and how others sense us.
Why should we prefer niche perfumes?
As we already know, scents can affect our health situation and emotional wellbeing. If we have to be surrounded by a cloud of perfume on a daily basis, it would be nice to know it doesn’t in any way harm us and that the ingredients of the fragrance are natural. This is where niche perfumes come into play and why they gain more and more recognition in the perfume business.
For niche perfumes, the production is usually very limited, so automatically we are more unique when wearing them. Also, they are mostly made of natural ingredients for example powerful essential oils that are environmentally – and skin-friendly.
A niche perfume is a piece of art. The ‘’nose’’ knows the philosophy behind all scents and assembles a bouquet that has a story to tell, influences our mood and grants us with a decent dose of originality.
Estonia’s only niche perfume producer T-Perfume offers fragrances in three categories: for women, for men and unisex. The perfumer Tony Veiler explains that niche perfumes made in Estonia have their advantage: when mixing and assembling the perfumes here, he can be inspired by trends and sensations that matter to our own people.
Where to find T-Perfume’s exclusive niche fragrances:
- T-Perfume atelier-lab on Parda Str. 4 (by appointment only)
- Krunnipea Design Shop in Solarise Center
- Eve Hanson Design Boutique in Telliskivi Center
- T-Perfume e-shop