The Scents of Layering- What Does It Mean?

Fragrance layering is an interesting, not to mention effective, concept in the world of scents. It is defined as, “the process of applying all the various forms of bath preparations in the same fragrance.” The process is done to optimize the impact of the fragrance in question and to allow it to have lasting power.

There is a specific order to how these products must be applied to the skin but it depends to a large extent on the particular skin type of an individual. For example, those with dry skin would do well to use a body cream because well hydrated skin tends to hold in scent longer. And well moisturized skin is important no matter what! On the other hand, those with oily or combination skin types would benefit from using a perfumed talc or powder to help ensure the longevity of the fragrance.

Fragrance layering takes place in a sequence of steps and not everyone follows all of the steps all of the time, and as previously mentioned, skin type does play a significant role. Fragrance layering can occur when one applies a minimum of two or more products but the more products used, generally the more benefits one reaps from the entire process. Keep in mind that you are going for a lasting effect not an overpowering one!

The general steps in order for fragrance layering include using bath powders or oils, then cleansing with fragrant soap or gel, and then following with body cream or body lotion. Next comes the fragrance talc or dusting powder step (for those with oilier skin), fragrance deodorant, then eau de toilette, parfum (or perfume in English) and it is always advisable to carry a trial size scent to freshen up fragrance later in the day if it becomes necessary. Fragrance deodorant is the least commonly used product in the fragrance layering scheme of things.

Scented shower gels (which are simply soap in a liquid form) or soaps cleanse the skin and leave it lightly fragranced and dewy clean. Body lotions or moisturizers provide an excellent base for a scent. A body lotion that is moisturizing will leave you feeling soft and scented and will ensure that the skin is well hydrated (high in water content). Moisturizers lock moisture into the skin. Body lotions work the best for oily skin types.

Perfumed body creams are made of richer (in other words, thicker) and more luxurious a consistency than are lotions. Body cream is the best bet for dry or extremely dry skin. A scented talc or perfumed powder is excellent to use on oily skin because it serves to absorb wetness, perspiration and works overtime to fight odor.

Men have two options in fragrance layering that women do not and these include after shave balm and after shave lotion. After shave balm is comforting when razor burns take place and this product is scented ever so slightly. After shave balm leaves a man’s skin feeling cool and well hydrated. This product is best to use on skin that is normal, dry or sensitive but could prove to make oily or combination skin even oilier. After shave lotion helps prep the skin for the next phase of fragrance layering and it just plain makes the skin feel good. After shave lotion can be used by itself or before toner is applied to the skin.

Body oil is both concentrated and scented and allows moisture to be locked into the skin. When massaged into the skin delicately, body oil will make the skin feel warm and smooth to the touch. Many people end their fragrance layering at this stage as the lasting power of fragrance would be guaranteed at this point in time.

Finally if you like, a perfumed deodorant can be applied to fight both wetness and perspiration. However be aware that not everyone’s skin reacts well to deodorant that is on the perfumey side. If you use a perfumed deodorant and develop red, itchy skin or a rash, discontinue the product and use a non-scented type of deodorant instead.

To further enhance the long lasting effects of fragrance layering, always remember to apply scent to the places on the body “where the blood flows close to the surface of the skin,” in other words, the pulse points. The pulse points on the human body are the insides of the wrists, the sides of the neck, the elbow creases, behind the knees, around the ankles and between the breasts. Also always begin spraying fragrance low on the body as scent rises upward as it warms up. Keep your fragrance stored in a cool, dry area where there are no extremes of temperature or strong lighting (including sunlight) to damage the perfume or alter its consistency.

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