Heidi Norton
Layering fragrances is an art in the Middle East, with Emiratis and their Persian Gulf neighbours in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar being the biggest spenders per capita on luxury perfume in the world. Both men and women approach fragrance ritualistically, layering on multiple oils, attars, and even infusing their clothing and hair with smoke from incense. The first step to layering perfume is to start with the heaviest scent and then layer a lighter scent on top of it. The heavier scent should be applied to pulse points, while the lighter scent can be spritzed onto hair and clothes. Oud, a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern fragrances, is derived from a South Asian evergreen tree and has been used in the region for centuries. It is often combined with natural extracts like rose, tuberose, sandalwood, and patchouli.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Start with the heaviest scent you love |
| Second step | Test out a lighter scent on top of it |
| Third step | Wait a few minutes after putting on the heavier scent to let it settle before applying the lighter one |
| Fourth step | Prepare your skin with a preferred lotion, body oil, or moisturizer |
| Fifth step | Infuse clothing and hair with smoke from an incense-like concoction called bakhoor |
| Sixth step | Add the most intense fragrance (e.g. musk) to your exposed areas |
| Seventh step | Apply oud to the back of your hands and behind the ears |
| Eighth step | Lightly spritz over a perfume |
| Ninth step | Place the heaviest scent on your pulse points and spritz the lighter ones onto your hair and clothes |
| Tenth step | Blend opposite scents for the best combinations |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your skin with a scented lotion, body oil, or moisturiser
Preparing your skin with a scented lotion, body oil, or moisturiser is an important step in layering perfume like Arab women using rose water. This step helps to create a long-lasting fragrance by providing a base for the subsequent layers of scent.
Starting with a scented lotion, body oil, or moisturiser that complements the other fragrances you will be using is a good way to begin the layering process. For example, if you plan to use a rose-scented perfume, you might opt for a rose-scented lotion or oil to enhance the presence of that note. Similarly, a vanilla-scented lotion can be paired with a vanilla-based perfume or something that complements vanilla. This initial layer of scent can be applied generously to the skin, providing a foundation for the other fragrances to adhere to.
It is recommended to use a good moisturiser, as this will help the fragrance adhere to your skin and prolong its duration. Applying the moisturiser right after a shower is ideal, as this ensures that your skin is hydrated and ready to absorb the scented products.
In addition to scented lotions, body oils, or moisturisers, fragrance oils are also commonly used in the Arab world. These oils, such as musk, oud, rose, or jasmine, are applied directly to the skin, particularly behind the ears and on pulse points. The pure oil of oud, for example, is often dabbed behind the ears and on pulse points, enhancing the longevity and intensity of the scent.
By preparing your skin with a scented lotion, body oil, or moisturiser, you create a base layer that not only nourishes your skin but also serves as the foundation for the subsequent layers of fragrance, allowing you to build a unique and captivating aroma.
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Infuse your clothing with incense smoke
Infusing clothing with incense smoke is a common practice in the Middle East, where fragrance is approached ritualistically. The process involves burning incense, such as bakhoor, and allowing the smoke to permeate clothing and hair. This step precedes the application of perfume oils and sprays.
To infuse your clothing with incense smoke, follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare the incense. Bakhoor, a popular choice in the Middle East, is derived from agarwood, a pungent-smelling resin produced by an evergreen tree native to South Asia. Oud, or agarwood, can be burned on its own or mixed with fragrance oils, frankincense, and myrrh to create bakhoor. You can also experiment with different types of incense sticks or cones to find a scent that appeals to you.
Next, prepare your clothing. Place a burner or container for the incense in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it is safe to do so. Hang your clothing above the burner or container, allowing for adequate airflow around the garments. Alternatively, place your clothing on a flat surface and use a fan or natural breeze to direct the smoke towards the fabric.
Light the incense and let it smoulder, releasing its fragrant smoke. Allow the smoke to rise and permeate your clothing. You can adjust the intensity of the scent by using more or fewer incense sticks or cones, or by varying the distance between the incense and the fabric.
For a stronger infusion, consider placing your clothing in a confined space with the burning incense. A drawer or small box can be used to contain the smoke and concentrate the scent. However, ensure proper ventilation to avoid any safety hazards.
Finally, allow the incense to burn out or extinguish it once you are satisfied with the level of fragrance on your clothing. The smoke will leave an exotic, mesmerizing scent on your garments, creating a unique and captivating aroma.
Infusing clothing with incense smoke is an ancient practice that adds a layer of fragrance and mystique to your personal style. It is an art that requires experimentation and creativity to find the perfect balance of scent and intensity.
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Apply the most intense fragrance to exposed areas
Layering fragrances is a common practice in the Middle East, with Emiratis and their Persian Gulf neighbours in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar being the biggest spenders per capita on luxury perfume in the world. Both men and women approach fragrance ritualistically, layering multiple oils, or attars such as musk, oud, rose, or jasmine.
When layering fragrances, it is important to start with the heaviest scent to prevent it from being overshadowed by lighter fragrances. This means applying the most intense fragrance first to your exposed areas, such as your wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These areas are considered pulse points, where your body heat helps to diffuse the fragrance.
For example, you can begin by applying a rose-scented perfume oil, followed by a lighter floral eau de parfum. This will create a beautiful rose aroma that is not too overpowering.
Another tip is to spritz the ends of your hair or a scarf with your chosen fragrance. These areas catch the air and carry the scent beautifully, ensuring that your fragrance lingers and leaves a lasting impression.
By applying the most intense fragrance to your exposed areas first, you create a strong base for your lighter fragrances to build upon, resulting in a well-layered and long-lasting scent.
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Spray a lighter perfume over the top
Layering perfumes is a wonderful way to create a unique scent that's personal to you. It is an art, and not every fragrance pairing will be a success. The key to layering is to understand the different layers in individual fragrances. The top note is what you smell right away, the middle note is the heart of the fragrance, and the bottom note is what stays with you for hours.
When layering, it's best to start with the heaviest scent first and then layer a lighter scent on top. This ensures that the heavier scent doesn't overpower the lighter one. Allow a few minutes for the heavier scent to settle before applying the lighter one. You can also experiment with different combinations and don't be afraid to play around—layering is all about experimentation. For example, you can try layering a rose scent with a vanilla-based perfume or an oriental perfume.
When layering perfumes, it's important to consider the fragrance notes and families of the perfumes you're using. Choose fragrances that have a commonality and feel like they belong in similar fragrance worlds. For instance, if you're layering floral perfumes, choose your favourite floral notes and create something sweet and spectacular. You can also try layering a single-note perfume under or over an existing scent. For example, if you have a favourite citrus fragrance that doesn't last long, you can layer it with a sandalwood or cedarwood base.
To layer like Arab women, who approach fragrance ritualistically, you can start by infusing your clothing and hair with smoke from incense or bakhoor. Then, apply a perfume oil on your wrists and behind your ears, followed by a spray of your favourite lighter scent to suit the mood of the day.
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Mix different perfumes to create a unique scent
Mixing different perfumes is a great way to create a unique scent and express your personality. This practice has been used in the Middle East for centuries, especially in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, where both men and women approach fragrance with ritualistic reverence and creative flair.
- Choose perfumes from similar families: When mixing different perfumes, it's essential to select fragrances from similar families, such as woody, floral, oriental, or citrus scents. This ensures that the perfumes work in harmony rather than competing with each other. For example, you can combine a woody perfume with a vanilla-based perfume or an oriental perfume with a rose scent for a romantic date night.
- Start with the heaviest scent: Begin with the heaviest or most intense fragrance you want to use. Apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. Allow a few minutes for the scent to settle before applying the next layer.
- Layer with lighter scents: Once the heavier scent has settled, layer with lighter fragrances. Spritz the lighter perfumes onto your hair and clothes, or areas of your body that are more exposed. You can also experiment with opposite scents, as blending contrasting fragrances can often lead to delightful combinations.
- Enhance with complementary products: Fragrance layering can start in the shower with scented soaps and shampoos. After showering, apply a lotion, body oil, or moisturiser with similar fragrance notes to help the scent last longer. You can also use perfume oils or eau de parfum sprays directly on your clothing to intensify the aroma.
- Experiment with natural extracts: If you want to create a truly unique and luxurious scent, experiment with natural extracts like rose, tuberose, sandalwood, patchouli, and jasmine. These natural fragrances are popular in artisanal perfumery and can add depth and intrigue to your signature scent.
- Practice and creativity: Perfume layering is an art, and it may take some time to find the perfect combination of scents that suits your taste and personality. Don't be afraid to experiment with different perfumes and layering techniques. Creativity is crucial to finding your ideal scent.
By following these tips and drawing inspiration from the rich history of fragrance layering in the Middle East, you can create a unique scent that becomes your signature and expresses your individuality.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step to layering perfume like Arab women is to start with the heaviest scent that you love. This could be a scented shower gel, soap, or moisturizer.
The second step is to test out a lighter scent on top of the heavier scent. It is important to wait a few minutes after putting on the heavier scent to let it settle.
The third step is to spritz a light scent onto your hair and clothes. This could be a perfume or a fragrance like rose water.
Some tips for layering perfume like Arab women include using fragrances from similar families such as woody, floral, oriental, or citrus, and blending opposite scents to create unique combinations. It is also important to consider placement, with heavier scents going on pulse points and lighter scents being spritzed onto hair and clothes.
