Most fragrances have a prominent base note that is floral, citrusy, earthy or sweet. Identify the base note of your aroma, to avoid clashing with other scented products, and layer accordingly. Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum ($90, 1.7 oz, Dior beauty counters), Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum ($78, 1.7 oz, lancome-usa.com), Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Rose Nurturing Bath Essence ($30, drhauschka.com).
Start your layering in the bath or shower. Soaps and shower gels are an excellent foundation for your scent. Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum Spray ($87, 1.7 oz, macys.com), Clinique Happy Heart Limited Edition Perfume Spray ($37, 30 ml, clinique.com), Thank God It’s Natural (tgin) soap with olive oil and shea butter in Ginger Peach and Passion Fruit ($5 each, tginstore.com), Soaptopia natural handmade soaps in L.A. Squeeze and The Grapefruit Gatsby ($7, oaptopia.com).
This moisturizing, shea butter-enriched shower gel has a dark, woodsy aroma. Pair it with any scent that has patchouli, berry, sandalwood or vanilla notes. Bath & Body Works Shea & Vitamin E Shower Gel in Sensual Amber ($13, bathandbodyworks.com), Philosophy Living Grace Fragrance Spray ($44, 2 oz, philosophy.com), L’Occitane Vanille & Narcisse Eau de Toilette ($75, 2.5 oz, loccitane.com).
Hydrated skin “holds” fragrance much longer than dry skin, and opting for a same-brand lotion makes for easy scent pairing. Marc Jacobs Honey Radiant Body Lotion ($45) and Eau de Parfum Spray ($52, 1 oz, both available at sephora.com), Prada Candy Lotion ($50) and Eau de Parfum Spray ($82, 1.7 oz, both available at Neiman Marcus).