A Simple Guide to Mixing Fragrances, According to Experts
4 min readThe most interesting people we know aren’t wearing a scent—they’re wearing a mood, a small act of alchemy they’ve built themselves.
Mixing fragrances to create something entirely unique isn’t new. What’s new is that you don’t need a lab, a chemistry degree, or a fortune to do it at home. All you need is a little curiosity and the willingness to be a little wrong before you’re right. “I don’t think there should be too many rules when it comes to mixing fragrances — experimenting is part of the fun,” says Sissi Freeman, Marketing Director at Granado.
According to most experts, there’s no rulebook for mixing fragrances. Certain scents undeniably pair well together, but creating a smell that’s unique to you doesn’t follow a specific formula.
Ahead, experts share their theory for mixing fragrances, plus some of their favorite combinations.
How to mix according to experts
Carina Chaz, Founder & CEO at Dedcool: “I don’t think there should be rules when it comes to mixing fragrance! Play around with the scents you naturally gravitate toward and combinations that make you happy. Fragrance is so personal, and that’s part of the fun.”
Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Founder & Creative Director at Love Shack Fancy: “I don’t think there should be too many rules, or if there are, I love to break them. It’s really about playing around and finding a combination that feels like, and smells like, you. I usually start with scents that share a note somewhere, especially in the base.”
Bridget Gillespie, E-Commerce Director & Co-Perfume Product Developer at Sand + Fog: “Mixing fragrance is first and foremost an expression of creativity and experimentation. Fragrance interacts with individual skin chemistry, so the same perfume can develop differently from person to person.”
Kara Kowalski, Head of Product & Scent Development at Snif: “I like to think about fragrance pairings the same way you might think about flavors or ingredients in the real world. If you had a delicious smoked grapefruit cocktail then there’s your pairing—something bright and citrusy with something smoky and woody. You already know those things smell and taste good together, so it’s an easy place to start. You can also look at the ingredients that are already in a fragrance and find a common thread. If I’m wearing a vanilla fragrance that’s warm and ambery, I might reach for something with other warm facets like spices, woods, or tonka.”
Sissi Freeman, Granado Marketing Director: “If you’re just starting, look for a connection between the two scents, whether it’s a shared note or complementary families. Citrus can brighten woods or florals, for example, while warmer notes can add depth to something fresher. Start lightly, see how the fragrances develop together on your skin, and adjust from there. Ultimately, the best combination is the one that feels personal to you.”
Expert-approved combos
Subtle Daytime Florals
For a floral scent that is daytime-approved, try this subtle yet hypnotizing combo featuring captivating notes of jasmine, moss, and patchouli.
A Night Out
Consider this duo on your next night out. Soft, smoky, and highly aromatic, this opulent pairing is perfect for an evening that calls for a little drama.
Mocha Latte
“Right now, I’m layering Xtra Milk with our newest fragrance, Mocha Magic. It’s a warm gourmand that isn’t overly sweet, with notes of espresso, mocha, tonka bean, and sandalwood. The warmth of Mocha Magic mixed with that skin-like musk of Xtra Milk is such a good combination for fall.”—Carina Chaz
Cozy Cocoon
“A warm, intimate pairing of soft skin musks, airy florals, and light woods. Cashmere Skin adds a cozy creaminess to Missing Person’s sheer, delicate scent for an effortlessly comforting finish.”—Phlur Team
Creamy Spice
“A rich, gourmand pairing of marshmallow, sugar crystals, coconut cream, salted caramel, and cashmere, balanced by Vanilla Skin’s warm spice. The ultimate sweet and cozy combination for fall.” – Phlur Team
Warm Florals
“Jasmine, amber, and musk run through both fragrances, so they layer beautifully. Love Potion brings juicy strawberry and raspberry; delicate florals; vanilla; and sugar, while Jasmine & Cedarwood introduces saffron, pine, and cedarwood. I love this combination because the sweetness and fruitiness of Love Potion are balanced by the drier woods and floral amber of Jasmine & Cedarwood, creating something that feels both playful and sophisticated.”—Bridget Gillespie
Delicately Sweet
“We have one combination we call Girl Crush, which is Just a Girl layered with Secret Crush. They both have vanilla, but they’re completely different on their own, and together they’re so good. I also love mixing fragrances created by the same perfumer. Gabriela Chelariu has created most of our scents, including Just a Girl and Secret Crush, and there’s something about the way they speak to each other that makes layering feel really natural.”—Rebecca Hessel Cohen
Dark & Creamy
“Right now, I can’t stop layering Figo Confit with Framboesa Noir. The creamy, velvety fig pairs beautifully with the depth of dark raspberry, creating a rich and unexpected combination.”—Sissi Freeman
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