Fragrance Layering Tips from Emirati Perfumers
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Fatima Saif
- . October 16, 2025
- . Update: October 16, 2025 7:48 pm
Fragrance layering is a craft that can create a signature scent for any perfume lover by blending more than one fragrance. Emirati perfumers have a long-established tradition with perfume, and regularly share their expert techniques for developing and blending complex and intriguing scents. Anyone can take their scented experience to another level by learning how certain notes play well together.
Familiarising Yourself with Perfume Scents
Before layering any scents, you should familiarise yourself with notes. Scent is declared by its top, middle, and base notes. The top note is the first impression of a scent, and they are typically fresh and light (citrus and herb scents). The middle note (aka heart note) is the scent of a perfume’s heart – these tend to be floral or spicy aromas. The base notes are the scented notes that last the longest and add richness/depth to the blend (oud, amber, and musk). Emirati perfumers recommend not focusing on emerging notes but on selecting layers of scents that complement each other for a balanced outcome.
If you find the information on layering Emirati fragrances like oud interesting or valuable, we encourage you to check out our Fragrance Layering Guide, which provides a very detailed explanation and step-by-step instructions on how you can create signature fragrances. You can certainly layer oud-based fragrances, floral notes, or create your unique scent combinations inspired by traditional scents that embrace the Emirati perfume culture. Layering different scents together is also an effective way to personalise fragrance and the enthusiast can adjust various scents for an infinite range of occasions, whether more casual for exploring the outdoors or something more luxurious while you enjoy a gala.
Popular Emirati Fragrance Combinations
| Combination | Top Note | Middle Note | Base Note | Suggested Occasion |
| Citrus Oud | Bergamot | Rose | Oud | Daytime casual |
| Spiced Amber | Lemon | Jasmine | Amber | Evening luxury |
| Floral Musk | Orange | Gardenia | Musk | Everyday wear |
| Oriental Sandalwood | Neroli | Saffron | Sandalwood | Formal events |
The following table is a useful guide to some of the most popular combinations suggested by perfumers in the UAE. It will also help you get a sense of how layering can be a fun way to experiment with fragrance products.
Fragrance Layering FAQ
Q1: Can I layer any fragrance on top of each other?
A: Not all fragrances will go well together so start with complementary notes and try a small amount to avoid clashing.
Q2: How many layers should I wear?
A: In general, 2–3 layers is nice, then it tends to get too overwhelming.
Q3: Do layered fragrances last longer?
A: Yes! Perfume blends with rich base notes will have more longevity and depth to them.
Q4: Can I layer fragrances on all skin types?
A: You can, but do remember that body chemistry will play a role in the outcome just slightly.
