How To Layer Scents

Smelling great takes a little effort, but layering fragrances? That’s black belt-level scent skill. If this is the first time you’ve thought about how your various scents may (or may not) be working for you, welcome, let’s dive in. 

You might think one good scent is enough, and it can be. But the truth is, with the right approach, you can create a signature scent that’s uniquely yours. Done wrong? You could end up smelling like a tornado of noxious mist. So let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of mastering the fragrance layering game, and help you steer clear of an olfactory overdose.

Do: Start with a Clean Slate

Rule number one: before you start layering, make sure you’re fresh and clean. A good soap (cough, Dr. Squatch) is essential to wash away yesterday’s sweat, grime, and—let's be honest—whatever that lingering odor from last night was. The best blank canvas for proper scent layering is clean, well-cared for skin. This ensures your scents will last longer and smell more authentic. Just think of it like painting on a blank canvas, instead of one that smells like a locker room.

Don’t: Go Overboard on Scents

Listen, we know you want to stand out, but dousing yourself in six different fragrances isn’t the answer. When it comes to layering, less is definitely more. Pick two to three complementary fragrances (or categories, more on that later) at most—one for your soap, another for deodorant, and maybe a cologne. Think of it like making a cocktail; you want the flavors (or in this case, scents) to work together, not clash like a Bills vs Ravens game.

Do: Stick to a Theme

Like a slow dance, it’s all about the complimentary vibes (don’t make us say synergy, but synergy). It’s not a hard and fast rule but if you're a novice, general styles like light/bright heavy/musky should be grouped together. From there, the best place to start is by keeping fragrance families (like woody, spicy, or citrus) together. For example, a lighter, woodsy soap like Birchwood Breeze paired with brighter deodorant like Fresh Falls can be a fresh and balanced combo. Or maybe try a heavier deodorant scent like Wood Barrel Bourbon paired with a bolder, but complimentary cologne like Fireside Bourbon. The key is balance—strong doesn’t have to mean overpowering and you want your scent to invite people in, not slap them in the face with a tidal wave of man musk.

Don’t: Mix Completely Opposing Scents

Look this might be fairly obvious, but opposites don’t attract most of the time. The goal is to create a signature scent, not to smell like a candle factory exploded. When in doubt, stick to similar tones or ask a friend who won’t lie to you if your scent situation is working. There’s room for some harmony in certain respects but light and heavy rarely works if the components of the scent (citrus and pine for example) are at odds with one another.

Do: Apply Strategically

There’s an art to where you apply your scents too. Start with your soap in the shower, hit your pits with deodorant (because nobody wants to smell your funk), and then finish with a light spritz of cologne on pulse points. Think behind your ears, wrists, and neck. Heat activates scent, so these spots will give you a long-lasting, subtle release throughout the day. Just remember, one or two sprays are plenty—we’re layering, not fumigating. For more tips on that front, check out our handy How To Wear Cologne guide.

Don’t: Overlook Skincare

Your skin is the base for everything, so don’t neglect it. Dry, cracked skin will absorb your cologne faster than you can say “smell this”, so moisturize regularly with lotion to keep your skin hydrated and ready to hold onto those fragrant layers. Plus, healthy skin makes your natural musk smell a whole lot better. Don’t forget to factor your lotion’s scent to the mix if you aren’t using an unscented lotion, even something as light as “aloe” still has a noticeable fragrance to consider.

Do: Make It Personal

At the end of the day, fragrance layering is all about expressing your unique style. Experiment with different combos, get feedback, and have fun with it. Whether you want to smell fresh, rugged, or somewhere in between, the perfect scent combination is out there. Just remember to keep it subtle—your signature scent should enhance your vibe, not overpower it.

Go-To Scent Combinations To Try

All In
How: Choose one scent and go for it with multiple products.
Scents: Pine Tar, Fresh Falls

Light and Fresh
How: Stick to lighter fresher scent styles
Scents: Birchwood Breeze soap, Alpine Sage deodorant, Midnight Birch cologne

Bold and Rugged
How: Layer rugged, rich scents together.
Scents: Wood Barrel Bourbon soap, Maverick Musk deodorant, Fireside Bourbon cologne

Layering fragrances can take your grooming game to the next level, but only if done right. Stick to complementary scents, avoid going overboard, and keep your skin healthy for optimal results. Remember, the goal is to smell like you—but a more sophisticated, refined version of you.