I’m not one for layering. I always feel that scents should stand on their own. Why would I buy a 250 dollar niche scent and then layer it? Makes no sense. At least not to me. However, I’m always open to trying new things and expanding my horizons. Naomi Goodsir is a brand I respect. I love her creations. But, Bois d’Ascese has always been a challenging one for me. Unfortunately, I end up smelling like a barbecue when I wear it. So, it was with a little trepidation when regular reader of the blog, Tete (@niche_rare_fragrances) suggested I layer it with Dior’s Fahrenheit.
Dior Fahrenheit is a fragrance that will always be in my collection, and no doubt, its rough edge component may pair well with the Naomi Goodsir. So, I guess I had nothing to lose. Well, I’m pleased to report it’s a fantastic combination. My dosage of one spray of Bois d’Ascese mixed with two parts Fahrenheit worked a treat. The violet-leaf gasoline forward Fahrenheit taming the barbecue aspect of the Naomi. While at the same time, the smoky aspect of Bois d’Ascese works well to enhance the leather jacket facet of Fahrenheit, giving it more of a lived-in feel. Instead of barbecue, the smoke took on more of an incense vibe.
Yet, I’m still not convinced of the merits of layering. I think Dior’s Fahrenheit works well enough on its own. And, as I said, there’s no way I’d pony up for a relatively expensive niche scent only to layer it with another. Still, it was a fun, random exercise that proved to be a success despite my initial apprehension. Thanks for the tip, Tete! As a result there may be future random experiments down the track. Stay tuned.
In other random news, the Callistemon/Bottlebrush tree in my backyard has bloomed again. I still haven’t worked out the intricacies of why or when, just that it seems to flower at random times about ten or so times a year for a week or so at a time. Sunny or rainy weather, warm or cold, it doesn’t seem to follow a pattern, but while it was flowering, I thought I’d take a few photos, and it proved to be the perfect red backdrop for my bottle of Fahrenheit.
What are your opinions on layering? Do you come from the Jo Malone school of fragrance application, where layering is encouraged? Or, on the other hand, are you apprehensive and think that a fragrance should be good enough to wear without any other influence?
Note: all images are my own.