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.
Beautiful pictures! And tks for sharing your layering experience! I layered recently l’Eau a la Rose and BR540 accidentally, and I must say they work well together! Most of my layering experiences are not on purpose, and some end up quite interesting!
Thanks very much, dear Tetê. And many thanks again for the tip. That does sound like a very interesting MFK combo. I certainly need to try some more experiments!!
1) Fantastic pics, from the Dior to the bottlebrush, and great writing.
2) Sounds like a wonderful combo, but…
3) I still haven’t got into the layering thing. Just hasn’t clicked with me. Although I do my own variation, with different perfumes on different body parts. Does that count?
Thanks Rich. Hmmm, you’re a bit like me in that regard. I’m similar with wearing a few different perfumes at once on different parts of the body. Not sure it counts, though. Haha.
Haha interesting experiment! Sounds like it worked as well as could be expected. I don’t like layering, but have tried just to see what it’s all about. To me it was just a mishmash of smelling one thing then another, with no proper blending happening. Anyway I think it disrespects the artist that created the fragrance to then go and mix it up with something else. And when scents are touted as great for layering I think it’s just a marketing gimmick to sell more bottles. Suppose it’s fine for a bit of fun, but not something that appeals to me.
It was indeed interesting, Marcus. I agree with your sentiments. I don’t think it will ever be something that will appeal to me.
Worth a try though I guess. Anyways, excellent write up Daniel, and lovely photos, as ever.
Thanks very much, Marcus. Happy Easter to you.
Thanks Daniel, and good wishes to you too 🙂
Thank you, Marcus.
The Jo Malone London’s school of layering was more relevant when their fragrances were less complex. I personally am not a fan of this concept and feel that this allows the perfumer to rest on their laurels.
There are only a couple of instances where layering is appropriate for me. One example would be two spritzes of Cuir Mauresque and one spritz of Fleurs d’Orange by Serge Lutens. Cuir Mauresque already incorporate an orange blossom note, Fleurs d’Orange just amplifies it. It makes this otherwise heavy leather fragrances come to life. I prefer Cuir Mauresque on it’s own and use my layered version for night time summer application.
If we’re not discussing the original formulation of Fahrenheit by Dior, I’m disappointed. The original formulation was strange, amazing and addictive. Only if I could get my hands on a bottle today. The newer formulations just smell like petroleum to my nose.
p.s. I got so distracted I forgot to say how much I love, love, love Naomi Goodsir.
Yes, they’re an excellent house. Worthy of much more attention. I very much enjoyed their latest leather release, Corpus Equus.
I’m not a fan of the concept either, but your Serge Lutens layering combo sounds worth trying.