Looking for an individual fragrance that lasts from morning to night? Master the art of fragrance cocktailing for a bespoke scent that sticks.
What is a fragrance cocktail you ask? Cocktailing works in a similar way to fragrance layering, but instead of mixing scent together in layers, the trend entails using a scented bath or body product to create a foundation, and then building upon it using a spritz or two of scent.
With the help of perfume expert Emilie Bouge, we’ve created a guide to help you find your perfect cocktail combination.
“The technique can be done with any fragranced products but I’d recommend starting off with the more prominent scent in a heavier product at the base and then building with lighter products on top. It’s a personal choice as to how many fragrances to layer and which scent types to combine, but there are some scent combinations that work better than others; it’s wise to stay away from combining very heavy scents together and if you’re new to fragrance cocktailing then florals are a great place to start – they pair great with citrus or fruity fragrances.” Emilie Bougé. Expert Perfumer for Miller Harris
TRY THESE FRAGRANT COMBINATIONS
FLORAL AND FRUITY
To create the foundation or base of your fragrance cocktail, Faith in Nature Lavender & Geranium Body Lotion relaxes the senses and leaves skin feeling soft by blending lavender and geranium essential oils with an ethically traded shea butter base. Once you’ve applied the product and allowed it to absorb into skin, Miller Harris Secret Gardenia (£135, 100ml) is a great scent to finish with as a fresh floral. With star notes of Nashi pear and yuzu, the zesty freshness of fruit complements the floral foundation.
For a fragrance that combines the floral and the fruity, consider Miller Harris Myrica Muse (£135, 100ml) which showcases red notes of bayberry and strawberry with undertones of rose and jasmine flower.
A TWIST OF CITRUS
Nourish and scent hands and wrists by using a handcream as your base. Tisserand Rose & Ylang Ylang Hand Cream (£13) is an essential oil-rich cream enriched with natural floral components, shea butter, jojoba oil and aloe vera – an ideal foundation to embrace the citrus notes of Italian bergamot and green tea as found in Miller Harris Tea Tonique (£135, 100ml). Spritz onto wrists after the lotion foundation has absorbed.
For a more citrus floral option, Miller Harris Scherzo incorporates notes of tangerine with dark rose for an intensely vibrant scent that adds a deep finality to any fragrance cocktail combination. Plus, for added versatility, the scent is also available as a Body Wash (£26, 300ml), Hand Cream (£25, 75ml) and Hair Mist (£60, 100ml).