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Technique japonaise "layering" superposition couche de parfum sur la peau

The Art of Layering in Perfumery

With its origins in Japan, the art of « layering », « Saho » in Japanese » and « millefeuille » in French, was initially derived from the application of cosmetics, consisting of applying different treatments to the face to maximize beauty and obtain a perfect complexion.

Traditionally, the process begins with removing makeup and cleansing the skin, next applying a general hydrating treatment, and finishing off with targeted products, like under-eye serums for example.  

Just as precise and gentle gestures quickly become a daily routine, once or twice per week, it’s advised to add an exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin soft and smooth.

Want to try this feel-good routine? Nothing could be easier with our Maison’s cosmetics range: “Lumièrelotion, serum, and cream, eye contour from the “Les Essentiels” collection, body scrub… you can create your own beauty kit—and don’t forget the finishing touch: a perfumed body cream to moisturize your skin with an elegant fragrance.

Gamme Lumière de la Maison de Parfums grassoise Galimard : lotion tonique, sérum elixir, crème visage argousier
Application fragrance féminine - parfum Galimard sur un poignet droit sous forme de spray

Speaking of fragrances: did you know that the art of “layering” can also be used with different perfumes?

At Galimard, we are always committed to staying true to our values while embracing new trends. Naturally, our boutique consultants had fun experimenting with layering two or three perfumes—with results that are as surprising as they are alluring.

The technique is simple: first, spray the most intense fragrance, and a few seconds later, spray a lighter one on top.

There are countless possible combinations, though we advise not layering more than three fragrances.

As we’ve mentioned in other blog posts, the fame of Grasse’s flowers in perfumery is due in part to the vast compositional possibilities they offer: they can be used in every olfactory family, and the three HÉRITAGE creationsour perfumer Yusuke Masuda’s latest works — pay special tribute to them. This collection is especially well-suited to layering: layer “T” with “J” for a sensual, opulent trail, or “R” with “J” to enhance your femininity with a touch of romance.

Technique/art du layering, superposition de parfums mixtes T et J de la collection Héritage

Ready to go even further? Then let’s dare to elevate Grasse’s iconic flowers with the powerful, captivating notes of the Collection Privée : “T” combined with Oud Vanille will envelop you in sunny, radiant scents, Oud Jasmin paired with “J” adds a fruity twist to the floral-animalic notes of Grasse jasmine, and Musc Royal harmonizes beautifully with “R”, giving it exceptional longevity.

These three examples perfectly illustrate one of the main advantages of layering: after application, the scent trail is rich and long-lasting.

In the Classic Collection, all daring combinations are possible— just avoid layering perfumes that share too many notes. For instance, combining “Journal intime” with “Si tu savais…” isn’t ideal because both are too citrus-heavy.

On the other hand, pairing “Cantabelle” (slightly tangy) with the fruity softness of “Songeries” is very interesting.

For gentlemen, we suggest trying “Aventure” with “Sportissimo” or “Un hiver à Grasse” with “1”, for example.

Gamme Cantabelle - Galimard, parfumeur à Grasse
Gamme Songeries - Galimard, parfumeur à Grasse
Gamme produits Aventure - Galimard, parfumeur à Grasse
Gamme de produits Sportissimo - Galimard, parfumeur à Grasse
Gamme de produits Un hiver à Grasse - Galimard, parfumeur à Grasse

If the experience intrigues you but you’d prefer to start cautiously, why not begin your first trials with our Eaux de Cologne?

Patchouli/vanilla, vetiver/patchouli, lychee/citrus verbena, or rose/orange blossom are all safe bets to get started—and then… Let your inspiration guide you!

Our shopping tips to test layering without breaking the bank: Try the 6-perfume box sets (for men, women, or unisex) or the discovery box of the Collection Privée —offering you countless layering combinations!

The benefit of layering is twofold: extended fragrance longevity and the ability to change your scent (almost) infinitely, depending on your mood and the season!

Galimard - Coffret découverte Collection Privée 2022
So have fun layering, and don’t hesitate to share your olfactory innovations with us—we can’t wait to discover them!

See also

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