THE BEAUTY DESK · FRAGRANCE

Perfume Layering: Phlur, Lancôme and Valentino

My current three-step perfume ritual: Phlur first, Lancôme through the middle and Valentino as the finish.

Perfume layering is one of my favorite low-effort ways to make a fragrance feel personal. The goal is not to spray three unrelated perfumes until the room gives up. I want each layer to have a job.

I start with Phlur as the base. Then I add Lancôme through the middle to give the combination more body and softness. Valentino goes on last as the finish — the part that gives the blend its polished, dressed-up edge.

What I like about this order is the movement. The first fragrance sits closer, the second rounds everything out, and the final spray is what I notice when I move.

Fragrance is personal chemistry, so this is a combination to try rather than a formula everyone has to copy. Start lighter than you think you need. You can always add another spray; the elevator cannot un-smell you.