THE ART OF FRAGRANCE LAYERING: SUMMER EDITION

THE ART OF FRAGRANCE LAYERING: SUMMER EDITION

The air is heavy with hot tarmac and wafts of sweet coconut oil. Beer gardens bustle. Trees stretch their shade over lazy picnics, and somewhere, far in the distance a tinny rendition of Greensleeves marks the imminent arrival of an ice cream van —

Yes, Summer has made quite the dramatic entrance this year, making it the perfect time to refresh, reset and (most importantly) reinvent your fragrance game. 

From fragrant blooms, to fresh cut grass and the over-sweet indulgence of ice cream — summer fragrances can be an evocative orchestration, and you the maestro! 

Whether you want to match the season or master the art of fragrance layering, AKT’s cruelty-free signature scents give you endless ways to experiment. The right combination lets you channel your jeu d’esprit, create a signature scent, and shift with the seasons effortlessly. And now, layering just got even easier with our expanded body-care range — more ways to mix, match, and build depth into your signature scent.

THE TRICK TO SCENT LAYERING?

.01 FINAL COMMON THREAD.
Notes that share a similar base (like woods, florals, or citrus) will tend to complement each other, while contrasting notes can create an unexpected sense of depth. 

.02 MAKE A STATEMENT.
Some prefer to start with a bold, statement-making fragrance and then soften it with lighter, more subtle notes. Others build intensity layer by layer, like an unfolding act. 

.03 BUILD THE TENSION.
Like any good drama, fragrance layering is about building towards a climax. Start with a strong scent as the foundation, then add elements of surprise, build intensity, and soften the edges. 

There’s no wrong way to layer — it’s all unique to you. Experiment, adjust, and make it your own.

Our fragrance categories could be divided as such:

If you’ve never tried AKT or don’t know where to start, try The Discovery Set to find your fragrance matches.

SCENE-STEALING AKT LAYERING COMBINATIONS

We’ve put together some AKT fragrance layering options to spark some inspiration on what you can do with our scene-setting, natural, and cruelty-free fragrances.

A MIDSUMMER’S DREAM

For those fragrance layering aficionados, we’ve got a combination that lets you go full throttle on your summer scent alchemy — bold, whimsical, and filled with drama! Inspired by an elegant summer reverie, this blend is equal parts fresh and flirtatious!

(THE ONSEN - AFTER THUNDER - HALCYON SUMMERS - ORANGE GROVE)

Step 1: Start with The Onsen in The Body Wash Concentrate. Its citrus and woody notes feel like the crisp breath of morning air, awakening your senses and setting the perfect foundation for what’s to come.

Step 2: Next, add After Thunder in The Deodorant Balm. It’s invigorating eucalyptus and bitter orange provide a punchier base that adds depth to sunnier florals and bright citrus notes.

Step 3: Get your glow on with Halcyon Summers in The Everyday Encore Body Oil. This sunny and sophisticated combination of herby tomato vine and fresh pomelo is like an endless summer. Ah! 

Step 4: Add a fragrant finale with a spirited spritz of our deodorising body mist The Haze in our fresh and flirtatious Orange Grove — a soft veil of fragrance that’s literally dripping in La Dolce Vita! Belissima! 

This multi-layered combo might just add the Mediterranean holiday drama you’ve been craving… we’ll see you by the pool. 

THE MISCHIEVOUSLY CHIC

Looking for a scent that keeps people guessing? Our mischievously chic combination might be the ideal for you. This one’s for those who love a little mystery — audaciously bold, alluring, and effortlessly cool.

(SC.01 ORANGE GROVE - SC.02 AFTER THUNDER - SC.03 THE ONSEN)

Base: Start with SC.02 After Thunder in The Body Wash Concentrate, a woody, aromatic scent that’s grounding yet refreshing.

Middle: Add SC.01 Orange Grove in The Body Conditioning Balm — its citrus-aromatic notes bring in that signature dolce vita energy (Negroni in hand, of course).

Finishing Touch: Finish with The Onsen in The Haze — a sophisticated and calming combination of bright yuzu and deep lavandin.

Mischievous, enigmatic, with just the right touch of ‘Who, me?’ energy. Think off-duty model at a speakeasy, serving main character mystique.

A TOUCH OF NATURE 

For those who crave escapism — getting lost in the cool shade of the forest, the scent of fresh blooms, and a world free of expectations.

(SC.02 AFTER THUNDER - SC.05 COLUMBIA ROAD - SC.04 HALCYON SUMMERS)

Base: Begin with SC.02 After Thunder in The Body Conditioning Balm. Its woody-citrus notes ground you, setting the perfect base.

Middle: Follow with SC.05 Columbia Road in The Deodorant Balm. The floral notes add a lush, blooming contrast, softening the edges and making the scent feel alive.

Finishing Touch: Go even greener with the herby tomato vine and fresh mint of Halcyon Summers in The Haze, apply the deodorising  body mist to skin or clothes for a fabulous, fragrant finale.

For those who dream in shades of green. Barefoot in the wild, poetry in hand, and no absolutely no regard for a 9-to-5. 

    INSPIRATION FROM AKT’S FOUNDERS

    While these combinations are a great place to start, your scent is uniquely yours. Experiment, mix, match, and create a fragrance that defines you.

    Our founders, Ed Currie and Andy Coxon are always experimenting with new layering combinations. 

    “Don’t ask me which is my favourite scent – it’s like asking “which is your favourite child?!” I layer, I mix it up, because I’m quite simply obsessed with them all. But that first hit in my morning shower with Orange Grove Body Wash Concentrate gives me the pick up I deserve! S**t that’s fresh!”. Ed Currie

    DISCOVER THE ED EDIT >

    “I love layering our fragrances with the whole range. They are all so unique yet they compliment each other in such a beautiful way. Many people ask "what perfume are you wearing” but it's just The Onsen Body Oil, babes!” Andy Coxon

    DISCOVER THE ANDY EDIT >

    So, the stage is all yours — layer boldly, lean in to the deodorising magic of The Haze and The Deodorant Balm, and let the scene-stealing fragrance carry you through this incredibly hot summer. 

    NOT SURE FRAGRANCE LAYERING IS FOR YOU? 

    No stress — you can still be a fragrance maestro. Just intensify your favourite scent by using it across all your go-to products.

    Love SC.01 ‘Orange Grove’? Keep it simple and choose this scent across your whole body care ritual.

    Because sometimes, sticking to what you know best is the most powerful move of all.

     

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