Fragrance enhancers, also known as scent boosters or fragrance primers, are designed to be layered with other perfumes to amplify, refine, and extend their scent profile. They are typically clean/transparent scents, meaning they don’t add a strong, distinct scent of their own, but rather enhance the existing notes of a fragrance or create a more harmonious blend.
This is not to say that you cannot wear these fragrances on their own; however, they are best suited for use in combination with other fragrances. But when you’re looking for a crisp, light scent that you can wear throughout the day when you’re not in the mood for a heavy perfume, these are excellent. I love these kinds of scents for the hotter days of summer.
Think of fragrance enhancers as the base of the perfume. I think everyone should own at least one for two reasons. Firstly, you can wear them on a daily basis, as they’re not too strong or overwhelming on their own. Secondly, you can create a wide range of fragrance combinations by pairing them with other scents, resulting in a unique outcome with each combination. They’re easy to wear and have a lot of potential. But which are the best fragrance enhancers?
1. Juliette Has A Gun Not a Perfume EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Juliette Has a Gun |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Woody Musk |
| Key Accords | Amber Musky Woody Balsamic Warm spicy |
| Release year | 2010 |
| Projection | Medium |
| Perfumer | Juliette Has a Gun |
Juliette Has A Gun Not a Perfume is built around a single note: cetalox, a synthetic ambergris molecule. The result is a clean, woody, and slightly musky scent that amplifies the best parts of your other perfumes.
It’s like the no makeup makeup of fragrances. It’s a chameleon. Not A Perfume adds depth and longevity to lighter fragrances and smooths out any harsh edges in bolder perfumes. Plus, it can be worn on its own to enhance your natural odor.
2. Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Narciso Rodriguez |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Woody Musk |
| Notes | Top: Rose and Peach Middle: Musk and Amber Base: Patchouli and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2006 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Christine Nagel and Francis Kurkdjian |
Narciso Rodriguez For Her is a display of sensual minimalism. While technically a floral woody musk, it relies heavily on the musk in the heart. This is a modern, sophisticated blend of rose petals, velvety peach, and warm amber, all grounded by a base of earthy patchouli and creamy sandalwood.
This musky fragrance adds a layer of sensuality to the other fragrances you choose to layer it with. I recommend layering it with a bright citrus scent for a refresher, or pairing it with a vanilla-based perfume for an ultra-cozy and comforting combination.
3. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jo Malone |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Ambrette Seeds Middle: Sea Salt Base: Sage |
| Release year | 2016 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Christine Nagel |
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne is a salty air in your fragrance collection. This unisex, aromatic scent captures the seaside. I know you’ve seen me recommend this fragrance before, and I won’t stop because it’s too good.
With notes of ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage, it is reminiscent of windswept dunes and the rugged coastline. This scent by Jo Malone adds a unique, refreshing element. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of breezy, coastal vibes to warmer, sweeter fragrances.
4. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Maison Margiela |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Woody Musk |
| Notes | Top: Aldehydes, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Pear Middle: Rose, Iris, and Orange Blossom Base: White Musk, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), and Indonesian Patchouli Leaf |
| Release year | 2013 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Louise Turner |
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning embodies cozy comfort. This unisex fragrance is designed to recreate the memories of freshly laundered sheets and sun-drenched skin on a warm summer afternoon.
The combination of aldehydes, lily-of-the-valley, and pear in the top notes creates a clean, airy opening, while the rest of the fragrance is very slightly sweet with a hint of warmth. This scent amplifies the comforting aspects of other fragrances, making them feel more familiar.
5. Calvin Klein Everyone EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calvin Klein |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Citrus Fresh |
| Notes | Top: Orange Middle: Black Tea Base: Haitian Vetiver |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Gabriela Chelariu |
Calvin Klein Everyone is a modern, simple, and clean fragrance. I’ve owned this scent before, and I’m genuinely thinking of getting it again just for the summer. It’s a bright and invigorating scent, perfect for office wear and everyday.
The fragrance features a refreshing orange top note, a unique black tea middle note, and a Haitian vetiver base. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for layering and enhancing other fragrances in your collection.
6. Guess 1981 Pour Homme EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Guess |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Chypre |
| Notes | Top: Violet Leaf and Bergamot Middle: Ambergris, Cedar, and Oakmoss Base: Olibanum and Leather |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Projection | High – Moderate |
| Perfumer | Guess |
Guess 1981 Pour Homme is a classic, masculine scent. A Woody Chypre fragrance that offers a blend of fresh and warm notes. It adds a touch of sophistication and depth to other fragrances.
The woody and leathery notes can ground sweeter or more floral fragrances, adding a more complex aroma. Try layering it with a unisex fragrance for a more masculine-leaning scent, or pair it with a gourmand perfume to add a hint of smoke.
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