Happy Friday! Fragrance Friday is a new column on BrownStyle Magazine that explores the world of perfumes, body care, and beyond. Inspired by Emerald Elitou‘s love for fragrance, the series will highlight personal reviews, layering ideas, and expert insights to help you navigate your fragrance journey. Get ready to be inspired—one spritz at a time!
Mango in the Fall/Winter? Okay, I admit it may sound strange…but hear me out!
There’s no rule written in stone that says mango-scented products have to be cast to the shadows during the colder season, so why should I wait to share with you a new layer combination that I’ve been working on that’s too good to keep to myself? My point exactly.
Whether you opt to try it this Fall/Winter or save this combo for next Summer, find out why this mango combination is the perfect way to add something bright, juicy, and refreshing to your fragrance routine.
The Inspiration
Recently, I felt the urge to experiment with layering sweet mango scents, and I cannot begin to express how happy I am to have a combo that’s bright, juicy, and refreshing.
It all started in August when I received Oakcha’s latest fragrance in collaboration with fragrance influencer Paul Fino (better known as @paulreactss, the King of Gourmands). As one of my favorite voices in the fragrance space for his head-to-toe fragrance layering combinations, I instantly became excited about the new drop.
Mango Hour | Viral Vanilla instantly felt like something special. It’s sweet, fruity, and just the right amount of creamy, with top notes of fresh mango, juicy pineapple, and lush white peach. The heart brings in caramel swirl, coconut milk, and coumarin, while the base settles into amber, vanilla bean, and musk. It’s unlike anything I already had in my fragrance wardrobe.
My Perfect Mango Layering Combination
Naturally, my layering brain kicked in. How could I build around mango as the star note while still letting the other facets like coconut, vanilla, and pineapple play their part? I turned to Leila Zagwolsky, fragrance expert and CEO/Co-Founder of LUXSB, for inspiration.
“As I always say, your scent will be your identity. Fragrances are personal and should represent your scent style,” Zagwolsky explains. “The secret in fragrance wearing is adding a new creation to your fragrance wardrobe on your own terms. You are your own perfumer—with no rules, only self-expression.”
The first thing that came to mind for my fragrance combo was Ellis Brooklyn’s Mango Milkshake Hair & Body Mist. It leans more toward fresh-fruity mango than milkshake, but it’s delicious all the same. From there, the routine basically created itself as I pulled other mango (and vanilla) staples from my stash.
RELATED | We Spritzed Every MILKSHAKE Mist By Ellis Brooklyn—Here’s Our Faves!
RECIPE: Sweet Like Mango Sweet Like Layering Mango Scented
The perfect layering combo starts in the shower! Ahead, learn about every fragrance I used to create the perfect mango layering routine:
✨ Shugar Soapworks Oatmeal + Mango Plant-Derived Soap
I am always mindful to use soaps that not only smell good, but also help my skin stay soft and moisturized!
✨ Le Monde Gourmand Papaye Tropique Perfumed Sugar Scrub
I only exfoliate with a scrub like this once or twice a week. For this stack, I added it to build fragrance depth—and the bonus is that it made my skin feel smooth as butter.
✨ Caress Body Wash Mango & Almond Oil Moisturizing Body Wash
This mango-scented body wash added just the right amount of hydration. By the time I stepped out of the bathroom, my skin was already glowing.
✨ Le Monde Gourmand Crème Vanille Perfumed Body Icing Crème
This new launch was one I couldn’t wait to use. The rich hydration, plus that creamy, decadent vanilla sweetness, made the perfect base for the rest of the routine.
✨ Le Monde Gourmand Crème Vanille Body Oil
To lock in moisture and add some extra shine, I layered on a little of the body oil. The vanilla from the oil did a fantastic job enhancing my routine.
✨ Oakcha Mango Hour | Viral Vanilla
After my skincare routine, I applied this fragrance that’s best described as creamy, fruity, a touch musky, and totally gourmand. FYI: This fragrance smells amazing for the warmer months, but it’s just as good in winter when you want a little taste of Summer nostalgia.
✨ Ellis Brooklyn Mango Milkshake Hair & Body Mist
Lastly, I spritzed this fruity hair and body mist. It was the perfect final touch that tied the whole stack together!
The Fragrance Layering Results
This fragrance layering resulted in a scent that feels like the golden hour bottled up: tropical, creamy, and vibrant all at once. And while this routine was mango-focused, I can easily see Mango Hour being layered with other scents like coconut for a beachy vibe or pineapple for something extra juicy.
“You can layer fragrances from the same line or across different brands—just choose scents that balance and complement each other,” Zagwolsky explains. “If layering is new to you, start with two favorites in your collection and spritz one after the other once the first dries down. Most likely, you’ll discover a new signature scent.”
Tips For Fragrance Layering
The possibilities are endless when you keep the notes in mind while layering. Below are Leila’s quick tips for layering— that actually worked when I tried it.
- ✨ Start with your stronger scent first (extrait de parfum, eau de parfum).
- ✨ Let fragrances dry fully before applying the next.
- ✨ Vanilla, coconut, and citrus notes make especially good bases.
Expert Layering Advice By Leila Zagwolsky
“Let your fragrance dry down fully if you want a more enhanced, olfactory experience of the top and middle notes. Avoid rubbing your fragrance together or dabbing from your wrist to your neck, which speeds up the dry-down process but crushes the notes. Think of spraying fragrance as a step-by-step process—like savoring a glass of wine.”
What do you think of fragrance layers? Share your thoughts on Fragrance Friday’s Instagram!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
