Beauty

How Kayali Started A Revolution In The Art Of Fragrance Layering

The vanilla perfume that convinced us the options are endless.

Written by Christa Joanna Lee
Kayali

Once upon a time, finding your signature scent meant discovering the one perfume you'd wear every day, every time. But these days, one fragrance is just the starting point. Just like you wouldn't wear the same outfit for every occasion, your perfume can match your mood — and even better, you can mix a few together to create a scent that's entirely your own. Think of it as scent maxing: a little sweet, a little cozy, a little fruity, and completely customizable depending on the vibe you're chasing.

If your FYP has convinced you to start playing perfumer, you have Mona Kattan to thank. Long before #PerfumeTok turned layering combinations into viral content, the Kayali founder built her brand around the centuries-old Middle Eastern tradition of fragrance layering, making it feel fresh, approachable, and endlessly fun for a new generation of people experimenting with scents. Kayali (an Arabic word meaning "my imagination") wasn't created around finding one perfect perfume — it was about building a fragrance wardrobe. At the center of it all is Vanilla | 28 (named for the 28 versions the formula went through before Kattan and her perfumer perfected the "juice" as she calls it), a gourmand icon that’s the ultimate topper to your layering routine.

Kayali Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum
Sephora
$105

Pair it with Eden Juicy Apple | 01, and suddenly it’s giving apple pie fresh out of the oven. Or add Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33, and you're basically bottled baklava. (Proving that yes, you really can have your dessert and smell like it, too.) That's the magic of Kayali: There are endless possibilities — and a whole lot of room to get creative. Ahead, we're breaking down our favorite Kayali layering combos with the fan-favorite Vanilla | 28 to add a touch sweetness and help you curate your perfect scent lineup — no matter your mood, vibe, or personality.

A Sugared Pear Glace Tart, Anyone?

Fragrance combo: Vanilla | 28 + Vanilla Rock Candy Sugar | 42

Kayali Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 Eau de Parfum
Sephora

If your go-to dessert involves flaky pastry dusted with sparkling sugar and juicy pears baked until they’re caramelized, this layering combo belongs on your vanity. Vanilla | 28’s rich blend of vanilla orchid, tonka bean, amber woods and brown sugar gives the pairing a warm, cozy foundation, while Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 sprinkles on playful notes of candied pear, rock sugar, and vanilla cream. The result is sweeter and brighter than Vanilla | 28 alone, and it’s exactly the kind of scent the gourmand girly will want to reach for before a coffee date, bookstore stroll, or study session.

$105

Whip Up Your Personal Strawberry Shortcake

Fragrance combo: Vanilla | 28 + Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81

Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81 Eau de Parfum Intense
Sephora

If your aesthetic can be summed up by ballet flats, bows, and an iced matcha, this layering combo is made for the coquette girly. This is the layering combo for anyone who wants to smell like they wandered straight out of a Parisian pâtisserie. Vanilla | 28 lends its signature sweetness and brown sugar warmth, while Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81 fluffs things up with airy pink marshmallow, juicy strawberry, and whipped vanilla. Together, they create a soft gourmand that’s more fluffy strawberry shortcake than sugary candy.

$105

Cozy Up To Warm Apple Pie

Fragrance combo: Vanilla | 28 + Eden Juicy Apple | 01

Kayali Eden Juicy Apple | 01 Eau De Parfum
Sephora

Picture this: A warm apple pie is cooling on the windowsill, your favorite oversized knit is draped over your shoulders, and the air has that unmistakable first day-of-fall crispness. This layering combo bottles up that feeling with the help of Eden Juicy Apple | 01. It opens with a bright, playful burst of juicy red apple, wild berries and soft florals like jasmine bloom in the backgroundThen Vanilla | 28 brings the cozy factor for a scent that feels warm and nostalgic -it’s literally the whipped cream on top of your dessert. It’s comforting without feeling heavy and sweet without becoming saccharine – perfect for the hostess whose apartment always becomes the default hangout spot for the group.

$105

Savor The Sweetness Of Decadent Baklava

Fragrance combo: Vanilla | 28 + Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33

Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 Eau De Parfum Intense
Sephora

For the fragrance maximalist who believes more is more, this decadent duo is your perfect match. Inspired by baklava – a multi-layered pastry with flaky phyllo, buttery pistachios, and honeyed syrup – the warm blend of Vanilla | 28 melts into the creamy mix of Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 (think pistachio gelato, whipped cream, cotton candy). Rich and decadent? In the best possible way. Long associated with hospitality and abundance throughout the Middle East, baklava makes the perfect muse for a fragrance that evolves beautifully throughout the day – and for the person wearing it, who has another layer to uncover.

$105