Chandler Burr, the former New York Times scent critic (yes, such a position existed), once told us that the simplest trick to successfully layering fragrance is to emphasize your favorite note by echoing it in the second (or third) scent. Taking Burr's advice, we combined two sandalwood-based fragrances that can function both on their own and in concert, to create a wintery scent that’s both uplifting and comforting, sweet and smoky. Here's how:

Right after the shower, while your skin is still steamy, apply Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm, and let it soak in. You’ll initially smell its bright tangerine peel, but within minutes this mellows out to a milky sandalwood-vanilla that's warm and cozy like a cashmere blanket and lasts all day. Then, right before walking out the door, step through a spray or two of Le Labo Santal 33—the liquid counterpart to the world’s sexiest candle. Its androgynous and musky mix of leather, cardamom, papyrus, and sandalwood was created as Le Labo's olfactive declaration of “freedom.”It's sort of like Kristen Stewart’s slept-in eye makeup—it provides a mysterious ambiance, smelling of a broken-in leather jacket and a well-lit fireplace, and will make people wonder: where have you been?

Mingling with the Aesop body cream, your skin smells soft and a little sweet, but not cloying. And it's still there by the time you get home, a delightful reveal after a long day under your winter layers. Second only to lingerie, of course.

Photos by Mathea Millman.