What are fragrance notes and how do they work?
Fragrances have fascinated us for centuries. They evoke memories, influence our mood and give us an unmistakable aura. But what makes a fragrance? The answer lies in the fragrance notes! They determine how a perfume is perceived, how it develops over time and what emotions it evokes. Those who are familiar with fragrance notes not only find it easier to find the perfect scent for every occasion and every season, but also develop a deeper understanding of the art of perfume making.
Introduction to the fragrance notes
Each fragrance consists of a unique combination of natural and synthetic fragrance notes that change over time. These notes can be divided into three main categories: Top Notes, Heart Notes and Base Notes. Additionally, notes are categorized in families. You can find a more in-depth post about fragrance families here.
Why is it important to understand fragrance notes? Because they help you find the perfect fragrance for yourself or your home! Whether fresh and light or deep and sensual - if you know how fragrances are structured, you can make more informed choices.
You can think of a fragrance composition like a piece of music: The top note is the overture, the heart note is the melody and the base note is the echo that lingers for a long time. A high-quality perfume is like a well-composed symphony: the individual notes play together to create an unforgettable fragrance journey.
The fragrance pyramid - the basics of perfume composition
The so-called fragrance pyramid describes the structure of a perfume. This consists of three levels:
- Top notes are the first perceptible fragrances. They are light and evaporate quickly.
- Heart notes form the core of the fragrance and unfold after a few minutes.
- Base notes are the long-lasting elements that often only come into their own after hours.
This structure goes back to the French perfume expert Jean Carles, who developed a systematic method for creating fragrances. His theory revolutionised the world of perfumery and still influences the work in perfumeries today.
Top note - the first impression of a fragrance
The top note is what we perceive in the first few seconds after applying the fragrance. It is fleeting and usually characterised by fresh, light notes. Typical top notes include:
- Citrus fruits such as bergamot, lemon or grapefruit
- Herbal-fresh notes such as mint, basil or lavender
- Aquatic notes reminiscent of fresh sea breezes
The top note is decisive for the first impression of a perfume, even if it fades after a few minutes. We have decided to go with Orange and Grapefruit as top notes in our first perfume, to open with an explosion of citric freshness.
Heart note - the centrepiece of the fragrance
As soon as the top note has faded, the heart note unfolds. It is the actual centrepiece of the fragrance and remains on the skin for several hours. Typical heart notes are:
- Floral notes such as rose, jasmine or violet
- Spicy accords with cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom
- Fruity elements such as peach, pear or red berries
The heart note gives the fragrance depth and character. It ensures that the fragrance unfolds in a personal and unique way.
Base note - the long-lasting essence
The base note is the last and longest-lasting component of a perfume. It consists of heavier molecules that develop slowly and are responsible for the depth of the fragrance. The classic base notes include:
- Woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar or vetiver
- Balsamic nuances, including incense and benzoin
- Musk and vanilla, which provide a warm, sensual base
The base note forms the foundation of a perfume and often remains perceptible on the skin for up to 24 hours. In addition to the base notes, the fragrance concentration and other influential factors determine the longevity of a perfume.
You can find out more about common notes here.
The strongest fragrance note - which note lasts the longest?
The base note has the longest lasting effect, but its character is strongly influenced by the heart and top notes. A harmonious fragrance only develops through the perfect interplay of all three phases. Other factors to consider for long lasting fragrances are the types of fragrance you are choosing. Be also aware of popular dupes, as these typically include less qualitative notes and therefore less longevity. You can find out more about dupes in our blog here.
Conclusion - The art of fragrance composition
The world of fragrances is fascinating and complex. If you understand the basics of fragrance notes, you can find your favourite fragrance more consciously and purposefully. The right combination of top, heart and base notes creates a unique fragrance experience.
Which fragrance suits you? The answer lies in your own perception - so discover, test and enjoy the variety of fragrances!
