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Fragrance Notes Guide

Explore the building blocks of perfumery and understand fragrance composition. Every fragrance is structured using a fragrance pyramid composed of top notes, middle notes (heart notes), and base notes that determine its scent profile, longevity, and unique character evolution over time.

VanillaRoseOudSandalwoodJasmineBergamot

Understanding the Fragrance Pyramid: Top, Middle & Base Notes

Top Notes (Opening Notes)

The initial impression of a fragrance. Also called opening notes, these light, volatile aromatic ingredients evaporate quickly and create the first olfactory impression. Common fresh notes include citrus, bergamot, and light herbs.

Duration
15–30 minutes

Middle Notes (Heart Notes)

The heart of the fragrance and its true character. Also called heart notes, these aromatic components emerge as top notes fade and form the main body of the scent profile. Common floral and spice notes include rose, jasmine, and warm spices.

Duration
2–4 hours

Base Notes (Foundation Notes)

The foundation that provides depth and longevity to the fragrance composition. Also called dry-down notes, these rich woody and resinous notes linger the longest on your skin. Common base notes include vanilla, musk, sandalwood, and amber.

Duration
4–6+ hours

Browse Notes by Category

Organized by fragrance families

How Fragrance Notes Are Organized

Fragrance notes are organized into distinct categories based on their aromatic families and characteristics. Each family has unique scent profiles and common aromatic ingredients used in perfumery.

Understanding these fragrance families and their aromatic characteristics helps you predict which perfumes you'll enjoy and identify notes in your favorite scents.

  1. Floral Notes: Sweet, romantic aromatic scents from flowers like rose, jasmine, and peony. Typically middle notes in fragrance compositions, often used in feminine fragrances as heart notes.
  2. Woody Notes: Warm, earthy scents from woods like sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver. These base note ingredients create depth and longevity in fragrance compositions.
  3. Oriental Notes: Rich, sensual scents featuring vanilla, amber, and musk. These warm aromatic ingredients are associated with comfort and typically serve as base notes.
  4. Fresh/Citrus Notes: Bright, uplifting scents from bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit. These volatile aromatic ingredients are typically used as top notes in the fragrance pyramid.
  5. Fruity Notes: Juicy, vibrant scents from berries, stone fruits, and tropical fruits. Add playfulness and freshness to fragrance compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fragrance Notes

What is the difference between top, middle, and base notes?
Top notes evaporate first and last 15-30 minutes—they create the initial impression. Middle notes (heart notes) form the main body of the fragrance and last 2-4 hours. Base notes provide the foundation and longevity, lasting 4-6+ hours. Together, they create the fragrance's evolution on your skin.
How do I identify fragrance notes in a perfume?
Check the fragrance description or product label—most brands list top, middle, and base notes. Fragrance websites provide detailed breakdowns of each note and their families. You can also train your nose by smelling the perfume at different intervals: immediately (top notes), after 30 minutes (heart notes), and after a few hours (base notes).
Which fragrance notes last the longest?
Base notes last the longest, typically 4-6+ hours or even longer. These include woody notes (sandalwood, cedar), musky notes, vanilla, amber, and resinous notes like benzoin and labdanum. Their heavier molecular structure means they evaporate slowly and anchor the entire fragrance composition.
What are the most popular fragrance notes?
The most popular fragrance notes include vanilla (warm, sweet), rose (classic floral), sandalwood (creamy, woody), bergamot (fresh, citrusy), musk (clean, skin-like), jasmine (rich floral), oud (woody, complex), amber (warm, resinous), and patchouli (earthy, deep). These versatile notes appear in countless perfumes across all fragrance families.
How do fragrance notes create a scent profile?
Fragrance notes work together to create a perfume's complete scent profile. The aromatic characteristics of top notes create the opening impression, middle notes develop the main character and longevity, and base notes provide the foundation. This layering of fragrance families and aromatic components creates the unique evolution you experience over time on your skin.
What fragrance families should I explore?
The main fragrance families are Floral (rose, jasmine), Woody (sandalwood, cedar), Oriental (vanilla, amber, musk), Fresh/Citrus (bergamot, lemon), and Fruity (berries, tropical fruits). Your preference depends on the aromatic characteristics you enjoy. Explore individual notes to discover which fragrance families and scent profiles resonate with you most.