Complete Guide to Fragrance Notes

Every fragrance consists of three layers: top notes (5-15 min), heart notes (20 min-hours), and base notes (6+ hours). Understanding these layers helps you appreciate fragrance development and choose scents you'll love.

Top Notes: The First Impression

Top notes are the initial burst you smell when you apply fragrance. They're light, fresh, and fade quickly. Common examples include bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, black pepper, and cinnamon. These notes grab attention and set the stage for the fragrance.

Heart Notes: The Soul of the Fragrance

Heart notes emerge as top notes fade and form the true character of the fragrance. They last 20 minutes to several hours. Common heart notes include rose, jasmine, clove, cardamom, fruits, and herbs. The heart notes define whether a fragrance is floral, fruity, spicy, or aromatic.

Base Notes: The Foundation and Longevity

Base notes appear after 30+ minutes and provide longevity and depth. They last 6-24 hours depending on the fragrance. Common base notes include musk, amber, cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and oud. Without base notes, a fragrance would vanish within minutes.