Top Notes, Middle Notes, Base Notes: The Fragrance Layers You Should Know

Have you ever wondered why the scent of a perfume changes after a few hours? This happens because perfume has layers of aroma known as fragrance notes. There are top notes, middle notes, and base notes that make a perfume’s scent more intriguing.

These notes are designed so that the fragrance evolves gradually after being applied to the skin, making it feel more dynamic and captivating. Want to learn more about these fragrance layers? Keep reading!

Source: Craftovator Studio

1. What Are Top Notes?

Top notes are the first scents you notice immediately after spraying perfume on your skin. These notes are lighter than middle and base notes, usually fresh, floral, or citrusy. The purpose of top notes is to create an enticing first impression.

Top notes typically last about 5-20 minutes, gradually fading before the middle notes emerge. Common top notes include lemon and bergamot, rose and lavender, as well as peppermint and airy scents.

2. What Are Middle (Heart) Notes?

As the name suggests, middle (heart) notes are the most prominent and form the core character of a perfume. They make up about 65-70% of the overall fragrance structure.

Middle notes are richer and more complex than top notes, and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours on the skin. Common middle notes include floral scents like jasmine and ylang-ylang, spicy scents like cinnamon and pepper, and fruity scents like apple and strawberry.

3. What Are Base (Bottom) Notes?

Base (bottom) notes are the foundational scents of a perfume, the last to be noticed after the perfume has been on the skin for a long time. These notes provide a deep impression of the overall perfume composition.

Base notes can last several hours or even an entire day on the skin. They tend to be richer, darker, and warmer. Popular base notes include vanilla, musk, and woody scents like sandalwood, cedarwood, or patchouli. Base notes are often the ones that people remember most about your fragrance!

Now you know that fragrance notes are crucial for creating a scent that captivates anyone who experiences it. From the top notes that make the first impression, to the middle notes that form the essence of the fragrance, to the base notes that make the scent last longer, each layer plays a special role.

Therefore, when choosing a perfume, don’t just focus on the initial scent. Pay attention to how the fragrance develops on your skin. Who knows, you might find a perfume that truly reflects your personality.

So, that’s a quick overview of the fragrance layers in perfume. Stay tuned for more interesting discussions, only on the HINT blog!