Ever bought a perfume you loved at first sniff, only to realize it smelled completely different later? No need to worry, you haven’t been scammed. That’s just how perfumes work. Fragrances develop in layers, from the first spritz to the lingering scent hours later. This is the secret language of fragrance notes. Just like a well-crafted novel, every perfume tells a story in three acts–top, heart, and base.
But what do these really mean and how do they impact your fragrance experience? Well, when it comes to choosing the best perfume, understanding how these layers evolve can help you find a fragrance that complements your personality and lasts just the way you desire. So, let’s unlock the secrets of perfumery and help you choose a scent that speaks to you.
What are Fragrance Notes?
Fragrance notes are the layers an eau de parfum is divided into. They can be categorised into three layers: top notes, heart notes and base notes. Each note takes a different amount of time to evaporate, thus lasting for varying amounts of time. Together, these fragrance notes work in harmony to develop the complete fragrance.
From Top to Base: Climbing the Fragrance Pyramid
A perfume’s build-up is often represented by what is known as a Fragrance Pyramid, where the perfume notes are divided into three components: top notes, heart notes and base notes. Let’s understand in detail about each of these.
Top Notes
Enthroned at the top of the fragrance pyramid are top notes. They are also known as the opening notes or head notes. They are the first scents you’ll smell when you apply or spritz a fragrance and also the first ones to leave your skin. Despite evaporating from your skin within 1-2 hours, top notes play an influential role when buying perfumes online or offline. You’ll notice most fragrances are composed of citrusy or fruity top notes.
Heart Notes
As the name suggests, heart notes or middle notes are the second layer of the fragrance pyramid. These are the scents you smell once the top notes have faded and are the main character of any perfume. Heart notes are said to make up for approximately 40-80% of the final fragrance, lingering on your skin for 6-8 hours post-application. When it comes to their composition, there’s no end to variety. They consist of various ingredients, from florals to spices.
Base Notes
Base notes or final notes are what form the base of the fragrance pyramid. Once the middle notes of the perfume have evaporated, base notes emerge and last for up to 12 to 24 hours in the most concentrated perfumes. Where top notes give the first impression of the perfume, base notes provide the last (and lasting) impression. Richer and heavier than top and heart notes, these notes are predominantly composed of woody, musky and gourmand ingredients.
Which Note is the Strongest in a Perfume?
Each note enjoys a unique role in a perfume. Where the top notes represent the first impression and the heart notes form the main character, the base notes give the perfume a lasting impression. But which one is the strongest? Base or final notes are considered the strongest as they are the least volatile and linger the longest. These notes will stay with you on your skin and clothes for hours after initial application.
How Different Notes Blend into a Signature Scent?
Now that you understand the different fragrance notes, let's see how they work together to create your best perfume:
Thrill Men’s Perfume
Let’s take Thrill Men’s Perfume from House of RIYA. This unique, affirming scent carries a treasure chest of rich, deep and passionate notes that dance on the skin. It opens with roses and citrusy notes before pepper, teakwood and musk take over. The base is anchored with the comforting sweetness of vanilla. This combination of floral, citrusy, spicy and woody notes creates a long-lasting fragrance that lingers for hours on end.
Florify Women’s Perfume
Let’s take another eau de parfum from House of RIYA–Florify Women’s Perfume. This exotic floral-fruity fragrance features opening notes of bergamot, pear and raspberry blended with strawberry, jasmine and peony blossoms in the middle. It finishes with a fusion of amber, patchouli and musk settle. This medley of sweet notes creates a floral bouquet with a touch of warmth that develops throughout the day.
The Final Note
Now that you have discovered everything there is to know about fragrance notes, top notes, heart notes and base notes, it’s time to enjoy the symphony of scent. The only question that remains to be answered is how do you want to feel today–floral, fruity or musky. Explore our perfumes online and discover the top, heart and base notes that perfectly complement your style and personality. So, embark on your olfactory journey today and unlock the secrets of fragrance notes!
