Top Notes, also referred to as opening notes or head notes and generally the lightest of all the notes. They are recognized immediately upon application and are also the first to fade because their light molecular structure. Top notes are still important because it represents the first impression. How many times have you tested a fragrance only to dislike it right away? Why? Because the top notes didn’t make a lasting impression on you. It is hugely important that the top notes not only succeed at luring you in, but also smoothly transition into the heart of the fragrance.
Middle Notes, the middle notes or the heart notes, make an appearance once the top notes evaporate. The middle notes are considered the heart of the fragrance. They last longer than the top notes and have a strong influence on the base notes to come. A perfume’s heart is generally pleasant and well-rounded. It is often a combination of floral or fruit tones, sometimes infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom.
Base Notes, the base notes are the final fragrance notes that appear once the top notes are completely evaporated. The base notes mingle with the heart notes to create the full body of the fragrance, but are typically associated with the dry-down period. The job of the base notes is to provide the lasting impression. These often rich notes linger on the skin for hours after the top notes have dissipated.
Without the combination of the three levels of notes, a fragrance just wouldn’t be appealing. But together, they create beautiful symphony of scents.