Fragrance Notes Guide
The fragrance of a perfume evolves over time, presenting different scents immediately after application, half an hour later, and even hours afterward. This transformation is due to the intricate perfume pyramid structure, which consists of various aromatic components known as fragrance notes. Discover popular notes like vanilla, rose, oud, sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.
- •Top notes - First impression
- •Middle notes (heart notes) - Character
- •Base notes (trail) - Lasting impression
Perfumers select aromatic oils based on their volatility. Lighter oils evaporate quickly, while heavier molecules linger, revealing themselves later.
Browse Notes by Category
Organized by fragrance families
Understanding Fragrance Notes & Perfume Ingredients
The Perfume Pyramid
The perfume pyramid structure consists of three layers of fragrance notes that reveal themselves over time. Top notes (or head notes) are the initial scents you smell immediately after application, typically fresh and light ingredients like bergamot, lemon, or lavender. These evaporate within 15-30 minutes, giving way to the heart notes.
Popular Fragrance Notes
Explore the most beloved perfume ingredients: Vanilla for warmth and sweetness, Rose for classic floral elegance, Oud for exotic richness, Sandalwood for creamy woodiness, Jasmine for white floral beauty, Amber for resinous warmth, Musk for sensuality, and Patchouli for earthy depth.
Fragrance Note Categories
Floral Notes
Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Iris, Violet, Tuberose, Ylang-ylang
Woody Notes
Sandalwood, Cedar, Oud, Vetiver, Pine, Cypress
Oriental Notes
Vanilla, Amber, Incense, Patchouli, Benzoin, Tonka
Fresh Notes
Bergamot, Citrus, Mint, Marine, Green, Aquatic
How Notes Work Together
Middle notes form the heart of the fragrance, emerging after the top notes fade. These include floral notes like rose and jasmine, or spicy notes like cinnamon and cardamom. The base notes provide the foundation, lasting 4-6 hours or more. These heavier molecules include woody notes like sandalwood and cedar, oriental notes like vanilla and amber, and animalic notes like musk. Understanding the perfume note breakdown helps you choose fragrances that suit your preferences and discover which scent notes you love most.