What Are Fragrance Notes? Understanding The Fragrance Pyramid

For some of you, choosing a fragrance is as simple as catching a whiff of a scent and thinking, “this is the one!” But for others, you might want to dig a little deeper— discovering the different layers of a fragrance and how the scent evolves over time.

Whether you're familiar with fragrance notes or not, they play an essential role in our first impressions of a scent, and can influence which fragrance oils and perfumes become our favourites! From the enticing first hit to the lingering depth, understanding these elements can enhance your appreciation of fragrances and help you make the perfect choice for your crafts!

Let’s dive into the world of fragrance oil notes and learn how the fragrance pyramid can be an invaluable resource for your small business!

What Are Fragrance Notes?

Fragrance notes are more than just a list of ingredients—they’re what give a scent its personality! They determine how a fragrance unfolds over time, categorising different aromas based on when they appear and how intense they are. Together, these notes create the layers that make each scent unique.

Fragrance notes are divided into three main categories:

1. Top Notes – These are the first scents that grab your attention when you spray a fragrance. They are light and fresh meaning they last the shortest amount of time.
2. Heart Notes (Middle Notes) – These form the core of the fragrance and emerge as the top notes fade. They are richer and full-bodied, giving the scent shape, and are key in developing its overall personality.
3. Base Notes – These are the foundation of the fragrance, providing depth and intensity. Base notes develop slowly and stay around the longest, giving the perfume its lasting power.

The relationship between fragrance notes, duration, and intensity is best described visually through the fragrance pyramid. 

The Fragrance Pyramid

Now that you know about fragrance notes, let’s explore how they work together over time! Enter the fragrance pyramid—a visual guide perfumers and crafters use that shows how different fragrance notes interact, unfold, and change.

Think of the fragrance pyramid as a built-in timer for each fragrance, letting you know when each layer will shine and how long it will last!

The pyramid structure not only shows how a fragrance develops but also highlights the artistry of blending ingredients. Whether you're creating your own custom scent with our Blend Service or choosing the perfect fragrance oil, understanding the pyramid is crucial to making the best crafts!

Top Notes

Love at first scent, top notes are the smell that instantly capture your attention from the first spray. These scents usually embody the entire story behind the fragrance and act as an enticing first impression.

Top notes are usually the lightest, and come from fresh, floral, or citrus fragrance families. The most popular top notes are lemon, bergamot, rose and lavender.

When looking for an aftershave, first impressions are everything. Our Savage Fragrance Oil makes a statement with its striking bergamot top note. Fresh, slightly spicy, and citrusy, bergamot lends an invigorating edge that commands attention. As it settles, the scent transitions into a powerful, woody base, creating a bold and sophisticated finish.

And why not check out a true summertime essential? Our Bum Bum Cream Fragrance Oil bursts with vibrant fruity and zesty citrus lemon top notes that will instantly transport your customers to a sun-drenched beach!

Middle (Heart) Notes

Middle notes are at the centre or heart of the fragrance. They are the most intense when the fragrance has had a little while to develop, around 20 minutes, and can last up to 3 hours before the base notes emerge.

The middle notes take inspiration from the top notes, but develop in intensity by adding a full-bodied aroma that takes over the lighter, more airy smells. These notes often include floral fragrances like jasmine, spicier aromas such as cinnamon—found in our Gentleman Reserve Fragrance Oil—and fruity accents like apple and peach, featured in our Juicy Apple Fragrance Oil.

Base Notes

Base notes, also known as bottom notes, form the foundation of a fragrance, providing balance and depth to its overall structure. These are the longest-lasting scents, lingering well after the initial spray and the lighter top and middle notes have faded.

Typically, base notes contain darker and warmer aromas such as vanilla, musk, and woody undertones, leaving a lasting impression. On the skin, base notes can last for up to six hours, and on clothing, they can stick around for days, giving you plenty of wear from just the one spray!

One of our all-time favourites, Ice Pixie Fragrance Oil, combines base notes of musk and vanilla with sweet candy floss creating an irresistible and enticing scent.

For a more daring twist on a vanilla undertone scent, our Black Opium Fragrance Oil embodies sensuality and edgy glamour by combining rich black coffee, with delicate white florals and warm vanilla for a daring and seductive finish.

Fragrance notes are what make each scent unique, and understanding them can help you choose or create the perfect fragrance—whether for yourself, your business, or your customers. Stay tuned for new blog releases, including one all about fragrance families!