Fragrance is a magical thing! It has the power to transport us, evoke memories, and influence our mood. It can also be a mystery as to what Top, Middle and Bottom notes are the perfect blend for your candles. As we're picking new fragrances here at Scented Flame, I wanted to share a little bit more about how fragrances are created and what those notes mean.
When creating a fragrance, perfumers use a carefully balanced blend of notes to achieve the desired effect. These notes are categorized into three groups: top, middle, and bottom notes. Each one plays a unique role in how a scent develops and how it is experienced over time. Let’s dive into these three essential layers of fragrance!
Top Notes: The First Impression
Top notes are the first scents you smell when you apply a fragrance. They are light, fresh, and often quite fleeting. These are the ingredients that grab your attention right away, making them the "hello" of the fragrance world. Common top notes include citrus (like lemon or bergamot), herbs (like basil or mint), and light fruits (like berries or apple). Because top notes evaporate quickly, they typically only last for the first 15 to 30 minutes, but they set the tone and create the initial impression of a fragrance.
Middle Notes: The Heart of the Scent
As the top notes start to fade, the middle notes—or "heart notes"—begin to emerge. These are the core of the fragrance and last longer than top notes, usually for several hours. Middle notes are typically floral, spicy, or fruity, like jasmine, rose, lavender, or cinnamon. These notes balance out the freshness of the top notes and support the richness of the bottom notes. The middle notes define the character of the fragrance, and they’re what you’ll mostly be smelling after the first burst fades away.
Bottom Notes: The Lasting Impression
The bottom notes, or "base notes," are the foundation of the fragrance. These heavier, richer notes give the fragrance depth and longevity. Common base notes include woods (like sandalwood or cedar), resins (like amber or myrrh), vanilla, and musk. These notes may not be immediately noticeable, but they linger for hours—sometimes even days—after the other notes have disappeared. Base notes are what you’re left with when all the lighter elements have faded, creating a lasting, memorable impression.
All of these work together in harmony to create a complete and evolving scent experience. The top notes capture your attention, the middle notes define the fragrance, and the bottom notes provide depth and longevity. So next time you spritz on your favorite perfume, take a moment to appreciate how each layer of notes unfolds, creating a beautiful olfactory symphony!