Fragrance notes explained
"Notes" in perfumery allude to the various scents or components that go into a fragrance. They are broken down into three classes which influence how you perceive the smell of a fragrance, these classes are known as top notes, middle/heart notes and base/dry down notes.
Top notes
Top notes in perfumery are the scents that are detected when a fragrance is applied to the skin for the first time. These help establish first perceptions and shape the story of a fragrance. They are usually light, fresh and citrusy and typically consist of tiny molecules that give off an initial burst of scent which results in these notes dissipating after around 15 minutes.
Middle notes
The middle notes are the ones that become prominent after the top notes have evaporated. Middle notes play a crucial role in a fragrance, they retain some of the aromas of the top notes, give it body and character and shape how the smell is perceived as a whole. Middle notes last for hours and typically include scents such as florals and fruits like jasmine and blackberry, as well as cinnamon, black pepper, rosemary and sandalwood.
Base notes
Base notes in perfume lay the groundwork for the scent along with middle notes. They give more depth and resonance while enhancing the lighter notes. Base notes are the final scents to appear in a perfume after it has completely developed on the skin after around 30 minutes and they are typically more complex than the top and middle notes. Base notes are very rich, heavy, and enduring fragrance notes because they serve as the perfume's foundation and they harmonise with the middle notes to create the overall scent. Base notes linger the longest and can last on skin for more than 6 hours, and even days on clothes. Popular base notes are vanilla, amber, musk and woods such as cedarwood.
Seasonal scents
Seasonal scents are those that are connected to a specific time of year. Seasonal changes can have a big effect on how we feel and how we interpret fragrances. For instance, in the spring and summer we tend to favour lighter, fresher fragrances while in the fall and winter we might favour spicier and gourmand scents that stimulate a feeling of warmth.
Spring
We eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring as the chill of winter starts to dissipate. What better way to enjoy the season of fresh starts and new beginnings than with a delicate, energising scent that captures the essence of springtime? Some notes to look out for in your spring fragrance are:
- Citrus: Bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit are among the fresh, zesty, and energising citrus notes that are ideal for springtime. As the colder months give way to the warmer ones, these fragrances can help you boost your mood and feel more energised.
- Floral: Spring is the season when flowers start to bloom, and floral scents are the ideal way to capture the essence of the season. For a fresh and feminine fragrance, look for notes such as rose, lily of the valley, and jasmine notes.
Some great picks for spring fragrances would include:
- Bleu de Chanel for men: A modern and sophisticated scent with a mix of citrusy, woodsy notes that make it perfect for the springtime.
- Daisy by Marc Jacobs for women: With notes of violet, jasmine, and gardenia, this floral perfume is perfect for the spring season
- Springtime in a Park by Maison Margiela: With notes of lily of the valley, pear and musk, this scent perfectly depicts the feel of a springtime park day
Summer
Summertime is a season for enjoying the sun and the fresh air. A crisp and refreshing scent can improve your summer experience while you are enjoying the outdoors and discovering new locations. Common notes found in summertime perfumes are:
- Fruits: Some of the delectable fruits that can be found in summer scents include pear, peach, and apricot. These scents are juicy and fragrant, ideal for a day in the sun.
- Aquatic: The scent of ocean water is another traditional summer scent, and aquatic aromas can evoke the sensation of a cool ocean swim. For a fresh and clean smell, look for perfumes that contain notes of sea notes, marine accord, and ozonic notes.
Great picks for summer fragrances are:
- Acqua di Gio Profumo by Giorgio Armani for men: A timeless scent with a mix of aquatic and fresh notes, including bergamot, neroli, and green tangerine, making it ideal for the springtime.
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for women: Lemon, apple, and jasmine are among the mix of crisp, fresh notes in this iconic scent. With its light and energising scent that recalls the beauty of the Mediterranean coast, the fragrance is ideal for the summer season.
Fall
It's time to switch from the summer's lighter, fresher scents to the richer, cosier scents of autumn as the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall. Main notes that can be found in these types of fragrances are:
- Spices: Common spices used in autumn fragrances include cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These scents provide people with a feeling of warmth and comfort and are ideal for the cooler weather
- Amber: This comforting, rich fragrance is ideal for autumn. Its sweet and musky scent gives a fragrance more depth and richness
- Woods: Popular wood notes in autumn fragrances include cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli. These scents are ideal for capturing the essence of an autumn forest and add depth to a fragrance.
Some excellent fall fragrances include:
- La Nuit de L'Homme Bleu Electrique by Yves Saint Laurent for men: The warm and spicy scent of this perfume, which has notes of cardamom, lavender, and vetiver, is ideal for autumn. It exudes a strong, masculine aura that is perfect for a night out
- Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier for women: A great fragrance for autumn because it has warm and spicy notes that are perfect for the cooler weather, with middle and base notes of honey and caramel which give it a comforting feeling
- Autumn Vibes by Maison Margiela: A great fragrance for autumn because it captures the essence of the season with its earthy and woody notes
Winter
Just like the fall, winter is a great time to go for something rich, warm and comforting, but also something dark and complex. Some of the best fragrance notes that work well in the winter are:
- Vanilla: Vanilla is a traditional winter fragrance that can stimulate the memories of warm desserts and hot cocoa
- Leather: Leather is a fantastic note for the winter, it is very bold and evokes feelings of warmth and luxury.
- Spices: Warm spices such as cinnamon, clove, and black pepper are ideal for winter and give off a cosy and soothing feel
- Woods: Woody scents, such as cedar, sandalwood, and guaiac wood, are ideal for the winter because they conjure images of cosy cabins and a fireplace. Oud wood is also a darker and complex note that adds sophistication and elegance to a fragrance. When paired with other winter notes, it creates a captivating fragrance that is perfect for cold weather
A few of the best warm and inviting winter fragrances are:
- Spicebomb Extreme by Viktor & Rolf for men: This scent is ideal for the winter because it has elements of tobacco, black pepper, vanilla and cinnamon. It has excellent longevity, meaning it will last the entire day, and it is warm, spicy, and masculine.
- Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent for women: A warm and sensual scent that is ideal for the winter because it contains elements of coffee, vanilla, and cedar. Additionally, it's quite intense, which makes it ideal for cold days when you need a little more warmth.
- By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela: An excellent fragrance for the winter season because it is designed to evoke the cosy and comforting feeling of sitting by a warm fireplace. This fragrance features a unique combination of notes such as chestnut, guaiac wood and vanilla that work together to create a warm and inviting scent.
To find out information about a specific fragrance's notes and accords, you can find it on
https://www.fragrantica.com/ with detailed information about the scent profile.
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