Top Notes

• What they are: Top notes are the first impression of a fragrance. These are the lightest and most volatile molecules, evaporating quickly after you apply the scent. They provide the initial burst that draws you in but typically last only 15 to 30 minutes.

• Chemistry: Top notes are made up of smaller, more volatile molecules that evaporate quickly because of their low molecular weight. The lightness of these molecules is what allows them to be detected first.

• Best examples:

  • Citrus: Bergamot, lemon, orange

  • Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary

  • Fresh and Fruity: Apple, peach, pineapple

Mid Notes

What they are: Once the top notes fade, the heart of the fragrance emerges. These notes are richer and form the core of the scent, often lasting for several hours. They bridge the fresh top notes and the deeper base notes, making them the "personality" of the fragrance.

1. Chemistry: Mid notes have larger molecular structures than top notes, which allows them to evaporate more slowly. They tend to balance the entire fragrance, providing both complexity and longevity.

2. Best examples:

   • Florals: Rose, jasmine, gardenia

   • Spices: Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg

   • Green Notes: Lavender, sage, chamomile

Base Notes

What they are: Base notes form the foundation of the fragrance and provide depth and longevity. These are the notes that last the longest on the skin, sometimes for several hours or even days, anchoring the entire composition.

1. Chemistry: Base notes are made up of the heaviest molecules, which evaporate the slowest. These notes are typically richer and more resinous, contributing to the scent’s lasting power.

2. Best examples:

   • Woods: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver

   • Resins and Balsams: Amber, myrrh, frankincense

   • Animalic/Musk: Musk, oud, leather

Chemistry

How Chemistry Plays a Role in Fragrance:

Fragrance creation is a mix of art and chemistry. The volatility (or rate of evaporation) of each note depends on the molecular weight of the compounds. Top notes are small, lightweight molecules that evaporate quickly. Mid notes have medium-sized molecules that last longer, and base notes are made of heavier molecules that linger on the skin.

The balance of oils, alcohol, and fixatives (like glycerin or resins) in a perfume affects how these notes are released and how long they last. Alcohol helps disperse the fragrance by evaporating quickly, while fixatives slow the evaporation of the oils, allowing the scent to evolve gradually.

How to Choose a Fragrance Based on Notes:

When selecting a fragrance, it’s helpful to understand how it will change over time. A scent might start with a bright, citrusy top note but evolve into a rich floral heart and finish with warm, woody base notes. When you first spray a fragrance, you're smelling primarily the top notes, but give it time to let the heart and base notes reveal themselves.