PERFUME NOTES EXPLAINED

(WITHOUT THE FLUFF)

Base Notes. Top Notes. Heart Notes. What do they mean and why do they matter? Decode perfumes like a pro, and recognize what each category means to the overall scent profile to help choose a western perfume for you.

Top Notes (First Impression)

Top Notes are the first impression. This is what you smell right away, however top notes also fade most quickly. They are light, bright and set the tone for the fragrance.

Examples of top notes include Light Florals, Fresh Greens and Citrus scents.

Heart Notes (The Core)

This is what the scent becomes. From initial impression, the heart is where the fragrance lives. Lasting longer than top notes, heart notes layer with base notes to create the complexity and influence the overall energy of a scent.

Examples of heart notes include Rose, Honeysuckle and Jasmine.  

Base Notes (What Stays)

Base notes are what lingers after everything else fades. The foundation of a fragrance, the base notes add depth and intrigue to your fragrance. They are deep, long lasting and sit closest to your skin.

Examples of base notes include Musk, Amber and Cedarwood.

Why It Matters

If you only smell perfume once—you’re missing it. Trying out something new? Be sure to take time to experience each layer, because first impressions aren’t the only ones that matter.