Yesterday, we discussed the several different concentrations of perfumes and how different versions of the fragrances are created (Perfume Etiquettes: Part One). A perfume’s scent depends upon its combination and type of ‘notes’. Each note is categorized into a scent family. Just like the individual notes of a song make up the melody, the notes in a perfume produce the final, blended scent. These notes must blend well together and in return, we have a masterful scent.
Just as there are different types of note family categories, perfume notes are also classified according to their lasting power. In the perfume world, there are three notes of this type. According to Angela Harris, the top note in a perfume is its first impression. The top notes are sometimes called head notes or “notes de tete”. This is the scent that you smell when a perfume is first sprayed or applied. The top note scent is the first scent, but it also lasts the least amount of time. Top notes usually last less than fifteen minutes. Citrus type scents are most commonly used for top notes.
Middle notes are the scents in a perfume after the top note has evaporated. Middle notes are also called heart notes, central notes, and “notes de coeur”. Middle notes in some perfumes may take an hour or longer to develop, but usually start to emanate in just a few minutes. Most middle notes last an hour or longer. Middle notes are usually floral scents.
Base notes, or “notes de fond”, are the last notes in a perfume to become apparent. Middle notes and base notes comprise the ‘essence’ of the perfume. After the top notes have disappeared and the middle notes have started to fade, the base notes become more prominent. Base notes last longer than other perfume notes, usually several hours. Base notes tend to be more rich than other perfume notes. Base notes tend to be from woodsy or earthy fragrance families.
When shopping for new perfume, keep these notes in mind. Don’t buy a perfume right away. Apply the scent to your skin. Wait for the top note to evaporate. Leave the store. Experience the middle note in about an hour. If you like the middle note, wait for the base note. This is the most important note to evaluate. If you like the base note as well, you’ve found a winner
My sweet darlings, I promise you, a brilliant perfume is a bit like an abstract painting; It takes time to understand it and appreciate the true beauty of the fragrance. But with the right information, you will appreciate having such having it in your collection. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the proper way to wear your perfume and storing your perfume and that will be the end of the series. Below are some of my favorite perfumes containing some amazing notes.
So, you know you have to let me know your thoughts on this post. I know it’s a long series but I’m hoping that I’ve shed some light and given you some knowledge on perfumes.
Hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
Top Notes: Lilly of the Valley, Rose (white), Apricot Heart Notes: Iris, Lilac, Heliotrope, Peach Base Notes: Sandlewood, Vetiver, Amber, Musk and Vanilla
Top Notes: pink pepper, pear, ruby red grapfruit, peony, rose, geranium, vanilla, creamy musk and tonka
Top Notes: Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk.
Top Notes: Lemon notes, mandarin, neroli, and Italian bergamot. The heart introduces Guatemala cardamom, tea leaves, Indian jasmine, and Haitian vetiver, while the base reveals Indonesian patchouli, Indian sandalwood, benzoin and Virginian cedar.
2. Right-Click then Copy
3. Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Leave a Comment
Violaine, first I love your name. I love the blog and I love this post. I’ve never heard of perfume notes before reading this and I was always confuse about the different kinds of perfumes. I’ve always brought the eau de toilette versions and never really like that I had to keep applying it. After I read your post, I went to macys and tried the chanel no 5 and I loved it but that was waaayyyy to much money and I got the small Lola eau de parfum instead. I did spray it and walked around the store for a while like you said for the notes. I can’t wait for your next post on how to wear the perfumes. Keep up the good work.
xoxo
Val
Thank you so much for writing about this. For the longest time I’ve been buying the cheapest kinds of perfume and always runing out and at the end, I always end up spending more money because I buy more of the cheap stuf. I was so happy to read your post and this week it’s my plan to go and test the perfumes on my skin as you suggested. How much is this chanel perfume you like to much?
WOW, I’m amaze about the notes part of the post. I never knew perfumes had so many different components. I tested your method on the different notes and one of the perfumes that I was set on buying because a friend recomended it, the top note did not go well with me. I tested the Tresor and lord, did that thing smell wondeful. I also tested another perfume which is a new one by Queen Latifa. Have you heard of it? What do you think abou that one? Are you planning on doing another series on perfumes? Thank you for writing on this.