Understanding Fragrance Notes

Perfumes develop over time rather than smelling exactly the same from beginning to end.

Top Notes

These are the notes you typically notice first.

They often include bright ingredients such as citrus, fruits, herbs, and spices.

Heart Notes

Heart notes emerge after the opening begins to settle.

Florals, fruits, spices, and aromatic notes commonly appear here and form much of the fragrance's personality.

Base Notes

Base notes provide depth and longevity.

Common examples include vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, and other woods.

This development is why it's helpful to wear a perfume for a while before deciding how you feel about it.