Most of us will describe the scent of a perfume using everyday words such as sweet, fruity, airy, or even divine. While all of these may provide a hint at what is in store, perfumes are actually a subtle mix of countless unique flavors.
Industry experts refer to these elements as “notes”. When specific notes are combined, the end result is a truly unforgettable fragrance. However, appreciating the exact impacts that notes can have is a bit challenging. Let’s therefore take a quick look at how these variables are categorized as well as why they are important when choosing the appropriate scent.
Top Notes
It is crucial to mention that notes are grouped together in regard to when they can be sensed after the perfume has been applied. Therefore, top notes are those which are perceived first. We can think of these as the apex of a scent “pyramid”. These ingredients evaporate the quickest and therefore, will provide a strong impression. Words used to describe top notes include assertive, sharp and fresh.
Middle Notes
Middle notes are sometimes referred to as “heart” notes. These scents begin to emerge once the top notes finish evaporating. As you might have already guessed, middle notes can be thought of as the central essence of a scent. While slightly more subtle when compared to first impressions, middle notes will still have a massive impact upon what type of womens perfume matches your personality. Some words used to describe these notes include:
- Mellow
- Rounded
- Smoky
- Light
- Mild
The scents of middle notes will generally begin to fade one hour after the initial application.
Base Notes
Base notes represent the foundation of a perfume. Their main intention is to boost the effects of top and middle notes. Some of the most common base scents include vanilla, amber, sandalwood, and cedarwood. These notes also last the longest; some even being detectable up to 24 hours after an application. They are extremely subtle and yet, they will still have an impact upon the overall “personality” of the perfume in question.
How to make the Right Decision
While there is no “golden rule” when selecting the most appropriate perfume, we can nonetheless highlight some practical takeaway points. It is first wise to consider where the perfume will be worn. For instance, light floral scents are often used within professional working environments. On the contrary, musky and exotic perfumes tend to be more suited for a night out on the town.
This is why appreciating what aromas are contained within top, middle and base notes is important if you hope to make an informed decision. There is still nothing wrong with experimenting if you hope to discover even more unique and unforgettable options.
Fragrances will often define our personalities and they can leave a lasting impression. This is why understanding their basic components is always a good idea when searching for a truly personalized solution.
