What are fragrance notes?

Fragrance notes are descriptive scent impressions used to explain how a perfume smells and develops.

What are top, heart and base notes?

Top notes describe the opening, heart notes become clearer as the opening settles, and base notes describe longer-lasting supporting facets.

What Are Heart Notes in Perfume?

Heart notes, also called middle notes, describe the main body of a fragrance as the opening settles.

Top, heart and base notes in one line

Top notes are the first scent impressions, heart notes shape the main body as the opening fades, and base notes form the longer-lasting foundation. The pyramid describes perception and development, not necessarily a literal ingredient list.

Fragrance notes: the short definition

Fragrance notes are the scent impressions used to describe how a perfume smells and develops. Top notes are noticed first, heart notes shape the main character as the opening fades, and base notes form the longer-lasting foundation. A “note” can be a single material or an accord created from several materials.

Heart notes in one sentence

They describe the central scent character after the opening starts to fade.

What commonly appears in the heart?

Floral, aromatic, spicy and fruity facets often appear in the heart, but there is no fixed rule.

When does the heart begin?

There is no fixed minute; fragrance stages overlap.

Why the heart matters

It often represents the character you wear for a substantial part of the fragrance’s development.

How to test heart notes

Wait until the opening settles, then decide whether the main body fits your taste.

Fragrance notes explained · Top notes · Heart notes · Base notes