A fine perfume is like a musical composition—it unfolds in distinct movements over time. This structure is known in perfumery as the Olfactory Pyramid.
Top Notes (The First Impression)
Top notes are the light, fresh scents you smell immediately upon spraying. Common top notes include bergamot, lemon, pink pepper, and green leaves. They evaporate within the first 15-30 minutes.
Heart / Middle Notes (The Personality)
As top notes fade, the heart of the fragrance emerges. Featuring floral accords (rose, jasmine, lily) or spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), heart notes define the perfume’s true character for 2 to 4 hours.
Base Notes (The Memory)
Base notes are deep, heavy molecules like sandalwood, cedarwood, amber, vanilla, and musk. They bond with your skin and linger for up to 12 hours, creating your lasting fragrance trail.