An introduction to fragrance basics often begins with a discussion of what is known as the "fragrance pyramid." What these pyramids illustrate are the various "notes" which make up the particular scent (that is, perfume, cologne, eau de toilette, etc.). It's a representation of the "life cycle" of a fragrance. The three main notes are the top notes, the middle or "heart" notes, and the base or "dry down" notes. These notes will vary as to their volatility, which is the rate at which the scent evaporates. Here is a brief overview of the three types of notes:
It's important to note that a fragrance will evolve over a period of time. The composition of a certain fragrance can be quite complex, involving both synthetic and natural ingredients. It's always best to avoid exposing your fragrances to direct sunlight.
FLORAL. These are often described as "feminine" scents and include rose, lavender, jasmine, honeysuckle, gardenia, and freesia. Examples are Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, Armani Si Passione, Chanel No. 5, Chanel Chance, Dior Jadore, and Jo Malone.
CITRUS. Citrus scents are refreshing and include lemon, lime, orange, and vanilla. Examples include Versace Bright Crystal, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Acqua di Parma, Tom Ford.
WOODY. These tend to be warm and earthy and include cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli. Examples of this type would include Marc Jacobs Decadence and Maison Margiela.
ORIENTAL. Sometimes referred to as amber. These are generally spicy with noes of musk and vanilla. Examples include Calvin Klein Obsession, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, Samsara by Guerlain, Tom Ford Velvet Orchid, Chanel Coco, and Lancome Tresor.
HERBAL. Could include basil, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, and sage. An example is L'air Du Temps by Nina Ricci. Other examples include Calvin Klein CK One, Jo Malone, and Acqua di Parma.
AROMATIC. These are intense and grassy or spicy. Spices can include clove and cinnamon, and also rosemary, thyme, and sage. Examples include Gucci Guilty, Acqua di Parma Colonia Futura.
Choosing a fragrance is truly an expression of your individuality. There are some who will select a fragrance on the basis of their preference, such as floral, citrus, and so on. Others might choose their scent based on their mood, the season of the year, or other factors.
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TOP NOTES. The top notes are what you smell first. They dissipate (evaporate) rather quickly, generally lasting around five to fifteen minutes. The top notes can include citrus and floral scents. The citrus group can include lemon, lime, and orange. The floral scents include lavender, rose, lily, and various other flowers and are considered to be among the more "feminine" scents. Top notes form the first impression of a given scent.
- MIDDLE NOTES. Middle notes are sometimes referred to as "heart" notes, and they usually last for around twenty minutes to an hour. As the top notes begin to fade, the middle notes will present themselves, although there can occasionally be an overlapping of the top and middle notes. These middle notes can be characterized as floral, spice, or herbal.
- BASE NOTES. Sometimes referred to as the "dry down" notes, the base notes are at the bottom of the fragrance pyramid and can last from several hours to several days. They tend to be more intense and and are typically noticed after the middle notes have evaporated. Base notes are revealed more gradually, yet they evaporate more slowly and are therefore longer lasting. Base notes can include herbal, wood (such as cedar and sandalwood), spice (vanilla, ginger), musk, leather, and oriental (amber) scents.
It's important to note that a fragrance will evolve over a period of time. The composition of a certain fragrance can be quite complex, involving both synthetic and natural ingredients. It's always best to avoid exposing your fragrances to direct sunlight.
FRAGRANCE FAMILIES
There are a number of different groups or "families" of fragrances, including the following:FLORAL. These are often described as "feminine" scents and include rose, lavender, jasmine, honeysuckle, gardenia, and freesia. Examples are Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, Armani Si Passione, Chanel No. 5, Chanel Chance, Dior Jadore, and Jo Malone.
CITRUS. Citrus scents are refreshing and include lemon, lime, orange, and vanilla. Examples include Versace Bright Crystal, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Acqua di Parma, Tom Ford.
WOODY. These tend to be warm and earthy and include cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli. Examples of this type would include Marc Jacobs Decadence and Maison Margiela.
ORIENTAL. Sometimes referred to as amber. These are generally spicy with noes of musk and vanilla. Examples include Calvin Klein Obsession, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, Samsara by Guerlain, Tom Ford Velvet Orchid, Chanel Coco, and Lancome Tresor.
HERBAL. Could include basil, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, and sage. An example is L'air Du Temps by Nina Ricci. Other examples include Calvin Klein CK One, Jo Malone, and Acqua di Parma.
AROMATIC. These are intense and grassy or spicy. Spices can include clove and cinnamon, and also rosemary, thyme, and sage. Examples include Gucci Guilty, Acqua di Parma Colonia Futura.
Choosing a fragrance is truly an expression of your individuality. There are some who will select a fragrance on the basis of their preference, such as floral, citrus, and so on. Others might choose their scent based on their mood, the season of the year, or other factors.