Struggling to decipher fragrance oil notes and the fragrance pyramid? Our comprehensive guide is here to demystify the world of scents, revealing the science behind lasting fragrances. By the end, you'll confidently navigate our fragrance oil, distinguishing top, middle and bottom notes effortlessly.
Top, Middle & Bottom Notes: Unravelling the Fragrance Pyramid:
Jean Carles and François Coty, key figures in perfumery, introduced what is has evolved into what is today, commonly known as 'the fragrance pyramid' or 'olfactive pyramid'. This triangular structure comprises three sections: top notes, middle (or heart) notes and bottom (or base) notes. Visualizing a fragrance's composition, the pyramid acts as a timer, indicating the duration each note section lasts on the skin.
Top Notes: Captivating from the first spray, top notes provide the initial impression, often featuring fresh, uplifting floral or citrus fragrance oil scents like lemon, bergamot & lavender. Lighter than middle and base notes, they last 5-20 minutes, paving the way for the middle notes.
La Vie Est Belle Fragrance Oil
£1.99
An opulent fragrance with initial notes of bergamot, grapefruit and cassis, giving way to a bouquet of floral scents such as orris, jasmine, orange blossom and lily. Anchored by a base of vanilla, tonka bean, praline, patchouli, cedarwood, musk and… read more
Lavender Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Unleash the calming powers of lavender, infused with eucalyptus and bergamot, guaranteed to transport you to a peaceful oasis. Hints of patchouli and tonka add depth while soft moss and woody musks provide a constant, soothing aroma. … read more
Middle / Heart Notes: Dominant after the top notes, middle notes make up 65-70% of the fragrance. They intensify the scent with full-bodied florals such as jasmine, ylang-ylang and spices like cinnamon and pepper.
Spa Day Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience a refreshing escape with crisp citrus, invigorating bergamot tea and rejuvenating mandarin. A floral heart of jasmine and violet adds a touch of elegance, while a base of musk, sandal and amber brings a sense of tranquility. … read more
Dark Opium Fragrance Oil
£1.99
An exotic & alluring scent with oriental spices, notes of pink pepper, orange blossom & pear, followed by a heart of orchid and coffee, this scent will awaken your senses; while the sumptuous base of amber, patchouli, vanilla and cedar… read more
Common fruity notes include apple and strawberry, lasting 20 minutes to 3 hours.
Fresh Unstoppable Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience a clean and invigorating blend of citrus, florals and green notes. The fruity top notes of orange, peach and green apple will energise the senses, while the floral heart notes of jasmine, rose and neroli add a touch of… read more
Strawberry & Lily Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Elevate your mood with fresh fruity green notes to invigorate your senses, while the floral heart notes of strawberry, gardenia, violet and jasmine transport you to a serene garden. Finally, breathe in the relaxing scent of woods and vanilla for… read more
Bottom / Base Notes: Grounding the fragrance, bottom notes provide depth and longevity, lingering the longest. Rich and warm, they include vanilla, powdery musk and woody accents like sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli. Lasting up to 6 hours on the skin and even days on clothing, they form the foundation of any fragrance.
French Vanilla Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Indulge in the rich and creamy vanilla notes, accompanied by a hint of sweet caramel to satisfy your sweet cravings and enjoy warm tonka bean, guaranteed to make you feel like you've just stepped into a dream. … read more
Alien Invasion Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience the tantalising scent and delight in this exotic blend of green fruity top notes, an oriental floral heart and a powdery amber and musky base. Let the sophisticated floral and fruity aromas transport you to another world. Our version… read more
English Pear & Freesia Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Indulge in the enticing aroma of ripe juicy pear, complemented by delicate freesia and rose, creating a heavenly floral scent. Enhanced with patchouli, amber and sheer musk, simply close your eyes and be immediately transported to a floral paradise. Our version… read more
Understanding Fragrance Families:
Navigating perfume choices can be overwhelming. Fragrance families, a classification system, categorize scents into groups, simplifying your preferences.
The fragrance wheel, created by Michael Edwards, illustrates the relationships between scents, with four key families - Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh - each having subcategories.
Floral Family: The most popular, exuding femininity and class, with floral notes like rose, jasmine and lavender. Subcategories include fruity, floral, soft floral, and floral oriental.
Oriental Family: Rich, sultry, and smooth, featuring dominating notes like amber, vanilla, spices and tobacco. Subcategories include floral oriental, soft oriental, oriental and woody oriental.
Woody Family: Seductive and warm, with earthy undertones like cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli. Subcategories include woody oriental, woods, mossy woods and dry woods.
Fresh Family: Modern and refreshing, encompassing citrus, water and green scents like lemon, orange, and bergamot. Subcategories include aromatic, citrus, water and green.
Why Perfumes Differ on Everyone:
Individual skin chemistry, influenced by pH balance and oils, impacts how a fragrance develops. Medications and health conditions also play a role. Your skin's pH level and oil content determine which notes are released first. Skin type, whether oily or dry, affects the longevity of a fragrance.
Do Perfumes Expire?
While perfumes lack a set expiry date, their shelf life averages 3-5 years. Lighter base note fragrances may last around a year, while heavier base notes endure longer. Changes in colour or scent indicate oxidation. Perfumes may still be effective up to 10 years, depending on storage.
Our Sense of Smell (Olfaction):
Essential to receiving perfume notes, our sense of smell collects scent molecules when we inhale. This article aims to guide you through the fragrance pyramid, enabling you to confidently decode our fragrance descriptions and determine their individual top, middle, and bottom notes. Embrace the unique journey of scents tailored to you!
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You can find House of Scent's fragrance oil range here.
