UNDERSTANDING FRAGRANCE NOTES: TOP, MIDDLE AND BASE NOTES EXPLAINED

Understanding Fragrance Notes: Top, Middle and Base Notes Explained

Every fragrance, whether it's a fine perfume or a diffuser oil, is built in layers called notes. Understanding them helps you choose scents you'll love, and explains why a fragrance can smell slightly different an hour after you first switch on your diffuser.

What Are Fragrance Notes?

Fragrance notes are the layers of scent within a blend. Each one evaporates at a different rate, so you experience them in stages: the lightest first, the richest last. Together they form what perfumers call the fragrance pyramid.

Top Notes

Top notes are what you smell first. They're light and fresh, and they fade fastest. Common top notes include:

• Citrus (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, sweet orange)
• Herbal notes (rosemary, basil)
• Minty notes (peppermint)

They give a fragrance its bright first impression.

Middle (Heart) Notes

Middle notes appear as the top notes soften and form the heart of the fragrance. They're rounder and fuller. Examples include:

• Florals (rose, jasmine, lavender, geranium)
• Spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg)
• Green and fruity notes (green tea, peach, raspberry)

Base Notes

Base notes are the foundation. They're rich and deep, and they linger longest. Common base notes include:

• Woods (sandalwood, cedar, oud)
• Resins and balsams (amber, frankincense, benzoin)
• Earthy and musky notes (patchouli, vetiver, musk)

Why Notes Matter When Choosing a Diffuser Oil

• Know what to expect: A citrus-led blend will feel fresh and bright, while one with heavy base notes will feel warm and rich.
• Match the room: Fresh top-note blends suit kitchens and offices, and deeper base-note blends suit living rooms and evenings.
• Longevity: Blends with strong base notes tend to linger in a room for longer.

Reading Notes on Ador Products

Every Ador fragrance oil lists its top, heart and base notes on the product page. For example, Royal Amber opens with lemon, softens into jasmine and rose, and settles into amber and musk. Use the notes to find scents that match your style, and try rotating fresh and warm blends through the seasons.

Ador fragrance oils are for use in diffusers only. They are not essential oils and should not be applied to skin or ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets.