When we look to purchase a fragrance, whether it be from a high street store or a luxury oud perfume from a specialist boutique we find ourselves immersed in a world of sensory exploration. At times though, it can be a little confusing, a hint of citrus may emerge alongside something else you can’t quite put your finger on, and the scent journey takes a wonderous twist when a further element of the scent appears. It’s probably at this stage that you ask the expert in the store to give you a little more info about what it is you are smelling. You’ll hear about top notes and base notes and how heart notes have their fusion with both the top and base notes. For some, this may be a little confusing, for others it may enhance their belief in why this may be the fragrance for them.
Today in our blog, we take you on the top note journey, explaining what a top note in perfume is, and why the top note has a special use. Along the way, we will dive into what scents you may discover in the top notes of any scent you wear.
What is a perfume top note?
A perfume top note is the initial scent you encounter after applying a fragrance. They don’t last long, typically around fifteen minutes, but they form the initial impression of the wearer and the scent. They will often consist of fruity or floral scents and begin the scent journey your fragrance takes you on.
What scents will you find in perfume top notes?
Perfume top notes create the first impression of the scent, and the wearer, so are often extremely alluring. You’ll find top notes of citrus, fruit, aromatic greens, herbs, and spices in many fragrances. These could include:
Citrus: Lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit or bergamot. Perfumes featuring top notes such as these provide a fresh, zesty element to the fragrance. Fragrances you wish to enjoy wearing in the summer will often feature these.
Fruits: Apple, pear and a host of berries will bring a sweet element to the perfume. Where we mention that first impressions in fragrances are noticeable in top notes, the sweet smell of a fruit can help draw attention to the wearer or spark conversation over what scent you have chosen to wear!
Floral: Floral scents have always been a favourite in perfumery and as a top note, light touches of lavender and neroli deliver an enticing fragrance.
Herbal: You may find it strange to think that a herb may be prevalent in a fragrance, but they deliver a spicy first scent impression when being used in the top notes. Basil, mint, coriander and anise are common and will be found in a variety of Oud fragrances for him. Each one delivers a stunning lead into the heart notes incorporated into the fragrance.
Aromatic greens: Similar to the herbs or spices you may find as top notes, aromatic greens provide a welcoming introduction to any scent. Lavender, sage and rosemary for example help give a scent a crisp and clean starting point before it evolves further as the heart notes, and then, base notes come to prominence.
What are top notes in perfume used for?
The perfume top note takes on several roles in the development of the scent you wear. Upon application, its impact creates a first impression for both the wearer and those around the wearer. Instantly, those discovering the scent can pick up on alluring and interesting scents that will only develop over time.
Top notes aren’t just about the attention they may bring though. Due to the varying types of top note in perfume, they illicit emotion too. Some top notes are more summery for example, others could be more in tune with colder times of the year, others can be uplifting, and some can be energizing. These can help make you feel good, confident or inspired.
Some top notes are used to deliver a hint of freshness which in turn, can be invigorating for the wearer.
Finally, those creating fragrances may look to top notes as an arm of their marketing. We all have particular tastes and preferences and if a company making new scents is looking to draw attention to their latest offering, enhancing the top note message may be a valuable way to gain interest in their product.
How does a perfume top note interact with the heart notes?
To fully understand how the top notes interact with the middle (heart) notes and the base notes, we need to explain a little about the fragrance pyramid. The fragrance pyramid is made of three layers. The top notes, the middle, or heart notes, and the base notes. Each has an important role to play in the development of the fragrance and how you enjoy it.
Top notes: Last for a short time and create the initial impression of the scent.
Middle notes: Lasting for several hours, the middle notes begin to be noticed as the top notes fade.
Base notes: The base notes are the foundation of your scent. These will last the longest and provide depth to your scent.
Transition from top notes to heart notes
Top notes, as we touched upon earlier, are the short-lived but impactful initial scents from a fragrance. They evaporate fast allowing the middle notes to appear. The molecules within the top notes are lighter than those found in the other notes, allowing them to evaporate quickly and bring the middle notes to the forefront. The perfume’s top note will be carefully created to harmonise with the middle notes, so the scent journey is seamless.
Think of the emerging heart note as the bridge that links the top note to the base note. The heart note, now having a connection to both the top note and base note supports the essence of the fragrance whilst introducing the hidden wonders of the base notes.
Heart notes have a vital role to play, as we have seen above. They enhance the scent experience by softening the initial impact delivered by the top note and masking the intensity of the base notes that are yet to emerge.
Base notes
Base notes, as mentioned, are the final layer in the perfume experience. They support the more volatile top and middle notes and provide the wearer with a longer-lasting scent. Vanilla, musk or types of wood are often chosen as base notes, but much will depend on which top and middle notes are featured within the scent as to which ones are used.
Complementing the fragrance
When a fragrance is made, it is essential to ensure the notes complement each other rather than clash. This harmony allows each note to make its appearance without seeming to be out of place. As one note fades, the other comes to the forefront, enhancing the one before it and helping to carefully bring out the one that follows it.
The work between the notes adds depth to any scent, meaning it’s truly a journey of exploration with each scent you try.
At Ombre Lamar, each one of our luxury Oud Parfum products is carefully made following this process. Each note is in place to aid the others, allowing you to embrace a constantly evolving scent experience. Why not book a scent experience with us so you discover the notes that your preferred scents embrace and the journey they take to evolve into the lingering parfum you enjoy? Our 30-minute session is free of charge and promises to indulge your senses in a way like no other. If you already have an understanding of the luxury Oud parfum that works for you, feel free to visit us or simply order online and receive 30% off your first order.*
*Please note, 30% off your first order is for a limited time only and may no longer be available at the time of reading.