Top, heart and base: understanding fragrance notes

Every fragrance is built in layers that reveal themselves over time. Perfumers call this the scent pyramid.

Top notes: the first impression

These are the lightest molecules — citrus, fresh herbs, light fruits. They are what you smell in the first 10 to 15 minutes, and they fade the quickest.

Heart notes: the character

Once the top notes settle, the heart appears. Florals like rose and jasmine, spices like cardamom, and green notes usually live here. The heart lasts for several hours and defines the personality of the scent.

Base notes: the memory

Woods, amber, musk, vanilla and oud are heavy molecules that evaporate slowly. They anchor the fragrance and are what lingers on your clothes at the end of the day.

Reading a note list

• Lots of citrus in the top and musk in the base usually means fresh and clean.
• Spices and amber in the heart and base point to warm and evening-friendly.
• Oud, leather or tobacco in the base suggest something deep and long-lasting.

The best test is always your own skin. Wear a sample for a full day before deciding.