If you’ve ever read a fragrance description, you’ve probably seen something like this:
Top: Bergamot and Raspberry
Heart: Jasmine and Plum
Base: Amber and Vanilla
It sounds poetic, but there’s a bit of chemistry hiding behind those words.
Fragrances are built in layers, almost like a piece of music.
Top notes are the opening act. They are made of lighter molecules that evaporate quickly. Citrus, herbs and fresh fruit usually live here. They create the first impression of a scent, but they don’t stick around for long.
Heart notes form the centre of the fragrance. These appear once the top notes fade. Florals, soft fruits and spices often live in this layer. The heart is where the personality of a scent usually sits.
Base notes are the deep foundation. These molecules evaporate slowly and linger in the air. Think woods, musk, vanilla, amber and resins. They give a scent warmth and staying power.
In a candle, these layers don’t unfold quite like a perfume on skin. Instead, they blend together as the wax melts. But the same principle applies: lighter scents greet you first, deeper notes create the atmosphere that lingers in the room.