Understanding fragrance notes

A fragrance is not a single note. It unfolds in three stages: the opening, the heart, and the base. Each arrives in its own time.

The opening is what you notice first — bright, volatile notes that fade within the first quarter hour. Bergamot, pepper, aldehydes. They are the fragrance's introduction.

The heart develops as the opening settles. These are the notes that define the character of the scent: florals, spices, and softer materials that linger for an hour or more.

The base is what remains. Amber, woods, musk. These are the heaviest molecules, and they stay close to the skin for hours. The base is what you remember in the morning.

Understanding this progression helps you choose a fragrance for its full life — not just its first impression.