choosing a candle scent can be completely overwhelming! so we've put together this guide on different fragrance notes - and what that all means. understanding the different notes in a candle scent is like decoding a fragrance's secret language. candle scents, like perfumes, are composed of multiple layers of aromas, which are referred to as 'notes'. these notes can be classified into three main categories: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. each of these notes plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded and complex fragrance. let's dive into how these notes work:
top notes: the first impression...
- characteristics: top notes are the initial, instantly noticeable scents that you experience when you first light your candle. they provide the first impression and are usually the most volatile, which means they evaporate quickly.
- examples: common top notes include zesty citrus, light florals, and fresh, herbaceous scents like lemon, bergamot, lavender, and eucalyptus.
- role: top notes are the attention grabbers. they are responsible for the immediate "wow!" factor when you first smell a candle. however, they are the most volatile scents and therefore typically evaporate within the first few minutes of burning the candle (hence you smell them first!)
middle notes: the heart of the fragrance...
- characteristics: middle notes are the scents that emerge after the top notes have faded. they serve as the heart of the fragrance, providing depth and complexity to the overall scent profile.
- examples: common middle notes encompass a wide range of florals, spices, and fruits, such as rose, jasmine, cinnamon, and apple.
- role: middle notes are what give the fragrance its character and personality. they establish the core theme of the scent, and as the candle continues to burn, these notes become more prominent.
base notes: the lasting impression..
- characteristics: base notes are the foundation of the fragrance and the last to reveal themselves. they are the long-lasting scents that persist even after the candle has been burning for a while. base notes are the anchor that holds the entire fragrance together.
- examples: common base notes include warm, earthy, and resinous scents like vanilla, musk, sandalwood, and patchouli.
- role: base notes provide depth, longevity, and stability to the fragrance. they are the lingering, comforting aroma that envelops your space and can last long after the candle has been extinguished.
in a well-crafted candle scent, these three layers work together to create an evolving aroma experience. as the candle burns, you'll first encounter the top notes, which then give way to the richer middle notes, and finally, the base notes become dominant, leaving a lasting impression.
here at @Flamma - all of our fragrances are split into notes so it's easier for you to find one that sounds just right ✨
