Top, Heart & Base Notes: Why Perfume Layers Matter
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Ever noticed how your fragrance smells different at the end of the day compared to when you first sprayed it on? That’s the magic of fragrance layering — and it all comes down to three simple things: top, heart, and base notes.
Think of a fragrance like a story. It has an opening line, a plot, and a lingering afterthought. Each “note” in perfumery plays a role in how your scent unfolds over time.
What Are Fragrance Notes?
Perfume isn’t one flat scent. It’s composed of different layers that reveal themselves in stages after you apply it to your skin. These layers are called:
- Top notes (first impression)
- Heart notes (the soul)
- Base notes (the memory)
1. Top Notes: The First Impression
These are the lightest, most volatile molecules. They’re the first thing you smell — bright, refreshing, and quick to fade.
- Typical notes: Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, peppermint
- Lifespan: 10–30 minutes
- Maeq Example: The minty twist in Zen Cha
💡 Tip: Don’t judge a perfume solely by its top note. Give it time.
2. Heart Notes: The Core of the Scent
Once the top notes fade, the heart (or middle) notes bloom. These make up the main body of the fragrance and often define its character.
- Typical notes: Rose, jasmine, lavender, cardamom, peach
- Lifespan: 1–4 hours
- Maeq Example: The floral warmth of Fleur Affair or the tea-like calm of Zen Cha
💡 Think of heart notes as the perfume’s personality.
3. Base Notes: The Lasting Memory
These are the richest, longest-lasting notes. They anchor the fragrance and blend with your skin’s chemistry over time.
- Typical notes: Vanilla, amber, sandalwood, patchouli, musk
- Lifespan: 4–12+ hours
- Maeq Example: The creamy woods of Oud Pipe or the smoky vanilla in Café Pom Caramel
💡 These are the notes that linger on your scarf, hours (or days) later.
Why This Matters When You’re Choosing a Perfume
Most people judge a scent the second they spray it — but perfume evolves. A scent that starts fresh and citrusy might settle into something soft and woody by the end of the day. Understanding fragrance structure helps you choose more wisely — and fall in love with the entire journey, not just the start.
Maeq’s Approach to Layering
At Maeq, each fragrance is designed with thoughtful transitions in mind — from the first spritz to the final trail. Our perfumers work with both natural and safe synthetic materials to ensure each note unfolds beautifully over time, just like a memory.
Final Spritz
Fragrance is a slow dance, not a flash. Give it time, and let each note introduce itself. Because the best scents don’t just smell good — they tell a story.