Spray a perfume and smell it immediately, then again an hour later and again at the end of the day. You will notice three quite different impressions. That journey is described as the fragrance pyramid.
Top notes: the first impression
Top notes are light, volatile molecules that you smell first. Citrus, light fruits and fresh herbs are common. They usually fade within 15–30 minutes.
Heart notes: the character
As the top notes lift, the heart emerges. Florals, spices and green notes often sit here. The heart defines the personality of a perfume and lasts for several hours.
Base notes: the lasting trail
Base notes are rich, heavy molecules such as woods, amber, vanilla, musk and oud. They anchor the perfume and can linger on skin and clothes long after the heart fades.
Why this matters when buying
Never judge a perfume only by the first sniff. If possible, wear it for a few hours before deciding. Online, read all three tiers of notes: the base tells you how the perfume will smell for most of the day.
Accords and notes
You may see words like “rain accord” or “leather accord”. An accord is a blend of materials that together create an impression that does not come from a single ingredient.
