Terms, notes & general knowledge
Perfume Pyramid Explained
Notes in perfumery are descriptors of scents that can be sensed upon the application of a perfume. Notes are separated into three classes; top/head notes, middle/heart notes, and base notes; the idea of notes is used primarily for the marketing of fine fragrances.
Citrus and aromatic notes tend to be the least strongest and are mainly used as top notes. The strongest being wooded and balsamic categories, which tend to last the longest and everything else in between to layer the fragrance.
Fragrance Notes
Fresh
Used as middle notes, fresh scents are great for day and summer time fragrances.
Chamomile, Freesia, Cherry Blossom, Gardenia, Geranium, Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, Magnolia, Neroli, Orange Blossom, Peony, Plumeria, Rose, Tuberose, Violet, Water Lily, Ylang Ylang
Woody
Dry and distinctive, woody notes stand out best in base notes.
Notes: Bamboo, Birch Tar, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Leather, Musk, Myrrh, Nag Champa, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Pine, Rosewood, Teak Wood, Tobacco, Vetiver
Oriental
Oriental notes are strong, and more dominant. They are best used for middle & base notes.
Notes: African Musk, Almond, Amber, Benzoin, Black Pepper, Black Tea, Cardamom, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Ginger Root, Hazelnut, Honey, Musk, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Bean
Citrus
Citrus notes are great for perfumes that are for an younger audience and go well with fruity and fresh notes.
Notes: Aloe Vera, Bergamot, Lemon Zest, Lemon Grass, Neroli, Tangerine, Yuzu.
Fruity
Fun & light, fruity notes can be used as top or middle notes for best results.
Notes: Apple Blossom, Cinnamon, Black Cherry, Black Berry, Black Currant, Blood Orange, Blueberry, Coconuts, Cucumber, Fig, Grapefruit, Green Apple, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Spice, Rasberry, Strawberry, Watermelon, White Tea.