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How are perfume top notes, middle notes, and base notes different?
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essential oil
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Fine perfumes are complex blends often containing over 100 ingredients, which are categorized by their volatility and the order in which they are perceived. These components are structured into three distinct layers:
- Top note: This is the refreshing, highly volatile odour that is perceived immediately upon application.1
- Middle note: Also known as a modifier, this layer provides the fragrance with its full, solid character.1
- Base note: Also referred to as an end note or basic note, this is the most persistent component of the blend.1
These ingredients, which often include essential oil extracts, are balanced to ensure the fragrance evolves over time. To prevent more volatile ingredients from evaporating too rapidly, perfumers may use fixatives—substances that help increase the lasting qualities of the perfume.1