Perfume shopping made easy: How to decode those fancy notes everyone talks about

How to buy perfumes: When you spritz a perfume, what you smell is the result of a carefully balanced structure of three layers: top, middle, and base notes (Image: Canva)

Ever wondered why your favourite fragrance smells different after a few hours or why that one perfume you loved on a friend doesn’t quite work on you? Perfumes are a layered art form, crafted with notes that evolve over time.

Perfumes aren’t about smelling good and also creating an emotional connection, evoking memories, and leaving an impression, says Prajakta Kanegaonkar, Fragrance Expert at ITC Engage. “A well-crafted fragrance is like a symphony. Every note plays its part, contributing to the melody of the scent journey. When you spritz a perfume, what you smell is the result of a carefully balanced structure of three layers: top, middle, and base notes. Each layer has its moment to shine, and together, they create a fragrance that evolves over time," she says.

Also read | 7 tips to find the perfect perfume of your dreams

Hello! top notes: 

Top notes are the initial whiff you get when you spray a fragrance. A bold and fleeting introduction. “These are typically light, fresh, and designed to grab attention. Think zesty citrus fruits like bergamot, grapefruit, or lemon, refreshing herbs like mint, or even delicate florals like lavender,” says Kanegaonkar. She adds that these notes are what you first fall in love with, but they’re also the quickest to fade. “They set the tone for the fragrance but only linger for 5-15 minutes. If you love vibrant and energetic scents, look for perfumes with bright, citrusy, or herbal top notes. They’re perfect for a morning boost or to kickstart your day on a fresh note,” she says.

The heart of the scent - middle notes:

Once the top notes fade, the middle notes, or heart notes, take over. This is where the real personality of the fragrance blooms. Mellow, rich, and full-bodied, these notes are the bridge between the bright opening and the lasting base. “Common middle notes include floral staples like rose, jasmine, and peony, as well as warmer, spicier tones like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Fruity notes like peach or apple also often feature here.  The middle notes are what make a fragrance memorable. They last longer, say 30 to 60 minutes, and are responsible for the fragrance’s depth and character,” she says.

Love romantic and timeless scents? Floral heart notes like jasmine and rose are your go-to. For something cozy yet sophisticated, look for spicy or fruity blends.

Also read | Perfume personalities: Here's what your scent says about you

Create lasting impression with base notes:

Finally, the base notes; the deep, lingering foundation of the fragrance. These are the richest, heaviest elements, designed to last for hours (sometimes even days) “Base notes give the perfume its warmth, depth, and staying power. Woody scents like sandalwood and cedar, earthy notes like patchouli and moss, or sensual accents like musk, vanilla, and amber are classic base note favourites,” Kanegaonkar says.

“Base notes are what linger on your skin and in people’s memories. They’re the final act that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re drawn to sultry, bold fragrances, focus on perfumes with woody, musky, or amber base notes. They’re ideal for evening wear or special occasions," she adds.