Even the simplest fragrance compositions are more than just a pleasant aroma. Each bottle of perfume we give you is a carefully composed blend that, once applied to the skin, does not remain the same but continues to change. How can you make buying a new perfume not only easier but also more interesting?
We recommend that you learn about fragrance notes, which will help you understand what distinguishes the individual ingredients of a perfume. Learning about them will allow you to familiarise yourself with both the character and structure of the scents you will be reaching for every day. Read our explanation of notes and check out which aromas reign supreme in the most popular perfumes.
Notes, or sets of scents
Before we tell you about the most popular notes in perfumes, let's consider what they actually are. You already know that each bottle contains several layers of aromas that gradually unfold. This is thanks to fragrance notes, which can be compared to a kind of pyramid. We start with the top notes, which are noticeable immediately after spraying the perfume. At the end, we have the so-called base notes, which give the whole composition depth and allow it to linger on the skin for a long time.
Knowledge of different fragrance notes is key to being able to more easily match perfumes to your lifestyle, the season, and the occasion. What's more, it allows you to consciously combine different combinations to create unique compositions. Forget about boring, repetitive and familiar scents. Enjoy one-of-a-kind compositions that you will find hard to forget. You will enchant both yourself and those around you.
What characterises top notes?
Immediately after applying perfume to the skin, a test strip or clothing, we encounter the so-called top notes. These are the first aromas, which, depending on their type, can last from a few to several dozen minutes. Top notes are at the very top of the perfume pyramid. They are intense and strongly perceptible – they are a kind of showcase for a given bottle, and thus should be noticeable as soon as the packaging is opened. After all, many people decide on a particular fragrance based on those first few seconds of smelling it.
The top notes usually contain volatile substances, i.e. those that undergo evaporation. These can be citrus aromas, for example. The most common ones here are orange and lime, but also bergamot and mandarin. Green and mint aromas are also very popular. Their presence introduces a lightness and refreshment to the composition that many people love so much. Fruity accords can also often be distinguished in the top notes. Their presence is, of course, due to the fact that they are extremely popular. On the one hand, they add sweetness, and on the other, a pleasant refreshment that is hard to forget.
Heart notes and their importance for the composition
From the top notes, we move smoothly to the heart notes, also known as the middle notes. Although they are not immediately noticeable, they are what give the whole composition its character. As a rule, they appear several minutes after using a particular bottle. They can last up to 2 hours, later transitioning into the base aroma. Heart notes are the essence of a perfume, using components with medium volatility. In the case of bottles with the highest quality fragrances, the heart notes can be detected for up to 4 hours.
What aromas can we expect here? First and foremost, flowers! This applies to both perfumes for women and those created especially for men. We are talking about the ever-popular rose, but also jasmine, lily of the valley and ylang-ylang. Spices are also very common in heart notes. And contrary to what one might think, they are not exclusively the domain of autumn and winter aromas. Cinnamon, cardamom and cloves very often dominate compositions created with spring and summer in mind. Fruity accords are also a must in the heart notes. However, it is worth noting that they are more subtle here than in the top notes. They are very often mixed with floral notes to give the whole a delicate yet unique character.
Base notes, or depth notes
At the bottom of the pyramid are, of course, the base notes. And although we describe them last, they are the ones that linger on the skin, hair and clothes the longest. Why is that? Obviously, because they develop the slowest. Depending on the quality of the fragrance, the whole process can take from a few to even several hours. Yes, you have to wait a while for the depth notes, but it is thanks to them that the perfume becomes so unique.
The base notes not only influence the overall perception of the fragrance, but also make it unforgettable. Perfume compositions include various types of wood, from cedar to sandalwood, cashmere and vetiver. It is also impossible not to mention musk and ambergris, which add sensuality and elegance to individual bottles. Vanilla and caramel, on the other hand, give the perfume a warm and enveloping character.
Read also: Is it worth perfuming your hair?
The most popular notes in perfumes
The world of perfumes hides a multitude of different aromas from us. However, it is easy to identify those that are simply the most popular. Their presence makes certain fragrances easy to recognise. But does this mean that it is not worth choosing perfumes in which they dominate? Of course not! Opting for popular notes in perfumes guarantees that you will choose fragrances that have simply reigned supreme for years.
Citrus
Our list naturally begins with citrus notes, which are ideal for different seasons. Starting in spring and ending in winter, they make the entire composition more refreshing. Citrus notes are both light and energising. They encourage action and are wonderfully refreshing.
A suggestion that will work for both women and men? Of course, Exótica perfume, which is literally unrivalled. Inspired by Xerjoff Erba Pura, it acts as a true aphrodisiac. It tempts, stimulates and captivates. This delicious and modern elixir is a blend of Mediterranean citrus and sweet fruits. The composition is complemented by oriental ambergris and an extremely rare ingredient from an Indian herb. If you want a floral-fruity fragrance that is also extremely long-lasting, this particular option is sure to suit you.
Read also: Can perfume act as an aphrodisiac?
Fruity
Since we have already mentioned citrus accords, it will come as no surprise to you that the next ones to mention are fruity ones. Juicy, sweet and sour at the same time. Subtle, joyful, reminiscent of beautiful weather and the blazing sun. And no, fruity notes are not just raspberries, strawberries or pears. They also include blackcurrants, plums, apricots and even peaches.
And here we recommend another unique unisex fragrance, Sweet Cherry, inspired by Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. And no, this is not just another perfume that everyone knows. It is one of those compositions that stays in your memory for a long time and arouses desire. Sweet Cherry is a bottle full of contrasts.
Although the main note here is the aforementioned cherry, it is presented in a way that makes it impossible to pass by this fragrance indifferently. It tempts, stimulates the senses, and thanks to the addition of tonka bean, it is also creamy and sweet. The notes also include rose and jasmine, as well as vetiver and sandalwood, which beautifully complement this bold proposition. Sweet Cherry is perfect for a date (and more). It will ignite the senses and remain in the memory thanks to its extremely sophisticated interior.
Floral
What would a list of the most popular fragrance notes be without floral ones? It will certainly come as no surprise to you that they are still very popular. They remain at the forefront of women's perfumes, but are also eagerly chosen for men's compositions. Among flowers, the rose reigns supreme, of course. Next come jasmine, lily of the valley and the ever-surprising violet.
Do you like perfumes that perfectly combine classic and contemporary styles? If so, be sure to discover and choose the Dea fragrance, inspired by Olympea Paco Rabanne. It is one of those fragrances whose advantages can be discussed at length. It is seductive and delicate. On the one hand, it delights with fresh mandarins, on the other with distinctive notes of oriental ginger. At the heart of this fragrance is vanilla, but in a salty version. Together with grey animal ambergris and cashmere wood, it creates an extremely stimulating composition. Perfect for a true modern goddess.
What if you had a perfume on your dressing table that would allow you to enjoy uncompromising freedom and give you the opportunity to create your own rules? La Liberte, because that is the fragrance in question, was created for women who want to be free and enjoy life to the fullest. Nothing here is left to chance, and each ingredient is carefully combined with the others. Orange blossom, distinctive French lavender, jasmine, mandarin and musk create a composition that reveals a new level of sensuality. This fragrance was inspired by YSL Libre.
Spicy
Loved not only in the kitchen, but also in perfumes. Spices, because that's what we're talking about, make fragrances sharp and warm. They subtly break their sweetness and add a characteristic spiciness. Cinnamon, cardamom, pink pepper, cloves and ginger make perfumes more complex and deep. They linger in the memory for a very long time.
Tonka Fever is a fragrance inspired by Dior's Feve Delicieuse. It is a unisex composition that is strong, elegant and very refined. It attracts attention to such an extent that it is really difficult to forget. And that's right from the start! At first sniff, this fragrance may seem very sharp, even piercing to the nose. This is all due to the almond accords and dry cocoa. Don't worry, the cocoa storm will subside and your nose will enjoy the sparkling, equally powerful tonka bean. With notes of tobacco, cinnamon, but also cocoa in a more chocolatey form. In the background, there is still room for caramel, which makes this fragrance one of a kind. Unmistakable.
Read also: The most durable men's perfumes - the secrets of composition
Woody
Cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver. These are extremely elegant, woody notes that are used in both men's and women's fragrances. They form the basis for luxurious compositions that simply cannot be ignored. And although they may seem heavy, they are actually distributed in such a way that they are not overwhelming at all. Woody notes are obviously associated with the forest and nature, but not only that. They are a kind of reference to comfort, and their presence makes the perfume multidimensional.
A unique woody composition? You will find many at Profumo Labo, but you may like Full Moon, inspired by Barrois Ganymede Marc-Antoine perfume. This fragrance combines freshness and depth, making it truly addictive. It features distinctive citrus and herbal notes, which make the whole composition very light. Mineral and floral accords add a modern touch, while woody and amber notes make this fragrance warm and enveloping. It will remind you of space and freshness, elegance, but in a universal way.
Experiment with different compositions to find your favourite perfume
Even if you already have your favourite perfume, don't be afraid to experiment with new ones. Combine different notes, test fragrances that you didn't think were quite right for you before. This way, you can easily find out which aromas suit you best. Discovering the world of fragrances can be a real pleasure, and learning about different types of notes makes choosing these unique compositions much easier.