The Art of Scent: Understanding Fragrance Notes and Layers

Scent is more than just something we smell—it’s an experience, an emotion, a story told through layers of ingredients. When I first began creating my fragrances, I wanted to craft scents that weren’t just fleeting moments but rich, evolving experiences that linger on the skin and in the heart. Understanding how fragrance notes and layers work is key to appreciating the art of perfumery. Today, I’ll take you behind the scenes to explore how fragrance notes—top, middle, and base—come together to create the complex and unforgettable aromas that make up each of my perfumes.

The Building Blocks of Scent
Fragrance is an intricate puzzle, with each note playing a distinct role in the overall experience. When a perfumer creates a fragrance, they use a combination of top, middle, and base notes—each layer designed to unfold over time, creating a scent that evolves with every wear.

• Top Notes: These are the first impressions—the initial burst of scent you experience when you first spray a fragrance. Top notes are typically light, fresh, and volatile, evaporating quickly. They create an immediate, attention-grabbing experience that sets the tone for the fragrance. In my fragrances, I often use citrus, herbs, or light fruits for the top notes to provide a fresh, welcoming introduction.

• Middle Notes (Heart Notes): As the top notes fade, the middle notes begin to emerge. These are often considered the "heart" of the fragrance and tend to be more complex and rounded. Middle notes balance the volatility of the top notes with the depth of the base. These notes are the core that anchors the fragrance and often stay with you for hours.

• Base Notes: Base notes are the foundation of any fragrance. They’re the last to reveal themselves and provide the fragrance with depth, richness, and longevity. Base notes are often deep, warm, and resinous, and they linger long after the fragrance has been applied. These notes also help the fragrance "stick" to your skin, ensuring that the scent lasts throughout the day.

Creating Harmony Between Notes
The magic of perfumery lies in the ability to balance these notes to create something harmonious, a scent that evolves and tells a story. The challenge—and beauty—of crafting a fragrance is ensuring that the top, middle, and base notes blend seamlessly, without any one note overpowering the others. For instance, Fragrance #6 (The Companion Archetype) combines soft bergamot in the opening, a juicy rose melange in the middle, supported by a base of warm, brewed coffee from Colombia. The gentle opening of bergamot leads to the calming heart of rose, and the rich coffee provides a comforting base that gives the fragrance its longevity.

The Role of Ingredients in Shaping Notes
The ingredients used in each layer of a fragrance are chosen with care. When I select ingredients for my perfumes, I consider not just their scent but also how they will interact with one another over time. For instance, I use fresh, dewy rose petals for the middle notes, but I may use rose absolute for a deeper, more intense fragrance that lingers in the base. Similarly, lighter citrus notes in the top notes will often come from fruits like Italian lemon, known for its delicate, yet vibrant aroma. 

Each note, each ingredient, is a piece of a larger story. And just like any good story, the narrative unfolds over time—starting with a burst of energy, evolving into something deeper and more meaningful, and eventually settling into a quiet, memorable conclusion.

By understanding fragrance notes and their role in creating complexity and harmony, you can deepen your appreciation of the artistry behind every scent. I hope this guide helps you see your favorite perfumes in a new light and inspires you to discover more layers in every fragrance you wear.

Jared Antonio Chartrand

Founder & Perfumer

Antonio Chartrand