what are fragrance notes?

what are fragrance notes? 

When you spritz on perfume or open a new body lotion, you’re typically getting so much more than just one simple scent. What you’re usually experiencing is a thoughtfully crafted, intentionally layered composition. These layers, known as fragrance notes, shape exactly how a scent is experienced and how it wears throughout the day.  

Whether you’re seeking a new scent or trying to describe one you already love, understanding the fragrance notes that bring them to life is the key to decoding any scent profile. 

the three types of scent notes (top, middle & base)

Fragrance notes are the individual ingredients that make up a scented product. Think of fragrance notes as musical notes in a song: each plays a distinct role, but together they form a harmonious and intentional blend. 

There are three types of fragrance notes: top, middle, and base notes. Each will appear at different moments as the scent unfolds.  

top notes

Top notes are your first impression of a scent. They’re meant to be forward and attention-grabbing, so they’re typically the brightest and most uplifting notes, but they’re also the most volatile and the first to fade away. Citrus and aromatic herbals are common top notes. 

middle notes

Middle notes are also known as the heart notes, as they’re the core of the fragrance, pushing through once the top notes fade to give the scent its full body and personality. Dewy florals, juicy fruits, and rich spices are some of the most typical heart notes. 

base notes

Base notes are what you experience once a scent dries down. They anchor the fragrance, adding warmth, depth, and richness. Think: woody scents, resins, and vanillas. Base notes linger the longest, sometimes for hours, and give your fragrance lasting power and emotional depth. 

how to describe a fragrance

If you’ve ever wanted to describe a scent but struggled to find the right words, a basic understanding of fragrance notes is all you need to sound like you have it all down to a science. Here’s a quick beginner’s guide to confidently and accurately describing a fragrance: 

1. First, identify the immediate impression: Does it smell zesty, airy, or sparkling? Knowing what immediately hits your nose can help guide your description. 
2. Next, notice the transition into the heart notes: Does a floral, fruity, or spicy aroma start to bloom? Remember, this note is the body of the fragrance, so being able to identify and describe these notes will take you far. 
3. Lastly, pay attention to the dry-down: Does it settle into a creamy, warm, woody, or musky fragrance? What’s the final impression you’re getting from the scent?  

If you need some time to get the hang of identifying notes, start by sorting a fragrance into either a general olfactive category (fresh, sweet, floral, fruity, warm, woody, gourmand, or clean) or assigning it an emotion or personality (uplifting, cozy, sensual, energizing, calming). 

common fragrance notes

the scent profiles behind eos Products

Fun fact: eos collaborates with some of the world’s most skillful master perfumers to expertly and artistically craft every single scent. Here’s a breakdown of the notes in some of our most popular fragrances, and a quick explanation of why they’re so irresistible. 

Vanilla Cashmere

Master Perfumer: “I chose yummy notes reminiscent of iconic childhood treats and paired them with an elegant creamy musk to make a gourmand fragrance that’s universally addictive.” 

• Top notes: whipped vanilla, sweet cream 
• Heart notes: soft musk, cocoa butter 
• Base notes: cozy caramel, cashmere woods 

Coconut Waters

Master Perfumer: “I elevated the base notes with sophisticated ambery-ness and created a coconut fragrance that can be worn year-round.” 

• Top notes: creamy coconut, pineapple sorbet  
• Heart notes: lush hibiscus, breezy balm 
• Base notes: solar musk, driftwood 

Fresh & Cozy

Master Perfumer: “The juicy fruitiness from the top notes pulls you into this ‘clean sheets’ scent and give it a modern twist.” 

• Top notes: morning light, clean linen
• Heart notes: dewy cassis, lily of the valley
• Base notes: sheer musk, ambrette 

Pomegranate Raspberry

Master Perfumer: “I blended luscious fruity notes like sweet pomegranate, rhubarb jam, and tart raspberries with delicate florals of peony nectar and lotus blossom to create a scent that is designed to be bright and airy.” 

• Top notes: sweet pomegranate, rhubarb jam 
• Heart notes: tart raspberries, peony nectar 
• Base notes: lotus blossom, blackcurrant 

Crème de Pistachio

Master Perfumer: "The warmth of toasted pistachio paired with decadent toffee and sophisticated woods creates a fragrance that's delicious and dressed-up at the same time."

• Top notes: toasted pistachio, rice milk
• Heart notes: vanilla toffee, golden amber
• Base notes: blonde woods, sunkissed coconut
  

Jasmine Peach

Master Perfumer: "I layered the velvety sweetness of ripe apricot with the soft, floral elegance of jasmine petals and topped it off with a warm swirl of creamy vanilla, creating a fragrance both inviting and unforgettable."

• Top notes: apricot nectar, wild rose
• Heart notes: sparkling jasmine, peach skin
• Base notes: vanilla sugar, golden honey

Pink Champagne

Master Perfumer: "I wanted to create a dressed-up take on a fruity fragrance – it opens with bright, juicy pear notes that quickly leave way to an ambery & woody scent trail."

• Top notes: pear champagne, red currant
• Heart notes: ruby pomegranate, candied violet
  
• Base notes: plum suede, cedarwood

Strawberry Dream

Master Perfumer: "I created an elevated strawberry note that feels fresh, juicy and not too sweet. The creamy vanilla makes this fragrance addictive and long-lasting."

• Top notes: sparkling strawberry, plum blossom
• Heart notes: pink sugar, white musk
• Base notes: vanilla cream, cupcake accord

Beach Waves

Fresh, airy, and fruity, Beach Waves is inspired by sea, sand, and warm skin, blending juicy tropical notes with sun-soaked florals and a warm, beachy base.

• Top notes: pineapple punch, mandarin
• Heart notes: tiaré flower, sunny starfruit
• Base notes: salted coconut, warm sands

Toasted Marshmallow

A sweet but sophisticated gourmand, Toasted Marshmallow blends creamy, roasted sweetness with smoky, slightly woody notes inspired by summer nights around a beach bonfire.

• Top notes: toasted marshmallow, graham cracker
• Heart notes: caramelized sugar, smoky birch
• Base notes: vanilla malt

find the eos scents you're craving — based on your favorite notes

Now that you have a basic understanding of fragrance notes, you’re probably thinking about the ones you love most – and are craving more of. eos has body mists, lotions, body wash, and all of your body care needs in your signature scents so your fragrance lasts all day. Here are  

If you’re craving a sweet, creamy gourmand with vanilla or wood base notes, you’ll love Vanilla Cashmere, Strawberry Dream, Toasted Marshmallow, and Crème de Pistachio. 

If you’re craving a light, clean scent with fresh and breezy top notes and a musky base, you’ll love Coconut Waters, Beach Waves, and Fresh & Cozy. 

If you’re craving something that hits you with juiciness and leaves sweet sophistication lingering, you’ll love Pomegranate Raspberry, Jasmine Peach, and Pink Champagne.

FAQs about fragrance notes

What are fragrance notes?
Fragrance notes are the individual scent components that come together to create a fragrance. They’re typically organized into top, middle or heart, and base notes based on when you experience them as the fragrance develops.

What is the difference between top, middle, and base notes?
Top notes create the first impression of a fragrance and typically fade the fastest. Middle or heart notes emerge next and give the fragrance much of its character. Base notes develop as the fragrance dries down and tend to linger the longest.

Which fragrance notes last the longest?
Base notes typically last the longest because they evaporate more slowly than top and heart notes. Vanilla, musk, amber, sandalwood, and other woody notes are commonly used as base notes in fragrances.

What does dry-down mean in fragrance?
Dry-down refers to the way a fragrance smells after the initial top and heart notes have developed and faded. This later stage is where longer-lasting base notes become more noticeable and reveal the fragrance's final scent.

What is a gourmand fragrance?
A gourmand fragrance features notes inspired by sweet or edible treats, such as vanilla, caramel, sugar, chocolate, or marshmallow. These scents often have a warm, creamy, or dessert-inspired quality.

What fragrance family is vanilla?
Vanilla is most commonly associated with the gourmand fragrance family, especially when paired with notes like caramel, sugar, or cream. It can also appear in warm, amber, woody, floral, and other fragrance profiles.

What fragrance notes smell fresh and clean?
Citrus, green, aquatic, airy floral, and soft musk notes are often associated with fresh or clean-smelling fragrances. The overall effect depends on how those notes are blended with the rest of the fragrance.

How do I find a fragrance based on notes I already like?
Start by identifying a few notes or fragrance families you consistently enjoy, such as vanilla, musk, coconut, fruity, floral, or woody scents. Then look for fragrances that feature those notes prominently in their scent profiles. Over time, you'll start to recognize the combinations and fragrance families you gravitate toward most.