When breaking down the fragrance of candles (as well as perfumes and other scented products), the terms "top," "middle," and "bottom" notes refer to the layers of scents that are perceived at different stages of the product's burn or wear. Each layer contributes to the overall fragrance experience.
Here's a breakdown:
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Top Notes (Head Notes):
- These are the first scents you'll notice upon lighting a candle or applying a perfume.
- They are usually light, bright, and evaporate quickly.
- Examples include citrus (like lemon or bergamot), light fruits (like apple or berry), and some herbs (like eucalyptus or lavender).
- The role of top notes is to give the first impression of a candle's scent, drawing you in.
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Middle Notes (Heart Notes):
- These emerge as the top notes dissipate.
- They are the heart of the fragrance, forming the main body of the scent.
- Middle notes last longer than top notes and are usually more rounded and balanced.
- Examples include floral scents (like rose, jasmine, or geranium), spices (like clove or cinnamon), and some fruits (like peach or apricot).
- Middle notes essentially define the character of the fragrance, bridging the gap between the light top notes and the deeper base notes.
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Bottom Notes (Base Notes):
- These are the scents that linger the longest and form the foundation of the fragrance.
- They give depth to the candle or perfume and are typically richer and heavier.
- Examples include woody scents (like cedar or sandalwood), resins (like amber or frankincense), musk, vanilla, and some heavy floral notes (like patchouli or tuberose).
- Bottom notes linger and are often detectable hours after the candle has been extinguished, or in the case of perfumes, long after they've been applied.
When designing a scented product, perfumers and candle makers will often layer these notes to create a complex and evolving scent experience. As the product is used, the fragrance transitions through these layers, offering a unique aromatic journey!
We hope this break down helps you understand the art of candle making a little more :-)