Understanding Fragrance Notes: Top, Heart, and Base Notes Explained
Perfume isn’t just one note—it’s a layered story that unfolds over time. Understanding how a fragrance develops helps you choose wisely and appreciate the artistry behind every bottle.
1. Top Notes: The First Impression
These are the notes you smell right after spraying. They’re light and volatile—designed to capture attention instantly. Common top notes include bergamot, blood orange, and pink pepper. They fade within 10–15 minutes.
2. Heart Notes: The Soul of the Scent
As top notes evaporate, heart notes emerge. These form the body of the fragrance and last several hours. Floral notes like rose, lilac, and peony, or spicy ones like cardamom and saffron, are common.
3. Base Notes: The Lasting Impression
These appear after the heart fades and linger the longest. Rich, grounding elements like oud, leather, musk, patchouli, and tonka bean create the scent’s foundation.
Why It Matters
When buying a fragrance, don’t judge it solely by the first spray. The heart and base determine how it will feel on you throughout the day.
SIXTEEN crafts each fragrance with this evolution in mind—so it moves with you, revealing new layers as you live your day.
