What are top, middle, and base notes in scenting?
All scent blends carry three distinct notes. They are categorized into the top, middle (sometimes called “the heart”), and base notes which is also known as the “olfactory trifecta”. They all have distinct jobs and work together to create a complete fragrance or perfume. The top notes are the most fleeting in a scent and disappear quickly. It always makes the first impression. The middle and the base notes then work together to deepen the top note and can take a one-dimensional aroma before leaving a lasting impression.
A little comparison top vs. middle vs. base
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Top Notes |
Middle Notes |
Base Notes |
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Introduction |
It is also called the head notes, which is perceived as the initial impression. |
Known as the “the heat” of the notes. This note emerges just before the top note evaporates. |
The final notes appear close to the evaporation of the middle notes. |
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Duration
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Lingers around for about the first 5 to 15 mins before evaporating. |
Can last up to anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. |
It has a duration of up to 6 hours. |
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Mass |
Made of small, light molecules. |
Makes up to 70% of the scent and remains the full body of the fragrance. |
Has the heavier molecules that evaporate slowly. |
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Compound |
The notes class are usually “fresh,” “assertive,” and “sharp” scents. |
The note compound is usually “more mellow and well-rounded" or aromatic herbs |
The note compound consists of “deep and rich” scents. |
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Popular top notes:
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Are often citrus and ginger scents such as lemon, orange, and bergamot. The scenting oil “2k Magic” carries similar top notes |
Are often floral scents such as rose, lemongrass, and lavender. The scenting oil “All of Me” carries similar middle notes |
Are often musk scents such as sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and cedarwood. The scenting oil “Black Velvet” carries similar base notes |
Each note group has its own function in scenting and carries its scent based on its weight. Top notes are lightest and often associated with freshness. The middle notes as the “heart” of a scent are the liaison between the top and base notes. The base notes can be compared to low frequencies in music, they vibrate deep and slow and last the longest.
Smell like a pro
Here is how you can know the difference between each note... once you have a fragrance of your choice, diffuse the aroma to your desired space and within seconds you will instantly smell the top note. Leave the space after the top note has settled and come back 15 minutes later, you will notice the middle note emerging. During the break time, the fragrance transitioned from a volatile, fleeting top note to “the heart” note of the scent, consisting of full-bodied oils. By the 30-minute mark, the scent should appear quite different than when it was first diffused. It all takes a little bit of patience and a little bit of passion to decode the different notes in a scent, but once you do you have mastered “The Art of Scent.”
The Takeaway
Overall, you do not need to become an expert or a “scenting aficionado” to know the difference between the notes, just simply pick your favorite scenting oil from the Aroma360 collection and enjoy the fragrance, all while experiencing the essence of aroma in your home or business!
=== split content ===24k Magic === split content === === split content ===Green Tea Lemon Flower === split content === === split content ===Black Velvet 1 === split content ===
Most hotels are known for their tailored signature scent that creates an olfactory memory the moment you step into the lobby. Scenting is known to instantly create a memory bond associated to a place or thing. Our olfactory system process smells using the limbic system, which is where emotions and memories are stored, enhancing emotions that release endorphins.This scenting strategy is used to help brands grow their commerce and generate profits through scent atmospheric marketing. These effects build a connection between the smell and the place that resonates with a person long after they have visited a place. For years hotels around the globe have been capitalizing on the scenting industry and have recognized the importance of scenting to elevate their guests’ experience and to keep their clients coming back.
Why do Hotels focus on scent?
Hotels spend substantial amounts of money on designing and incorporating the perfect scent experience to complement their property. They work to evoke certain feelings that match the décor, location, or overall ambiance. The main goal is to ensure a positive experience for the guests throughout their stay. Scent Specialists uncover all aspects of the brand during this process, sometimes designing signature scents that are exclusive to a Hotel Chain or individual location.
So why is scenting important?
A person’s sense of smell and memory are linked (due to our brain’s anatomy) together. When a smell is detected, the part of the Olfactory Bulb in the brain processes the signal and passes it along to the limbic system. The limbic system is made up of structures within the brain that are universally regarded by scientists as playing a significant role in the control of memory, mood, and emotion. Knowing all of this helps build brand loyalty between a customer and a property.
5-star Hotels known for their scent:
- Westin Hotel – This beautiful scent is found in all Westin properties across the globe. Invigorating white tea is perfectly blended with cedar and vanilla to create a beautiful revitalizing olfactory experience. Aroma360’s Dream On is inspired by this iconic scent.
- Hotel Costes – The Parisian hotel’s signature scent is their sultry sensation “Brown” fragrance which is a mix of waxed wood, rum, and a perfume of beeswax. This scent elicits a memory of a passionate ambience and sets the mood. Our Midnight in Paris fragrance oil is inspired by this hotel.
- The Mandarin Oriental Hotel – The olfactory logo of the Mandarin Spa is a combination of sandalwood, jasmine, frangipani, and patchouli fragrances. This evokes a fresher and cleaner tone for their guest to relax and be rejuvenated.
- 1 Hotel – Kindling, the Brand’s well-known fragrance mimics the essence of nature and is designed to mesh with the outdoors, bringing a warm and refreshing ambiance to its properties. Try Aroma360’s My Way, our interpretation and inspiration for this iconic scent.
The Takeaway
In a time when it has become more difficult to stand out in a crowded market, scenting allows you to differentiate your brand and make it more memorable. Think about the impression a pleasant fragrance can have on your customers. Aroma360 has a scent specialist who will work with you to carefully curate the perfect fragrance to associate with your property, allowing you in turn to build brand recognition and loyalty.
=== split content ===Dream On === split content === === split content ===Midnight in Paris Costes === split content === === split content ===My Way === split content ===
Traveling may be on hold right now, but you can still capture the essence of your favorite hotels from the comfort of home. Make your space feel and smell like a 5-star luxury hotel with our collection of hotel-inspired fragrance oils and candles. With over 20 scents to choose from, you can virtually revisit iconic destinations in Paris, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, New York City and Miami Beach.