Understanding Top, Middle & Base Notes

A guide to the olfactory pyramid and how perfumes evolve on your skin over time.

A fine fragrance tells a story in three parts. Understanding this structure will change how you experience perfume.

The Top Notes

The immediate scent. Usually fresh, light, and citrusy. They evaporate within the first 15-30 minutes.

The Heart (Middle) Notes

The core of the fragrance. Often floral or spicy, they emerge as the top notes fade and form the character of the scent.

Elvessora Enchante Bloom
Elvessora Enchanté Bloom — a floral heart note in full bloom.

The Base Notes

The foundation. Deep, rich notes like Oud, Amber, and Vanilla that linger for hours and anchor the entire composition.

Stay Close to the Scent

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