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DIY Perfume Artisans: Top, Middle & Base Notes

DIY perfumes are all about crafting a unique signature scent or giving fragrance as a gift, the benefits of aromatherapy and expression of creativity. Top, middle and base notes are integral to any perfume.



Essential oils and their benefits
Experiments in DIY perfumery

Top, Middle & Base: Demystifying Perfume Notes


With personally crafted perfumes the artisan is in control of the strength, fragrant notes and emotional appeal of the aroma. Perfumes are composed of layers of scents, commonly referred to as notes. Each note contributes to the overall character of the fragrance.


Top Notes

Top notes are the first impressions of a perfume, or the initial scent when it's applied. These notes are lighter and more volatile, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. Common top notes include citrus, herbs and some fruits.


These include:


  • Citrus: Notes like lemon and bergamot offer a vibrant, zesty scent to awaken the senses.


  • Mint: Crisp and invigorating, mint adds a fresh element both delightful and energizing.


  • Green Apple: The sweet, fruity aroma of green apple is a playful and lively start.


  • Eucalyptus: Lively and bright with refreshing zing.


Top notes are essential as they attract an initial response.



There used to be leaves on this eucalyptus tree but .... well, here's a koala.
There used to be leaves on this eucalyptus tree but .... well, here's a cute koala.

Middle Notes

Middle notes make up the core of the fragrance and usually appear once the top notes fade away. They bridge the transition from the fresh opening to the deeper base notes. These add character and body to the fragrance composition.


Often floral or fruity, common middle notes include lavender, geranium, rose, and nutmeg. Middle notes are often called the heart of the fragrance. Examples of middle notes include:


  • Lavender: This calming floral note adds a fresh touch and promotes relaxation.


  • Rose: A classic choice that exudes elegance and romance, rose enhances the overall blend.


  • Jasmine: Known for its sweet fragrance, jasmine lends a lush and intoxicating character to the perfume.


  • Sweet Marjoram: A blend of fresh, warm notes with a sweet and spicy tang, with a slightly sharp, herbaceous-woody undertone.


  • Fennel: an intriguing mild licorice scent, similar to but softer than anise.


These middle notes play a crucial role in connecting the freshness of the top notes with the richness of the base notes, ensuring a smooth transition in the scent.



Base Notes

Base notes are the backbone of the fragrance. They emerge after the top notes have evaporated and typically last the longest (up to several hours or even days). Common base notes include resinous materials, woods, and musks.


They provide depth and richness to the perfume, making it more rounded and complex. Base notes give depth and richness even after the lighter notes fade away. They are heavier scents that emerge slowly, contributing to the lasting impression. Common base notes include:


  • Vanilla: Sweet and comforting, it smooths and balances other scents beautifully.


  • Musk: This earthy, sensual note anchors the fragrance, creating a complex scent profile.


  • Sandalwood: Known for its creamy and warm woodsy aroma, sandalwood adds longevity to perfume.


  • Cedarwood: another warm wood scent reminiscent of rustic country living, charming and deep.


  • Amber: Earthy resin from fossilized undersea forests, this beauty is traded from the Bronze Age but it's Pliny the Elder in Rome who identifies it as a resin by the scent when it's burning.




Fragrant Cedar Shavings
Fragrant Cedar Shavings

Non-Fiction Books:


Fiction Books:

READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series

READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries




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