Perfume is a composition of three olfactory layers. Understanding these notes will help you find your true scent identity.
The very first impression. These are the lightest scents that hit you immediately upon spraying. They are fresh, sharp, and volatile (e.g., Citrus, Berries), usually lasting 5-15 minutes.
Also known as the "middle notes," this is the core of the fragrance. Emerging once the top notes fade, they last longer and define the character of the perfume (e.g., Jasmine, Rose, Spices).
The foundation. These rich, heavy notes linger the longest on your skin or clothes, creating the lasting memory or "sillage" of the scent (e.g., Vanilla, Oud, Musk, Amber).