‘Nothing brings to life again a forgotton memory like fragrance’

‘Nothing brings to life again a forgotton memory like fragrance’
Christopher Poindexter

Have you ever wondered what all this business is with different notes in a fragrance?  I certainly did until I started studying fragrances and candle making!

Fragrance notes make up a perfume.  There are three sets of notes; top notes, heart or middle notes and base notes.  Each of these levels has its own primary purpose.  Here is brief explanation of the notes:
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Top notes
These are the opening notes and are generally the lightest of all, giving a first impression.  They introduce the candle and are the first experience of a cold scent throw.  Usually they are fresh and citrusy.  In a perfume, they are the ones that fade first given their light molecular structure. In a candle the cold scent throw remains.
Heart notes or middle notes
These are more complex, providing balance and harmony to enhance the top or base notes.  Often the heart is a smooth combination of classic florals, berries or fruity tones and is sometimes infused with spices.
Base notes
The final fragrance notes to appear are the base notes.  These are heavier and longer lasting, being made up of larger molecules.  These notes bring balance and create the full body of a blend.  Common fragrance base notes are sandalwood, cedarwood, amber, patchouli,  musk and vanilla  In a perfume the base notes are the scents that remain on the skin all day long.

I hope this brief explanation helps you to understand notes in candle fragrances now.  Maybe if you meet me at an event and you are smelling my candles, you will be able to tell me what notes you can detect!