What Are Candle Scent Notes?
You may have heard people mention "notes" when talking about fragrances, and the same goes for candle scents too. But what exactly does that mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it and shed some light on the captivating world of scent notes.
Notes are the different layers of a fragrance that come together to create the full scent. Each layer brings its own unique aroma, and together, they complement each other beautifully.
The overall scent is usually made up of three layers: top notes, middle (heart) notes and base notes.
Top notes
Top notes are the initial scents you notice when a candle is first lit. These notes are often light and fresh, but because of their volatility, they dissipate quickly, often within a few minutes to an hour, leaving room for the other notes to develop. Some common top notes are lemon, apple, lavender, and ginger.
Middle notes
Middle notes, or heart notes, get their name because they form the "heart" of the fragrance. These are the scents that really make up the body of the fragrance, stepping in once the top notes have faded. They tend to last longer and create a nice balance between the lighter top notes and the deeper base notes. Heart notes play a big role in defining the overall character of the scent and are usually the most noticeable layer. Some popular middle notes include geranium, pear, cinnamon, and sandalwood.
Base notes
Base notes are those lingering, deeper aromas that come through after the candle’s been burning for a while. They really add depth and richness to the overall fragrance. These notes stick around longer because they’re made of heavier molecules that take their time to evaporate. While the lighter top notes fade quickly, the base notes provide that lasting depth and richness. They’re the ones that really ground the fragrance and keep the scent lingering, even after the candle has been burning for a while. Common base notes are amber, vanilla, and clove.
Final thoughts
If you’re feeling stuck when choosing a candle, checking out the notes might just help. For instance, if you’re into fresh and light scents, top notes like citrus could be perfect for you. Or, if you lean towards richer, warmer fragrances, a base note of vanilla might be exactly what you’re after.
Now that you know all about notes, have fun exploring the different layers of fragrance and discovering which ones resonate with you. We’d love to hear from you, let us know which notes are your favourites! ✨