Top notes offer a perfume first impression about its smell on the skin. Usually top notes include basil, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and other essential oils that quickly evaporate but leave a good impression. Even though they are not long lasting, top notes have a volatile, unstable and speedy first impression.

Middle notes balance the fragrance and not always give an immediate impression about the scent. It takes some minutes to calm the perfume and to give it a warm, soft and sweet smell. Middle notes include chamomile, ho wood, lavender, nutmeg, rosemary and other heart notes.

Base notes last the longest and are normally very intense and alluring. They make any connoisseur to feel excited about a certain fragrance, because base notes are rich, intoxicating and are the most expensive of all oils. Base notes include rose, sandalwood, vetiver, Ylang Ylang, vanilla, and other oils that hold the power in a fragrance.

• Perfume Guide