Understanding Fragrance Notes
The quiet layers behind every scent.
There is something deeply personal about fragrance.
It lingers in the air long after a moment has passed. It softens a space, shifts a mood, and often carries memories we didn’t realise we were holding.
What we experience as a single, beautiful fragrance is rarely just one scent. Instead, it is composed of layers - gently unfolding over time.
These layers are known as fragrance notes.
What are fragrance notes?
Fragrance notes are the individual elements that come together to create a scent. Carefully blended, they form a balanced and evolving experience, one that changes subtly from the moment you light your candle to its final flicker.
They are typically divided into three parts:
Top notes
Heart notes
Base notes
Each plays a distinct role in how a fragrance is experienced.
Top notes - The first impression
Top notes are the scents you notice first.
They are often light, fresh, and uplifting, designed to introduce the fragrance as the candle begins to warm.
You might recognise notes such as:
Citrus (orange, lemon, bergamot)
Light herbs (thyme, basil)
Soft fruits
These notes don’t last long, but they are essential. They create that initial feeling, the first breath of a fragrance as it comes to life.
Heart notes - The soul of the scent
As the candle continues to burn, the heart notes begin to emerge.
These form the main body of the fragrance, the layer that lingers and defines its character.
Often softer and more rounded, heart notes might include:
Florals (neroli, jasmine, lavender)
Green notes
Gentle spices
This is where a fragrance feels most familiar. It settles into your space and becomes part of the atmosphere.
Base notes - The lasting impression
Base notes are the foundation.
They develop more slowly but last the longest, adding depth and richness as the candle continues to burn.
These are often warm, grounding scents such as:
Woods (cedar, sandalwood)
Amber
Musk
Vanilla
Base notes give a fragrance its staying power, the soft trace that remains even after the flame has gone out.
Why fragrance notes matter
Understanding fragrance notes allows you to choose fragrances more intentionally.
If you’re drawn to light, refreshing spaces, you may naturally gravitate towards fragrances with bright top notes.
If you prefer something more comforting and cocooning, deeper base notes may feel more at home.
The most beautifully balanced fragrances, like those within our seasonal collection, move gently through all three layers, creating a fragrance that feels complete and considered.
A slower way to experience scent
Rather than rushing to decide whether you “like” a fragrance, give it time.
Light your candle. Let it settle. Notice how it changes.
The brightness of the first moment softens. The heart unfolds. The warmth deepens.
And somewhere within that quiet transition, the true character of the scent reveals itself.
A good fragrance should gently fill your space - and stay with you.
Because the most beautiful fragrances are experienced over time.