A scent profile, often referred to as a fragrance profile or olfactory profile, is a complex breakdown that describes the unique combination of individual scents that make up a fragrance. It is typically divided into three categories known as top (head), middle (heart), and base (base) notes.
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Top notes: These are the initial scents that you perceive immediately upon applying the fragrance. They are usually light, fresh, and invigorating, evaporating quickly. Common top notes include citrus (lemon, orange), light fruits (berry, pear), and herbs (lavender, rosemary).
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Middle notes: Also known as heart notes, these make up the core of the fragrance. They emerge just before the top notes dissipate and are considered the main body of the scent. Middle notes are usually more mellow and well-rounded, often floral (rose, jasmine), spicy (cinnamon, nutmeg), or fruity (apple, berry).
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Base notes: These are the last to develop and the longest-lasting. They provide depth and solidity to the fragrance, lingering on the skin for hours or even days. Common base notes include wood (cedar, sandalwood), resin (amber, myrrh), and animalic scents (musk, leather).
Understanding a scent profile helps in appreciating the complexity and full experience of a fragrance, revealing how it evolves over time from the initial application to the final lingering essence.
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