Are you one of the people who find calmness through fragrances? You probably wanted to start your oil blending journey, but you find it overwhelming. Well, who doesn’t? You've probably heard "fragrance notes" before, and it feels like it's too much to comprehend; on top of that, dilutions and procedures are waiting for you to learn.
It is normal to feel intimidated. But if you want to make your fragrance last, you have to find the secret recipe. The secret recipe lies within those notes. A combination blend of top, middle, and base notes makes the perfect fragrance.
Your guide to deciphering all the mysteries behind fragrance notes can be found below. Read on!
What is a Fragrance Oil Notes?
Every time you buy a new fragrance and open it up, you experience different smells that range from fruity to floral and musky as they come in through various openings of the container — all these different smells are called "top notes." The same thing happens with other scents as they enter your nose through different parts of your sinus cavities. Middle and base notes are present simultaneously, with middle notes coming first, followed by base notes.
According to the American Chemical Society, a way to make fragrances and products on the skin stays longer is through understanding the different fragrance notes. As some might linger for a second, and some can last longer. Another method is by adding natural and synthetic additives.
Fragrance notes are the notes that are used to describe the scent of a fragrance. These notes can be categorized into top, base, middle, and blend.
Top Note
The first note in a fragrance is usually the most noticeable one. It is usually the lightest and freshest part of a fragrance. Examples of top notes fragrances are typically fresh and citrusy like bergamot, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, thyme, and orange essential oils.
Middle Note
The third note in a fragrance provides a balance between top and base notes. It typically has medium intensity and lasts 6 to 8 hours on the skin. Examples of middle notes fragrances are floral and herbal scents like geranium, lavender (both top and middle), jasmine, rose, and roman chamomile essential oils.
Base Note
The third note in a fragrance is usually more intense than the top notes, often described as being dark, deep, and the foundation of the blend. Examples of base notes fragrance are woody and earthy oils like Myrrh, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, and Frankincense essential oils.
5 Tips on Creating the Perfect Blend of Fragrance Oils
When it comes to fragrance oils, the goal is to create a perfect blend. A perfect blend of fragrances that are complementary and have the same notes. Here are some tips to make a perfect blend:
1. Prepare all the equipment and materials needed, including coffee beans, to cleanse your smell palette in case of sensitization.
2. Ready your computed dilution as to how concentrated you want your fragrance will be. Scale your dilution and always be prepared for three trials and errors.
3. Work with the top notes first, middle notes next, and finally, base notes last
4. You may add additives like fixative (to make your scent last) and Peg-40 or Tween 80 (for better dilution).
5. Be creative. You may add some finishing touch of natural ingredients like herbs, flowers, or spices to make your scent more unique.
Takeaways for Your Journey!
It is not easy to produce a fragrance oil blend. It takes a lot of research and experimenting. But don't get scared to try things out. The best way to start your journey in creating your fragrance oil is by getting an idea of your ideal scent.
If you’ve been searching for inspiration for scents to blend next, try Bargz Fragrance oils, and let us know your favorite!
