Understanding Perfume Notes: Top, Heart & Base

Every fragrance is composed of layers that unfold gradually. From the first spritz to the last impression, each scent layer is revealed at different stages. These layers, perhaps best known as notes, are divided into three parts: top, heart and base notes.

Top notes: The top notes are the first whisper of a fragrance that draws you in. These scents are usually light and fresh, like citrus or herbs.

Heart notes: The main scent of the fragrance is typically floral, fruity or spicy – and only appearing once the top notes fade. Heart notes reveal the true character of the fragrance.

Base notes: The bottom note rounds everything off, usually with a warm and grounding scent. Think rich, deep vanilla, musk or wood. These notes form the perfume base and leave a lasting trace on the skin.

An easy way to understand how scent unfolds over time is through the fragrance pyramid. Made up of three layers – top, heart and base – each plays a distinct role in the composition. As mentioned, at the top are the first impression notes. These are bright, fleeting and designed to draw you in. Beneath the top notes lies the heart. This is the true body of the fragrance, where the personality begins to take shape. And at the bottom lie the base notes. These warm and grounding elements linger on the skin long after the rest have faded, leaving that signature lasting impression that defines a Jo Malone London scent.

Together, these layers create harmony and depth, telling a unique story that evolves with every moment.

What Are Top Notes In Perfume?

Top notes are the first impression of a fragrance, also known as the opening notes. They are the initial burst of scent that greets you the moment it touches your skin. Light, bright and designed to spark curiosity, top notes set the scene for what’s to come. Often made up of citrus fruits, aromatic herbs or airy florals, top notes are uplifting by nature.

Case in point: our iconic Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne. A zesty sparkle of mandarin sits at the top, quickly capturing your attention before giving way to peppery basil, with the warmth of amberwood sitting beneath.

What Are Heart Notes In Perfume?

Heart notes capture the true essence of a fragrance. These notes come to the surface once the top notes have gently faded, forming the core scent and giving it shape, depth and character. Typically, heart notes make up most of the fragrance. More often than not, the heart notes are composed of florals, fruits or soft spices.

Discover our English Pear and Freesia scent collection and make way for the sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears, wrapped in a bouquet of fresh freesias. The delicate freshness of the white freesia takes centre stage as the heart note. The transition from the first impression to the heart note is vital to the fragrance journey.

What Are Base Notes In Perfume?

Base notes are the foundation of a fragrance – the final chapter of a scent’s story. Rich, warm and long-lasting, they linger on the skin long after the top and heart notes have faded. Base notes will leave behind a deep and lasting impression, often composed of woods, amber, musk or vanilla. These warm scents give the fragrance depth and staying power.

Known for depth and longevity, Myrrh & Tonka showcases the creamy richness of tonka bean blends, alongside the rich, hand-harvested sap of the Namibian myrrh tree. The blend creates a scent that feels comforting, refined and lived-in. These powerful base notes ground the fragrance, anchoring it with a unique strength and unforgettable warmth.

How Perfume Notes Work Together

A beautifully crafted fragrance requires the perfect composition of top, heart and base notes that entwine in harmony on the skin and as the scent evolves. The top notes feature an inviting first impression – fresh and fleeting. The heart notes are there to reveal the emotion and personality – the true soul of a fragrance. And finally, the base notes settle in. Rich, lingering and grounded with depth and warmth. These layers create a journey that shifts with time and shifts with you.

The interplay of fragrance is elevated through the art of Scent Layering. At Jo Malone London, each cologne is intentionally designed for this purpose. This gives you full, unparalleled permission to layer fragrances and build a custom scent regimen. With unexpected pairings and a focus on clarity and balance, our unique combinations offer versatility, creativity and the freedom to express your style effortlessly.

Explore our collection of elegant colognes and find your perfect scent.