Have you ever sprayed a perfume in a store, loved the fresh citrus burst, bought it, and then realized two hours later that it smells completely different—perhaps like warm vanilla or spicy wood?
It’s not magic, and your nose isn't playing tricks on you. It is pure chemistry.
Perfume is a living composition. Like a song with an intro, a chorus, and an outro, a high-quality fragrance evolves on your skin. This structure is known as the Fragrance Pyramid.
To truly find your signature scent, you need to understand the three phases of this olfactory journey. Here is how it works.
1. The Top Note: The First Impression
This is what you smell immediately after spraying. The top note consists of small, light molecules that evaporate very quickly.
-
The Vibe: Fresh, aggressive, attention-grabbing. It is the "handshake" of the perfume.
-
Typical Ingredients: Citrus (Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin), Herbs (Mint, Basil), or light Fruits (Green Apple).
-
Duration: It lasts only about 5 to 15 minutes.
-
Buyer's Tip: Never judge a perfume solely by the first spray. Wait for the top note to fade to meet the true character of the scent.
2. The Heart Note: The Soul of the Scent
Once the initial freshness evaporates, the "Heart" (or Middle Note) reveals itself. This is the core of the fragrance—the scent that accompanies you for the majority of the day.
-
The Vibe: Harmonious, rounded, and defining. It constitutes about 50–80% of the total composition.
-
Typical Ingredients: Florals (Rose, Jasmine, Lavender), Spices (Cinnamon, Pepper), or heavier Fruits (Blackcurrant).
-
Duration: It unfolds after 15 minutes and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
3. The Base Note: The Lasting Memory
This is the foundation. The base notes are made of heavy, slow-evaporating molecules that sink into your skin. This is the scent that lingers on your sweater or scarf days later.
-
The Vibe: Deep, warm, sensual, and intense.
-
Typical Ingredients: Woods (Sandalwood, Cedar), Resins (Amber, Oud), Gourmand notes (Vanilla, Tonka Bean), and Musk.
-
Duration: It begins to emerge after an hour and can last up to 24 hours (depending on concentration).
Why Extrait de Parfum Makes the Difference
The "Base Note" is where the quality of a perfume shows itself. Cheap fragrances often have a pleasant top note but a weak, non-existent base that vanishes quickly.
Because SAINT SKEI fragrances are formulated as Extrait de Parfum (high oil concentration), we pack more "Base Note" molecules into every bottle. While an Eau de Toilette might disappear before the base note fully develops, our Extraits ensure that the deep, expensive ingredients (like Oud or pure Vanilla) stick to your skin for hours, creating a rich and luxurious trail.
The Magic of Skin Chemistry
The Fragrance Pyramid is the map, but your skin is the terrain. The pH balance, moisture level, and temperature of your skin interact uniquely with the base notes. This is why the same SAINT SKEI scent can smell slightly spicy on you, but sweeter on your friend.
Perfume is a journey. Don't rush it. When you try our fragrances, give them time to tell their full story.
Explore our complex and long-lasting Scents.
Image by MART PRODUCTION
