Surely no one needs convincing that composing the elements of a perfume is a true art, mastered to perfection by few, with the artistry of their work confirmed by those fragrances enjoying an iconic status to this day. Which fragrance compositions are the most popular, what are fragrance notes and what is the secret of a good perfume?

Composition of perfumes versus fragrance notes

The basic term connected with perfumes is fragrance notes, which means those groups of aromatic substances of various intensities that are released into the air at different times, such that each group can be approached individually. Nonetheless, we should bear in mind that it is only once they come together that the fragrance composition emerges.

Discovering the fragrances of new perfumes is a unique journey, and this is how it should be perceived. As we approach a perfume, the first note discernible to our olfactory sense is the top note, which is of tremendous significance because it is responsible for the customer’s first impression and thus determines whether they are willing to wait for what happens next. The fragrance connected with this note is very intense but disappears quickly, usually within a few minutes. This note consists mostly of fresh and light scents, such as the aroma of citrus fruit, giving the composition a light and fresh feel.

Our journey into the fragrance leads us to the heart note, perceptible about 10-15 minutes after the perfume is applied. We often do not smell it consciously but its presence, along with the right composition, harmoniously combines the other two fragrance notes and determines the nature of the fragrance. Having passed the heart note, about 20 minutes later we should encounter the base note, whose scents are responsible for the durability of the fragrance, and as such are released very slowly for anything up to a dozen hours following first application of the perfume. Curiously enough, the base note is not the dominant fragrance of the perfume, even though it ultimately determines the whole composition and, significantly, the brand recognition.

The most popular perfume fragrance compositions – what do we pay attention to while choosing a fragrance for ourselves?

Even though there is a wide selection of perfumes available on the market, the majority of us clearly prefer notes from one composition, such as floral perfumes – the most classic and feminine ones. They may be subtle and delicate, or quite the opposite – very intense. Perfect in the summer and spring months of the year. At this point, it is worth mentioning that our choice of perfume depends mostly on the season. During the warm months we clearly prefer fresh and light fragrances, while in winter we pick heavier and more sensual compositions. Highly popular among the latter are warm-coloured oriental perfumes, containing elements of turmeric, vanilla, sandalwood or ginger. Such fragrances are incredibly original, often intended for special occasions.

Other fragrance compositions highly popular in recent years include gourmand fragrances, characterised by incredibly sweet scents. Such perfumes contain chocolate or toffee aromas, which make them more appealing to younger recipients, eager to stand out.

In the design of new fragrance compositions account should always be taken of the changing times and the evolving requirements of the customer. Making sure that our fragrances keep up with our lifestyles – this is what is expected of true fragrance architects.