Understanding Perfume Notes: Your Guide to Fragrance Composition
Discover how perfume notes create the olfactory journey of a luxury fragrance, from the first spray to the lasting impression.
Every luxury perfume tells a story through its notes—distinct scent ingredients that unfold over time. Understanding perfume notes transforms how you experience and choose fragrances, especially when selecting a luxury EDP perfume like our Signature No. 1.
At Shansillage, we craft perfumes with carefully selected notes that create a sophisticated olfactory journey. Let's explore how these notes work together to create a memorable fragrance experience.
The Olfactory Pyramid: How Perfumes Unfold
Perfume composition follows a three-tier structure called the olfactory pyramid. Each tier reveals itself at different stages, creating a dynamic fragrance experience that evolves throughout the day.
Top Notes (Head Notes)
Duration: First 5-15 minutes
Purpose: The initial impression that captures attention
Top notes are the lightest, most volatile ingredients. They're what you smell immediately after spraying. These notes are typically fresh, bright, and inviting—designed to draw you in.
Common Top Notes:
- Citrus: Bergamot, lemon, orange, grapefruit
- Herbs: Basil, mint, lavender
- Spices: Pink pepper, cardamom, coriander
- Fruits: Apple, pear, blackcurrant
In Signature No. 1, our top notes are Citrus Bergamot and Pink Pepper—a refined, bright opening that's neither too sweet nor too sharp.
Heart Notes (Middle Notes)
Duration: 2-4 hours
Purpose: The core identity and character of the fragrance
Heart notes emerge once the top notes evaporate. This is the true personality of the perfume—what defines its character. These notes are typically richer, fuller, and more complex than top notes.
Common Heart Notes:
- Florals: Rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, iris
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove
- Woods: Sandalwood, cedarwood, rosewood
- Fruits: Peach, plum, fig
Signature No. 1's heart is Mysore Sandalwood and Cedarwood—warm, woody, and dignified. This is where "Shan" (elegance) reveals itself.
Base Notes (Fond)
Duration: 4-12+ hours
Purpose: The lasting impression and sillage
Base notes are the foundation—the heaviest, most long-lasting ingredients. These create the "sillage" (the scent trail you leave behind) and determine how long the perfume lasts on your skin. In luxury EDPs with high oil concentration, base notes can linger for 8-12 hours.
Common Base Notes:
- Resins: Amber, benzoin, labdanum
- Woods: Sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, vetiver
- Musks: White musk, animalic musk
- Vanilla: Vanilla, tonka bean
- Oudh: Agarwood (oudh)
Our base notes are Amber, Vetiver, and Musk—creating a warm, sophisticated trail that lasts 8-12 hours thanks to our 18%+ oil concentration.
Key Notes in Signature No. 1
Let's explore the specific notes in our Signature No. 1 EDP and why we selected each one:
🌳 Mysore Sandalwood
Family: Woody
Character: Creamy, warm, slightly sweet
Indian Mysore sandalwood is considered the finest in perfumery—creamy, rich, and long-lasting. It provides depth without overwhelming, creating a meditative, sophisticated aura. This is a heritage ingredient that connects our perfume to Indian luxury traditions.
🍯 Amber
Family: Resinous
Character: Warm, sweet, slightly powdery
Amber isn't a single ingredient—it's a blend of resins, vanilla, and labdanum that creates warmth and sensuality. In Signature No. 1, amber adds golden richness that makes the fragrance feel luxurious and enveloping.
🌾 Vetiver
Family: Woody/Earthy
Character: Smoky, earthy, slightly green
Vetiver adds sophistication and grounding. It's earthy without being heavy, providing a refined masculinity that makes Signature No. 1 suitable for all genders while maintaining elegance.
💫 Musk
Family: Animalic/Synthetic
Character: Soft, skin-like, subtle sensuality
We use clean, modern musk molecules that create intimacy without being overpowering. Musk makes the fragrance feel personal—like it's part of your skin rather than sitting on top of it.
Why 18% Oil Concentration Matters
The concentration of perfume oils determines how long each note layer lasts and how the fragrance develops on your skin.
Industry Standard EDP: 12-15% concentration
Lasts 4-6 hours · Notes evolve quickly · Reapplication needed
Signature No. 1: 18%+ concentration
Lasts 8-12 hours · Notes unfold gradually · Rich, complex development · No reapplication needed
Higher concentration means each note has more time to reveal itself. The sandalwood doesn't just flash and disappear—it slowly opens up, revealing creamy, woody facets over hours. This is what separates Haute Parfumerie from mass-market fragrances.
How to Choose Perfume Notes for Yourself
Understanding notes helps you select fragrances that match your preferences and lifestyle:
For Everyday Wear
Choose fragrances with balanced compositions—not too heavy, not too light. Woody-amber combinations like Signature No. 1 work well because they're sophisticated without being overwhelming in office or social settings.
For Special Occasions
Look for fragrances with rich base notes (amber, musk, oudh) that create strong sillage. These make a statement and leave a memorable impression.
For Gifting
Select unisex woody-amber compositions that work across preferences. Avoid overtly sweet or floral fragrances unless you know the recipient's taste. Our Rakshabandhan gift hampers feature Signature No. 1 precisely because it's universally appreciated.
Experience the Notes of Signature No. 1
Now that you understand how perfume notes work, discover how they come together in our artisanal EDP.
Explore Signature No. 1