When choosing a perfume, we are looking for much more than just a scent: we are looking for an olfactory identity. Understanding olfactory notes helps not only to decipher the composition of a fragrance, but also to choose more consciously the one that best suits our skin, personality, and style.

But what exactly are “olfactory notes”? How can you recognize them and why are they so important in the world of niche perfumes?

What are olfactory notes?

Olfactory notes are the aromatic components that, when combined, form the complete structure of a perfume. Each fragrance is constructed like a pyramid composed of top notes, heart notes, and base notes, each with a specific role and a different persistence time on the skin.

This division allows master perfumers to modulate the fragrance so that it evolves over time, offering a dynamic and layered experience.

Top notes
These are the first to be perceived when a perfume is applied.
Fresh, light, and volatile, they last only a few minutes but are decisive for the first impression.
This category includes:
citrus fruits (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit)
green notes
light spices
Top notes invite you to listen to the perfume, preparing the ground for what is to come.

These constitute the heart of the fragrance, or its olfactory soul.
They develop after the top notes and linger for several hours.
They are warmer and more enveloping, often floral or spicy.

Common notes:
rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla.
These notes define the main character of the perfume.

Base notes
These come last and give depth and longevity to the fragrance.
They are the most persistent and remain perceptible even after many hours.

Typical base notes:
woods (sandalwood, cedar, patchouli), resins, musks, amber, vanilla, leather

Base notes are the deep connection between perfume and skin, the ones that leave a lasting trail.

Why knowing about olfactory notes is important

Understanding olfactory notes allows you to:

• choose a perfume with awareness, avoiding impulse purchases;
  
• predict how the fragrance will evolve over time;
  
• identify ingredients that resonate with your personal style;
  
• Enhance the sensory experience, beyond the initial impression.

In a world where choices are often made “with the gut,” knowing the olfactory pyramid means choosing with both your head and your heart.

How to read the notes in niche perfumes

In artistic perfumery—such as that offered by Amyris—the composition of fragrances is the result of in-depth research, never standardized.
Each perfume is created with a precise identity and a balance between its parts. The notes are not just ingredients, but narrative tools, capable of evoking sensations, places, and memories.

Reading the olfactory pyramid of an Amyris perfume means getting in touch with its history, understanding the perfumer's intention, and grasping the direction of their story.

How to choose the right fragrance for you

A simple but effective tip: start with the ingredients you love. If you like vanilla, look for perfumes that include it as a base note. If you prefer fresh, citrusy fragrances, go for compositions rich in light top notes.

• read detailed olfactory descriptions of each perfume;
• request samples to test the evolution of the notes on your skin;
• consult consult the staff for guided and personalized advice.

Conclusion

Knowing the olfactory notes is not just a technical gesture, but a way to get closer to the world of perfumery.
Especially when it comes to niche perfumes, where every detail counts, the olfactory structure becomes a compass that guides us towards the most authentic fragrance for each of us.