Base Notes

The longer-lasting background of a fragrance, often described through woody, musky, ambery or sweet impressions. Base notes can also be noticeable early in wear.

Base notes describe the persistent part of a fragrance’s character. Common examples include sandalwood, vanilla and musky or ambery impressions. The term is useful when comparing how a scent settles, without promising a fixed number of hours.

The base is part of the whole blend from application. IFF lists Iso E Super’s woody-amber impact across top, heart and base; it describes Galaxolide as a persistent musk with heart and base impact. Those raw-material descriptions do not specify the wear time of a finished perfume on your skin.

Pay attention to whether you enjoy the later scent as much as the opening. A lasting woody trace may appeal if woods are what you want, but may disappoint if you only wanted the bright citrus beginning. Longevity and the distance from which a scent is noticeable are separate features to compare.

Related Terms

Related Notes

Learn More