top note
Fragrance's first impression
In perfumery, the top note is the initial scent you smell when you first apply a fragrance—the light, volatile compounds that hit your nose immediately but fade within minutes.
These opening impressions are designed to attract attention before giving way to the heart notes and base notes that form the fragrance's lasting character.
The top note was citrusy, but it dried down to something warmer.
The term occasionally appears in wine or tea tasting with similar meaning.
Acidic fruits with segments
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
- lemongrassFragrant tropical culinary grass
- mintAromatic culinary herb
- bergamotFragrant citrus for tea
coriander · cardamom · grapefruit · lime · tangerine · mandarin · yuzu · lemon zest
Fragrant citrus for tea
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
- lemonAcidic yellow citrus
- grapefruitTangy citrus, often halved
- mandarinSmall, loose-skinned citrus
lavender · eucalyptus · peppermint · spearmint · lemongrass · basil · ginger · cardamom
citrus
Acidic fruits with segments
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
- lemongrassFragrant tropical culinary grass
- mintAromatic culinary herb
bergamot · coriander · cardamom · grapefruit · lime · tangerine · mandarin · yuzu · lemon zest · orange peel
bergamot
Fragrant citrus for tea
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
- lemonAcidic yellow citrus
- grapefruitTangy citrus, often halved
mandarin · lavender · eucalyptus · peppermint · spearmint · lemongrass · basil · ginger · cardamom · coriander
crisp
Firm and breakable
sparkling · effervescent · invigorating · brisk · airy · light · volatile · fleeting · uplifting · energizing
melody
Pleasing sequence of notes
- themeCentral recurring concept
- descantOrnamental upper melody
- countermelodySecondary melodic line
- fragrancesperfume, cologne, aftershave, essential oils, floral
- Perfumeperfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, cologne
- perfumerymusk, vanilla, essential oils, fragrance oils, essential oil
- parfumerieperfume, cologne, scent, fragrance, eau de toilette
- high notessoprano, falsetto, treble, head voice, high C