What Are Base Notes In Perfumery?

What Are Base Notes In Perfumery?

Why is it that your perfume can last all day long?  How is it that the aroma seems to evolve from when you first sprayed it on?  The bottom part of the recognized fragrance pyramid helps us to understand why.  The notes or accords that are referred to as the bottom, base or dry down notes have the heaviest molecules and lowest volatility which allows them to evaporate the slowest, leaving the longest lasting fragrance impression. 


Base notes can start intermingling with the middle aromatic section of a fragrance within 8-10 minutes, becoming more dominant around 30 minutes and can last for many hours, even over 24 hours, depending on the olfactory character of the fragrance. They are known to be the deepest and richest scents in the fragrance blend profile.  Most often base notes are warm, sensual and woody, composed of aromatic impressions from the woods and amber families. Some of the most common base notes with staying power include sandalwood, cedarwood, leather, powdery notes and musks.


Phlur’s Somebody Wood is a great option for woody fragrance lovers as its base notes include sandalwood and cedarwood paired with moss notes. Another great option for woody fragrance lovers from the Phlur assortment is Hanami. It includes sandalwood, vetiver, and musk for a beautifully woody base.  Our spicy floral, Not Your Baby, conveys a truly unapologetic blend of milky vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood in its base level.