Top Notes, Heart Notes, Base Notes: Understanding Perfume Layers
When you spray on a fragrance, you’re not just wearing a scent—you’re stepping into a story. And like all great stories, perfumes are built in layers. At Maison Nikoui, we craft each fragrance with intention, using carefully balanced top notes, heart notes, and base notes that unfold over time.
But what exactly do those layers mean? Let’s break down the fragrance pyramid so you can better understand how perfume works—and why Eau de Parfum like ours evolves so beautifully on your skin.
What Are Top Notes?
Top notes are the first impression. These are the lightest, most volatile ingredients that hit your senses the moment you spray. They’re designed to grab attention, set the tone, and quickly fade into the background.
Common top notes:
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Citrus (bergamot, grapefruit, lemon)
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Herbs (mint, basil)
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Light fruits (pear, apple)
At Maison Nikoui, we use vibrant top notes to create energy and curiosity—like the zesty citrus in Flashing Lights or the playful cherry vanilla in Cheeky Cherry.
What Are Heart Notes?
Also known as middle notes, the heart of a fragrance emerges once the top notes fade. This is where the true character of the scent lives. Heart notes are often floral, aromatic, or spicy, lasting longer and tying the top and base together.
Common heart notes:
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Jasmine, rose, iris
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Tea, lavender, nutmeg
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Mineral or woody accords
In our perfumes, the heart is where complexity blooms. For example, in Cashmere Woods, you’ll find a refined aromatic and woody heart that builds depth and sophistication.
What Are Base Notes?
Base notes are the foundation. These rich, long-lasting notes anchor the scent and are often what lingers hours after application. They blend with your skin’s warmth, creating a personal signature.
Common base notes:
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Amber, musk, vanilla
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Sandalwood, vetiver, tobacco
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Resinous notes like benzoin or suede
At Maison Nikoui, we put great emphasis on base notes—they’re the emotional core of your fragrance experience. Whether it’s the warm amber-vanilla-suede base in Flashing Lights or the bold tobacco drydown of Cheeky Cherry, we build fragrances that last—and evolve.
Why Perfume Layers Matter
Understanding perfume layers helps you:
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Choose a fragrance that suits different moments of your day
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Know what to expect after the first spritz
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Appreciate how a scent tells its story over time
It’s also why testing a perfume on your skin—not just on a paper strip—is key. Your skin chemistry affects how the notes develop.
Experience the Layers at Maison Nikoui
Each Maison Nikoui Eau de Parfum is crafted with a layered approach—designed to unfold, surprise, and linger.
We don’t believe in fleeting scents. We believe in fragrance stories that evolve.
Explore the collection and discover a scent that speaks your language—from playful to powerful, every note has a purpose.