# What do notes mean when talking about fragrance oils?

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Source: https://support.candlescience.com/en_us/what-do-notes-mean-when-talking-about-fragrance-oils-BJFGVufAbg

Last updated: 2026-05-01T18:44:09.698Z

What do _top notes,_ _middle notes_ and _base notes_ mean when talking about fragrance?

A perfect combination of these three notes makes a fragrance lasting and appealing.

*   **Top Note** \- This is the initial impression the fragrance oil makes when you first smell a candle or remove the lid. It is the most volatile, meaning it will evaporate the quickest.
*   **Middle Note** \- The middle note is the “heart” of the fragrance. It can take 10 to 20 minutes for the middle notes to fully develop. When you are burning a candle, the middle notes are the most prominent.
*   **Base Note** \- also called the “Dry Down”- The base notes are what give a candle lasting qualities. It is the scent that lingers even after the candle is extinguished.

If you'd like more information on fragrance notes, check out our [Fragrance Note Glossary](https://www.candlescience.com/fragrance-note-glossary/)!