Candles usually have layers of scents, primarily three, that all harmonise together to produce the final fragrance. These are called notes and are labelled the Top Note, the Heart Note and the Base Note.
The TOP NOTE is your first impression and this scent usually burns away after around 15 minutes. This is usually the note that makes you fall in love with the smell of a candle. Then comes the HEART NOTE which is the body of the scent and makes up 70% of the fragrance. The Heart Note lingers after the Top Note has evaporated. Lastly, the BASE NOTE anchors all of the other notes and evaporates slowly to leave a lasting warmth. This is usually a woody note.
When we look at scent itself, there are only four main groups - FLORAL, ORIENTAL, WOODY and FRESH. But within these four groups, there are seven sub-groups - Floral, Oriental, Citrus, Fougére, Chypre, Woody and Leather
Floral - Exactly what is says on the tin, it smells of flowers, or gardens. Reminiscent of feminine perfumes and characterised by floral, soft floral or oriental floral. Think of rose, lily and lavender for floral and a powdery softness or vanilla for soft florals. The introduction of sweet spices fall under oriental floral.
Oriental - Spices, ambers and woods blended with softer floral scents, this category is heady and rich and is associated with dignitaries and royalty from faraway lands. Exotic resins such as frankincense make up the oriental category and woody oriental might see the introduction of patchouli or sandalwood. Food inspired fragrances such as caramel, coffee and chocolate are often clipped with a hint of oriental spice.
Woody - Strong associations of the outdoors, of forest floors and wood and moss. This is an earthy category, quite masculine and is usually balanced with spice or citrus. The wood family is make up of cedar, oak and pine, all aromatic woods fall under this category. A greener, more mossy kind of wood scent could be next with dry woods and its association with leather, smoke and tobacco also falling under this category.
Fresh - This is the largest group as it encompasses Aromatic, Citrus, Water, Greenery and Fruity scents.
Aromatic - fougére freshness with lavender and aromatic herbs
Citrus - Bergamot, tangerine, lemon etc. can all be married beautifully with spices, florals and woods from the other groups.
Water - think seaside and salty scents, ozonic fragrances
Greenery - bitter, aromatic, forest floor, chypre blend of oak moss and labdanum
Fruity - berries and and non-citrus fruits make up this section
Let’s look at an example. Our Pride and Prejudice candle crosses over three main categories - Fresh, Floral and Oriental. Being more specific, the raspberry top notes fall under Fresh/Fruity, there is rose in the candle too which is definitely Floral and is has spicy peppercorn which is where it dips its toes into the Oriental category.
Thanks for reading!
