TAKING NOTES

OLFACTORY LEVELS

The olfactory level is expressed by a pyramid formation consisting of top, base, and middle sections. Each section contributes to how and when you experience the note combination within a fragrance.

TOP

The top notes are what you smell first, marking the initial impression that draws you in. Top notes will tend to be light and bright in smell and consist of soft florals and citrus. These notes will be fleeting as they are the first to evaporate.

MIDDLE

The middle notes, often called the heart, are the most prominent aromas in a fragrance. They are what you often smell when a candle is burning. The middle notes act as the fragrance's core, balancing the top and base. They consist of bright florals, fruits, light woods, or gourmands.

BASE

The base notes, often referred to as the anchor, will add depth and longevity to the fragrance. These notes will be heartier and usually linger long after a candle is extinguished. They consist of vanilla, spices, musk, and amber.

CONCENTRATION

The concentration defines the longevity of a fragrance, this will range by level of intensity or percentage of fragrance.  A higher fragrance percentage will contribute to a stronger scent, with an extrait being the most potent.

PARFUM

Eau de Parfum has a 20-40% fragrance concentration with a high fragrance level.

TOILETTE

Eau de Toilette has a 5-15% fragrance concentration with a moderate fragrance level.

COLOGNE

Cologne has a 2-5% fragrance concentration with a low fragrance level.

CANDLES

Candles has a 5-12% fragrance concentration with a low to moderate fragrance level.

FRAGRANCE TYPE(S)

The nose knows. Ever wonder why you gravitate to some fragrances over others? You may prefer a certain fragrance family type. Often depicted on a fragrance wheel, every absolute falls somewhere on the wheel or to a fragrance family based on its characteristics, this helps us identify and mix for a profound accord and more complex blend.

FLORAL

The floral family emits sweet and delicate aromas. Notes associated to floral are rose, jasmine, or violet.  

FRESH

The fresh family emits clean and airy aromas. Notes associated to fresh are aquatic, green, or citrus.

ORIENTAL

The oriental family emits elements with warmth and spicy aroma. Notes associated to oriental are peppercorn, saffron, or amber.

WOODY

The woody family emit earthy and grounding aromas. Notes associated to woody are sandalwood, vetiver, and oakmoss.

GOURMAND

The gourmand family emit aromas good enough to eat. Notes associated to gourmand are vanilla, almond, or cacao.

FROM THE SOURCE

The most profound fragrance blends contain essential oils, botanic absolutes, or non-toxic synthetics extracted by plant materials during distillation. In the industry, fragrance compositions are considered proprietary, with ingredients not often disclosed, but we believe there is a better way.  We believe products should be composed of superior components with transparency. In our effort to redefine fine fragrance at SLHLifestyle, we’ve included an ingredients page for our luxury fragrances found here.