The three basic notes of the aromatic harmony

Just like the tri-tone is one of basics of the musical harmony, there also exists three "notes" that define the harmony of an aroma: top notes, medium notes and base notes.

High notes: citric and coniferous oils

The top note is the first one that is appreciated when smelling. It is in first place the same as a high musical tone.

The oils of citric fruits are typical examples of top notes, they confer their tone to the perfume and they provide a great freshness.

The coniferous oils have a resinous "green" freshness and, with the tendency to a medium note.

Medium notes: oils of flowers

The medium note is the one that marks the character of a perfume: it is the “medium aroma" soft and floral that serves to unite the high note and the base note perfectly.

All the essential oils of flowers are ideal measurements of notes, and I love to include them as much in the perfumes as in the other mixtures. They don't only confer harmony to the aroma, but rather they also help to harmonize the body and the mind.

Base notes: oils of wood, barks, roots and resins

The base notes it is the foundation of the perfume and the one that makes it stable. It fixes the scent. It is the aroma that remains for a longer period time, as a sharp tone. Their indications are more noticeable for a longer duration on clothing.

The wood essential oils like rosewood or cedar are typical base notes with balsamic and affected character. And the same thing can be said of those that are obtained from barks, roots and resins, such as cinnamon bark, vetiveria and siam benzoin.