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Olfactory Pyramid: How to Combine Top, Middle, and Base Notes
If you're new to perfume creation, you've probably heard of the olfactory pyramid. It's a key concept in perfumery, as it helps you create balanced, pleasant, and long-lasting fragrances. In this article, I explain step-by-step what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to successfully create your own blends, even if you're just starting out.

What is the olfactory pyramid?
The olfactory pyramid is a way of organizing aromatic ingredients according to their duration on the skin and their intensity. It is divided into three levels:

Top notes (also called "top notes"):
These are the first notes perceived when applying the perfume. They are fresh, volatile, and evaporate within a few minutes.

scent supplier (or "heart notes"):
These appear after the top notes fade. They are the body of the perfume and last for several hours.


Base notes:
These are the most intense and persistent. They appear over time and remain on the skin throughout the day.

Why is this structure so important?
Because a perfume doesn't smell the same all the time. It evolves. What you smell at first is not the same as what you'll smell two hours later. If you don't take this evolution into account, you can create unbalanced perfumes that fade quickly or are too intense from the start.

The pyramid helps you give rhythm and depth to your perfume.

Examples of each type of note
Top notes (light and fleeting)
Lemon

Bergamot

Mint

Orange

Basil

These are the most volatile, which is why they are used to make a first impression.

Heart notes (warm and balanced)
Lavender

Jasmine

Rose

Cinnamon

Geranium

These are the soul of the perfume, where its identity is defined.

Base notes (deep and persistent)
Sandalwood

Vanilla

Incense

Patchouli

Amber

They anchor the perfume to the skin and provide stability.

How to combine notes?
A good basic formula might follow this ratio:

30% top notes

50% middle notes

20% base notes

For example, you could mix:

6 drops of lemon (top note)

10 drops of lavender (heart note)

4 drops of sandalwood (base note)

This balance ensures that the perfume has a strong initial impact, a strong personality as it develops, and a base note that lasts for several hours.

Tip: Start with small amounts and adjust according to your personal taste. Write everything down so you can repeat or modify it in the future.

How do you know if your combination works?
You can test it on paper (a scent strip) or on your skin. Apply the mixture and wait a few minutes. Smell it again after 10, 30, and 60 minutes. This way, you'll notice how each note evolves and if the combination feels harmonious.

If the fragrance fades too quickly, it may be lacking in base notes. If it's too intense at first, try reducing the top notes.

What if I only want to use two ingredients?
That's also possible! Although the pyramid is a guide, it's not mandatory. You can create simple combinations with just two ingredients: one light and one longer-lasting. But if you're looking for a more complex and professional fragrance, it's advisable to apply the full structure.

Conclusion
The olfactory pyramid is a fundamental tool in perfume creation. It allows you to structure your blends in a logical, balanced, and long-lasting way. Learning to combine top, middle, and base notes is the first step to creating unique fragrances that tell a story and evolve over time.

Want to try it? Choose three ingredients, follow the pyramid, and start creating your first perfume with its own identity.

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