Each perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne or Eau de Solid is made with fragrance oils and alcohol. The oils serve as a carrier of the fragrance, whereas the alcohol forms a bridge between oil and skin. The individual categories reflect the ratio between oil and alcohol. Perfume has the highest oil content with 15%-30% and eau de solid with 1%-3% the lowest.
Despite the differences in the quantity ratio, each fragrance component traditionally unfolds gradually according to the so-called fragrance pyramid. This consists of head, heart and base notes.
Top notes
The top note is perceived as the first and is the smell immediately after spraying. Often fresh, minty, aquatic and airy fragrances are used. The top note of the fragrance lasts for about 15 minutes.
Middle notes
The middle note forms the middle level of the pyramid and follows after the top note disappear. The aromas of the heart note gradually unfold and determine the character of the respective fragrance. Floral, fruity and herbaceous aromas are often used.
Base notes
The base notes form the foundation of the fragrance, rounds off the smell experience and gives the fragrance a certain degree of depth. The base notes are mainly woody, resinous and gourmandous, i.e. sensual, deep nuances. The smell of the base note may last for several hours depending on the application.