The term top note, middle note and base note refer to how long each component lingers.

 The right amount of a top note will not only make the perfumes first impression but will temper the middle and base notes making them just that, middle and base.  The top note is the first component of perfume that you smell.  It generally disipates quickly revealing the heart of your perefume.

The middle note comprises the heart of your perfume.  A rose perfumes middle note will be rose.  The top notes could be citrus , fresh or aromatic.  The middle note defines the perfume type. 

The base notes anchors your perfume and makes the perfume last longer on the skin. This is known as "fixing".  Base notes add warmth, depth, body and longevity to your perfume.  These notes are usually achevied by adding balsam, wood or animal notes.  Base notes can dominate a perfume if used in equal amounts as top and middle notes. 

Try to achieve the most balance you can. This will take a bit of experience, but you will be surprised how fast you will learn. Use the aromas additives on the test strips first. This will really give you a good idea of how much you want to use. This is how all perfumers begin a new perfume.   Generally speaking lower notes are heavier both in aroma and actual weight.

As a starting point try blending:

• two drops of your chosen top note

• two drops of a middle note, and

• three drops of a base note

How they work in your perfume

TOP NOTES 20 to 25%