Perfume Creation Part 1

Question 1

What is the relation between top, middle & base notes/ what is each role’s purpose?

Answer 1

Top notes: give brightness & clarity
Middle notes: warmth & fullness
Base notes: improve tenacity of perfume blend

Question 2

How would you describe base?

Answer 2

1. Base notes
2. Unperfumed medium (perfumed base)
3. A perfume subunit or building block

Question 3

What are the 4 different aspects of a perfume’s performance in relation to time & location?

Answer 3

1. Impact (near perfume source, soon after application)
2. Tenacity (near perfume source, some time after application)
3. Diffusion (at some distance from perfume source, soon after application)
4. Volume (@ some distance from perfume source, some time after application)

Question 4

How to modify a perfume if it smells “too bright”?

Answer 4

Harmonise by adding essence with a softer quality (such as rose, clary sage or neroli) [acts as a bridge]

Question 5

What if the base note is “too prominent”?

Answer 5

“Lift” aroma by adding essence that “smells a little brighter” e.g. Carnation, Ylang ylang, lavender, geranium

Question 6

Describe the floral perfume family

Answer 6

Single note/harmonious bouquet, feminine

subfam: floral aldehydic, floral sweet

Question 7

Describe Chypre family

Answer 7

Based on oakmoss in combination with bergamot, jasmine etc.

Question 8

Oriental family

Answer 8

Sensual, warm, typically more long lasting (more base notes)

e.g. musk, vanilla, woods, exotic spices

Question 9

Aromatic family

Answer 9

Often complemented with spicy & citrus notes

based on aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme etc)

Question 10

Fougere family

Answer 10

Fresh woodland scent with herbaceous notes with mossy base

- based on lavender, oakmoss, coumarin+bergamot, geranium & vetiver

Question 11

Marine family

Answer 11

Using synthetic fragrances e.g. Calone

- watery, aquatic feeling, sea

Question 12

Green family

Answer 12

freshly cut leaves scent