Fragrance notes are the individual scent layers that unfold as a fragrance develops. They are generally divided into top, heart and base notes: the first impression, the main character and the notes that linger.
It sounds technical. It really isn’t.
Some notes make an entrance. Others take their time. A few are still hanging around long after everyone else has left.
Understanding how fragrance notes work can make choosing a scented candle online much easier—especially when you can’t smell it through the screen.
What are fragrance notes?
Fragrance notes are the individual scents used to create a complete fragrance.
A candle may be described as fruity, floral, woody, fresh or warm, but its fragrance is usually made from several notes working together. Each note contributes something different to the way the overall scent feels.
The notes are commonly organised into three layers:
- Top notes create the first impression.
- Heart notes give the fragrance its main personality.
- Base notes add depth and help shape the lasting scent.
Together, these layers are known as the fragrance pyramid.
What are top notes?
Top notes are the first scents you notice when experiencing a fragrance.
They tend to feel bright, immediate and expressive. Their job is to introduce the fragrance and attract your attention before the deeper layers begin to emerge.
In Dorothy, the top notes are pomegranate, plum and raspberry.
Pomegranate, plum and raspberry give Dorothy a rich, juicy fruit character. Together, they introduce the fragrance before its warming spices and woody base.
In other words: Dorothy knows how to make an entrance.
What are heart notes?
Heart notes—sometimes called middle notes—form the central character of a fragrance.
They begin to emerge after the opening notes settle and connect the brighter top notes with the deeper base. If the top notes are the introduction, the heart is where you discover what the fragrance is really about.
Dorothy’s heart notes are clove and pink pepper.
Clove adds warmth, while pink pepper brings a little bite. These spicy heart notes balance Dorothy’s juicy fruit notes and connect them to the woody base.
This is where Dorothy becomes less sweet and much more interesting.
What are base notes?
Base notes are the deeper scents that support the fragrance and contribute to its lasting impression.
They usually feel warmer, softer or more grounded than the opening notes. Base notes help bring the complete fragrance together and give it depth.
Dorothy’s base notes are Virginia cedar, patchouli, amber and musk.
Virginia cedar and patchouli bring woody, earthy depth. Amber adds warmth, while musk gives the fragrance a soft finish. Together, these base notes balance the fruit and spice.
They are the notes that stay late.
How do candle fragrance notes work?
In a scented candle, fragrance notes work together to create a complete scent experience.
You may notice the fragrance differently when the candle is unlit compared with when it is burning. This is often described as:
- Cold throw: how the candle smells before it is lit.
- Hot throw: how the fragrance travels through the room while the candle is burning.
As the wax warms, different parts of the fragrance may become more noticeable. However, candle fragrance notes do not always unfold as distinctly or sequentially as notes in a perfume worn on skin.
Think of the fragrance pyramid as a guide to the scent’s composition and personality—not a strict timetable.
What does Dorothy smell like?
Dorothy is a pomegranate and plum scented soy wax candle with raspberry, clove and pink pepper, finishing with Virginia cedar, patchouli, amber and musk.
Her complete fragrance profile is:
Top notes: pomegranate, plum and raspberry
Heart notes: clove and pink pepper
Base notes: Virginia cedar, patchouli, amber and musk
The result is fruity, spicy and woody. Pomegranate, plum and raspberry bring richness; clove and pink pepper add warmth and bite; Virginia cedar, patchouli, amber and musk create a deeper finish.
Dark fruit. Warm amber. Soft musk.
Very little innocence.
How to use fragrance notes when choosing a candle
Fragrance notes can help you choose a candle online by showing you more than a broad fragrance category.
If you enjoy rich fruit fragrances, look for notes such as pomegranate and plum.
If you prefer scents with warmth and depth, amber may appeal to you.
If you like a softer, more sensual finish, look for musk.
It also helps to consider where and when you want to burn the candle. A rich pomegranate, plum, amber and musk fragrance may suit an evening living space, bedroom or dining setting—particularly if you prefer a scent with more character than a light, fresh fragrance.
The best choice is not simply the candle with the longest list of notes. It is the one whose notes create the mood you want in the room.
Which Miss Sparkle candle should I choose?
Choose Dorothy if you enjoy rich fruit, spice and woody depth. Choose Emmanuelle if you prefer pear, vanilla and soft florals. Want both moods? The Day & Night Bundle includes one of each.
Both are soy wax candles with wooden wicks and 55–70 hours of burn time, depending on care and conditions. Read our Candle Care & FAQs before lighting.