After exploring the specificities of our perfumes for your scented creations, we will reveal to you all the secrets of what we call the olfactory pyramid . If you've never heard this term, you've come to the right place! So what is this pyramid?
What is the olfactory pyramid? Definition
Let's be clear, this sophisticated term "olfactory pyramid" does not hide an invitation to travel to the antiquities of ancient Egypt. Nor is it an unidentified triangular object to place in your living room that diffuses odors...
It's much more sophisticated than that: it involves the chronological analysis of the notes in your perfumes.
You may not know it yet (until now), but when you breathe in the scent of a candle, it breaks down into several characteristics called "notes."
There are 3 notes: the top note, the heart note and the base note . They obviously also concern the scents in your scented candles, fondants, soaps, etc. These notes are also used in oenology, to determine the character of a wine.
How it works ?
Let's take an example: you enter a perfume store, you wander with lightness and curiosity through the aisles, when suddenly you see it, this little bottle of perfume that caught your eye. You grab it and decide to spray on this small white cardboard available to discover the scent.
Your nose settles and you inhale: what exactly is happening?
The top note
The first smell that you will smell quite obviously is the top note. It’s sort of the “first impression” of your perfume. A note that could be defined as primary, perhaps a little “aggressive”. Don't make a decision based on love at first sight because it is fleeting...
The heart note
Then comes what we call the heart note, it is the intermediate scent which will gradually fade over the hours. It is a bit of a link between the top note and the base note which will reveal the true nature of your perfume.
The base note
Finally, you will end up with the last scent, which is the base note. It is the definitive scent , the one that will stay for several hours, it is also the one that you will remember when you love a perfume. Quite naturally, the more persistent this base note is, the more quality your perfume will be. The same goes for the scents of your candles!
To summarize, we could compare it to a title that entices, content that explains, and to a conclusion that we will remember. Easy, right? But that's not all.
Do candle fragrances have any similarities with cosmetic perfumes?
Scented candle fragrances stand out from traditional perfumes. The fragrance of a candle does not follow the same olfactory journey as that of a perfume , where we distinguish an olfactory pyramid with head, heart and base notes unfolding gradually. In the case of a candle, all the notes blossom simultaneously during combustion, creating a complete and immediate olfactory experience.
Indeed, unlike a perfume which is sprayed on the skin and evolves over time, revealing its different notes successively, a candle, once lit, releases its entire aromatic composition. The top, heart and base notes mix and diffuse at the same time in the atmosphere. This is what makes scented candles unique and charming: they offer an olfactory symphony where all the notes play in harmony from the moment the wick is lit.
Some olfactory families
Each scent is an imprint, a distinctive trait revealed by vibrant top notes and rich base accords. These varied compositions give rise to olfactory families, each of which has a unique character that naturally matches the personality of its wearer. Let's dive into the world of these olfactory families.
Floral: A breath of sweetness
Think of a bouquet of freshly cut flowers: this is the soul of the floral family. Fresh and delicate, these fragrances are ideal for evoking the lightness of summer, perfect for those looking for a discreet and refreshing fragrance.
Gourmet: A sweet caress
The gourmet family is a true invitation to indulgence. Imagine scents of melted caramel, sweet vanilla and hot chocolate that intermingle, sometimes enhanced with spicy or fruity notes for a richly addictive sensation.
Fruity: The burst of freshness
Like an explosion of fresh fruit, the fruity family is bursting with invigorating scents of crisp apple, sweet cherry and tropical mango. These fragrances are a real boost of dynamism and freshness, perfect for adding color to your daily life.
Woody: The Essence of Strength
Woody fragrances are a hymn to natural robustness, combining notes of dense wood with nuances of plants and sometimes citrus. They embody confidence and presence, ideal for those who assert their personality with strength.
Each olfactory family tells a unique story, offering a universe to discover. Which resonates most with you?
Conclusion
There you go, you now know how to decipher the mysteries of the olfactory pyramids and I bet you will no longer smell the scents of your candles the same way as before, right?
Now that you know the theory, it's time to practice! Learn how to properly add your scent to your candle or fondant.
