Scent Science – How to Find a Candle Scent you will Love (even when shopping online)

As I’ve been experimenting with new scents and fragrance oil mixes, I’ve discovered there are some really helpful tips hidden in the science of scent.  What does this mean for you?  It means knowing a little about what makes up a scent will help you pick a candle you will love.

Scent Notes

What are scent notes?  Scent notes are the ingredients that make up a fragrance.  Fragrances can be made to smell like just about anything, but they will always be made up of notes that describe what exactly you are smelling.  Find a few you like and you are well on your way to unlocking a clue in how to shop online for fragrances.

Top Notes

The top note is the first impression you get when you smell a candle.  It usually is a scent that attracts you, draws you in.  It’s  fresh and sharp, but won’t linger long as it blends smoothly into the next scent.  This is the first smell you get when you open the lid of a candle.

Common top notes – mandarin, bergamot, lemon, pine, eucalyptus

Middle Notes

Middle notes are more full bodied and dominant.  As the top note fades, it gives way to the middle note which is usually well rounded and pleasant.  It holds your attention longer, this is the smell you get most often when your candle is burning.

Common middle notes – lavender, rosemary, ginger, jasmine, cedar, moss

Base Notes

Base notes are the calming notes, usually in contrast to the top notes.  They are more complex, and deep giving a more lasting impression.  This is the scent that lingers in a room after the candle is extinguished.

Common base notes – amber, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, cedar, oak

Each of our candle descriptions lists the scent notes of each fragrance oil used in our candles.  Use this as a guide to find the scents you love.  Head to the shop here. 

What are your favorite scent notes?