What are 'top,' 'middle,' and 'base' notes in essential oil blending?

What are "Top Notes," "Middle Notes," and "Base Notes" in Essential Oil Blending?

Hey, I really enjoy blending my own essential oils for things like fragrances or massage oils. When blending, we often talk about "Top Notes," "Middle Notes," and "Base Notes." This concept is actually borrowed from perfumery. Simply put, they're like the beginning, climax, and ending of a song, helping the fragrance unfold in layers, making it lasting and harmonious. Let me break them down one by one, explaining clearly based on my experience.

Top Notes

This is the first part of the fragrance you encounter, usually from oils that evaporate quickly. Your first impression of a blend comes from the top notes. They are light, refreshing, and grab your attention immediately, but they fade fast, lasting about 15-30 minutes.
For example, citrus oils like lemon and orange, or herbal oils like peppermint, are often used as top notes. When I blend, I use them to add a fresh touch to the overall scent and prevent it from being too heavy right away.

Middle Notes

This is the "heart" or "body" of the fragrance. It emerges gradually after the top notes fade and lasts a moderate amount of time, typically 2-4 hours. It balances the entire blend, smoothing out any sharpness and connecting the top and base notes.
Common middle note oils include floral oils like lavender, rose, and geranium, or gentle herbal oils. They smell warm and rounded. I think this is the core of the blend—choosing the right middle notes is key to preventing the scent from feeling disjointed.

Base Notes

This is the "foundation" of the fragrance. These oils evaporate the slowest, anchoring the entire scent and making it last for several hours or even a day. Base notes are typically deep, rich, and provide a sense of stability.
Oils like sandalwood, patchouli, and myrrh—often woody or resinous—are commonly used as base notes. When blending, I start by deciding on the base notes because they "anchor" the preceding scents, preventing them from dissipating too quickly.

In short, blending essential oils is like forming a band: top notes grab attention, middle notes carry the melody, and base notes provide the foundation. A common ratio is 20-30% top notes, 40-50% middle notes, and 20-30% base notes, but you can adjust based on your preference. Give it a try—it's quite fun! If you have questions about specific oils, I can share more tips.