A Beginner’s Guide to Fragrance Notes — Top, Middle & Base Explained

Have you ever smelled a candle and thought, "Wait… it smells different now than it did five minutes ago?"
You’re not imagining things! That’s the magic of fragrance notes in action.

Whether you're a candle connoisseur or just getting into home fragrance, understanding the building blocks of scent can help you choose candles that truly match your vibe. At Vibe & Glo Candle Studio, every fragrance is crafted with intention — using a balanced blend of top, middle, and base notes to create a full sensory experience.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Top Notes?

Top notes are the first impression.
They’re the lightest molecules in the blend, which means they’re the first to evaporate — and the first thing you smell when you light your candle.

Common top notes: Citrus zest, mint, tea petals, eucalyptus, bergamot

Purpose: They grab your attention and set the mood.

Example from Vibe & Glo:
In “Burning This So I Don’t Burn Out”, the top note of lemon gives you an instant burst of freshness and energy.

What Are Middle Notes?

Also called the heart notes, these emerge once the top notes fade. They’re fuller, rounder, and often floral, herbal, or fruity.

Common middle notes: Lavender, rose, tonka bean, thyme, pear, jasmine

Purpose: They carry the theme of the fragrance and add depth.

Example from Vibe & Glo:
“Glowing Through What I’m Going Through” features eucalyptus at its heart — creating a comforting, green vibe that calms the senses.

What Are Base Notes?

Base notes are the foundation.
They’re heavier, longer-lasting, and give your candle that cozy finish that lingers even after it’s blown out.

Common base notes: Amber, musk, cedarwood, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver

Purpose: They anchor the scent and enhance longevity.

Example from Vibe & Glo:
In “Lighting This Because I Can’t Light My Stress on Fire”, the black amber and musk base notes add warmth and grounding energy to your space.

Why It Matters: The Scent Journey

Fragrance notes work together like a song — each layer playing its part to create harmony.

When you read our candle descriptions and see the fragrance breakdown, you’re actually getting a preview of how the scent will evolve in real time. It's a slow burn...and that's exactly the point.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Scents That Align with You

Now that you know how fragrance notes work, you can shop smarter, match scents to your mood or space, and enjoy your candles even more. Every Vibe & Glo candle is crafted to take you on a scent journey that soothes your senses and supports your self-care rituals.

Ready to find your perfect match?
Explore our hand-poured candle collection and let your scent story begin.