Notes and Accords
Simply explained, notes and accords are "fantasy" notes made from various other notes to achieve a distinct chord (note) that could not otherwise be recreated.
Such accords are leather, amber, and marine notes, while notes can be bergamot, rose, and vanilla. But, as simple as it sounds, there are other things to consider. For example, "amber" does not exist as a directly extracted ingredient; it is an accord usually created with a blend of vanilla, labdanum, and resins to evoke warmth and mysticism.
Mixtures of alcohols + water-based scents, known as perfumes, are composed of multiple notes and accords that are crafted from a blend of natural and aromatic ingredients to form an overall olfactory profile.
These notes and accords are separated into three different classes known as the perfume pyramid:
- Top notes
- Heart notes
- Base notes
Each of the separate stages of the pyramid is carefully created so that perfumes evaporate accordingly.
For example, top notes, like citrus, evaporate faster than, for instance, sandalwood and patchouli, which are in the heart or base phase of the perfume.
In modern perfumery, accords are a vital part of creating a harmonious blend of two or more notes into a distinctive fragrance.
While this process is more complex than it seems, it's always good to know how perfume is composed and when to expect more natural than synthetic ingredients.
Conclusion
So, to conclude, the fragrance terms "notes" and "accords" are often used to roughly explain what consumers can expect when smelling a particular perfume. Understanding this structure allows you to choose a fragrance not only for its initial impact but for how it will transform and accompany you throughout the hours.