Notes de fond : la signature olfactive d'un parfum

Base notes are essential elements in the composition of a perfume, because they give a fragrance its unique and lasting signature. These notes occur in the final phase of the evaporation of a perfume and are revealed after a few hours on the skin, which gives them a crucial role.

What is a base note?

A perfume is made up of several levels of odors called notes, which develop successively on the skin. They are generally classified into three main categories.
The base notes act as a solid base to support the other notes in the perfume and give them depth, richness and longevity. They can vary considerably in their nature, characteristics and intensity.

Top notes

They are perceived immediately after spraying the perfume.

Heart notes

They are gradually revealed after the first minutes.

Background notes

They persist for a long time and constitute the olfactory signature specific to the perfume.

The essential role of base notes on the longevity of the perfume

Base notes play a determining role in a perfume. Their primary task is to guarantee satisfactory longevity to the fragrance, by retaining the volatile molecules of other notes to ensure regular and prolonged diffusion. Thus, they are the last to reveal themselves and persist on the skin, and bring depth to the perfume, thus creating a unique and memorable olfactory imprint.

The base notes and olfactory harmony of a perfume

The base notes also ensure the overall balance of the composition, by exerting a modulating effect on the head and heart notes, which can sometimes be too sharp or fleeting. The base notes give the perfume its base and therefore provide a balanced combination with the top and heart notes, thus creating a unique and coherent olfactory composition.

Base notes: the lasting signature of a perfume

The base notes also provide the signature of a perfume, forming its specific and characteristic “sillage”, which leaves a lasting and singular impression in the minds of those who breathe it. Remaining on the skin for a long time, the ingredients that make up the base notes of a perfume create its lasting olfactory signature. It is then common to find strong odors such as those coming from wood, musk, vanilla, signatures of Mercedes-Benz Man , Mercedes-Benz Woman or Mercedes-Benz Club Black perfumes, or other intense ingredients. which give the perfume its depth and persistence.

A time needed to reveal oneself

It should be noted that the base notes do not manifest themselves immediately: they generally take a few hours before they fully unfold and reveal their true nature. This is why it is recommended to take your time when choosing a new perfume and not to rely solely on first impressions, which are dominated by the top notes. We advise you to use our discovery kits to try if this or that perfume suits you.

How to choose the right signature of a perfume using base notes?

When it comes to choosing the right signature of a perfume, base notes play a vital role. These notes are the last to reveal themselves on the skin and are responsible for the longevity and intensity of the perfume. Base notes are also influenced by the pH of the skin, so it is essential to try the perfume directly on the skin to get the best scent experience. By taking into account the base notes, it is possible to choose the scent signature that best suits our personality and preferences.

The different possible base notes

There is a wide range of substances that can be used as base notes in a perfume, whether natural or synthetic ingredients. To make the right choice, it is important to understand the different olfactory families and the ingredients that make them up. For example, woody scents with notes of cedar, found in Mercedes-Benz Man Private perfume, or sandalwood provide a warm and sensual base, while the oriental scents of Mercedes-Benz For Women Rose and Mercedes-Benz Club Black, with notes of amber or vanilla bring an exotic and captivating touch. There are, however, a few examples of common and popular basenotes.

1. Woody notes

Woody notes are often chosen for their deep resonance, elegance and ability to impart a sense of warmth and comfort. Among the wood essences most used in perfumery, we can cite sandalwood, cedar from Mercedes-Benz Man Private, vetiver and patchouli, used in the Mercedes-Benz LAND perfume.

2. Spicy notes

Spices bring complexity, strength and a certain originality to perfumes. They can be warm and enveloping, like cinnamon, vanilla from Mercedes-Benz Club Black or nutmeg, or more fresh and spicy, such as pepper, ginger or cardamom, which we find with the modern perfume and intense Mercedes-Benz SIGN.

3. Amber notes

Amber is a classic ingredient that gives fragrances a voluptuous, sensual and mysterious roundness, the signature of Mercedes-Benz For Women Rose perfume. It is actually an oriental note, often including a mixture of resins, labdanum, vanilla, tonka bean, which can be found raw in the intoxicating Mercedes-Benz LAND and musk , a fragrance perfectly integrated into the Mercedes-Benz Woman perfume.

4. Musky notes

Musk is highly appreciated for its velvety softness which adds sensuality and power of seduction to perfumes. Different types of musks can produce varying effects ranging from discreet to intense and animalic in scale.