Fragrance Glossary: Understanding Sillage, Dry Down & More
Introduction
If you're diving deeper into the world of perfumes, you'll soon come across terms like sillage, dry down, or base note. But what exactly do these words mean? This glossary gives you a clear and compact overview of the most important fragrance terms—from classic to modern. Whether you're new to fragrances or a scent enthusiast, this article will sharpen your perfume vocabulary.
Sillage & Projection
The word sillage comes from French and literally means "wake"—the trail a perfume leaves in the air as someone walks by. Projection, on the other hand, describes how far a fragrance radiates from the body when you're standing still.
A scent with strong projection can be noticed from arm’s length, while a scent with low projection is only noticeable up close. Sillage and projection depend on concentration, ingredients, and ambient temperature—and often differ significantly.
Top, Heart & Base Notes
Perfumes unfold in three phases:
- Top notes: The initial impression right after spraying (often citrus, herbs, aldehydes). Lasts 5–10 minutes.
- Heart notes: The “core” of the perfume that appears after the top fades (flowers, spices, fruits).
- Base notes: The long-lasting foundation (woods, resins, amber, musk). These linger for several hours.
The Fragrance Pyramid
The fragrance pyramid is a visual model that illustrates how a perfume evolves: top notes at the peak, heart notes in the middle, and base notes at the bottom. A well-composed perfume is harmonious across all three layers—like a musical triad.
Notes & Accords
Notes refer to individual scent components like vanilla, bergamot, or vetiver. Accords describe the overall impression or “mood” created by several notes, such as “sweet,” “smoky,” or “aquatic.”
Performance & Longevity
Performance describes how strong and persistent a fragrance is. Longevity refers to how long it lasts on your skin or clothes. Extrait de Parfum typically lasts 8–12 hours or more, while Eau de Cologne may fade after just 1–2 hours.
Dry Down – The Final Phase
The dry down is the final phase of a perfume, when all volatile molecules have evaporated and only the base notes remain. This phase is highly personal, as the fragrance interacts with your natural skin oils (sebum).
That’s why a perfume can smell very different on two people—thanks to the unique dry down.
Depth
Depth refers to how multidimensional a perfume remains over time. A scent with great depth transforms over hours and reveals new facets. These fragrances often feel luxurious, refined, and require fewer sprays.
Blind Buy
A blind buy means purchasing a perfume without having smelled it beforehand. Common with niche or limited edition releases. Our tip: order samples or travel sizes before committing to a full bottle.
Other Interesting Terms
- The unique scent “fingerprint” that makes a fragrance recognizable.
- Layering: Combining different perfumes to create a new scent profile.
- Signature scent: A fragrance that perfectly reflects your personality—your personal olfactory identity.
- Beast Mode: Slang for a perfume with exceptionally strong projection and longevity.
Conclusion
The world of fragrance is full of fascinating concepts and nuances. The more you understand, the more you’ll enjoy the perfume experience. Whether it’s sillage, dry down, or base notes—those who speak the language of scent choose more mindfully and enjoy more deeply. Let yourself be inspired and explore perfumes with fresh insight—and a refined nose.
