A scent impression associated with the foundation and later stages of a fragrance.
Also known as: base notes
Not to be confused with: Drydown
Later impressions become easier to notice as the balance of the fragrance changes. A base note can also be evident at the opening. Note pyramids simplify that overlapping experience and should not be read as a strict chemical timetable.
A perfume starts brightly, then leaves a soft woody impression on the wrist.
“The woody base is noticeable from the beginning and remains in the drydown.”
A base note does not automatically guarantee long wear, and base notes are not identical to the drydown: one names impressions, the other a stage.
Use with BASE labels while keeping the distinction between a note and a wear phase clear.
No external sources attached yet. This entry is based on accepted community usage and editorial review.
Reviewed October 9, 2026 by the Noteboxd editorial team.