The later stage of a fragrance’s development after its initial impressions have settled.
Also known as: dry-down, dry down
Not to be confused with: Base note
Different materials and impressions remain perceptible in changing proportions over time. The transition may be gradual or subtle. Drydown describes olfactory development; it does not simply mean that the liquid has dried or that the alcohol has evaporated.
A crisp floral opening settles into a softer, warmer scent over the course of the wear.
“I like the opening, but the powdery drydown is the part I enjoy most.”
There is no universal start time for the drydown. A list of base notes is also not a complete description of how this stage will smell.
Use in fragrance descriptions and explanations of development. Do not turn an illustrative timeline into a timing guarantee.
Reviewed October 9, 2026 by the Noteboxd editorial team.