Scent Note Descriptions

Each scent blend we create is a collection of various scent notes. Scent notes are individual, single-scent accords, in which we blend together to create a 'scent blend.' We use many individual notes and accords to create a well-layered, complex blend, instead of a single-ingredient scent.  This creates a true 'home fragrance.' 

Each note can be broken into three categories: top notes, middle notes or base notes.

Top notes are the notes you smell immediately, they're your 'first impression,' so to speak.  You smell top notes most on the 'cold throw,' which is when the candle is not burning.  Think of this as the first notes you smell when opening up a brand new Applewood candle, or while smelling candles off the shelf at a local boutique. Often times, these notes are citrus or herbal notes, and occasionally can be a light floral.  Once a candle has been burning for 60-90 minutes, you do not typically notice the top notes as they begin to dissipate. 

Middle notes are often called the 'heart' of the fragrance. You can smell them through the top notes, after the top notes dissipate and you can still catch bursts of this scent through the entire burn of the candle. Middle notes are your 'complex' or 'unique' notes - they're the 'attention grabbers' of the fragrance.  Middle notes are often floral, spicy or fruity.  

Base notes are the true foundation of the fragrance, and often times you don't smell the true base note profile until after the candle has been burning for 2 hours.  These notes are the rich, woodsy accords, often times being described as masculine or moody.  Almost all of our scent blends have a base of sandalwood, as it is my personal favorite base note, and I try to incorporate it as often as possible. Other base notes include teakwood or cedar, warm amber, musk and vanilla or tonka bean.

An A-Z list of all individual scent notes and accords used in our candles.

A - 

Agave Nectar: Sweet and honey-forward, agave nectar introduces a natural sweetness with a hint of floral undertones.

Almond Milk: Creamy and nutty, almond milk imparts a luscious and creamy quality to the final blend.

Amber: Infusing a rich, golden warmth that enhances the overall depth of the fragrance.

Apple: Crisp and sweet, apple introduces a refreshing and fruity top note.

B -

Bergamot: Citrusy and bright, a pure Italian original.

C - 

Cardamom: Warm and spicy, cardamom brings an exotic and aromatic complexity, creating depth and intrigue.

Cashmere: One of our most luxurious accords, creates a soft and elegant embrace.

Cedar: Earthy and grounding, cedar provides a sturdy base, anchoring the fragrance with a sense of strength.

Champagne: Effervescent and celebratory, champagne infuses a touch of bubbly elegance, adding a sense of sophistication.

G -

Garden Mint: Fresh and invigorating, garden mint contributes a cool and herbaceous essence, enhancing the overall freshness.

Ginger: Warm and aromatic, ginger brings a comforting and fresh spiciness to a blend, which is often refreshing and uplifting.

Grapefruit: A crisp and slightly bitter accord with strong aromatics. Invites a refreshing and invigorating element that becomes the dominant citrus in the blend. 

Green Leaves: Crisp and verdant, green leaves bring a fresh and outdoorsy element, evoking a sense of natural vitality.

J - 

Jasmine: A floral accent that adds a subtle, elegant touch to the heart of any blend.

L - 

Leather: Rich and masculine, leather introduces a sophisticated and slightly smoky dimension to the fragrance.

Lemon: A zesty and aromatic accord, lemon provides a bright and uplifting burst of fragrance.

Lilac: Soft and floral, lilac adds a gentle and spring-like essence, enhancing the overall floral bouquet.

Lime: Zesty and slightly tart, lime adds a burst of energy and vibrancy.

M -

Mandarin: Brings a softer and more rounded citrus note to the composition.

Musk: A sensual and comforting base note that lingers, leaving a velvety trail.

N -

Nectarine: Stone fruits add a complex note with a touch of sweetness to any blend.

Neroli: Citrusy and floral, neroli adds a bright and uplifting nuance, infusing the fragrance with a touch of vibrancy.

Nutmeg: Spicy and aromatic, nutmeg introduces a subtle warmth and complexity.

O -

Orange Zest: Slightly sweet and juicy, orange is often added to a blend to balance the tartness of lemons.

Orchid: Elegant and floral, orchid takes center stage, weaving a rich and enchanting bloom into the heart of the fragrance.

P -

Peach: Juicy and velvety, a peach accord introduces a gentle sweetness, often added to a blend to round out citrus notes with a touch of warmth.

Peach Blossom: Delicate floral sweetness that hints at the comforting layers to come.

Pear: A crisp and juicy opening that adds a touch of freshness.

Peppercorn: Bold and dynamic, peppercorn introduces a spicy kick that awakens the senses as a strong top note.

R - 

Raw Honey: Earthy and golden, raw honey adds a natural sweetness, creating a subtle gourmand undertone.

Rose: Delicate and romantic, rose adds a timeless floral layer, imparting a sense of grace and femininity.

S -

Saffron: Opulent and strongly aromatic, saffron lends a rich and spicy character to the heart of the finished blend. 

Sandalwood: Woody and grounding, contributing to the overall warmth and sophistication.

Sea Salt: One of our founder's favorite scent accords, sea salt adds a hint of coastal freshness to the final blend.  Sea Salt is often described as crisp, refreshing and serene, making it a perfect note to add balance to many different scent types.

Shea Butter: Smooth and buttery, shea butter contributes a luxurious and velvety richness.

T - 

Teakwood: Rich and woody, teakwood adds a grounding base note that embodies warmth, depth and sophistication.

Tobacco: Earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet, tobacco brings a hint of indulgence and warmth, infusing the fragrance with a touch of sensuality and mystery.

Tonka Bean: Sweet and warm, tonka bean provides a comforting and cozy foundation, adding a touch of indulgence. Similar to vanilla bean, while being cozy and creamy, without the sweetness typically added with vanilla.

V -

Vanilla: Smooth and creamy, vanilla enhances the cozy and inviting nature of a scent profile.

W -

White Santal: Woody and creamy, white santal contributes a smooth and velvety texture, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. A form of sandalwood with slightly more upscale properties.

White Tea: Crisp, clean, and subtly floral, white tea evokes a sense of purity and tranquility. White Tea is one of our favorite accords, as it brings a serene and uplifting quality to the fragrance, setting the stage for the complexities that follow.