Understanding Fragrance Notes: Top, Middle, and Base Notes in Gel Wax Melts
When it comes to home fragrance, whether it's candles, perfumes, or gel wax melts, understanding fragrance notes is key to choosing scents that truly transform your space. But what exactly are fragrance notes, and how do they impact the overall scent experience of your favourite gel wax melts?
If you’ve ever wondered why a melt smells different when first warmed compared to an hour later, this guide will break it all down—using our best-selling gel wax melts as examples!
What Are Fragrance Notes?
Fragrance notes refer to the different layers of scent that make up a complete fragrance. These notes work together in harmony, releasing different aromas over time to create a balanced and long-lasting scent experience. Fragrance notes are categorised into three layers:
✔️ Top Notes – The first impression. These are the light, fresh, or citrusy scents you smell immediately when the wax melt begins to warm. They fade quickly but set the tone.
✔️ Middle Notes (Heart Notes) – These are the body of the fragrance, appearing once the top notes fade. They’re usually floral, fruity, or spicy and give the scent its true identity.
✔️ Base Notes – The long-lasting foundation. These deep, rich notes emerge last and stick around for hours. Think warm vanilla, musk, amber, and woody scents.
Now, let’s see how this applies to some of your favourite Love Lush Home gel wax melts!
1. Top Notes: The First Impression
Think of top notes as the opening act of a scent. They are the first scents you notice when you take a whiff of a gel wax melt before or just after melting. These notes are usually light, fresh, and evaporate quickly. They create the initial impact but don’t stick around for long.
Common top notes in gel wax melts:
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Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot)
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Fresh herbs (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint)
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Fruity scents (Apple, Pineapple, Berries)
💡 Example: If you melt a fresh citrus gel wax melt, the burst of lemon and orange will greet you first—but it won’t last forever!
2. Middle Notes: The Heart of the Scent
As the top notes fade, middle notes step in to take centre stage. These are the “heart” of the fragrance and typically last longer than top notes, helping to define the overall character of the scent.
Common middle notes in gel wax melts:
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Floral (Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Ylang-Ylang)
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Spicy (Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg)
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Fruity & Green notes (Peach, Fig, Green Tea)
💡 Example: A vanilla and floral gel wax melt might start off with a hint of citrus but soon settle into a warm, floral bouquet of jasmine and rose.
This is seen in our gel melt: Spa Day
3. Base Notes: The Lasting Impression
Once the middle notes fade, base notes linger the longest, creating a deep, rich aroma that stays in your home for hours—even after your gel wax melt has stopped melting. These are the heavier, long-lasting notes that anchor the entire fragrance.
Common base notes in gel wax melts:
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Warm & Sweet (Vanilla, Amber, Tonka Bean)
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Woody (Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli)
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Musky & Earthy (Musk, Oud, Vetiver)
💡 Example: If you melt a rich, musky gel wax melt, you’ll notice hints of spice or fruit at first, but hours later, your home will still have that deep, warm scent of sandalwood and vanilla lingering in the air.
Fragrance Notes in Action
🌹 Amber Rose & Raspberry – A Fruity, Floral, & Warm Blend
- Top Notes: Ripe raspberries and juicy blackberries – giving you an instant burst of fruity sweetness.
- Middle Notes: Rose petals wrapped in smooth liquid amber – this is where the floral warmth kicks in.
- Base Notes: Cashmere musk, enchanted woods, and vanilla – adding depth and longevity.
This melt starts fresh and fruity, then settles into a warm, cozy aroma that lingers beautifully in your home.
🍒 Black Cherry – A Sweet & Juicy Temptation
- Top Notes: Pineapple and strawberry – a bright, tropical start.
- Middle Notes: Rich black cherry with a hint of spice – the main juicy attraction.
- Base Notes: Sweet vanilla and sugar – leaving a deliciously smooth, lingering scent.
This is why Black Cherry feels strong and sweet at first, then mellows into a comforting, dessert-like aroma.
Did you know: We also do Black Cherry Room Sprays!
🛏️ Duvet Day – The Ultimate Fresh Linen Scent
- Top Notes: Breezy aldehydes and clean floral notes – that fresh laundry vibe hits instantly.
- Middle Notes: White lily, cotton blossom, and hints of ozone – keeping it light and airy.
- Base Notes: Sandalwood, iris, and soft musk – creating that long-lasting "just-cleaned" scent.
If you love a freshly washed bedding smell, this is why Duvet Day lasts all day in your home.
☕ Dark Opium – A Bold, Spicy, & Addictive Scent
- Top Notes: Pink pepper, orange blossom, and pear – giving an intriguing, slightly spicy opening.
- Middle Notes: Orchid and coffee – where things get deep, rich, and warm.
- Base Notes: Amber, patchouli, vanilla, and cedar – adding depth and seduction.
This melt transforms from spicy and floral into a smooth, sultry aroma that fills the room.
How to Choose the Right Wax Melt for You
Now that you understand fragrance notes, here’s how to pick the right gel wax melt for your mood:
- Need an energising boost? → Go for fruity, citrusy top notes like Fresh Lemons or Passionfruit Martini.
- Love comforting, cosy scents? → Warm vanilla, musk, and amber base notes in Flowerbomb or Spring Awakening are perfect.
- Obsessed with fresh, clean vibes? → Try aldehydic floral notes in Duvet Day or Blue Linen.
Final Thoughts
Next time you warm up one of your Love Lush Home gel wax melts, take a moment to appreciate how the scent evolves. You’re not just melting wax—you’re experiencing a fragrance masterpiece that changes over time.
Ready to explore your perfect scent? Check out our full collection of long-lasting, high-quality gel wax melts, room sprays, bath bombs and more at Love Lush Home.
Let your home smell incredible, layer by layer.