If you have followed any fragrance houses, or websites, or read a designer or niche perfume description, terminology gets tossed around frequently. And without fail, you will hear the term notes. Notes that are at the top, middle, and base. But what does it mean, actually? These terms revolve around the concept known as the fragrance pyramid. Each scent has a composition.  There is a structure created by trained noses that holds it together and gives it beauty and a measure of longevity. It determines the volatility of your scent. Every phase of scent has a meaning and contributes to its individuality and intrigue. They also determine the way your scent dries down and the speed at which it may fade away. Let's examine the fragrance or olfactory pyramid and why it has everything to do with how fragrance works. 

Top notes happen to sit at the top of the pyramid because they are made of lighter molecules and have less strength or longevity. This is the most volatile piece of the pyramid.  Top notes can pack a powerful initial punch at the very first spray, but tend to taper off and die down quickly thereafter. The effect may be as little as fifteen minutes. They tend to tease the nose with an allure that leads to impulse buying, so watch out for buying based on the top note. Let the scent breathe and wait to see the development. Some very popular families for top notes include the herbal and citrus families. 

Middle notes or the heart notes are the centers of the scent's composition. The soulful connection of your fragrance journey begins here, within the first fifteen minutes to several hours after the first spritz.  This is also referred to as the soul of the fragrance. The notes that are found at the heart are well-rounded and sturdy in terms of molecular structure. Plus, they are typically quite attractive to the nose. Some favorite middle notes include those from the floral family such as rose, gardenia, ylang-ylang, or tuberose. Herbs like lavender and rosemary and spices such as nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon are often other integral notes found at the heart.  

Base notes hold the scent to the skin long after the first two levels have dissipated. They may not show up until the most volatile notes are gone. They are usually made of the heaviest materials, woods, and resins and provide longevity and a full-bodied scent experience.  Some of those base notes include agarwood, cedarwood, patchouli, vanilla, and vetiver. The lingering quality of your scent would not be the same without the hard-working base notes that cling to your body and draw it near. The base note could last anywhere from several hours to several days depending on the quality of ingredients selected. This is one reason why even if your scent is absolutely amazing, there may be a need to reapply. 

You may enjoy a fragrance at one, two, or all three parts of the olfactory pyramid. Our faves are usually beautiful and alluring to the nose no matter where they are in the dry-down process. It helps to understand the meaning behind the pyramid to see why scent changes and develops as we wear it throughout the day. Now at LUXSB perfume subscription, you can browse our fragrance library and search by filtering fragrance notes. Discover Luxury Scent Box's fragrance library for men & women here.

For all the guys out there, may I have your attention please! Here's one exciting launch for men at LUXSB. Parfums de Marly's new fragrance, Haltane is coming soon. This scent is the perfect blend of aromatic and woodsy, a new presentation by the well-loved niche Parisian house. Uniquely collectible as a limited edition, the stately green bottle with the iconic emblem is flanked by a golden top. It ties together notes of lavender, bergamot, clary sage, praline, saffron, agarwood, and cedar in a way that embodies the legendary status all Parfums de Marly scents share.  

Parfums de Marly Haltane 

Haltane is an original scent of both radiance anf shadow featuring a blend of rare and noble ingredients which revisit the tradition of 18th century French perfume making. "Haltane is a fragrance for a gentleman of today, inspired by the gentilhommes of the Chateau de Marly in the 18th century." - Julien Sprecher, Founder and Artistic Director of Parfums de Marly.  

If you are looking for another scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe this Spring and Summer at Luxury Scent Box, consider both Parfums de Marly's offerings Sedley and Greenley. Both are quintessential additions for any niche fan. Sedley is a fan favorite: fresh, woodsy, and aquatic. The composition's profile is complex and harks to classics with a touch of modernity. Bergamot, spearmint, and watery accord are the top notes. The heart of the cologne is geranium, lavender, and a solar note. Base notes of sandalwood, incense, white musk, and cedarwood add a traditional aesthetic. Greenley is designed to remind the wearer of the energy and newness of Spring. The intriguing masterful blend of raw materials is a tribute to the timeless quality of Parfums de Marly. Sicilian bergamot, mandarin, green apple, cashmere wood open the scent. Middle notes of cedarwood, petitgrain, violet, and pomarose develop in the heart. Oakmoss, musk, and amberwood accord complete the luxe offering. 

Parfums de Marly Fragrances

If you have been waiting for something special to make your Spring/Summer one to remember, Parfums de Marly is a house with that "Wow" factor that is undeniable. It is just that good! 

Follow @Luxuryscentbox on Instagram for up-to-date information on launches, new arrivals and what's trending! 

The adage "no one loves you like your Mom" is a beautifully sincere note of appreciation that makes Mother's Day one of the most beloved holidays of the year. Giving thanks for how many awesome sacrifices mothers make on the daily for their families is well worth the effort of making the right choice for gift giving. There is a myriad of potential presents one could give to their best friend, best girl, or favorite woman in the world. Why not give her one that always fits and never goes out of style: the gift of fragrance! The reasons for gifting your Mom a scent are as numerous as the amount of perfumes to choose from on LUXSB. Plus, we offer gift subscriptions that will make any lucky recipient grin from ear to ear! 

Fragrance is a very important part of self care. It is carried with you and becomes a part of you, one that can be switched depending on the mood. This makes giving fragrance one of the best ways to remind Mom of how much you truly love her. Wearing scent is a personal j0urney, a daily reminder of a feeling, an energy, an aura that helps connect to the world around you. With this special scent, she will explore a sense of luxury, well-being, and centeredness. 

Scent is an item that, unlike flowers or dinners out, will not disappear immediately or in a few days. Scent is an experience, but has a lasting effect.  It is an investment that gifts itself again and again.  It is a refined and elegant gesture that never loses its beauty. Your mother will tell her friends all about the bottle of fragrance you gave her for years to come. If you're lucky, she might even share it!

LUXSB gift subscription is available in 3, 6, and 12 month increments. The price starts at $45 for 3 months, $90 for 6 months, and $165 for a year. Your Mom will get any scent of her choice (or let us do the work and select it) in one of the largest sizes in subscription boxes, 9 ml (0.30 oz). This is like getting 1/3 of a full size bottle and 150 sprays of scent! She also receives with this gift the convenience of switching up scents whenever she wants and easy portability with an ultra sleek LUXSB atomizer case perfect for a purse, travel luggage, gym bags, and clutches for evenings out on the town. 

We at LUXSB are always here to help with outstanding customer service to ensure that her gift subscription is everything she would wish for and more. Our selections are from top niche and designer houses and the list of perfumes is over 700 and growing. Celebrating Mother's Day with a LUXSB subscription delivers happiness to her doorstep with love! 

We dream of summer long before the first rays of the solstice. Juliette Has a Gun just launched a new scent that will leave us summertime dreaming and basking in the sunset's glorious colors. What happens when the vibrancy and energy of 70's freedom comes together under an evening sunset on the beach? Magnolia Bliss of course, a floral fruity composition with a blend of Magnolia essence, a juicy Mirabelle Plum and a fresh Bergamot Essence that explores the power of love, peace, and endless summer fun in the sun. I'd take a combination of any or all of those in my life right now please, and thank you! Juliette Has A Gun is a favorite niche line and Magnolia Bliss is just one of the many reasons why this house has become a modern classic and go to for those with a flair for exotic scent combinations.

Magnolia Bliss (2022) is Juliette Has a Gun's latest offering. Its release coincides with a time that many are planning for a first adventure after a long pandemic season. There is no better way to celebrate and share exuberant and joyful energy than with this perfectly blended summer-centric scent with notes of fresh bergamot essense, magnolia essence, juicy mirabelle plum, and Juliette Has a Gun's signature amber-musk base. The notion of "Peace in a bottle" is one that reminds us that scent can take you wherever you'd like to be. Far or near, or on an endless vacation. 

Magnolia Bliss's glass bottle looks as interesting and glorious on your counter as the fragrance itself. Colors in an ombre that mimic sunset skies are connected in the scent's theme with etched designs of magnolia flanked on either side. The bottle is a conversation piece, whimsical and inspired by the thought of summer's boundless freedom and the peace that can be found. 

Find your endless summer with Julliette Has a Gun's Magnolia Bliss and never let go of the possibility of joy wherever you may roam this season! Discover a monthly fragrance supply at LUXSB, the official Luxury Scent Box perfume subscription. 

Meet the new niche in the lineup: MEMO Paris. You'll fall head over heels in amour with this glamorous line and the high quality natural ingredients that create each and every fragrance in the Parisian house. The motto of MEMO is "The journey is the destination" with notes building the signature of your path. There is an olfactory experience that comes through in the artistry and creative noses of the founders of MEMO, John and Clara Molloy. The founder, met on a chair lift in 2005, between the sky and earth, between two worlds, in that weightless space that brings out one's daring side and broadens horizons. It wasn't long before they decided to set off together on a long-distance journey. It would be a creative journey, establishing MEMO Paris in 2007. The brand prides itself on exotic raw materials and fragrances inspired by globetrotting travels to far- away locales. Another signature is the timeless quality that spans years and creates lasting memories. Get inspired by MEMO Paris and our new launches at LUXSB perfume subscription: Irish Leather, Sintra, Tamarindo, and African Leather. 

MEMO Paris Irish Leather  Eau de Parfum from the Cuir Nomade collection is a nod to John Molloy's Irish roots. It's reminiscent of the feeling of being swept off into time through Ireland on a journey unlike any before. "One of those icy biting mornings...the sun peeks through the heavy grey clouds. Morning dew soaks the grass (MEMO Paris)."  There are notes of burning leather with a freshness of juniper berries and green mate' absolute. Orris concrete, birch, amber, clary sage, and pink pepper round out the notes in the unisex leather scent. Travel through time with this luxurious masterful leather scent. 

MEMO Paris Sintra Eau de Parfum is an Amber Floral fragrance from the Floral Boheme collection. Sintra explores the landscape just outside of Lisbon, Portugal. A city and its palace emerging from a colorful dream...The magic of childhood suddenly reawakened, its pastel colors its comforting scents (MEMO Paris)." This is a perfect blend of gourmand and floral, light with an unexpected note of marshmallow. This decadent scent consists of top notes of neroli, petitgrain, red fruits, bergamot. Middle notes are orange blossom, milk, resins, cinnamon, jasmine, and rose. Base notes are marshmallow, Madagascar vanilla, caramel, musk, and cedar. 

MEMO Paris Tamarindo Eau de Parfum is an amber spicy fragrance from the Graines Vagabondes collection. "A well-guarded secret, a trail of happiness, a solar scent, a dizzying dance beheath the sun (MEMO Paris)." This lush jungle has wamth, earthiness, and freshness with notes of bergamot oil, benzoin, cardamom, pineapple, jasmin absolute, and vanilla absolute. As wild and spontaneous as your next  great adventure. 

Memo Paris African Leather Eau de Parfum is part of the Cuir Nomades collection. Inspired by the African continent, take a safari through beautiful savannahs that capture your attention from majestic wildlife and untouched natural beauty. With notes of cardamom, saffron, geranium, and leather accord, cumin, vetiver, patchouli, agarwood,  bergamot, and musk. This is a beautifully done classic, a masculine leaning unisex scent that will remind you of the best fragrances of the past made for today's scent aficionado.  

Explore a new realm in time with MEMO Paris and try any one of these ultra premium scents in your LUXSB - Luxury Scent Box monthly fragrance supply! 

Scent selection is not always an easy feat, even for the most trained and complex of frag fans and noses. What may sound really sweet, delicate, and yummy may also include elements of another note or fragrance family that turn into a stronger, bitter, richer, or deeper blend. Or a unisex scent may have notes that lean strongly toward masculine or feminine. Take heart. This is a really normal experience.  Whether we made a blind buy leaning into the brand's description only or bought a full size after only a few magical moments after first spray. We've all been there.   It is important to have an open mind when exploring scent, but also make it a little easier to sort out the complexity of the notes that comprise many niche and designer houses. Here at LUXSB, we want to simplify this journey with you! 

LUXSB Fragrance Library

We made it a little less complicated by separating scents into fragrance families and there is a section for this on the website.  It will help identify notes by their similarities. This could help someone who prefers a specific smell find just the right perfume or cologne. And also eliminate part of the ease of mixing up the meaning of terms.  Example: sweet versus gourmand which could be a little warmer or even heavy depending on which ones. Or citrus versus woodsy or earthy or clean.  If you know that florals aren't your thing, try to steer toward scents with more citrusy or woodsy elements. If you crave sweet smells, decide whether you fancy fun, bright, and sweet like bubble gum, sugared notes, soda pop, cotton candy or cozy , dark, or syrupy sweet like vanilla, bourbon, tonka bean, or caramel.  If you like something more earthy, herbaceous or green, look for more of an herbal composition (notes of patchouli, lavender, rosemary, mint, basil, pine, or thyme) .  If you just don't like traditional heavier men's colognes, try not to buy base note heavy scents with majority of deeper, woodsy notes. Maybe go adventurous with unique niche scents that surprise and explore more abstract meaning of perfumery or discover unisex  blends made with a more fluid approach to blending women's and men's into a modern mashup. 

The scent's description alone could be really misleading because of the notes simply listed. Like a beautifully written romance novel, notes are often represented in a way that takes a life of their own. Or like a character in a movie. They attract, slay, kill, strut, and leave you wanting more.  They wow and inspire us to feel and sense the beauty and urgency to purchase me, fall in love with me. Just remember to read along and take a look at the scent notes and fragrance families that may accompany the very attractive description. If any of those are off-putting or hard no's, maybe look for another perfume. The protagonist of this scent storyline may be meant for another. It's another interesting and confusing part of wearing niche scents. They are complex as the noses that create them. 

We also have categories for cruelty-free, unique scents, masculine or feminine, occassion, and scent families. We tried to make the process for fragrance choosing easy. But in the end, this unique and exciting adventure in the world of designer and niche fragrances is yours to conquer! If your still unsure, reach out to one of our fragrance specialist that can help in guiding you through the process in discovering the perfect scent with Luxury Scent Box.

Follow @Luxuryscentbox on Instagram for up-to-date information on launches, new arrivals and what's trending!