The Psychology of Scent
Of all our senses, smell is perhaps the most evocative. A single whiff can transport us instantly to another time and place—childhood memories, favorite destinations, cherished moments. This powerful connection between scent and emotion is what makes fragrance selection for candles so important.
At Ridisosteo, we approach fragrance development as both an art and a science. Our signature scents are carefully constructed to evolve as they burn, revealing different facets over time and creating a complete sensory journey. Understanding the architecture of fragrance can help you select candles that will create your desired atmosphere.
The Three-Tiered Fragrance Structure
Like fine perfumes, complex candle fragrances are built with a three-part structure:
Top Notes: The First Impression
Top notes are the scents you perceive immediately when a candle is first lit. These volatile, lighter molecules evaporate quickly and typically last 15-30 minutes. They create that crucial first impression and set the stage for what's to come.
Common top notes include:
- Citrus: Lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit
- Light Herbs: Basil, lavender, eucalyptus
- Fresh Fruits: Apple, pear, berries
- Light Spices: Cinnamon leaf, cardamom
Top notes tend to be bright, fresh, and uplifting, drawing you into the sensory experience.
Middle (Heart) Notes: The Essence
As the top notes begin to dissipate, the middle or "heart" notes emerge, usually lasting 1-3 hours. These form the main character of the fragrance and typically make up 40-80% of the blend. Middle notes bridge the gap between the initial impression and the deeper base notes.
Common middle notes include:
- Florals: Rose, jasmine, lily, geranium
- Fruits: Peach, plum, apple
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon bark, clove
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, chamomile
- Green Notes: Grass, leaves, stems
The heart notes reveal the true personality of the candle and are carefully balanced to complement both the top and base notes.
Base Notes: The Foundation
Base notes form the foundation of the fragrance and are responsible for its depth and longevity. These are the scents that linger long after the candle has been extinguished. Made of larger, less volatile molecules, base notes typically become noticeable 30 minutes after lighting and can last for hours or even days.
Common base notes include:
- Woods: Sandalwood, cedarwood, oud
- Resins: Amber, myrrh, frankincense
- Musks: White musk, ambrette
- Vanilla & Gourmands: Vanilla, caramel, chocolate
- Mosses & Earths: Oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver
Base notes add complexity, warmth, and staying power to a fragrance. They often create a sense of richness and luxury.
Fragrance Families
Beyond the structure of individual scents, fragrances can be categorized into families that share certain characteristics. Understanding these families can help you navigate the world of candle scents and discover your preferences.
Fresh
Fresh fragrances evoke cleanliness, energy, and natural outdoor elements. They tend to be light, crisp, and invigorating.
- Citrus: Bright, tangy scents centered around citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit.
- Green: Reminiscent of fresh-cut grass, leaves, stems, and herbal gardens.
- Aquatic: Inspired by the ocean, rain, or clean water, with a characteristic "marine" quality.
Our Fresh Collection includes: Mediterranean Breeze, Morning Dew, Citrus Grove, Alpine Air
Floral
Floral fragrances celebrate the diverse aromas of flowers, from delicate single blossoms to complex bouquets.
- Single Floral: Dominated by one flower, such as rose, jasmine, or lavender.
- Floral Bouquet: A blend of several flowers creating a complex, layered scent.
- Floral-Green: Combines flowers with green elements for a fresh, natural character.
- Floral-Fruity: Pairs flowers with fruit notes for a sweet, joyful effect.
Our Floral Collection includes: English Garden, Lavender Fields, Night Blooming Jasmine, Cherry Blossom
Oriental/Amber
Rich, warm, and often exotic, oriental fragrances are characterized by their depth and sensuality.
- Soft Oriental: Blends amber, incense, or light spices with florals for a more approachable warmth.
- Oriental Spicy: Features prominent spice notes like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg combined with oriental base notes.
- Oriental Woody: Combines amber, vanilla, or incense with rich woods like sandalwood or oud.
Our Oriental Collection includes: Moroccan Amber, Spiced Chai, Silk Road, Midnight Oud
Woody
Woody fragrances center around the natural aromas of different wood types, offering an earthy, grounding quality.
- Mossy Woods: Combines woods with oakmoss, creating a damp, forest-floor quality.
- Dry Woods: Features cedar, sandalwood, or vetiver for a drier, more austere character.
- Aromatic Woods: Blends woods with aromatic herbs for a fresh yet earthy profile.
Our Woody Collection includes: Cedar Lodge, Ancient Forest, Mahogany & Teakwood, Fireside
Gourmand
These food-inspired fragrances evoke delectable treats and comfort.
- Sweet: Based on dessert notes like vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
- Spicy: Features baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Fruity: Centers around edible fruits, often with added sweetness.
Our Gourmand Collection includes: Vanilla Bean, Spiced Pumpkin, French Patisserie, Maple Sugar
Seasonal Fragrance Selection
Different scents naturally align with different seasons, though personal preference always takes precedence.
Spring
As nature reawakens, light florals, fresh greens, and gentle citrus scents harmonize with the season.
Spring Recommendations: Cherry Blossom, Morning Dew, Linen Breeze, Fresh Herbs
Summer
Bright, energetic fragrances capture summer's vibrancy, with citrus, tropical fruits, and oceanic notes taking center stage.
Summer Recommendations: Citrus Grove, Mediterranean Breeze, Island Coconut, Fresh Cotton
Autumn
Warm spices, amber, woods, and orchard fruits reflect the transitional beauty of fall.
Autumn Recommendations: Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Orchard, Amber Woods, Maple Sugar
Winter
Rich, comforting scents create coziness during the colder months, with gourmands, deep woods, and aromatic spices providing warmth.
Winter Recommendations: Fireside, Pine Forest, Spiced Chai, Vanilla Bean
Finding Your Signature Scent
With countless fragrance options available, finding your perfect candle scent can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips for navigating the world of fragrance:
Consider Your Space
- Living areas benefit from inviting, balanced scents that won't overwhelm.
- Bedrooms call for relaxing fragrances like lavender, chamomile, or soft woods.
- Kitchens can handle stronger scents, particularly gourmands or fresh citrus that cut through cooking odors.
- Bathrooms pair well with clean, fresh scents or spa-like aromas.
- Home offices benefit from focus-enhancing scents like rosemary, mint, or gentle citrus.
Think About Mood
- For Relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, vanilla, sandalwood
- For Energy: Citrus, mint, eucalyptus, ginger
- For Focus: Rosemary, basil, pine, lemon
- For Comfort: Vanilla, amber, warm spices, woods
- For Romance: Rose, jasmine, amber, musk
Try Our Fragrance Discovery Set
Not sure where to start? Our Fragrance Discovery Set includes five mini candles from different fragrance families, allowing you to experience a range of scent profiles in your own space before committing to a full-size candle.
