About
A little curiosity. A lot of perfume.
Find your next favorite fragrance, one note at a time.
01. Our Story
Second Note started with a simple obsession: finding fragrances that made me feel something.
I'm Amy, the founder of Second Note Fragrance. By day, I'm a high school principal. Outside of school, I'm the person researching obscure perfume houses, ordering far too many samples, and asking everyone around me what they're wearing.
What started as a personal interest quickly turned into a collection of hundreds of fragrances, countless hours of testing, and a genuine love for the stories that scents can tell.
I fell in love with niche and independent perfumery because I realized just how much was out there beyond the familiar department store fragrance counter. There were perfumes that smelled like steamed rice, warm tea, freshly washed linens, old books, and memories I couldn't quite put into words.
The more I explored, the more I wanted other people to experience that same sense of discovery.
But there's one problem with falling in love with perfume: it's an expensive hobby.
A single bottle can cost hundreds of dollars, and there's no guarantee you'll love how it smells on your skin. I've learned that lesson firsthand. A perfume can sound perfect on paper and still be completely wrong once you wear it.
That's where Second Note comes in.
I created Second Note to make exploring fragrance easier, more affordable, and a little more personal.
Through thoughtfully selected decants, discovery sets, and playful scent experiences, I want to help you discover fragrances you might never have found on your own.
No pressure to commit to a full bottle. No need to know the difference between an aldehyde and an ambrette. Just curiosity and the chance to find something you love.
02. Why Second Note?
I've spent my career in education, and one thing I've always believed is that curiosity can lead you somewhere unexpected.
Fragrance has become my own way of continuing to learn, explore, and connect with people.
The name Second Note reflects that idea. It's a new chapter for me, built around something I genuinely love. It's also a reminder that the first impression of a fragrance is only the beginning. Sometimes the magic happens in what comes next.
03. The Experience
Small sizes. Big discoveries.
Explore niche and independent fragrances through hand-prepared spray samples without committing to a full bottle. Shop decants in 1 mL and 5 mL sizes.
Curated with curiosity.
From soft, comforting skin scents to unexpected gourmands and unusual compositions, the collection reflects a love of fragrances with personality. Not sure where to start? Take the Find Your Scent quiz.
A little surprise along the way.
Our themed discovery experiences and Scent Surprise Tins make trying something new feel like opening a tiny gift to yourself. Discovery sets are coming soon.
A personal note
I don't believe everyone needs a signature scent. Some days call for something soft and familiar. Other days, you want something completely unexpected.
Your fragrance collection can change as often as you do.
Second Note is my invitation to explore, experiment, and discover what makes a fragrance feel like you.
I'm so glad you're here.
Amy
Founder, Second Note Fragrance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decant?
A decant is a small portion of an original fragrance, rebottled into a spray atomizer so you can try it before committing to a full bottle. You receive a decant vial — the product photos show the original full bottle for identification.
What sizes do you offer?
1 mL and 5 mL spray decants for every fragrance in the catalog.
Are your fragrances authentic?
Yes. Every decant is hand-decanted from a genuine, responsibly sourced bottle, never diluted, blended, or reformulated. Second Note Fragrance is an independent decanting business and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any fragrance houses, designers, or brands represented.
How do I choose a fragrance?
Browse Fragrances by house, shop by scent family, or take the Find Your Scent quiz for personalized matches.
What is in the Scent Surprise Tin?
Three mystery 1 mL spray samples in your chosen preference, a fragrance information card with the houses and names disclosed, themed extras, and a reusable metal keepsake tin.
Shipping & Delivery
At Second Note Fragrance, we carefully package every order to ensure your new scents arrive safely.
We ship from Oregon to customers throughout the contiguous United States using USPS Ground Advantage. Because perfumes contain alcohol, all fragrance orders must ship by ground, in accordance with USPS regulations.
Shipping Information
Flat-rate shipping: $9.95
Shipping method: USPS Ground Advantage
Delivery: Typically 2–5 business days after shipment
Tracking: Provided with every order
Shipping area: Contiguous United States only
Each perfume decant is securely packaged and protected during transit. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or treating yourself to a Second Note Scent Surprise Tin, we pay attention to every detail.
Please note: We cannot ship internationally or to Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories at this time.
Contact
Questions about a fragrance, an order, or finding your next favorite scent? We'd love to hear from you.
Email us at hello@secondnotefragrance.com.