Heart notes, also known as middle notes, are the scents that become noticeable once the top notes have evaporated. They form the core of a perfume’s composition and are responsible for the perfume’s overall character and theme. Heart notes emerge after the initial burst of the top notes and last longer than them, typically persisting for a few hours on the skin.
Heart notes are often more complex and provide depth and body to the fragrance. They create a bridge between the initial impression of the top notes and the lasting foundation of the base notes. Common examples of heart notes include:
Floral Scents: Flowers are frequently used as heart notes, such as rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, or iris. These floral notes contribute a sense of elegance, femininity, or romance to a perfume.
Spices: Spicy notes like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth, richness, and complexity to the heart of a fragrance.
Fruity Notes: While some fruity scents may be present in the top notes, certain fruits like peach, plum, apple, or berries may continue to linger as heart notes. These fruity accords can enhance the sweetness or juiciness of the perfume.
Herbal or Green Notes: Heart notes may also include herbal or green elements like basil, sage, geranium, or green tea. These notes can provide a refreshing or leafy quality to the fragrance.
The heart notes play a significant role in the overall development of a perfume, creating a pleasant and harmonious transition from the initial impact of the top notes to the longer-lasting base notes. They contribute to the perfume’s complexity and are often the main focus of the fragrance composition.