Common Heart Notes (Rose, Jasmine)

The heart is where a fragrance decides what it actually wants to say.

Rose — one of the most-used florals in the world, ranging from fresh and green to rich and jammy (as in Taif rose).
Jasmine — heady, sweet and slightly indolic; a common partner to rose.
Saffron — warm, leathery, slightly sweet; central to much Arabian perfumery.
Ylang-ylang — creamy, tropical floral, often used to add richness.
Cinnamon and cardamom — warm spices that add depth to a floral or oriental heart.

Why the heart is called the fragrance’s “personality”

It’s the longest of the three stages to dominate perception before the base takes over, and it’s usually what people mean when they describe a fragrance as “a rose scent” or “spicy.”