A scent impression associated with the central character of a fragrance as its opening settles.
Also known as: heart notes, middle note, middle notes
Not to be confused with: Top note, Base note
As a fragrance develops, changes in the balance of what you perceive can make its central theme clearer. The heart and base overlap. Not every perfume has a dramatic transition, and different wearers may describe that transition differently.
A bright opening softens and a rounded floral impression becomes the focus.
“The floral heart feels softer than the first citrus burst.”
The heart does not begin at a fixed time, and it does not have to be floral.
Use alongside HEART pyramid data; “middle notes” should resolve to this same entry.
No external sources attached yet. This entry is based on accepted community usage and editorial review.
Reviewed October 9, 2026 by the Noteboxd editorial team.