Intense, piquant, and oh-so-fresh, pink pepper adds an unmatchable spiciness to accords, and is often used in fine perfumery. The nose-tingling crispness of pink peppercorns is only matched by its unique fruity facets—sometimes described as being citrus-like.

Patchouli is a deeply spiced, thickly herbal and immediately recognizable note - it’s “dirty hippie” reputation doesn’t do it justice. Patchouli’s scent lies somewhere between cumin’s sharp and acrid tang and nutmeg’s smooth, sweet warmth, and it can carry a fragrance or blend easily with other, spicier notes. It is ideal in heated, spicy perfumes that feature leather, smoke, resins, and lighter aromatic notes like lavender and geranium. Patchouli’s exotic strength can be an acquired taste in perfume, but it’s many moods and blends make it an endlessly fascinating note to explore in the spicy end of the scent spectrum.

Jasmine is the ultimate aphrodisiac in perfume. It is the most intimate, sexy, gorgeous, and sensually appetizing of all the major white floral notes. Jasmine’s buttery, silky, vanilla-and-heated skin aroma is found everywhere in perfume, in both men’s and women’s scents. It’s incredible versatility is hard to match: it can soar on its own, or be artfully blended into the background, to provide a dangerous growl to an simple, demure floral bouquet. It’s also one of the most popular notes, especially in women’s perfume, so if you enjoy jasmine’s torrid sensuality, you can build a devastating fragrance collection in no time.

Freesia is one of the big floral notes in perfume, along with gardenia, tuberose, and jasmine. What sets freesia apart from the spicy, powdery, and buttery accents in major white floral perfumes is its plump, delicious, sweetness. Freesia has a young, fun, and sensual candy-like texture, and the best freesia perfumes can even resemble a light red wine. Freesia is also one of the softer big floral notes, making it ideal as an introduction to more powerful, forceful florals. Freesia’s flirtatious and casual appeal is best for summer and spring, and makes an equally fashionable day or night option in floral perfume.