Have you ever noticed that a perfume smells different an hour after you spray it? That is not your imagination. Fragrances are built in layers, called notes, which unfold over time.
Top notes: the first impression
Top notes are what you smell immediately after spraying. They are light and lively, often citrus, fresh herbs or light fruits, and they fade within the first fifteen to thirty minutes.
Heart notes: the character
As the top notes settle, the heart (or middle) notes appear. These form the main character of the fragrance and usually include florals, spices or aromatic notes. They last for several hours.
Base notes: the lasting memory
Base notes are the deepest and longest-lasting layer. Woods, amber, musk, vanilla and oud anchor the fragrance and linger on your skin and clothes long after the other notes have faded.
Why this matters when choosing a perfume
Because a fragrance changes over time, never judge it in the first few seconds. Spray it on your skin, wait at least twenty minutes, and notice how it develops. The base notes are what people around you will remember most.
Notes in the ABAM collection
Blue Force opens with vibrant citrus before settling into a woody, smoky base. Hunza Velvet moves from soft sweetness to warm amber and vanilla. K2 Apex finishes with an intense base of ambroxan, musk and woods. Explore the full collection to find the journey that suits you.


