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A perfume is not one fixed smell; it changes over hours. Perfumers describe this with the fragrance pyramid: three layers of notes that appear at different times.
Top Notes
The first impression after spraying. They are light and volatile and last from minutes to about half an hour: citrus, bergamot, mint, pepper and light fruits. They are what most people judge in a store, but they are not the real character of the scent.
Heart Notes
Once the top fades, the heart shows the true personality: florals, spices and richer fruits, lasting from about 20 minutes to a few hours.
Base Notes
The heaviest, longest lasting layer, sometimes staying on clothes until the next day: woods, amber, vanilla, musk, oud and patchouli. After a few hours, this is what you smell.
Why It Smells Different on Everyone
Skin pH, oils and temperature affect how notes evaporate and show up, so the same perfume can feel different on two people.
How to Test Properly
Spray on skin, wait 15 minutes and again after one to three hours, test only a few scents at a time, and use a sample for several days before buying. To find your favorite family, explore floral, fresh, woody, gourmand and spicy scents.