Arabic Perfumes: What Makes Them Special and How to Choose a Scent That Lasts All Day

Perfumes from the Gulf and the Middle East have a huge following around the world. They are rich, warm and last for hours. What makes them special, and how do you choose your scent?

The ingredients that define Arabic perfumes

• Oud: a resin formed in agarwood trees, with a deep, smoky, woody scent. It is one of the most precious materials in perfumery.
• Musk: a soft, clean, skin-like scent that stays close to the body.
• Amber and vanilla: warm and sweet, giving the perfume depth.
• Rose and saffron: floral and spicy, classics of oriental perfumery.

The story of musk

In the past this scent was taken from a gland of the musk deer, and it was one of the most valuable materials in the world. Today almost all musk in perfume is synthetic and made in a lab, without harming animals. It appears in many perfumes as a base note that gives them staying power. If you love a clean “skin after a shower” scent, try the Ibraheem Al Qurashi musk perfume set.

EDP or EDT?

The difference is the concentration of fragrance oils. Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a higher concentration, usually about 15% to 20%, so it lasts longer. Eau de Toilette (EDT) has a lower concentration and a lighter scent. Many Arabic perfumes come as EDP.

How to choose a perfume

1. Test it on your skin, not on paper. The same perfume smells different on each person.
2. Wait 20 to 30 minutes. The opening notes fade quickly, and the heart and base are what stay all day.
3. Match the season: fresh and fruity scents in summer, oud, amber and vanilla in winter.

How to apply perfume so it lasts

• Apply after a shower, on clean, lightly moisturized skin.
• Spray on pulse points: wrists, neck and behind the ears.
• Do not rub your wrists together, it breaks down the scent.
• Put perfume on before your jewelry, to protect the silver.

Perfume as a gift

Multi-scent sets are a safe gift, because you do not have to guess a single scent. In our perfume collection you will find perfumes and sets from Afnan, Ibraheem Al Qurashi, Assaf and Dkhoon. For the perfect gift, pair one with a piece of jewelry: ideas in our gift guide.