A Guide to Arabian Fragrance

Arabian fragrance has been made and worn for centuries, from the incense burned in the souks of Muscat to the attar oils carried along the trade routes. It is built on rich, resinous materials — wood, resin, flower and spice — and it is worn differently from a Western spray perfume: generously, in the evening, and often layered.

The words you'll see

• Oud (also called agarwood or oudh): dark, resinous wood from the aquilaria tree, prized for its deep, smoky, almost leathery warmth. It is the backbone of most Arabian perfumes.
• Attar or perfume oil: a concentrated oil, usually without alcohol, applied straight to the skin. A little goes a very long way.
• Bakhoor: wood chips soaked in oils and resins, burned on charcoal or in an electric burner to scent a home.
• Musk, amber, saffron, rose: the classic supporting notes — soft, warm, spicy and floral, often used together.

Choosing your first scent

Start with what you already like. If you wear fresh, citrusy fragrances, look for a scent led by bergamot and pineapple over a light woody base. If you like sweet tobacco or vanilla, choose an amber or honeyed oud. If you want the traditional experience, begin with a perfume oil you can dab on the wrist, or a bakhoor to burn at home before you commit to a bottle.

Sweet, fruity and light scents suit daytime and warm weather. Oud, amber and smoky leathers come alive in the evening and in winter. If you're buying a gift, a smaller bottle or a home scent is a safe, generous choice.

Wearing and keeping it

Spray or dab onto pulse points — wrists, neck, behind the ears — and let it warm on the skin rather than rubbing it in. Oils last longest on moisturised skin. Store bottles away from direct sunlight and heat, upright, and they will keep for years.

Where to start with us

Browse Fragrances for eau de parfum, Perfume Oils for alcohol-free attars, and Home Scents for bakhoor, oud chips and incense. Everything we sell is sourced from the heritage houses or their official distributors, and our team is always happy to talk you through the options — just get in touch.