Clean girl vibes step aside; there is a new aesthetic in town, and it is all about luxury. At a time when old money is trending, it comes as little surprise that the opulent notes of Middle Eastern fragrances are becoming increasingly popular. This blog post delves into why this is and how you can begin exploring the intoxicating world of Arabian perfumes. Let’s get started!
A brief history of Arabian perfume
One of the major selling points for Arabian perfume is its long and storied history. By buying into this trend, the wearer knows they are partaking in a self-care trend steeped in tradition. And we aren’t talking mere centuries here. The Arabian Peninsula has been known for its exotically fragrant spices, plants and resins for thousands of years. These have been harnessed and used throughout the Eastern world in various forms, from religious ceremonies to beauty treatments to making the home a wonderfully luxurious-smelling place to be.
With this popularity came the skills in perfume making and ingredient farming that the fragrance world today is built upon. The Arabs have been at the forefront of significantly advancing many perfumery techniques, especially mastering distillation and extraction methods, and were among the first to use alcohol as a base, enhancing fragrance longevity. This longevity, coupled with the intense scents themselves, has made them popular the world over.
What is Arabian perfume, exactly?
Ingredients such as oud, musk, amber, and rose have been central to Arabian perfumery for aeons, deeply embedded in cultural and religious practices. Picture it like this: Imagine sinking into a plush velvet cushion scented with the deep, woody smokiness of oud, perhaps leathery yet softened by sweeter notes. You will encounter the powdery warmth of musk or amber that presents a resinous sweetness—sometimes vanilla or honey-toned—while providing a golden richness. The aroma of rose is hugely popular in Arabian perfumes, but it is frequently intense and opulent, unlike the lighter Western interpretations. Frankincense adds a spiritual, lemony, and slightly peppery quality, while spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon all introduce an intriguing warmth and a touch of the exotic. Expect a powerful, long-lasting scent experience with a captivating blend of tradition and luxurious intensity.
The idea of smoky, rich, and sweet scents is at the essence of the Middle Eastern scent profile. This is enhanced by the traditions used when applying such scent: the ancient art of layering. In the Arabian world, layering is more than merely spritzing on different perfumes. It is a nuanced and deeply personal practice rooted in tradition, which is designed to create a unique, long-lasting, and evolving scent profile. Historically, the process was integral to daily life and special occasions. Homes would be fragranced with incense and individuals would meticulously layer scents before prayers, celebrations, or social gatherings, the lasting scent relaying cues about the wearer’s social status.
Arabian fragrance layering often involves several distinct fragrance forms, each playing a specific role, with the purpose of longevity, but also to create a depth and complexity of scent that is impossible with merely wearing one type of fragrance.
Oils (Attars): These highly concentrated (often single-note) oils form the base. They are typically applied directly to pulse points, allowing the fragrance to meld with the skin’s warmth and last for hours. Oud, musk rose, and sandalwood are standard oil bases.
Incense (Bakhoor): Wood chips, often agarwood (oud), are soaked in fragrant oils and burned to release a rich, smoky aroma that permeates clothing and hair. This isn’t directly applied to the skin but creates an enveloping aura.
Eau de Parfums: These come later in the layering process, adding complexity and projection to the base notes. They might complement or contrast with the oils, depending on the intended scent profile.
Body Lotions and Hair Mists: Scented lotions and hair mists can provide a lighter, all-over base layer or enhance specific notes. These are sometimes used in place of the oils and incense.
What is driving the current trend
TikTok and Instagram have played a pivotal role in the surge of Arabian perfume popularity in the Western world with the rise in fragrance influencers. Their visual storytelling sells more than just smelling nice, they are selling a lifestyle that is exotic to the western world, but which has been democratised by social media. You no longer need to go to a department store perfume counter to experience new scents.
These influencers can easily share ancient self care rituals in an easily accessible way, sharing tips, preferences and recommendations to millions of people in one video. Relevant hashtags such as #ArabianPerfume, #Oud, #PerfumeTok, and #FragranceCollection help to create communities of interest and make it much easier for people to discover and learn about the world of Arabian scents. And it is an intoxicating world: Arabian perfumes are rarely minimalist. Even without the ability to smell the fragrance itself, the highly decorative packaging of these scents communicates the luxury held within.
You are instantly transported to luxury palaces and richly exotic lives when you smell Arabian perfume. The deep, resinous scents speak of money, adventure, and a long cultural history. And at a time when maximalism is a ruling aesthetic, Arabian perfume is simply the scent that matches the more-is-more zeitgeist. But it is more than merely smelling rich and opulent. Arabian perfume relies on ritual and serving the self as a unique being – something which the idiosyncratic users of TikTok and individuality that the modern world thrive on.
By using layering and a variety of products, a wearer of Middle Eastern fragrance can create something entirely unique to them, something that cannot be purchased and copied, and that truly is a rarity in today’s world of online shopping, self-care videos and 24-hour delivery.
Plus, Arabian fragrance is by its very nature unisex. As well as appealing to an audience that does not want to be defined (and sold to) by their gender alone, this helps with exploring all the scents the industry offers. Gone are the days of seasonal, gendered and trending fragrances: Now you can make something your own, regardless of who you are and the time of the year.
How to explore the world of Arabian perfume for yourself
If you have been feeling the allure of Middle Eastern fragrances, we are here to help you begin your journey! Read on for our top tips when exploring Arabian perfume:
Explore Key Ingredients: The best way to begin is to familiarise yourself with common Arabian perfume notes rather than whole blends. Ingredients such as oud, musk, amber, rose, frankincense, and spices are easy to find and will give you a base for most of the most enticing personal scents. Understanding these building blocks will help you identify scents you enjoy.
Read Reviews and Watch Videos: Online fragrance communities and platforms like YouTube, Reddit and Fragrantica can offer a wealth of information and personal experiences with Arabian perfumes. This can provide valuable insights before you move on to purchasing your first physical products. Do, however, think about what works for you, not what is currently popular.
Be Open-Minded: Arabian perfumes can vastly differ from typical Western fragrances in how they smell and last. Be prepared for richer, more intense, and sometimes unconventional scent profiles. Embrace the new olfactory experience!
Start with Reputable Brands: When purchasing, look for well-regarded Arabian perfume houses known for their quality and craftsmanship. Brands like Afnan, Lattafa, and Swiss Arabian are often recommended starting points.
Understand Longevity and Projection: Arabian perfumes are often known for their impressive longevity (how long the scent lasts) and projection (how far the smell radiates). Be mindful of this when applying, especially in close quarters and begin with small quantities until you are used to their intensity!
If you are interested in layering scents, you must learn how different notes interact. Some general guidelines include:
- Starting with the heaviest scents (oils) and ending with the lighter ones (sprays).
- Complementing or contrasting notes intentionally and, for example, layering a rose oil with a woody one to create a cohesive profile.
- Avoid clashing notes that might create an unpleasant aroma. This is where TikTok videos help! They can be a valuable resource for understanding the basics.
- Experimenting to find unique and pleasing combinations. Remember, it is supposed to be creative and fun!
Final thoughts
Arabian perfume’s moment is not merely a fleeting trend and only grows as the months go by. The fragrance’s powerful ability to transport the wearer to another world and create a profile that is uniquely their own is a selling point that is as intoxicating as the scents themselves. As the major fragrance houses are just now waking up to the popularity of Arabian perfumes, so should you explore the rich heritage, unique artistry, and captivating scents of this exciting new (yet ancient) world of perfume.
Do you have a favourite Arabian fragrance? Let us know in the comments below.