What is the difference between French and Arabic Perfumes?
Arabic Perfumes the Fragrance It-Girl?
We are all about different cultures and their fashion trends and traditions. Like, why limit yourself to just French and American fashion? There’s a whole world out there! And as rich and deep as French fashion is, other regions have their own iconic specialties. One of the best-kept secrets? Arabic perfumes. Recently, we’ve been seeing the same floral, fruity, and citrus-based scents over and over again... and honestly? We’re bored. We want something more. Something richer, deeper, and more mysterious. And oh girl, did we find it.
Let's talk about the actual best-kept secret of fragrance: Arabic perfumes. We are obsessed. The deep, long-lasting scents, the luxurious vibes—it’s all very elegant, very timeless, very that girl. So naturally, we had to try them out for ourselves, and spoiler alert: we fell in love. But before you start shopping, let’s break it down: what are the differences between Arabic and Western perfumes? What kind of scents define Arabic perfumery? And why do we think Arabic perfumes are the It-girl of fragrance?
So, what’s the difference between French and Arabic perfumes?
Perfume in the Arab world has been around for over five thousand years—yes, you read that right. These techniques have been refined and adjusted for millennia to create the perfect blend of bold, long-lasting scents. But what sets Arabic perfumes apart from their European counterparts? Well, girl, it’s all about that base—literally. Unlike French and American perfumes, which use an alcohol base, Arabic perfumes are oil-based. And that’s a game-changer.
Because oil doesn’t evaporate like alcohol does, Arabic perfumes last significantly longer—up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, most Western perfumes will give you about six to eight hours of wear before fading into oblivion. We tested it out, and let’s just say the results were everything. We spritzed some Arabic perfume in the morning, and by the end of the day? Still going strong. Not overpowering, not cloying—just that perfect “ten-minute-after-spritz” strength. Compare that to our usual French perfumes, which we had to get really close to our clothes to smell by the evening.
We’ve all been there: you put on your favorite perfume, but by the time your night out really gets started, the scent has basically vanished. Not with Arabic perfumes. Whether you’re at brunch, in a meeting, or dancing the night away, your fragrance stays. It lingers in the most delicious, mysterious way. And let’s be real: smelling good all day is a confidence booster like no other.
How to Wear Oil-Based Perfumes
Because oil-based perfumes don’t evaporate like alcohol-based ones, babe, please do not go overboard like you would with a European perfume. A little goes a long way. But beyond just using less, let’s talk about layering—the secret to making oil-based scents work for you throughout the day.
Instead of just spritzing and hoping for the best, think about how the scent can be released at different points in the day. Try this: Apply two small pumps on your armpits (either directly on the skin or on the first layer of clothing) and one light spritz around your neck once you’ve finished putting your outfit together. Why? That neck spritz will give you that fresh, inviting scent in the morning before your body heats up. But as you go about your day walking, working, maybe even dancing a little, your natural body heat will activate the perfume under your clothes, letting the fragrance bloom gradually rather than all at once. This way, you get a perfectly balanced scent that lasts all day without being overpowering.
What scents define Arabic perfumes?
Let’s talk fragrance notes. Given the geography of the Arabian Peninsula, you’re not going to find a lot of citrus-forward scents like in France or Italy. Instead, Arabic perfumes embrace rich, warm, and resinous notes that exude depth and mystery. The It-girls of Arabic perfumery?
Oud (Agarwood) – This deep, smoky wood scent is pure luxury. Oud is the signature scent of Arabic perfumes, and once you smell it, you’ll never forget it. It’s bold, it’s hypnotic, it’s expensive-smelling.
Taif Rose – Think of this as the Arab world’s answer to the classic French rose. It’s deeper, more intense, and often paired with warm spices.
Amber and Musk – These notes give Arabic perfumes their sultry, long-lasting warmth. Think of them as the secret weapon for that “who is she?” effect.
Spices (Saffron, Cardamom, Cinnamon) – Unlike the fresh, airy florals of European perfumes, Arabic scents lean into warm, inviting spices. Saffron adds an exotic, almost leathery depth, while cardamom and cinnamon bring that cozy richness.
Vanilla and Honey – Sweet, but never childish. These notes add a soft, velvety touch to the mix, making them the perfect introduction for those new to Arabic perfumery.
If you’re trying Arabic perfumes for the first time, we highly suggest starting with honey and vanilla-based scents. They’re familiar enough for Western fragrance lovers but still offer that extra something special. One word of advice? Start light. Because these perfumes are oil-based, they don’t fade like alcohol-based perfumes do—meaning a full-body spritz can easily become too much. Trust us, we learned the hard way. But once you find your perfect balance? You’ll be that girl—the one who turns heads just by walking by.
Arabic Perfumes on all Budgets
So, what Arabic perfumes houses would we suggest to you. Well since we understand there are fashion girlies on all sorts of budgets, we found the best price range for you
1. Entry budget : $10–$25
Lattafa Perfumes – Khamrah Eau de Parfum
Lattafa brings us 'Khamrah,' a unisex fragrance that's a sweet and spicy delight. With notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla, it's like wrapping yourself in a warm, aromatic hug. This scent embodies traditional Arabic perfumery with its rich spice blend, offering a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
2. Girl Math : $25–$50
Lattafa Perfumes – Yara Eau de Parfum
'Yara' by Lattafa is a scent of timeless beauty and femininity. This fragrance combines sweet and floral notes, creating an elegant aroma that lingers beautifully. It's a perfect example of traditional Arabic scents made accessible for modern women.
3. Regular Math : $50–$100
Rasasi – Hawas for Men Eau de Parfum
Rasasi's 'Hawas' is a signature scent that blends cinnamon, bergamot, and ambergris, capturing the essence of traditional Arabic perfumery. This fragrance offers a long-lasting aroma that's both fresh and spicy, making it a standout choice for those seeking authenticity and quality.
4. Luxe Lover : $100–$200
Abdul Samad Al Qurashi – Royal Amber Spirit Attar
This Saudi brand, with ancient roots in Mecca, offers 'Royal Amber Spirit Attar,' a unique blend highlighting the sea aspects from ambergris. It's a pricey but distinctive offering in amber, reflecting the brand's rich heritage in Arabic perfumery.
5. Opulent Obsession : $200+
Amouage – Interlude Woman Eau de Parfum
Amouage's 'Interlude Woman' is a luxurious fragrance that combines bergamot, grapefruit, and ginger with a heart of rose and frankincense. This complex scent is a testament to traditional Arabic perfumery, offering a rich and opulent aroma that justifies its higher price point.
No matter your budget, the world of Arabic perfumes offers a rich tapestry of scents that allow you to experience the essence of Middle Eastern luxury. Happy scent hunting, babes!
Why we think Arabic perfumes are the next big thing
Confidence is always in style, and nothing boosts confidence quite like a long-lasting, luxurious fragrance. Lately, classic floral and citrus scents have felt a little... basic. Arabic perfumes, on the other hand? They bring depth. They bring mystery. They make a statement.
We genuinely believe these perfumes are going to be the next big thing. Why? Because once you experience the longevity and richness of an Arabic scent, there’s no going back. So many of us wish our perfumes would last longer, and here’s the answer: oil-based perfumes with high-quality ingredients that don’t just fade away. And while Arabic perfumes have never been unpopular, they’re about to have a serious moment in the European and North American fashion scene. They’re different. They’re unapologetically bold. And they’re a far cry from the generic, alcohol-based perfumes we’re all used to.
So, if you’ve been looking for your next signature scent—something luxurious, mysterious, and undeniably chic—it’s time to explore Arabic perfumes. We promise you won’t regret it. Now, the real question is: which scent are you trying first?