The 12 Families of Arabic Perfumes Explained

Arabian perfumery is no longer about choosing a scent without knowing what it conveys, what sensations it evokes, and how it fits your personality. We'll explore the 12 main fragrance families with examples of the ones you should find in your store to help you find perfumes that suit your tastes, your zodiac sign, and your lifestyle .

1- Citrus 🍋 – Fresh, Vivacious, Energizing

Citrus perfumes are ideal for those who enjoy clean, vibrant scents. All of these perfumes tend to be light, refreshing, easy to wear daily, and therefore appealing to those new to Arabic perfumery.

• Notes: lemon, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit.
• Personality: Vibrant, juicy and stimulating.
• Perfume Example: Hawas for Him byRasasi a refreshing perfume for summer mornings or outdoor occasions.

💡 Directions for use: Use on pulse points in the morning for long-lasting, fresh energy.

2- Floral 🌹 - Romantic and Elegant

Floral perfumes are timeless . They combine delicate petals and soft aromas to create elegance and sophistication. Perfect for romantic evenings or to express your sweet side.

• Notes: Rose, jasmine, violet, lily
• Character: Soft, versatile, luxurious
• Perfume Example: Musk 74 Poudré by Swiss Arabian a floral fragrance with musky undertones that lasts beautifully.

💡 Pairing Tip: Pair with a soft, gourmand scent like Bharara Onyx to add warmth without overpowering the floral notes.

3- Floral- Aldehydic – Bright Modernity

These fragrances bring a sense of lightness to floral perfumes. They're ideal for those seeking a certain elegance with a touch of modernism.

• Notes: soft musk, white flowers, aldehydes.
• Character: pure, delicate, with an effervescent touch.
• Perfume example: Cherry Love an elegant, romantic and modern fragrance.

4- Floral- Oriental 🌺 – Sophisticated and Sensual

A blend of flowers and spices, this group is very warm and mysterious. Ideal for an evening out or to make a splash at a social event.

• Notes: jasmine, orange blossom, amber, soft spices.
• Personality: Seductive, opulent, hypnotic.
• Perfume example: Cherry Love by Fragrance World the combination of feminine style and a spicy touch makes the difference between remembering and forgetting.

💡 Tip: For daytime wear, layer a citrus perfume.

5- Gourmand 🍫 - Sweet, Comforting and Addictive

Gourmand perfumes are ideal for those who enjoy an edible aroma. They evoke warmth, nostalgia, and comfort.

• Notes: vanilla, chocolate, caramel, coffee.
• Type: Sweet, cozy, addictive.
• Introducing: Bharara Onyx by Bharara Beauty a comforting yet memorable combination of chocolate and coffee.

💡 Intimate idea: Ideal for a relaxing evening or a date.

6- Woody 🌲 – Deep, Rooted, Elegant

Woody perfumes convey an image of nature, stability, and delicacy. They are elegant and ideal for use in offices or at official events.

• Notes: Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchouli.
• Character: Warm, rooted, timeless.
• Perfume example: Oud and lychee from (Swiss Arabian) a blend of the robustness of wood and the sweetness of fruits with a refined flavor.

💡 Pairing Tip: Use with a light citrus fragrance to add depth and freshness.

7- Oriental 🐪 - Warm, Exotic, Mysterious.

Typical Arab perfumery is oriental perfumes. Exotic, long-lasting, and rich, they are very intense and suitable for those who prefer a distinctive scent.

• Notes: Oud, amber, incense, spices.
• Character: Eminent, sumptuous, seductive.
• Perfume example: Shaghaf Oud Ahmar, an oriental fusion ideal for wearing at night or at any special event.

8- Spicy 🌶 – Vibrant and Stimulating

Spicy perfumes are bold, extroverted, and revitalizing, ideal for adventurous people.

• Notes: cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove.
• Character: stimulating, exotic and colorful.
• Perfume example: Shaghaf Oud Ahmar oud gives it a magnetic appeal thanks to its spicy touch.

💡 Special Occasion Tip: Recommended for evening wear or during a festival.

9- Amber / Resins 🐪 – Rich and Long-lasting

Amber perfumes are inviting, luxurious, and have been used in Arabian perfumery for centuries. They create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.

• Notes: amber, benzoin, labdanum.
• Quality: Full, deep, opulent.
• Perfume example: Shaghaf Oud Ahmar includes elements of amber that add depth.

10- Leather / Tobacco 🖤 – Bold and Sophisticated

This family is powerful, confident, and sensual. A must-see.

• Notes: Leather, tobacco, musk.
• Personality: Smoky, masculine, brave.
• Perfume example: Bharara Onyx (Bharara Beauty) its sweet and gourmand is complemented by subtle leather notes.

💡 Pairing Tip: Pair with a floral oud for a balanced, multifaceted fragrance.

11- Musk / Animal - Deep and Memorable

Musk is also a popular base note for adding longevity and sensuality. It adds warmth to Arabic perfumes.

• Notes: Musk, ambergris.
• Personality: Diffuse, full, gastric.
• Perfume example: Musk 74 Poudre (Suiss arabian) soft musk blends with a floral scent to create a classic fragrance.

12- Aquatic/Fresh 🌊 – Clean and Rejuvenating

Light and fresh, aquatic fragrances are ideal for warm climates or everyday use.

• Notes: Sea notes, sea breeze, sea notes, ocean chords.
• Personality: refreshing, cool and healthy.
• Perfume example: Hawas tropical (Rasasi) a tropical-citrus blend ideal for summer or sporting events.

Tips for Choosing Your Fragrance Family

• Analyze your lifestyle: Are you looking for something to wear every day or for the evening?
• According to your zodiac element: Fire - Spicy/Oud, Earth - Woody/Oriental, Air - Floral/Musk and Water - Aquatic/Soft.
• Play with layering: combine fragrance families to create your own scent. For example, Musk 74 Poudre (floral-musky) + Shaghaf Oud Ahmar (oriental) for a distinctive fragrance.
• According to the season: Citrus and aquatic aromas are typical of spring and summer, while amber, oud, and gourmand are typical of autumn and winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it possible to mix fragrances from different families?

• A: Of course! Arabic perfumery encourages layering. You can add a light scent and then introduce a more intense one.

Q2: What is the longest lasting fragrance family?

• A: Amber, oriental, oud, and leather perfumes are very concentrated and can last 8 to 12 hours.

Q3: Can all Arabic perfumes be used on sensitive skin?

• A: Most oil-based Arabic perfumes are mild, although it's always a good idea to patch test.

Q4: How do I choose a fragrance family based on my zodiac?

• R: Fire - Spicy/Oud, Earth - Woody/Oriental, Air - Floral/Musk, Water - Aquatic/Soft.

Q5: Can gourmand perfumes be used daily?

• A: Yes, but not too much, or it'll be cloying. Bharara Onyx is ideal for everyday wear.