As these perfumes incorporate some of the region’s signature scents, like deliciously heady oud (agarwood), jasmine, amber and creamy sandalwood, spritzing one of them on during Ramadan or Eid is the perfect ode to the Holy Month in the Middle East. Some of the new perfumes also have notes like woody and earthy frankincense and strong and sweet musk, which are associated with the region too. Others even have the Middle East’s most loved ancient spices like saffron, aromatic cardamom and peppery cumin.
1. Grain de Poudre, YSL Beauté
Grain de Poudre is the latest addition to Le Vestiaire des Parfums, a series by YSL Beauté that is inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s fabrics and emblematic designs. The experts have translated the unique grain de poudre texture into a complex, dual and timeless scent that unexpectedly mixes delicate violet with energetic and fresh sage.
Top Notes: Black Pepper and Coriander
Heart Notes: Sage and Violet Leaves
Base Notes: Suede and Musk
2. Dubai Majalis, Nabeel Perfumes
Part of The Spirit of Dubai collection from Nabeel Perfumes, Dubai Majalis is a rich and full-bodied unisex scent. With the mingling fragrances of aromatic qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates mixed with heavenly frankincense, it takes you on a sensory journey of Arabian hospitality.
Top Notes: Apple, Autumn Osmanthus, Cardamom, Cocoa, Coffee, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Green Notes, Mugwort, Peach, Pink Pepper, Raspberry, Rose and Strawberry
Heart Notes: Cloves, Date, Flowers, Guajakwood, Heliotrope, Iris, Mate, Patchouli, Powdery Notes, Saffron and Vetiver
Base Notes: Agarwood, Benzoin, Frankincense, Frankincense Olibanum, Hay, Honey, Labdanum, Leather, Musk, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Tobacco, Vanilla and Wooden Notes
3. La Nuit Trésor Musc Diamant, Lancôme
La Nuit Trésor Musc Diamant is the complementary half to Lancôme’s La Nuit Trésor, the yin to its yang. With its floral, fruity and sweet notes, the eau de parfum has a startling sensuality as well as an intense, addictive overdose of musk notes.
Top Notes: Raspberry, Violet Leaf and White Musk
Heart Notes: Damask Rose, Freesia, Jasmine Petals and White Musk
Base Notes: White Musk, Sandalwood, Almond, Patchouli and Vanilla
4. Celebes Wood, Mizensir
A profusion of warm and cold spices and woods, including cinnamon barks and cardamom seeds, Celebes Wood by Mizensir is a dense and powerful unisex fragrance.
Top Notes: Cinnamon and Cardamom
Middle Notes: White Pepper and Black Vanilla Husk
Base Notes: Tonka Bean and Labdanum
5. Oud for Greatness, Initio Parfums Privé
Initio Parfums Privé’s Oud for Greatness is an enchanting and thrilling unisex perfume that draws its energy from the sources of sacred geometry. The bold formula mixes the natural essence of agarwood with fresh llavender, spicy nutmeg and saffron.
Top Notes: Lavender, Saffron and Nutmeg
Heart Notes: Agarwood
Base notes: Patchouli and Musk
6. Dahlia Divin Le Nectar de Parfum, Givenchy Parfums
Givenchy Parfums’ Dahlia Divin Le Nectar de Parfum is a collector’s edition exclusively for the Middle East. Gold stamps its seal on the haute couture version while mimosa, which is mixed with the signature sambac jasmine and sensual and elegant rose, brings its unique mark to the fragrance.
Top Notes: Mimosa
Heart Notes: Sambac Jasmine and Rose
Base Notes: Vevetier, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Musk
7. Velvet Oriental Musk, Dolce & Gabbana
Intense musk is the centerpiece in Velvet Oriental Musk, the new eau de parfum that’s part of Dolce & Gabbana’s Velvet collection. Yet musk is not overplayed as it is matched with ancient woods and spices, as well as the precious rose damascena.
Top Notes: Cumin, Saffron and Cardamom
Heart Notes: Damask Rose, Cypriol
Base Notes: Musk, Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood and Tonka Bean Absolute
8. Lawrence, Carine Roitfeld Parfums
Carine Roitfeld Parfums’ 7 Lovers is Carine Roitfeld’s first fragrance collection. Inspired by seven of the iconic French editor’s lovers in seven of her favourite cities, it is available at NET-A-PORTER. Lawrence, which was inspired by one of her unforgettable adventures in the iconic city of Dubai, comes with a smouldering sense of irresistibility and an extravagant feel. The rich floral leather scent encompasses jasmine, agarwood, cumin, coriander, tolu balsam and saffron.
9. Oud Vendôme, Ex Nihilo
Oud Vendôme by Ex Nihilo is a fresh and modern scent that unites the precious arrocord of agarwood with galbanum and cedarwood. A spicy touch of saffron, along with ginger and cinnamon help make the eau de parfum a deliberate urban signature.
Top Notes : Saffron and Ginger
Heart Notes : Galbanum and Cedarwood
Base Notes : Agarwood, Incense, Musk
