Arabian perfumes are known for their distinctive blends, from fresh and bright scents to warm spices, rich woods and sweet gourmand notes. If you are choosing your first one, the range can feel a little overwhelming.
A good place to start is with the scents you already enjoy. Then think about when you will wear your new perfume and how noticeable you want it to feel. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.
Start with the scents you already like
Think about the perfumes, aftershaves or scented products you already reach for. Do you prefer something fresh and clean, sweet and comforting, floral and soft, or warm and spicy?
Fragrance notes can help you describe what you like. Citrus and fresh herbs often give a bright first impression. Vanilla, coffee and praline bring a sweeter, warmer feel. Woods, amber and musk can add depth to a fragrance.
If you are new to reading fragrance notes, take a look at our guide to fragrance notes. It explains how a scent can change from its opening notes to its heart and base.
Think about when you will wear it
Your first perfume might be for everyday wear, work, evenings out or special occasions. A fresh or lighter scent may feel easy to wear during the day, while a warmer or sweeter fragrance could suit evenings.
Consider the weather, too. In warmer conditions, a perfume can feel more noticeable, so start with a light application and see how it wears before adding more.
Choose how bold you want it to feel
Some fragrances make an immediate impression; others stay closer to the skin. Neither is better. It comes down to what feels comfortable for you and where you plan to wear it.
If you are unsure, start with one or two sprays. Give the fragrance time to settle, then decide whether you would like to apply more next time.
Try a scent style that feels familiar
If you enjoy warm, sweet fragrances, Lattafa Khamrah Qahwa is one style to explore. Its blend of warming spices, coffee and praline gives it a rich gourmand character.
You can browse more options in our Arabian fragrance collection. If you are still comparing fragrance styles, our article on finding your signature scent has more ideas to help you narrow down what suits you.
Give it time on your skin
A fragrance can smell different after the first spray as its opening notes fade and the rest of the blend develops. If possible, try it on your skin and give it a little time before deciding. A scent strip can be useful for an initial impression, but it cannot tell you exactly how the perfume will wear on you.
Apply perfume to clean, dry skin and avoid rubbing your wrists together. Start lightly, especially if you are wearing the fragrance in warm weather or a close setting.
Find the one that feels right for you
Your first Arabian perfume does not need to be the strongest or most talked-about fragrance. Start with the scent styles you enjoy, think about when you will wear it and give it time to develop.
Explore the Arabian fragrance collection at The Black Label and find a fragrance that feels like you.
