Arabian Perfume Is This Season's Latest Viral Trend

From the fragrant streets of ancient Mesopotamia to the modern influencer-driven platforms of TikTok and Instagram, Arabian perfumes have journeyed through time, captivating souls and senses alike. As the fresh wave of fascination with these opulent fragrances takes over, the world is once again reminded of the enchanting allure of the Middle East.

The recent surge in interest is largely attributable to fragrance influencer Funmi Monet. Her whimsical unboxing-style videos – where she passionately delves into a treasure trove of Middle Eastern fragrances – has reintroduced the magic of Arabian perfumes to the global audience. But as many rush to explore this olfactory trend, the question arises: What exactly is an Arabian perfume and which ones are the best?

The Birthplace of Fragrance

Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq, is believed to be the cradle of wearable fragrances. As centuries passed, the love for perfumes wafted through the Middle East and North Africa. These perfumes, created using indigenous techniques and ingredients, have an allure distinct from their western counterparts.

Decoding the Aroma

A cornerstone of Arabian fragrances is the intoxicating Oud, or agarwood. Harvested from the resinous heartwood of fungus-infected aquilaria trees, the oil can fetch thousands per pound, testament to its rarity and revered status. Oud’s dark, woody notes often find companions in musk, amber, frankincense, and sandalwood, creating symphonies of scents that tantalize and enchant.

Balancing these intense notes, the delicate florals of jasmine and Arabian rose bring an ethereal touch, making these perfumes a sensual dance between the dark and the light.

Thameen London Carved Oud

Top: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Ginger, Cardamom, Pink Pepper

Heart: Turkish Rose, Patchouli, Cinnamon

Base: Amber, Sandalwood, Incense, Vetiver

Angular and sweetly edgy, blending oud with guaiac wood, patchouli and vetiver, Carved Oud changes perceptions of what oud fragrances can be. This woody fragrance is inspired by the ancient Indian ritual requiring sixteen stages of adorning a woman with perfumes and precious jewels to celebrate femininity. The enchanting Oud from the South of India used in this fragrance recreates the olfactive sensation of the precious temples in India.

Available at Selfridges, Harrods and www.thameenfragrance.com

Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan Eau De Parfum

Top: Amber

Middle: Vanilla 

Base: Patchouli

A vegetal amber with an astonishing blend of cistus and vanilla. ⁠ Evoking a fragment of amber resin picked up by Serge Lutens during a wander through the souks of Marrakech, which lay forgotten for years inside a thuja wood box, this perfume marks a return to a focus on the identity and authenticity of unique ingredients.

Available at Serge Lutens.

Fenty Eau de Parfum

Key Notes: Magnolia, Musk, Tangerine, Bulgarian Rose

A deeply intimate fragrance that’s complex, vibrant, raw, spicy and sweet all at once. Magnolia, musk, tangerine and Bulgarian rose create a sensual warm floral. Finished with unexpected touches of vanilla, blueberry, coconut, geranium and patchouli, Fenty Eau de Parfum expresses itself uniquely on each wearer for a one-of-a-kind scent that is all heart and pure soul.

Available at Fenty Beauty and Boots.

Ojar Wood Whisper

Top: Rose, Plum

Heart: Sandalwood, Violet, Cashmere Wood

Base: White Amber, Vanilla, Ambergris, Musk

A unique and mesmerizing signature scent with a subtle balance between woody, sweet and floral notes that will leave its mark. Wood Whisper is a powerful, and mesmerizing sandalwood. Lifted by the plum, it is an original ingredient which adds a sweet touch to the scent. This fragrance is a "whisper of a tree" that tells a traveler about peace and joy, about the happiness of life and the warmth of the sun, about every morning and every evening, about what happened and what will be.

Available at Harrods.

Parfums de Marly Oajan Eau de Parfum

Top: Honey, Cinnamon, Osmanthus

Heart: Amber, Labdanum, Benzoin

Base: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Davana

Inspired by the untamed beauty of Arabian horses, Oajan speaks of the finest leather and warm gold tones. Vanilla, tonka bean and patchouli round off top notes of honey and cinnamon in an exhilarating olfactory journey that encapsulates unbridled freedom.

Available at Parfums de Marley boutique and Harrods.

Jo Loves Ebony & Cassis a Fragrance Parfum

Key notes: Cedarwood, Blackcurrent, Dates

The opulent and rich Ebony & Cassis, inspired by Jo’s travels to the Middle East. Combining the sharp sweetness of perfectly ripened Blackberries and Cassis with the warmth and depth of rich Nutmeg, Myrrh and Dates. The distilled absolute of the Blackcurrant Buds provides a fruity lightness which is enveloped by warming Patchouli and Cedarwood.

Available at Jo Loves.