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With Eid al-Adha just just days away, we’re getting ready for all things Eid. And what better way to celebrate than with a scent inspired by the Middle East and its unique and exotic notes? Yes, we’re talking all things Eid perfumes. As Amna Sultan Al Habtoor, Founder of Arcadia, tells us, “Scents play a big role in Arab cultures and traditions, especially during celebrations like Eid. In the build-up to Eid, we usually shop for new clothes, jewellery, shoes, and of course fragrance in its different forms. Something important to note is that we try to refrain, as much as possible, from wearing perfumes during the Holy Month. So, as you can imagine, come Eid, we layer many fragrances as we prepare for the celebration!”.
From opulent orientals to rich ouds and decadent florals, these are the best Eid perfumes to shop right now.
GUERLAIN
When it comes to Eid perfumes, oud is probably the first note that comes to mind. Which is just one of the reasons why Guerlain’s Cherry Oud’ is one of our all-time favourite Eid fragrances. Black oud wood, known for its potent depth, intertwines with lacquered red cherries for a surprising olfactory twist. At the heart lies a luxurious bouquet of roses: honeyed Turkish rose and a touch of delicate Bulgarian essence. Hints of leather accord and cinnamon weave through the fragrance, grounding it and adding a touch of mystery
Diptyque
Diptyque’s fragrances have always been passports to exotic destinations, and Eau Rihla (Arabic for “journey”), is no exception. Inspired by the legendary travels of Ibn Battuta, perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin created a unique fragrance that evolves like a journey itself. The scent opens with a surprising, sweet touch of raspberry before unveiling a luxurious leather note, reminiscent of well-worn luggage. Spices from bustling bazaars – pink peppercorn, saffron and vanilla – mingle with the earthy depth of Atlas woods and a hint of iris. In a nutshell? It’s as captivating and mysterious as the lands it evokes.
Hermès
Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel has made no secret of her love of the Middle East, so it’s hardly surprising that oud and its unexpected qualities inspired her latest Hermessence creation. During her travels in the region, she encountered an extraordinary oud, which awakened a memory of smelling the neck of a chestnut horse that held a special place in her heart. This intimate moment led to the creation of Oud Alezan, which blends enveloping oud with contrasting roses for a subtle yet majestic scent.
LOUIS VUITTON
Inspired by a lush oasis rising from the desert, this petal-packed perfume pays olfactory homage to three of the region’s most precious flowers – rose, orange blossom, and jasmine. Using oud to bring depth and richness to a honeyed blend of flowers, there’s also a hint of cinnamon and musky ambrette seed to add a woody, spicy warmth to its blooming bouquet.
TOM FORD
From one desert to another, Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather blends amber, jasmine sambac, leather, patchouli, and cardamom to evoke the wild, open space of rolling dunes. As Mr. Ford himself says, “Ombré Leather is a deeply textural scent that imprints you with a tactile sensuality. It makes one feel different, beautiful, and desired”. Enough said.
LOUBOUTIN
From its rich red bottle topped with a royal falcon and crescent moon to its intoxicating blend of exotic notes (fig milk, papyrus, and cedarwood included), this powerful woody fragrance couldn’t be more perfect for a celebration, making it one of the best Eid perfumes money can buy.
ARCADIA
A fragrant love letter to the UAE, Arcadia’s Edition 3 collection is all about founder Amna Al Habtoor’s love and gratitude for the country she calls home. So, if you’re after the perfect Eid perfume, look no further. With its amber base and notes of pear, musk, woods, and white florals, Eternal is for those who have come and gone but will always remain in her heart.
KILIAN
Every year Kilian Hennessy cherry-picks one of his perfumes and gives it a limited-edition twist. For 2023, he chose Love, don’t be shy – a scent that celebrates the traditions and heritage of the Middle East. Focusing on oud oil, the special blend uses Moroccan orange blossom absolute, rose oil, and a mix of spices and resins to enhance the richness and diversity of one of the region’s most precious materials.
SERGE LUTENS
When it comes to describing Tarab, a scent inspired by movement and freedom, who better to explain than Serge Lutens himself? “Lifting off the ground, it sets off a blissful trance, through which the music takes flight and the body gets lost in dance. In Arabic, this state of delicate rapture and heightened senses is called “Tarab”. Expressed in two notes, its essence is musical.” This evocative feeling is transformed into a fragrance thanks to sensual notes of Turkish rose, Cambodian oud and cypriol.
Moresque
Moresque’s mesmerising perfume captures the essence of the enchanting Scirocco winds that blow across the sands of the Sahara, bringing a touch of the Orient to the Mediterranean. A single spritz transports you to sun-kissed shores, where vibrant citrus notes dance with delicate floral undertones, creating a symphony of sensations that awaken the senses. As the fragrance settles, the warmth of amber and the sensuality of musk embrace you, leaving an intoxicating trail that lingers in the air long after you’ve passed.
