Oud
Bakhoor vs incense sticks: what is the difference
Bakhoor vs incense sticks: how they are made, how they smell, how each is used at home and what safety steps to take with burners and open flames.
Julien Marchand4 min read
All guides
Latest guides
A clear start to oud, musk and amber
Amber
Is amber perfume too sweet: how to pick a dry one
Is amber perfume too sweet? Not always. Here is how to spot a dry amber, what to pair with it and what to try if sweet scents make you wince.
Layla Mansouri2 min read
By occasion
Arabian perfume for a wedding guest: what to wear
What Arabian perfume to wear as a wedding guest: how strong to go, which scent families suit day and night, and how to avoid clashing with others.
Julien Marchand5 min read
Oud
Why does oud smell animal or medicinal sometimes
Why does oud smell animal, barny or medicinal at first? What causes it, whether it fades and how to choose a gentler oud if you dislike it.
Layla Mansouri2 min read
Musk
White musk vs skin musk: which is softer
White musk vs skin musk: how the clean, airy style differs from the warm, close one, how each wears and which suits office, home or evening.
Julien Marchand3 min read
Start here
Start here
Why perfume smells different on different people
Why does perfume smell different on different people? Skin, warmth, diet and your own nose all play a part. Here is what to expect and how to test.
Julien Marchand2 min read
Amber
Amber vs vanilla perfume: how the two differ
Amber vs vanilla perfume: both are warm and sweet, but amber is resinous and golden while vanilla is creamy. See how they wear and which one to try.
Layla Mansouri3 min read
Oud
How to choose your first oud perfume
How to choose your first oud perfume: what to look for on the label, which styles are gentlest, how to test and what mistakes beginners make.
Layla Mansouri5 min read
Start here
How to use perfume sample vials and decants
How to use perfume sample vials and decants: how many wears you get, how to test one scent at a time, and how to store small amounts of Arabian perfume.
Layla Mansouri2 min read