If there is a compliment I always get without fail, it has to be how good I smell. Always, regardless of if I am at the bar, in a restaurant or whatever. The compliments always come. And it did not start the other day. Way back in high school, I used to drink them with Limara and Innocence, even though they were a luxury I never really could afford. Take Innocence for example, costing a whooping 600. If you are a millennial, you know that removing such an amount from your pocket money was sure to leave a huge dent. But I always bought them anyway.
I am almost ashamed to say that when it comes to smelling good, I would rather sleep hungry. I am obsessed with good scents, as my sisters would attest. I also get easily bored with them (perfumes), much to their joy because then they get to carry some every time they visit. (unfortunately for them, I have recently learnt of the art of maceration, and it has been a game changer.)
Now, maybe it is just me, but this economy is not as it used to be a while then. Times are tough and bills are unrelenting. And suddenly, I am not sure spending more than 15,000 on a single perfume is such a good idea. Buying Designer perfumes has not been cutting it anymore. And this is where Arabian fragrances come in. They have been having a moment – and not quietly.
My stumble on Arabian perfumes happened almost four years ago. It was accidental, and I do believe that if it had not happened that way I might never have joined the bandwagon. Reason being I was one of their biggest haters. Smelled too strong and too harsh for my poor nose, is what. Arabian perfumes are known to announce your presence before we even see you. So no, I do not think any of those tiktok or instagram reviews would have swayed me.
Until one day a friend that had visited me left her scarf behind….and the scent on it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever smelt. The fact that It did not have to cost me an arm and a leg – the price was mind blowing – was the reason why two days later it was delivered to my doorstep. If I tell you the number of compliments this perfume has gotten me….ama wacha tu. (I will plug you some good ones I have used below, but this particular one will remain a secret. You know Nairobians and how they behave when they discover something nice lol. The whole city will be smelling the same.)
And so begun my love for Arabian perfumes. From TikTok perfume reviews to real life compliments on the street, Middle Eastern scents have become the new language of luxury. And just in time for Valentine’s, they might also be the one gift you genuinely can’t go wrong with.
The Rise of Arabian Scents: What’s Driving the Obsession?
Arabian perfumery has always existed, but the last couple of years have pushed it firmly into the mainstream. It is not even rocket science on why they seem to be doing so well. Simple answer is that they perform.
Unlike many mass market perfumes that disappear within hours, Arabian fragrances are known for:
- Longevity – they last all day, sometimes into the next. Actually, some of the ones I have used last on clothes even after washing.
- Projection – people notice you before they see you
- Depth – layered notes that evolve on the skin. And this is the thing with most of these Arabian perfumes. For instance, how it will smell in the morning is different with how it might smell at night. And I just love how calmer and beautiful they smell after they have “settled.”
Think oud, amber, musk, saffron, rose, vanilla, incense and spices blended in a way that feels both ancient and modern.
In a world obsessed with “soft life” aesthetics and personal branding, scent has become part of identity, and Arabian perfumes leave a signature.
Unisex, Bold and Personal
Another reason these scents are trending is because they refuse to be boxed in.
Many Arabian fragrances are unisex, making them perfect for couples or anyone tired of overly gendered perfumes. One bottle can smell smoky and powerful on one person, warm and sweet on another. It’s intimate. Personal. And that’s exactly why people are choosing them.
Why Fragrance Is the Ultimate Gift
Even as I am writing this, the song that keeps repeating itself in my mind is valentines is coming, where is your boyfriend…. ohh well. Valentines sure is coming, but always remember that while flowers wilt and chocolates disappear, fragrance? Fragrance stays. There are some perfumes i smell randomly in the streets and memories come rushing back, because perfumes are experiences. Even when the memories are distant, you never forget their scent.
And because a good perfume becomes memory, reminding you of a place, a person or a moment, that’s what makes it one of the most thoughtful Valentine’s gifts you can give.
The reason why fragrance always wins is because you don’t need to guess sizes and it feels luxurious without being impractical
But, most imprtantly, every time they wear it, they think of you.
Arabian scents, in particular, feel intentional. They say: I wanted something special. Something different.
Top 7 Trending Arabian Scents for Women
Arabian fragrances for women are unapologetically sensual. They lean warm, sweet, spicy and rich.
Here are five that are everywhere right now:
1. Lattafa Yara
Vibe: Soft, creamy, feminine
Notes: Vanilla, orchid, musk
Often compared to: Burberry Her / Ariana Grande Cloud
Yara has become a cult favourite for a reason. It’s sweet without being childish, powdery without feeling dated. A perfect everyday scent that still feels romantic and incredibly gift-safe.
2. Lattafa Fakhar Rose
Vibe: Confident, elegant, polished
Notes: Fruits, florals, white musk
Often compared to: Givenchy L’Interdit
This one smells expensive – and ohh don’t we all love that. Clean, floral and assertive, the kind of perfume that fits boardrooms and date nights equally well.
3. Ard Al Zaafaran Dirham Wardi
Vibe: Soft glam, feminine warmth
Notes: Rose, vanilla, sandalwood
Often compared to: Lancôme Idôle
If your Valentine loves rose but hates anything sharp or old school, this is the answer. It’s gentle, modern and deeply comforting.
4. Lattafa Ana Abiyedh Rouge
Vibe: Sweet, seductive, addictive
Notes: Saffron, amber, vanilla
Often compared to: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Yes – that one. This is one of the most talked about Arabian dupes globally, and it delivers warmth, projection and serious compliments.
5. Afnan 9PM Pour Femme
Vibe: Playful but grown
Notes: Fruits, vanilla, white florals
Often compared to: YSL Mon Paris
Perfect for evenings, parties and date nights. Feminine, flirty and long lasting without being overwhelming.
6. Lattafa Angham
Vibe: Elegant, creamy, feminine warmth
Notes: Ginger, Mandarin, Pink Pepper; heart of jasmine, praline and lavender; base of vanilla, amber and musk
Often compared to: Burberry Goddess
Angham has become a favourite for those who love soft, polished florals with a vanilla balanced sweetness. It opens bright and spicy, then settles into a warm vanilla lavender heart that many reviewers say feels very close to Burberry Goddess – sometimes even richer and sweeter without the designer price tag.
7. Lattafa Tharwah Gold
Vibe: Bold floral confidence with sweet warmth
Notes: Lavender, bergamot; heart of orange blossom and jasmine; base of vanilla, amber and vetiver
Often compared to: YSL Libre / Libre Intense-style white florals
Tharwah Gold leans into bright florals and warm sweetness, making it perfect for someone who loves floral sophistication with a little depth. It strikes a balance between citrus lifts and creamy vanilla, and many find it evokes a similar energy to YSL Libre type fragrances. It is bold yet feminine, confident yet approachable.
Top 5 Trending Arabian Scents for Men
Arabian men’s fragrances are bold, commanding and built to last. They project confidence without needing to shout.
1. Lattafa Asad
Vibe: Dark, powerful, masculine
Notes: Vanilla, spices, amber
Often compared to: Dior Sauvage Elixir
This is a beast mode fragrance. Warm, spicy, and intense. It is ideal for nights out and men who like their presence felt.
2. Afnan 9PM
Vibe: Smooth, sweet confidence
Notes: Apple, cinnamon, vanilla
Often compared to: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male
Crowd pleasing and sexy. If you’re buying blind for Valentine’s, this one is almost impossible to miss with.
3. Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
Vibe: Clean, confident, timeless
Notes: Citrus, woods, musk
Often compared to: Creed Aventus
Probably the most famous Arabian dupe in the world. Sharp, masculine and endlessly complimented. (it’s female version is usually compared to Channel mademoiselle, and it is also a fav)
4. Lattafa Qaed Al Fursan
Vibe: Warm, exotic, intriguing
Notes: Pineapple, woods, spices
Often compared to: Paco Rabanne Invictus with a darker twist
Sweet but grounded. Great for men who want something noticeable but not aggressive.
5. Rasasi Hawas for Him
Vibe: Fresh, aquatic, seductive
Notes: Fruits, amber, musk
Often compared to: Invictus / Versace Dylan Blue
Perfect for hot weather, coastal cities and everyday wear. This is especially popular in Mombasa and Nairobi.
For many buyers, it’s no longer about the label. It’s about how the scent performs on skin. And if we are being honest, when it smells this good? Nobody’s asking questions.
Where to Find Authentic Arabian Scents in Kenya
Ever since that first perfume years ago, I have never bought my Arabic perfumes anywhere else. One thing I love about them is that they sell only original scents, complete with QR codes you can scan that will lead you direct to the original store. So yes, no imitations with them. Plus they deliver countrywide, regardless of where you are located. They did after all deliver to my sister all the way to Kijauri and my mom all the way to an interior part of Nyanza.
So if you are looking to explore authentic Arabian perfumes that turn heads and earn compliments (one that tears won’t be streaming down your face as you pay for hehe) Perfume Palace Kenya is a solid plug. You can also reach the seller on phone, +254759328316.
Whether you’re buying for your partner, for yourself, or for both (no judgement), it’s one of those Valentine’s gifts that always lands.
