Perfumes and fragrances have been around for ages; nowadays they are not just items of luxury anymore; instead, they are at the forefront of fashion, glamour, and style. Men and women around the globe have specific preferences when it comes to the selection of these perfumes based on their preferences. Various families of perfumes are popular, but the most important of them all is considered the oriental perfume family. These scents are popular due to their rich history.
In this blog, you will learn the brief history of oriental fragrances and get an answer to the question, “Which is the best oriental women’s perfume?” and the selection of these perfumes for your special occasions.
What are Oriental perfumes?
Exotic scents that generally represent the flavor of the East are commonly known as oriental perfumes. So how do they represent the east? Well, it is simply because they are said to have originated in the east, Saudi Arabia to be precise. These scents are generally derived from sandalwood, patchouli leaves, vetiver roots, spice resins and balms, vanilla, amber, etc.
They are also called amber notes, a less stereotypical term, generally characterized by their leathery, woody, sweet, and spicy scents.
History of Oriental Perfumes
The history of oriental perfumes goes way back to ancient times. Below is an overview of how these perfumes have evolved over the years.
The history of Oriental perfumes is as rich and complex as the fragrances themselves.
- Ancient Beginnings
The first known use of oriental perfumes dates back to the ancient kingdoms of Mesopotamia and Egypt. They were highly advanced civilizations with deep spiritual beliefs, so they employed the use of aromatic substances in their religious rituals and everyday life. Egyptians in general are known to have created fragrances by using a mix of resins, spices, and flowers by infusing them into oils and balms.
Myrrh, frankincense, and kykeon (a fragrant brew) were among the popular ingredients. They played an important part in embalming practices, which shows their significance.
- Ancient India
In ancient India, most of the fragrances were known as “attar or “ittar,” and they were generally made from flower extracts and essential oils. These scented oils were then used in personal grooming and religious practices.
- Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the rise of Islamic civilization was prevalent. Muslim scholars developed various advanced scientific techniques, such as distillation, which further played a huge role in extracting essential oils from plants.
The Silk Road and major trade routes, along with the spread of the Muslim empire, played a major role in the spread of these perfumes across continents. The introduction of oriental perfumes to Europe came through these routes, which eventually led to the blending of Eastern and Western fragrance traditions.
- British Rule and Colonialism
During the 1700s, Britain ruled over more than half of the world. With the rise of colonialism, the Europeans learned of various cultural practices. This was the time when oriental perfumes started to pique their interest because of the exoticism associated with these fragrances and the rise of the perfume industry in Europe.
Fragrance houses in Europe started to incorporate these oriental notes into their scents, leading to the creation of what today is known as “oriental” or Eastern styles of fragrances. These fragrances naturally include exotic ingredients such as vanilla, amber, musk, and various spices.
- Contemporary Trends
Nowadays, oriental perfumes are characterized by their warm, spicy, and exotic qualities. They consist of blends of spices, woods, and resins along with rich floral and sweeter notes, giving them the qualities they have.
Because of their uniqueness and elegance, oriental perfumes have grown rapidly and have become commonplace. There are various best oriental perfumes for women globally popular. This is why most of the perfumers continue to take advantage of these scents to innovate new fragrances.
The history of oriental perfumes is a story that reflects cultural phenomena, scientific advancement, and artistic richness.
Important Ingredients of the Oriental Perfumes
Oriental perfumes are the ones that are generally made from the species and woods, but what are the major ingredients and what are the notes they impart? Here are a few:
- Popular Eastern spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are a few common spices that are used in the manufacturing of these oriental perfumes. They add a touch of sweetness, warmth, and depth.
- Frankincense, myrrh, and other resins are obtained from the bark of the trees. These resins add a sweet and smoky note.
- Vanilla, along with amber, is one of the key components of oriental fragrances; they add a warm, sweet, and powdery essence.
- Some woods such as sandalwood, cedarwood, and oud are among the popular ingredients in the manufacturing of oriental perfumes.
Popular oriental women’s perfume
Following are five of the most well-known oriental women’s perfumes produced by Atlantic for women in detail:
Atlantic Indigo
As one of the delightful oriental perfumes, Indigo by Atlantic not only leaves a lasting aroma but also creates a wonderful first impression. The perfume consists of top notes such as passion fruit, peach, raspberries, and black currant. Heart notes include lily of the valley and pear, and the base notes are a mixture of basic oriental fragrances such as amber, vanilla, patchouli, heliotrope, and white musk.
Mid Summer Night
A classic oriental perfume from Atlantic has remained one of the best oriental perfumes for women. The fragrance opens with Amyris, Sandalwood, and Neroli top notes, evolving into Agar Wood, patchouli, and Gurjun balm and finally drying down into vanilla, white musk, and amber base. It is an intense, exotic fragrance with a rather vintage feel but just perfect for those in love with classic scents. Its iconic status and heady, lush blend of oriental notes make it an eternal selection for ladies desiring a potent, individualistic fragrance.
Hazel
Hazel from Atlantic is often considered one of the premier oriental women’s perfumes. As its name shows, the perfume is a stylish combination of passion fruits. It opens fresh, with notes such as sparkling bergamot, zesty mandarin, and cardamom. Segues into a floral heart of saffron and Bulgarian rose. Eventually, it resolves into a base that is warm amber and smooth sandalwood. The result is a warm, sensual, romantic fragrance. The perfume is made of all the good elements, and there are no harmful chemicals used in its production. It is also considered a top oriental perfume when it comes to lastingness.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a modern concept of the oriental fragrance genre from the Atlantic, marrying gourmand aspects with traditional oriental ingredients. This perfume explodes in bergamon, mandarin, and cardamon as top notes, opens a heart full of saffron and bulgar rose, and finally settles on a warm base made up of Cirpoil, Amber, Sandal, Patchouli, and Musk. It’s sweet, dark, and elegant. The sweet and spicy elements combined give way to a modern scent that’s playful yet very alluring. Thus, over the years it has become a popular choice as an oriental women’s perfume.
Twilight
Twilight by Atlantic is a daring, intoxicating oriental fragrance. Sharp citrusy bergamot and blackberry lead the scent and soften into a heart of woody cypress, Bulgarian rose, and vetiver. The base notes consist of amber and Indian patchouli, adding warmth and depth to the fragrance. It is a perfume that makes a statement along with a mysterious touch of love and delight.
These are the best oriental perfumes for women, not only for reasons that they never run out of fashion but also because they can evoke emotions and leave a mark. Each has a different take on the oriental fragrance family to offer variations based on taste and occasion. This is a testament to the enduring allure of exotic and complex scents.
Selection
Perfumes are considered a popular gift, especially among couples. Many men actively search for the best oriental women’s perfume and have no idea how to select an ideal one for their partner. Here are a few steps that one should follow while selecting an oriental scent for women:
- Understanding the fragrance families plays an important role in the selection process of a perfume.
- While selecting the best perfume, pick the ones that remind you of that person. It shows how much you know about your partner and builds a lasting relationship!
- Knowing about the person, their likes and dislikes, is a key consideration of the selection process.
By following these steps, you will be able to pick from the best oriental perfumes for women.
To Sum Up
Throughout the years, oriental perfumes have managed to mesmerize men and women alike and have remained one of the top choices. The natural essence of the ingredients of these perfumes is the reason why they are regarded as the best oriental perfumes for men and women.