Attars are oil-based fragrances derived from plant materials that are used as perfumes, aromatherapy aids, and as part of religious ceremonies and offerings in some regions. Traditionally made attars are widely available in boutique stores and online. Below is some guidance on what scents to look out for based on your age, style, personality, and environmental factors that may influence your choices.
Choosing an Attar Based on Your Age:
While there are no hard-and-fast age limits on scent, generally speaking, younger people prefer lighter floral or citrusy fragrances. In contrast, more mature women and men prefer richer, woodier scents. Those in their twenties and thirties might like to explore soft, light, sweet, and charismatic fragrances. Good floral options for this profile include jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, and orange blossom. These scents can be enhanced or enriched with subtly spicy notes like vanilla, cinnamon or musk attar. Spicy, woody notes are popular with people beyond their thirties – bolder fragrances like amber, sandalwood, and cedar are popular choices and have calming, earthy tones. For people in their middle age and beyond – there are no rules! You might opt for sophisticated, full-bodied scents like oud, frankincense, amber, or pure musk attar. Or perhaps you might prefer timeless and luxurious scents like lilac, lily, or gardenia.
Choosing an attar based on your personality/ lifestyle:
For the active and free-spirited personality: Aquatic scents evoke fresh, natural, and energetic feelings. These fragrances can be blends of woody, floral, and citrus profiles. Ginger, bergamot and cedar are great options for this fragrance profile.
For the soft and warm personality: Floral scents that are soft and subtle may be your pick. Sweet and romantic rose and jasmine are longstanding favorites for this profile, but there are many options. Lily of the valley is subtle, while lilac is bold – both offering unique floral notes to match your personality. For more unique profiles you could try honeysuckle and lotus, which each provide unique and uplifting floral notes.
For the powerful personality: Stronger fragrances with real character might be just what you’re looking for. Oriental scents like vanilla and amber will suit a compelling personality and can be layered with spicy notes of cinnamon or earthy musk attar. Pure musk attar can also be blended with a complimentary woody fragrance like sandalwood or cedar for a rich and mysterious result.
For the earthy nature-lover personality: Woody, earthy tones will echo your peaceful, calm and grounded personality. Patchouli is a rich and woody fragrance that is warm and sweet – perfect for the bohemian spirit. A tobacco fragrance is rich and full-bodied with smoky and spicy overtones. Vetiver will make the wearer feel at one with nature, with deep earthy overtones and fresh grassy undertones.
For the energetic go-getter personality: For those who are always one step ahead and ready for anything, choose a bright and fresh fragrance to match your energy. Fresh and aromatic scents like sage and basil are invigorating and can be blended with mint and fern for an energizing smell and feel.
Choosing a fragrance based on the season:
Spring attars: Light and floral fragrances work well in spring, welcoming warmer weather and fresh starts. Cherry blossom, peony, and orchid are the perfect subtle scents to try out in spring, matching the emerging natural beauty of the season.
Summer attars: Warmer weather calls for fresh and revitalizing fragrances. Citrusy notes are energetic and refreshing—bergamot and blood orange are sweet and zesty summer scents. Invigorating fragrances help us feel fresh throughout the day. Green tea and lavender are great options for an always-fresh feeling. Many people opt for aquatic fragrances to evoke feelings of being close to the ocean.
Fall attars: This is the season for warm, spicy, and woody fragrances. Cooler weather and shorter days call for cozy scents that are full of character. Vanilla, musk, and sandalwood are favorite choices for this beautiful season. Winter attars: This is the season for comfort and indulgence. Rich, full-bodied fragrances with comforting tones work best in winter. Cinnamon, amber, and musk are warm and comforting and evoke warm cheerfulness. For those with a flair for the festive season and sweeter tastes, scents like honey, caramel, and cocoa will make you smell charming and sweet.