Arabic Perfumes vs. French Perfumes – Which One Suits You Best ?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a perfume shelf wondering whether you’re more of an oud-rich, bold aroma person or a light floral and citrusy dreamer, you’re not alone. Choosing between Arabic perfumes and French perfumes is kind of like choosing between classic espresso and a creamy latte; both are amazing, just very different.
At Fahaliyas, we’ve had the pleasure of working with both styles of scent. And honestly? We love them equally but for very different reasons. If you’re wondering which style suits you best, this blog breaks down the key differences between Arabic fragrances and French fragrances and helps you figure out your signature scent vibe.
What are Arabic Perfumes ?
There’s something regal about good Arabic fragrances. It doesn’t just sit on the skin it wraps around you like a second layer. These perfumes often feature:
● Oud (agarwood) – the star of Arabic perfumery, with a smoky, woody scent
● Amber & Musk – warm, resinous, and slightly sweet
● Spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon – for depth and complexity
● Floral notes like rose and jasmine – used boldly, not delicately
Wearing an Arabic perfume feels like stepping into a story. It’s powerful, luxurious, and designed to make a statement. If you want something long-lasting that people will definitely notice, Arabic perfumes are the way to go.
What Are French Perfumes ?
On the flip side, French perfumes are all about the art of subtlety. You’re less likely to be hit with intensity and more likely to notice the delicate progression of notes over time, top, heart, and base creating a scent that evolves beautifully throughout the day.
Expect ingredients like:
● Citrus (bergamot, orange blossom, lemon) – clean and refreshing
● Soft florals (jasmine, peony, lily) – feminine and graceful
● Powdery and musky notes – for a smooth, velvety finish
● Sweet touches (vanilla, tonka bean) – soft, never overpowering
If you want a scent that feels romantic, clean, or gently luxurious, French fragrances are your go-to.
What’s the Difference ?
Think of Arabic perfumes as bold, confident, and deeply traditional. These scents are rich, long-lasting, and made with powerful ingredients like oud, amber, musk, and rose. They’re often oil-based (hello, no alcohol!) and can linger for hours even days on your clothes.
French perfumes, on the other hand, are all about subtle sophistication. You’ll find notes like lavender, bergamot, vanilla, and jasmine carefully blended into airy, layered compositions. French fragrances are more likely to come in spray form and feel soft, romantic, and “effortlessly chic.”
So if Arabic perfumes are a strong handshake, French perfumes are a gentle kiss on the cheek. Both leave a mark just in totally different ways.
Which One’s Right for You? Let’s Play Matchmaker
Still not sure where you land? Let’s break it down.
If you’re someone who loves bold, dramatic scents that make a strong first impression, Arabic perfumes might be your perfect match. They’re made for people who want their fragrance to last all day (and sometimes into the next), with rich notes like oud, musk, and spice. These perfumes are warm, deep, and unapologetically powerful. If you like turning heads when you walk into a room or prefer oil-based, alcohol-free options, Arabic fragrances are definitely worth exploring.
On the flip side, French perfumes are ideal if you’re into lighter, airier scents with a romantic touch. These are perfect for those who prefer floral, citrusy, or slightly sweet fragrances that feel soft and elegant. French scents are great for daily wear, easy to layer, and ideal if you enjoy switching things up with your mood. If you love perfumes that feel effortless and refined and you prefer spray formats with a gentle dry-down French perfumes will feel like home.
Whichever side you lean toward, there’s no wrong answer, it's all about what makes you feel you.
Our Crowd’s Favorites from Both Worlds
Since we’ve got love for both, we’ve created perfumes that highlight the best of each style.
Arabic-Inspired Favorite: Amwaj
Amwaj is bold, masculine, and effortlessly balanced, a perfect pick for those who like their fragrance with depth and confidence. Amwaj opens with a fresh burst of tomato leaf, freesia, and rose, giving it an aromatic edge. As it settles, rich middle notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and cedar add a grounded elegance. The base? A warm, lingering blend of leather, agarwood (oud), musk, oakmoss, and amber that feels luxurious and makes the fragrance long-lasting. 
French Favorite: Majesty
Majesty is warm, bold, and beautifully spiced. Think amber, wood, vanilla, and just the right hint of mystery. It’s one of our most powerful French perfumes and a must-have if you want to feel like royalty with every spritz
Can You Wear Both? Absolutely.
There’s no rule saying you have to pick a side. We have customers who wear Arabic perfumes for nights out and French perfumes during the day or mix and match depending on their mood. Some even layer both for a custom scent that’s uniquely theirs (pro tip: Amwaj + a dab of Majesty = dreamy).
Final Words
Fragrance is personal. It’s not about trends or rules, it's about what makes you feel good. If you’re drawn to the rich depth of Arabic perfumes or the soft charm of French fragrances, what matters most is that it suits your personality and makes you feel like your best self.
At Fahaliyas, we’re proud to offer a variety of both handcrafted, long-lasting, and designed to bring out your inner glow, whether you like things bold or beautifully subtle.
So... which one are you wearing today?
