Fragrance & Bakhoor

The full fragrance department: bakhoor and oud, burners, attars and perfumes.

Fragrance, bakhoor and oud

Fragrance in a Muslim home usually works on two levels: what you wear, and what the house smells like when someone walks in. Attars and perfumes cover the first, and bakhoor, oud chips and the burners that heat them cover the second, which is why they are stocked together here rather than split across a beauty aisle and a homeware one.

The department runs from inexpensive everyday blends through to premium collections and large decorative burners. If you are starting out, a modest blend with a simple burner tells you far more about what you like than reading descriptions will.

Questions and answers

What is in the fragrance department?
It covers bakhoor and oud chips, the burners used to heat them, and attars and perfumes worn on the skin. Charcoal and accessories sit alongside them, so a full setup can be bought in one go.
What is the difference between attar and perfume?
An attar is a concentrated oil applied directly to the skin, traditionally alcohol free and worn in very small amounts. A perfume is usually alcohol based and sprayed, which makes it more volatile and shorter lived on the skin.
Are your attars alcohol free?
Attars are oil based by definition, and whether a particular bottle contains alcohol is listed on its product page. If it matters to you, check the ingredients before ordering rather than assuming from the category.
How do I apply attar?
A small amount on the pulse points, at the wrist and behind the ears, is enough, since attars are far more concentrated than a sprayed perfume. Rubbing it in hard tends to flatten the scent rather than spread it.
Should I buy fragrance for the home or for the body?
They serve different purposes and most households end up with both. Bakhoor scents a room and clothing for hours, while an attar or perfume stays with the person wearing it.
How long do attars last on the skin?
Oil based attars generally last longer than sprayed perfumes because they do not evaporate as quickly, often through most of a day. Longevity varies by blend and by skin, so it differs between people.
How should I store fragrance?
Keep bottles sealed and out of direct sunlight and heat, which is what degrades the oils fastest. A cupboard rather than a windowsill is the simple rule for both attars and bakhoor.
Which brands of fragrance do you stock?
The range spans several brands rather than one house, including Amaani for bakhoor alongside established perfume houses. Stocking them together is what lets you compare price against strength directly.
What is a good fragrance gift?
A bakhoor blend with a burner is the most reliable, because it suits any home and needs no knowledge of personal taste. An attar is more personal, so it is a better gift for someone whose preferences you already know.
Can I smell the fragrances in store?
Yes, and it is the department where that matters most, since descriptions only go so far. Cii Stores is a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and you can also order online for delivery across South Africa.
What does fragrance cost here?
The department starts from around R30 for charcoal and small items and runs to roughly R2,199 for premium blends and large burners. Most everyday blends and attars sit well below that.
How much is delivery and how long does it take?
Standard shipping is R160 and orders are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Delivery is free on orders over R1000.
Can I return a fragrance item?
Burners and accessories can be returned within 7 days unused and in their original packaging. Opened bakhoor, attars and perfumes cannot be returned for hygiene reasons, and sale items are non refundable.