Fragrances

Attars, oud oils and oriental perfumes, worn on the skin rather than burned.

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Attars and perfumes

This is the wearable half of fragrance: concentrated oil attars applied straight to the skin, and sprayed perfumes in the oriental style built around oud, amber, musk and rose. Attars are traditionally alcohol free, which is why they remain the preferred choice for many, and a very small amount goes a long way.

The range spans inexpensive everyday roll ons through to established perfume houses, so there is a wide gap between the ends of it. If you are buying blind, a smaller bottle of something new is a better test than committing to a large one.

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Questions and answers

What is an attar?
An attar is a concentrated perfume oil applied directly to the skin, traditionally without alcohol. It is worn in very small amounts and is usually longer lasting than a sprayed perfume.
Are attars alcohol free?
Attars are oil based rather than alcohol based, which is the reason many people prefer them. Where a product is a sprayed perfume rather than an attar, that is stated on its page.
How much attar should I use?
A dab on the wrists and behind the ears is enough, since the oil is far more concentrated than a spray. Applying more tends to overwhelm rather than last longer.
What do oriental perfumes smell like?
They are generally built on warm bases such as oud, amber, musk and rose, giving a richer and heavier profile than fresh western style scents. Individual notes are described per product.
Which brands of perfume do you stock?
The range includes established houses such as Ajmal alongside independent and house blends. The brand is given on each product page.
How long do these fragrances last?
Oil attars typically last through most of a day, while sprayed perfumes fade faster. Longevity also depends on skin and on how much is applied.
Can I wear attar during ihram?
Applying perfume is restricted while in the state of ihram, so scented products are set aside for that period. Unscented alternatives are stocked in the Hajj and Umrah range.
How should I store perfume and attar?
Keep bottles closed, upright and away from sunlight and heat, which is what breaks the oils down. A drawer or cupboard is better than a bathroom shelf.
Which attar should I buy as a gift?
A well known name in a boxed presentation is the safest choice when you do not know someone's taste well. A smaller bottle of something distinctive beats a large bottle of something generic.
Can I try the fragrances in store?
Yes, and scent is the one thing that genuinely cannot be judged online. Cii Stores is a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and you can also order for delivery across South Africa.
How much do attars and perfumes cost?
The range starts from around R35 for small roll on attars and runs to roughly R2,800 for premium bottles. Most everyday attars sit at the lower end.
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 perfume or attar?
Unopened fragrance in its original sealed packaging can be returned within 7 days. Opened bottles cannot be returned for hygiene reasons, and sale items are non refundable.