Perfume Glossary (A–Z Guide) | DOS Collection

Complete Fragrance Terminology for Oud, Bakhoor & Luxury Perfumes

Welcome to the DOS Collection Glossary, your complete A–Z guide to understanding perfume terms, oud fragrances, bakhoor, and long-lasting Arabic perfumes. 

1.

Attar

A traditional alcohol-free perfume oil made from natural extracts like flowers, herbs, and woods. Widely used in Middle Eastern perfumes, attars are known for their strong projection and long-lasting scent.

2.

Bakhoor

Fragrant wood chips soaked in essential oils and oud, burned using a bakhoor burner to produce aromatic smoke for homes and الملابس

3.

Concentration

Indicates the amount of perfume oil in a fragrance, affecting its strength and longevity. Fresh and uplifting scents like lemon, bergamot, and orange, usually found in top notes

4.

Dry Down

The final stage of a perfume after the top and middle notes fade, revealing the true long-lasting scent profile. The ability of a fragrance to spread in the air, similar to sillage.

5.

Essential Oils

Natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants, forming the core of perfume compositions.

6.

Fragrance Notes

The layers of scent including top, middle (heart), and base notes.

7.

Gourmand

A fragrance category with sweet, edible-like scents such as vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.

8.

Heart Notes

Also known as middle notes, these form the main body of the fragrance after top notes fade

9.

Intensity

Refers to how strong or powerful a perfume smells when applied.

10.

Jasmine

A popular floral note used in many luxury and Arabic perfumes for a rich, sweet aroma.

11.

Khus (Vetiver)

An earthy, woody note commonly used in long-lasting perfumes and attars.

12.

Long-Lasting Perfume

Fragrances designed to stay for 8–24 hours, often rich in oud, amber, and musk.

13.

Musk

A deep, warm, and sensual note widely used in men’s and women’s fragrances.

14.

Niche Perfume

High-quality, unique fragrances made with premium ingredients like pure oud and rare oils.

15.

Oud (Agarwood)

A luxurious and rare ingredient derived from resinous wood. Common in Arabic perfumes and bakhoor, known for its deep, woody, smoky scent.

16.

Perfume (Parfum)

The highest concentration of fragrance oils, offering maximum longevity and projection.

17.

Quality Oils

High-grade natural or synthetic oils used to create premium long-lasting perfumes

18.

Resin

Sticky substances like amber and frankincense used in perfumes for depth and warmth.

19.

Sillage

Warm and sharp notes like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, often found in Arabic fragrances.

20.

Top Notes

The first impression of a fragrance, usually light and fresh.

21.

Unisex Perfume

Fragrances designed for both men and women, often balanced with woody and musky notes.

22.

Vanilla

A sweet and creamy note used in gourmand and oriental perfumes.

23.

Woody Notes

Derived from woods like sandalwood, cedarwood, and oud, giving a rich and earthy scent.

24.

Zesty Notes

A floral note with a sweet and slightly fruity aroma used in luxury perfumes.