Fresh perfumes

Dubai is rarely associated with fresh perfumes, and yet Gulf houses produce many of them: the climate demands it. Citrus (bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin), aromatic notes (lavender, mint, rosemary, basil) and marine or aquatic accords make up lively openings, set on bases that remain oriental, ambroxan, musk, cedar, and that hold much better than an eau de Cologne.

This page gathers the eaux de parfum with a clearly fresh top, for men, for women and unisex.

Three families of freshness

• Citrus — pure citrus: Maharjan Silver, Rise & Shine. Bright but brief on top, they rely on their base to last.
• Aromatic — lavender, mint, herbs: Ramz Silver, Pisa, Musamam. The classic masculine "fougère" register.
• Aquatic and marine — cucumber, salt, calone: Khamrah Waha takes the Khamrah world into an oasis version.

Fresh does not mean weak

The difference between an oriental fresh scent and a European one is in the base. Fakhar Platin or Exposé Blanc open with bergamot and lavender but end on ambroxan and woods, so they last where a Cologne fades quickly. If wear matters to you, check that the base mentions ambroxan, musk or a wood.

How to wear it

Three sprays are acceptable here, as fresh top notes evaporate quickly. Summer, mid-season, office, sport: this is the everyday family. In winter, these perfumes can seem thin; layer them over a pocket musk to give them body.

To go further

Dry woody perfumes extend this register, musky perfumes share its cleanness, and fruity perfumes bring the tang. The whole selection is in Dubai perfume.