Secret of the Desert, Queen Nefertiti and King Ramses II are some of the alluring essential blends offered by Egyptian perfume shops
People who visit Egypt talk about the Pyramids, the Sound and Light Show, the Nile River or the Red Sea. But they are not letting in on a secret – Egypt’s sensuous history still shows through its perfume.
Perfume is the powerful aphrodisiac that can lift one’s spirits in an instant. The movie Perfume: A Story of a Murderer, adapted from Patrick Süskind’s book, shows the unexplainable force of nature that is smell. Visitors to Egypt who have arranged an Egyptian guide will be invited to a perfume factory, where they can experience olfactory experiences like never before.
First upon entering an Egyptian perfumery, the guest will be handed a shopping list. This is common practice in Egypt, and makes it easier to take down notes while the guide in the perfumery explains their wares. Then the guest is offered a drink. It is good to accept the offer graciously, and choose from Egyptian favourite teas like mint tea, hibiscus tea (kerkadeh) and aniseed tea (anis).
Sometimes guests have a chance to see how glass is blown to make exquisite perfume bottles, in all shapes and colours, ranging from emerald greens and royal purples to light yellows and pretty pinks. Such perfume bottles can be found all over Egypt, such as the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar and hotel shops, and can cost from LE10 to LE300, depending on the quality and size of bottle.
The perfume factory guide invites the guest to sit down and begins explaining the list of aromas. He usually begins with the single natural oils such as their famous lotus flower, papyrus or jasmine oil, the first two being the national flowers of Upper and Lower Egypt. Jars of oil are passed around, and the guest is encouraged to put a drop on a small area of the arm, rub it and smell it. As all these oils are 100% natural oils without alcohol to dilute them, they are fresh, strong and not at all cloying.
Then the guide goes through a list of aromatherapy oils that have medicinal qualities. An oil like mint only requires two drops in hot water to clear a stuffy nose! Oils like sandalwood are so strong they require a carrier oil like eucalyptus before application.
Finally, the guide takes the guest through the list of essence blends, explaining that though most blends are branded in the West and take on names like Tresor and Poison, they are actually very similar to what can be bought in an Egyptian perfumery. It can take from 5 to 25 flowers to make one such blend. Here are some examples of single oils, aromatherapy oils and blends offered in a typical Egyptian perfume factory:
Lotus Flower - national flower of Upper Egypt, it is a deliciously comforting scent. In Ancient Egypt three drops were used around the face, one behind each ear and the third on the forehead. The first drop means love, the second happiness, and the third immortality.
Papyrus - better for men as it is a light cologne
Jasmine - a commonly used scent that is feminine and seductive
Mint - aromatherapy oil great for clearing colds
Black Cumin - aromatherapy oil that aids digestion
Aloe Vera - aromatherapy oil for smooth and young-looking complexion
Lettuce - aromatherapy oil useful for weight loss
Ramses II - blend for men that is heavy and seductive, great for evenings
Secret of the Desert - blend for women that is sweet and great for evenings; Egyptians swear by it!
According to the perfume guide, it can take hundreds of flowers to create a few drops of essential oil, which explains their high cost. At an Egyptian perfumery in Luxor, prices can range from LE150 for 25ml to LE300 for 100ml, whereas a pricier perfumery in Cairo may sell 75ml bottles at LE300, giving a free bottle with every four bottles purchased.
Do not balk at the prices, because Egyptian perfume oils are not exported and therefore rare to own. Whether the accompanying guide gets commission from the sale is not the point. The point is that many a visitor who returns home with Egyptian perfumes will find that they smell more exotic than everyone else around who buys mass-produced scents off the shelves. And the oils certainly last longer.
The copyright of the article Egypt Perfume Factory with its Exotic Scents in Perfume is owned by Lynette S.K. Webster. Permission to republish Egypt Perfume Factory with its Exotic Scents in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
We were a group of 5 and purchased an assortment of perfumes for both men
and women, as well we purchased a bottle of mint essence with a burner to
infuse it's aroma into the air. I should say that I am VERY sensitive to
most perfumes and can't be in the same room with them. The Egyptian
essences (perfumes) are very different they cause no such problems. In fact
when my allergies are at their worst and I can't breath, I will light the
mint burner and within a few minutes I begin to clear. Were they expensive?
Without a doubt. Were they worth it? Absolutly, my wife and I have 500ml in
total and would return just to purchase more.
Dec 3, 2008 9:09 PM
Guest :
Hi, fantastic account, happened exactly to me when i was in Cairo!!
Well I bought papyrus, lotus, Arabian Night mix and Eucalyptus and it cost
me $400+ SGD :( but i love the smell. However i wonder are you able to
tell me how to use them?? do i dilute them further in a mist bottle with
carrier oil or water?? or just apply straight?? ONe thing bad is that they
evaporates fast...
Dec 6, 2008 3:30 PM
Lynette S.K. Webster :
According to the perfumists in Egypt, these oils can be applied directly to
skin, just a smidgen, and when rubbed together can produce quite a potent
smell. With strong oils such as Sandalwood, it is best to mix it with a
carrier oil like Eucalyptus before application. Oils at perfumeries are
mixed with alcohol (perfumer's alcohol) to dilute it and increase the
amount for usage. Mixing with water will change the scent significantly.
Dec 26, 2008 4:35 AM
Guest :
We have pure essences without alcohol or any chemicals at all, its natural
essences. How we make it? We harvest flowers two times a year one in
summer and the other in winter. We squeeze the flowers with wooden
machines, we make distillation process, and can use that pure essence with
many different ways. just visit our webiste www.gamalelfayedgroup.com www.ramsesperfumes.com Mohamed
Fayed Marketing Manager
Jan 3, 2009 11:54 PM
Guest :
Thank you Lynette S.K. Webster for your very useful comment regarding the
use of perfumer's alchohol. In fact, I am rather surprised since the
article preceding the comments clearly discusses perfume "oil"
and elaborates on their uniqueness both in fragrance and long lasting
properties -- diluting with alcohol would mean that these perfume
"oils" would contain from 5 to 25% actual oil ..... and,
interestingly, would account for the rapid evaporation express by one of
the commentators. Now I am wondering ... is it possible to buy undiluted
oils? ... thanks for the warning ...
Jan 4, 2009 3:19 AM
Lynette S.K. Webster :
In reply to comment posted Jan 3, 2009 11:54 PM: The oils mentioned in
my article refer to 100% undiluted oils, and they do not evaporate quickly.
As long as the oil is stored properly, its scent does not change and can
last for years. Having re-read the comment left by an earlier guest - 'One
bad thing is that they evaporate fast' - I believe the comment refers to
what happens when the oil is diluted with alcohol. Yes of course it is
possible to buy undiluted oils, this was the thrust of the article, that
Egyptian shops sell essential oils, undiluted scents - I have now left you
a previous comment by a company that sells these oils.
Feb 12, 2009 11:21 AM
Guest :
I have recently returned from Cairo and was taken to one of these perfume
factories. The people were indeed polite and demonstrated the oils as
you've explained. I was seduced into buying the perfume oils which are
incredibly expensive and don't last on the skin more than 4 hours. One
bottle of oil leaked in my suitcase, as the stopper was full of holes so I
would advise people to check the stoppers before the bottles are
wrapped. I do think our guide was also cut in on the deal as the price
we paid was three times higher than posted on their website. But we felt
assured at the time because we were told that the price wass government
controlled. So just be careful and remember that a gram of oil is no
weight at all and you could end up spending a fortune as I did, which sadly
left a nasty taste in my mouth even if I smell nice.
Mar 3, 2009 9:47 AM
Guest :
Hi, I visited also a perfume factory and bought some perfumes from
Cairo. They're great! Unfortunately I missed some of the guide's
explanations because I was sick so I was wondering were anyone of you
explained about the use of the Secret of the Desert. I remember the three
points of the Lotus flower but our guide said something about the Secret of
the Desert also. I just didn't catch that.
Mar 3, 2009 10:08 AM
Lynette S.K. Webster :
In reply to comment posted Mar 3, 2009 9:47 AM: Egypt perfume guides
recommend that the best time to use Secret of the Desert is in the evening,
and Egyptian women put it on pillows, bedsheets, covers, to give their
bedroom a seductive air. Ramses II would be the evening equivalent for men
as both are strong scents.
Mar 20, 2009 11:26 PM
Guest :
Lynette, I went to a perfumery near Giza in 2002 and bought a perfumed oil
called "Arabian Nights" which I was told is the only
scent/mixture not exported to perfume factories around the world for mass
production...blah blah blah, and the shop keep also mentioned something
about Egyptian women loving to wear it (due to its effect on their men).
In your experience, is this Arabian nights the same as "Secret of the
Desert" you mention in your article? I have run out and want to
purchase some more - do you know where I can purchase it on line?
Mar 21, 2009 3:07 AM
Lynette S.K. Webster :
In reply to comment posted Mar 20, 2009 11:26 PM:
According to
the shopping list we were given in Egypt, Arabian Nights and Secret of the
Desert appear to be two different scents. I'm not allowed to recommend
companies or products here. However, I see that an earlier comment left by
an online company seems to sell Arabian Nights (I just checked out their
website: they have both Arabian Nights and Secret of the Desert). I've
never ordered from them therefore I cannot guarantee their products or
services.
May 1, 2009 4:51 PM
Guest :
I purchased various oils from Cairo in July 2008 after much
experimentation. I love them, they are precious and special and have no ill
effects with me...only positive effects. A word of good
warning..."Secret Of The Desert" is definatley an aphrodesiac
scent! Enjoy. Helen of Byron Bay
Jun 13, 2009 1:27 PM
Guest :
Hi Lynette I'll be flying out to Cairo next week. Would you be able to
recommend a perfume factory I can go to? Many thanks
Jun 14, 2009 10:51 AM
Lynette S.K. Webster :
To Guest on Jun 13, 2009 1:27 PM:
I'm not allowed to recommend
shops via Suite101. If you get a guide in Cairo from the hotel or travel
agency, he/she can take you to a good perfume factory, especially if you
are unfamiliar with Cairo's terrain. Alternatively, readers here could
perhaps recommend shops? For questions please contact me directly by using
the 'Contact Me' button on my Lynette S.K. Webster profile.
Jun 29, 2009 11:20 AM
Guest :
I just returned from Egypt a week ago and I purchased perfume in Cairo. I
got a note from the perfume place explaining what I can do with some of the
bottles I bought. Its very hard to read though. And I was therefore
wondering if anyone knows a webpage or can explain how to get the best
ussage out of lavender, mint and sandalwood? I have not used any of
the scents I bought yet, but I am looking forward to start using them.
Especially the secret of dessert...I hope the myth is true :o)
Jul 25, 2009 1:29 PM
Guest :
I was recently in Luxor 8th july 2009 and bought six 50ml bottles of
various essences. The tour guides adviced the bottles of essences were put
in the fridge for 2 days thus enhancing the smell and longevity. On taking
the fragrances out of the fridge, I discovered that 'secrets of the desert,
five secrets and flower of sakkara' essences have reduced somewhat in
strngth of smell, and the secrets of the desert fragance does not smell
like it used to. Have I done myself a disfavour by doing this? The
remaining essences; myrrh( which is absoutely gorgeous)lotus flower and
sandal wood seem to be ok. The lotus flower consistency has changed though
from being quite runny to being quite glupy. Can you advice how I can best
enhance the fragances and why does my skin feel weird when i rub the lotus
flower in my hands. Your comments will be very much appreciated. By the
way I got a good price for the essential oils. £60 for the above plus 6
small bottles and an oil burner. It took some haggling though. Did I get
a good deal?
Aug 24, 2009 12:32 PM
Guest :
Hi ,please can you tell me someone what is the name of parfumery in Cairo?
Oct 22, 2009 3:51 AM
Guest :
we just got back from our holiday in egypt. we bought our perfumes from a
factory right outside the gates leading to the pyramids in giza. the sales
girl there had a french accent and had a very seductive way of explaning
and coaxing people into buying stuff. we got a good deal where in we bought
3 bottles of perfumes and got 1 free...the perfumes were priced USD10 for
10 ml bottle, USD15 for 15ml bottle and so on. She even gave me two glass
bottles for free along with our purchase. cont..
Oct 22, 2009 3:54 AM
Guest :
the perfumes are exellent and they dont give me a headache which i normally
get from strong branded perfumes. they also have perfumes matching the
scent of most of the popular brands in the market. like christian dior,
clinique, escada, channel etc. i got perfumes similar to dune-christian
dior and clinique happy. however, these perfumes dont last very long and
need to be reapplied every couple of hours...other than that they make for
very good buys at less than quater of the cost of branded perfumes...so
dont miss out on these!
Oct 28, 2009 10:31 PM
Guest :
my sister and i purchased essences from al fayed perfumeries on our recent
trip to luxor,egypt. we chose five secrets, secret of the dessert, gardenia
and sandalwood. they came each in 4 oz bottles , cost $198.00 total. what a
bargain but didn't realize it till now, wish we bought two sets. My advice
to anyone who get the chance to go there, buy more... they are worth it .
Mgalang
Nov 8, 2008
