Perfume Blends

egyptian perfume blends

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.