Frequently asked questions
Dubai perfume
What are Dubai perfumes?
Dubai perfumes come from Arabian perfume brands in the United Arab Emirates, such as Lattafa, Khadlaj, Armaf and Orientica. Their rich scents, built on oud and amber, now sell around the world for far less than European designer brands. Shop Dubai perfumes
Where can I buy Lattafa perfumes in South Africa?
We stock Lattafa online and in our shops in Johannesburg, Kenilworth and Bellville, from Khamrah and Yara to Asad. You can test any bottle in our shops first. Shop Lattafa
What is oud?
Oud is the rich, woody scent of agarwood, a resin that forms inside the Aquilaria tree. It smells deep and smoky with a sweet edge, and Arabian perfumers have used it for centuries. Natural oud oil is rare, so most perfumes recreate its character with an oud accord. Shop oud perfumes
Why are Dubai perfumes cheaper than designer perfumes?
Brands like Khadlaj and Lattafa make and sell perfume under their own names. A designer perfume carries a fashion label's name, and part of its price pays for that licence and its advertising.
Perfume oils and wearing perfume
What is perfume oil, and does it contain alcohol?
Perfume oil is a concentrated fragrance in an oil base, with no alcohol. You roll or dab it onto your skin, and it stays closer to you than a spray. Our sprays (eau de parfum, eau de toilette and body mists) use alcohol to carry the scent. Shop perfume oils
Is perfume oil better than eau de parfum?
They suit different moments. Perfume oil sits close to your skin and suits people who want a scent only they and those near them notice. Eau de parfum carries further and fills more of the room. Both last longer than eau de toilette.
How do I apply perfume oil?
Roll or dab a little onto your wrists, neck and behind your ears. Start with one or two touches, as oils are concentrated, and add more later if you want. Let it settle for a few minutes before you dress.
How do I make my perfume last longer?
Spray it on moisturised skin at your wrists and neck, and let it dry without rubbing. Eau de parfum and perfume oils last longer than lighter concentrations, and base notes such as oud and musk stay on skin the longest.
Our shops, testing and decants
Where can I buy Dubai perfumes near me?
Visit one of our shops to test any perfume before you buy.
- Johannesburg: The Perfume Mall, 105 11th Avenue, cnr Park Drive, Mayfair, Johannesburg.
- Kenilworth: Shop A4, 81 Chichester Rd, Kenilworth, Cape Town.
- Bellville: Shop B8, Access Park, 1 Van Riebeeck Rd, Stikland Industrial, Cape Town.
Can I smell it before buying?
Yes. You can test any perfume in our shops in Johannesburg, Kenilworth and Bellville before you buy, and take home a 5ml, 10ml or 18ml decant to try first.
What is a perfume decant?
A decant is a small bottle filled from a full-size perfume, so you can wear a scent for a few days before you buy the full bottle. Our shops make them in 5ml, 10ml and 18ml.
Authentic perfume
Are Dubai perfumes original?
Yes. A Lattafa or Khadlaj perfume is an original from that brand, with its own name and bottle. We're the sole South African distributor for Khadlaj, Orientica, Mural de Ruitz, La Beauté, Brandy Designs, Al Badar and Ilham, and we buy their perfumes from the brands themselves.
How can I tell if a perfume is original?
Scan the QR code on the box. Many perfume brands now print one on the packaging, and scanning it takes you to the brand's own check, which confirms the bottle is authentic. Check that the box is sealed too. We buy each brand's perfumes from its authorised supplier, so the bottle you get from us is the original.
Ordering and delivery
How long does delivery take?
Most weekday orders placed before 14:00 leave the same day. Delivery across South Africa takes 3–5 working days to major cities and 3–7 working days to outlying areas, and you'll get a tracking number by email when your order ships.
How much is delivery?
Delivery is free on orders over R1,000 in South Africa. For smaller orders, delivery starts from R70, and checkout shows the fee for your address. To pay less, choose a Pudo locker at checkout and collect your parcel from a locker near you.
Can I collect my order from a shop?
Yes. Choose collection at checkout and pick the shop that suits you. We'll let you know when your order is ready.
Can I pay later?
Yes. Choose PayJustNow, Payflex or Happy Pay at checkout and pay it off in instalments.
Can I return a perfume?
Yes. You have 14 days to return any unopened perfume in its original packaging, and your refund goes back to the card or account you paid with. Returns policy
Still have a question?
WhatsApp or call +27 65 555 9856, or email info@fgperfumes.co.za.