Attars & Fragrance 101
A few drops of concentrated oil behave differently than a spray, and Namaste Nook carries two separate oil-based lines that aren't quite the same thing either. Here's what's actually different, and how to wear it.
Attar vs. spray perfume vs. Aroma Garden
All three put fragrance on skin. The base, concentration, and how they wear are what differ.
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Attar | Traditional Indian oil-based fragrance, filled and packaged in India. Because it's oil rather than alcohol, it wears close to the skin and unfolds gradually instead of projecting outward the way a spray does. Five fragrances, $22 each — see our Attar, Concentrated Fragrance Oil. |
| Spray perfume | Alcohol-based, which carries scent further and faster — that's the whole design of a spray. Projects more, but also fades faster than an oil worn on the skin. |
| Aroma Garden | A separate, branded fragrance-oil line we carry alongside our traditional attars — bolder and more lingering, built for everyday, modern use rather than the traditional attar category. See Aroma Garden Fragrance Oil. |
How to wear it
- A little goes a long way.These are concentrated oils, not sprays — a small dab is the intended amount, not a mistake to correct with more.
- Apply to pulse points.Wrist, behind the ear, or another warm point on the skin. The warmth is what carries the scent through the day.
- Let it warm in, don't rub it.Rubbing wrists together breaks down the fragrance oils faster. A light dab and a few seconds is enough.
- Layer on unscented lotion for more reach.A fragrance-free moisturizer underneath gives the oil something to hold onto and can extend how far and how long it wears.
A quick patch test
Concentrated oils sit on skin longer than a spray, so it's worth a quick check before wearing a new fragrance on a pulse point all day.
Before wearing it regularly: dab a small amount on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If your skin looks or feels irritated, don't apply that fragrance to skin again — you can still enjoy it as a room or fabric scent instead.
Where to go next
Curious how our products can vary piece to piece? See "Will the colors look exactly like the photos?" in our FAQ.
For storage and shelf life once a bottle's open, see the Storage, moisture, fragrance and chemical exposure section of our Care Guide.