Amber Perfumes & Attars

About Amber Perfumes & Attars

What "amber" means in a perfume

An amber scent is warm, round and resinous, a little like honey, warm wood and soft powder at once. Labdanum and benzoin give the resin, vanilla and tonka bean give sweetness, and spices such as saffron, cinnamon and clove add heat. Many Arabian-style attars sit in this family, often with oud or rose. India has its own amber tradition too: shamama, an old winter attar made from many herbs, spices and resins.

When to wear amber in Indian weather

Amber is at its best from November to February, when Hyderabad evenings turn cool and the wedding season begins. It also suits air-conditioned offices and halls at any time of year. In the peak of summer, keep amber for the night and use one small dab, because heat makes it bloom. A little goes a long way, so apply less than you would of a fresh scent.

Amber attar or amber spray?

Amber attars are thick, rich oils that stay close and wear for a long time, which is why they are the classic choice for Eid mornings and weddings. Dab the wrists and the base of the throat, and touch a little on the sherwani or dupatta, after testing a hidden patch of fabric. An amber Pure Perfume throws the warmth further and suits a party or a crowded function hall.

What to buy first

If you are new to amber, start with a soft amber and musk blend before moving to amber with oud. Men who like warmth with a bite should look for saffron, pepper or leather in the notes. Women who want something cosy usually love amber with vanilla or white flowers. As always, a 3 ml bottle is the cheapest way to test a rich scent on your own skin.

Top picks

• PV Shamama Amber attar: amber, white musk and woods, a smooth unisex amber for first-timers, from ₹299 for 6 ml
• PV Amber Oud attar: bergamot and cedar over guaiac wood, spices, amber and resins, for men and women, from ₹299 for 6 ml
• PV Amir Al Oud attar: oud and labdanum softened with sugar and vanilla, a sweet-woody amber, from ₹299 for 6 ml
• PV White Oud attar: gardenia, jasmine and white rose over oud, amber and vanilla, a lighter oriental, from ₹349 for 6 ml
• PV Musk Rijali attar: pink pepper, oud, white amber, vetiver and leather, made for men, from ₹299 for 6 ml
• PV Teriyaq Intense attar: saffron, cinnamon and plum over amber, benzoin and tonka, a unisex evening scent, from ₹299 for 6 ml

Questions we get asked

Is amber the same as ambergris?

No. Amber in perfume is a warm blend of resins and vanilla. Ambergris is a different, salty-sweet material, which perfumers today usually recreate rather than use.

Can I wear amber in summer?

Yes, at night or in air-conditioning, and in a small amount. For daytime heat, a fresh or woody scent is more comfortable.

Do amber attars last long?

They are among the longest-wearing scents we sell, because resins and vanilla are heavy base notes. Expect several hours on skin and much longer on cloth.

Is amber for men or women?

Both. Most of our amber blends are unisex. Spice and leather lean masculine; vanilla and flowers lean feminine.

What is shamama attar?

Shamama is a traditional Indian winter attar made from many herbs, spices and resins. Our traditional attars guide explains it with the other classics.

Read next: Winter attars · Saffron in perfume · White oud attar

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