From Rose Water to Eyeliner, An Ode to Middle Eastern & North African Beauty

Although you can’t quite see it, perfume is an equally important finishing touch when getting ready. Known for lasting, rich fragrances, MENA perfumes, especially Arabian ones, have gone viral in recent years, and for good reason.

Kayali founder Mona Kattan has been bringing this phenomenon to the world, reimagining the art of perfume in new and innovative ways. “Prior to moving to Dubai, I already loved fragrance,” she explains, “but after living here and connecting even deeper with my heritage and my roots, I was so inspired to share these rituals with the world.”

Though it may be controversial in the West, scent layering is one of Mona’s go-to tricks. “When I moved to Dubai over 20 years ago, I was really drawn to how layering scents was such an integral part of the culture,” she recalls. “From perfume oils to burning bakhoor (perfumed wood chips) to hair mists and perfumes, the art of layering is so intentional and ingrained into everyday life.”

Mona continues, “I remember going to local friends’ houses and their families would have a tray of different scents for you to wear, like creating a scent memory for that visit.”

Tariq has sensory memories as well: “I remember waking up every morning to my dad’s perfume,” she reminisces of her childhood.