Honoring the Masters of Kuwaiti Perfumery

For the first time in the history of CP Magazine, we are pulling back the curtain on a project that has transformed our headquarters into a sanctuary of olfactory art. Kuwait has long been the global heartbeat of niche perfumery, where heritage meets high-modernity in every bottle. Recognizing this, we are proud to introduce the EDITORS’ CHOICE FRAGRANCE AWARDS, a prestigious new initiative that will become a staple of our editorial calendar every year from now on.

Our team embarked on a rigorous, two-week-long testing marathon, during which our office was filled with the finest scents the region has to offer. We didn’t just smell these perfumes; we lived with them. Our experts analyzed the evolution of every top note, the sillage of every heart, and the longevity of every base to bring you a list that represents the absolute pinnacle of local craftsmanship. This annual award is our way of professionalizing the recognition of local talent, ensuring that the art of Kuwaiti perfumery receives the global spotlight it deserves.

Following the massive success of our People’s Choice Automotive Awards last year (which returns later this year!), we are thrilled to announce that the PEOPLE’S CHOICE FRAGRANCE AWARDS will launch next month. While the list below represents our editorial selection, the upcoming public awards will allow you, our readers to crown your own favorites through your own eyes. For now, discover the winners of our first-ever annual Editors’ Choice.

THE SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE: WINNER OF THE YEAR

IMPALA by CZAR Fragrances Impala is a masterclass in balance and a deserving recipient of our inaugural “Signature” title. As experts, we were immediately struck by its structural integrity. Created in collaboration with world-class designers, it opens with a vibrant, zesty energy that feels both athletic and refined. It avoids the common traps of niche perfumery by remaining incredibly wearable while maintaining a complex, woody architectural core. It is the scent of a leader, confident, fresh, and unforgettable.

Website: www.czar.com.kw
Instagram: @czarfragrances

THE SELECTED FRAGRANCES OF DISTINCTION
organized in alphabetical order based on the fragrance name:

CHARISMA by ATYAB ALSHEIKH:

Charisma is the perfect name for this scent. The pimiento and cinnamon top notes provide a fiery, magnetic opening. We were impressed by the transition into Orris and Fruit, which gives it a velvet-like texture before settling into a powerhouse base of Ambergris and Cedarwood.

Website: www.atyabalsheikh.com
Instagram: @atyabalsheikh

FATIMA by Amal Al Kuwait:

A beautiful tribute to a legacy that began in 1985. This fragrance is all about the quality of the raw materials. The blend is classic, deep, and soulful, reflecting Amal Al Kuwait’s decades of expertise in high-end agarwood and traditional Arabic blending techniques.

Website: www.amalalkuwait.com
Instagram: @amalalkuwait

HUDSON VALLEY by GISSAH:

Gissah has captured a vibrant landscape in a bottle. The opening is a brilliant “pop” of Black Currant and Saffron that feels expensive and modern. We particularly admired the way the Rose heart transitions into a rich, earthy base of Patchouli and Amber, providing a trail that is both floral and grounded.

Website: www.kw.gissah.com
Instagram: @gissahperfumes

LINK by CZAR Fragrances (Signature Collection by Luca Maffei):

A breathtaking addition to the CZAR portfolio, LINK is a testament to the artistry of master perfumer Luca Maffei. This fragrance represents a seamless connection between traditional luxury and modern innovation. Our editors were captivated by its sophisticated development, which balances radiant top notes with a profound, lingering base, making it a standout example of contemporary niche perfumery.

Website: www.czar.com.kw
Instagram: @czarfragrances

MARSHOUD 4 White by Atyab Almarshoud:

A bold and fresh masterpiece that stands as a best-seller for a reason. Marshoud 4 White allows you to experience the alluring scent of oud, expertly enhanced with the refreshing coolness of mint, the warm spice of saffron, and the rich, inviting aroma of cardamom. It is a brilliant example of modernizing traditional notes.

Website: www.atyabalmarshoud.com
Instagram: @atyabalmarshoud

MILKBAR by Khaleet Fragrances:

A “storm” of natural essential oils that feels like a warm embrace. Milkbar uses Iris Powder and Rose Petals to create a soft, powdery texture, while the base of Benzoin Balm, Honey, and Vanilla provides a creamy, gourmand finish. It is an expressive blend that truly defines a personal signature.

Website: www.khaleet.com
Instagram: @orderkhaleet

SCARLET by Saray Perfumes:

Scarlet is the embodiment of refined femininity. This French-inspired composition wins for its harmonious balance of soft Floral Notes and warm Musk. It leaves an unforgettable impression that is subtle yet persistent, ideal for the modern woman who values grace and confidence.

Website: www.sarayperfumes.com
Instagram: @q8saray

SOMOU by Eter Fragrances:

Somou is a stunning exercise in musky-amber architecture. The combination of White Flowers and Cardamom creates a spicy-floral opening, while the addition of Coumarin, Vanilla, and Ambergris provides a salty-sweet warmth. It is airy, sophisticated, and remarkably well-blended for a 120ml powerhouse.

Website: www.eterfragrances.com
Instagram: @eter.kw

SOTOOR by Alshaya Perfumes:

An intricate tapestry of notes. Sotoor wins for its incredible complexity; the blend of Ylang-Ylang and Bergamot with Saffron and Nutmeg creates a spicy-floral hybrid. We particularly loved the addition of Cypriol and Moss in the base, which adds a smoky, “green” woodiness that is unique to the Alshaya DNA.

Website: www.alshayaperfumes.com
Instagram: @alshayaperfumes

VALOR by Twaaq Fragrances International:

Valor is a scent of strength. It is a robust, wood-forward composition that speaks to the international standard Twaaq has set. We were drawn to its refined sillage, it’s powerful but polished, making it the ideal choice for a formal evening where you want your presence to be felt.

Website: www.twaaq.com
Instagram: @twaaq

Congratulations to our inaugural class of winners; your dedication to the art of perfumery has set a remarkable standard for the years to come. As we look forward to making this a cherished annual tradition, we wish all the brands continued success in their creative journeys. The celebration doesn’t end here, stay tuned for the People’s Choice Fragrance Awards launching in the upcoming months, where our readers will finally have their say in crowning Kuwait’s favorites through their own eyes.

For more information on the awards or to find out how your brand can participate in our future editions, please contact our team by sending an email to [email protected]