# Perfume Oils

URL: https://houseofattar.co.uk/perfume-oils/

## Perfume oil or spray?

Both carry fragrance. The difference is what they carry it in, and that changes how the scent behaves once it’s on you.

|  | Perfume oil | Spray perfume |   
| Base | Oil, with no added alcohol | Mostly alcohol | 
| How you apply it | Rolled or dabbed onto the skin | Sprayed as a mist | 
| How it wears | Warms on your skin and moves through its opening, heart and dry-down | A bright burst of top notes as the alcohol evaporates | 
| Travel | Small glass roll-on, easy to carry | Larger bottle, usually an atomiser |  

How long either lasts depends on your skin and the blend. For the full comparison, including eau de parfum, essential oils and fragrance oils, read [perfume oil vs spray perfume](https://houseofattar.co.uk/perfume-oil-vs-spray-perfume/).

## Where to start in the range

The easiest way in is to think about what you already like wearing, then pick the matching family.

- If you wear clean, citrusy colognes, try [fresh and citrus](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/fresh-citrus/). 
- If you like warm, cosy scents, look at [sweet and gourmand](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/sweet-gourmand/) or [warm and spicy](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/warm-spicy/). 
- If you want something deep and dark for the evening, go to [oud and woods](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/oud-woods/), [leather and tobacco](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/leather-tobacco/) or [smoky and incense](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/smoky-incense/). 
- If you like soft, warm and comforting scents, start with [amber and musk](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/amber-musk/). 
- For flowers or juicy fruit, see [floral](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/floral/) and [fruity](https://houseofattar.co.uk/scent-family/fruity/). 

Many of our oils sit in two or three families, so you’ll see some names more than once.

## Choosing a size

Every scent comes in the same four sizes, so you can start small and move up once you know.

- **3 ml roll-on.** The size for trying a scent or keeping one in a bag or pocket. Because you only need a little at a time, a 3 ml roll-on goes further than its size suggests. 
- **6 ml roll-on.** A good everyday size once you’ve found a scent you reach for often. 
- **12 ml roll-on.** For a signature scent you already know you love. 
- **15 ml glass dropper.** For people who prefer to dab their oil on, or want a bottle that lives on the dressing table. 

If you can’t decide between a few, the [Discovery Set](https://houseofattar.co.uk/product/discovery-set/) lets you pick any seven in 3 ml roll-ons and wear them for yourself first.

## How to apply a perfume oil

Roll a short line onto your pulse points: the inside of the wrists, the side of the neck and behind the ears. These spots are warm, which helps the scent open up.

- Leave it to settle. Rubbing your wrists together can dull the opening notes. 
- Start with one swipe. You can always add more later in the day. 
- Take care with clothes. Oils can mark some fabrics, so apply to your skin rather than your clothing. 

Our guide on [how to apply perfume oil](https://houseofattar.co.uk/how-to-apply-perfume-oil/) covers dropper bottles, how much to use and getting the most from your oil.

## Made for anyone

Perfume oils have long been worn by men and women alike, and many of ours are unisex. Oud, rose and musk notes are worn by everyone. If you’d like a shorter list to start from, we’ve picked out [men’s perfume oils](https://houseofattar.co.uk/mens-perfume/) and [women’s perfume oils](https://houseofattar.co.uk/womens-perfume/).

Want to know more about the oil itself? Read what [alcohol-free perfume](https://houseofattar.co.uk/alcohol-free-perfume/) means, or explore our [Arabian perfume oils](https://houseofattar.co.uk/arabian-perfume/), with oud, amber and rose notes.