Jamal Kazura Aromatics

If the scents of conventional perfumes are wearing you down, be sure to check out Jamal Kazura Aromatics. With glass shelves lined with jars of clear and coloured natural oils – sourced from all across the globe, including the Middle- East, India and Europe – this intimate fragrance boutique offers a wide range of attars (Arabic perfumes), Egyptian perfume vials, massage oils, scented body soaps and shower creams. First opened in the 1920s at North Bridge Road by the late Hinifa Kazura, Jamal Kazura Aromatics, with two other outlets, is now managed by his grandson Johari. Ask about customising your own signature scent – Kazura will bring you a questionnaire asking after your favourite smells (citrus, floral, spicy, musky, etc…), what type of occasion you’re wearing the perfume for, and then proceed to select different scents to blend until you’re satisfied. Bottled in 12ml vials ($30-$80), these are usually combinations of five or more oils mixed and shaken in a bottle. Custom-blended scents are also available ready-made; one popular choice is the Bella Rose, a long-lasting floral scent that starts off with citrus notes.