Are your perfumes natural? Are they vegan?
Aesthetically and ideologically, I use a higher proportion of naturals wherever I can. However, natural does not always equal better in the context of composing perfume: this applies to the creative process, material safety, and sustainability.
While I do not seek vegan certification/labelling, I will clearly label if any animal or animal-derived products are used in a perfume.
Are your perfumes for men, women, or unisex?
I make perfumes to achieve an idea, and the result may lean feminine or masculine, towards both or neither, but this is no obstacle to try and see how it wears on you!
Are your perfumes safe? Do you follow any standards?
Safety in perfume is a serious matter, and the industry-wide standard is set by IFRA, which periodically updates its suggestions/recommendations. From the beginning of the creation process, I generally avoid prohibited or restricted materials (eg, musks banned for neurotoxicity, raw oakmoss). I wear all my trials on skin during development.
Each final formula is checked for IFRA compliance, and allergens are mentioned on the perfume’s product page. In the event a particular perfume exceeds an IFRA recommendation (for example, Dastan exceeds the suggested amount of citrus oils), this will be mentioned on the perfume page, and will be communicated by me to you at the time of purchase, including any safeguards that might help.
You should always test a tiny amount on skin at home (sample first!), and generally, spraying on fabric/clothing is better from an avoiding sensitivity point of view.
How do you make these?
By myself, by hand, weighing out individual ingredients both natural and not. By carefully recording each trial and evaluating it over weeks. In fact, Dastan e Naranj took over two years of gradual formula work to make after the idea for it was complete in my mind! I make very small batches, and let them mature and macerate as appropriate, before bottling, labelling and packing them by hand for sale. Each bottle packed is numbered by hand.
I source key naturals directly from the farmer, grower, or producer wherever feasible and respect the harvest and production cycle for each material. Where an aged material or aging process was deliberately used, this will be mentioned in the information for the perfume.
How do I order, and how long will it take?
This website is currently not an e-shop. After you fill out the order form I will contact you personally and confirm your order, address, any requests, and provide payment details. After payment, I will pack and number your bottle by hand, and ship it to you (see below for shipping details).
Shipping & Locations
Within Pakistan: Depending on availability, orders within Pakistan will be shipped domestically via courier, or if possible via bike messenger if within Karachi. If there is a lead time to shipping, I will communicate this to you at the time you place your order. Payment will be in PKR via bank transfer.
Within the United States: Orders addressed within the United States will ship using USPS, typically 3-5 days after payment. The cost of standard ground shipping is included in the sale price. I’m happy to accommodate requests to alter shipping provider or type, but these will be charged at cost.
Rest of the World: Most international addresses will also be shipped to from the United States using USPS First Class International with tracking. International shipping will be charged at cost. All added customs and duties will be the responsibility of the addressee. Though I ship with tracking, the frequency of tracking updates varies depending on the destination country once the package is international. It is also your responsibility to be aware of shipping restrictions/prohibitions in your country, though I will always communicate clearly before shipping an order with any concerns that come up.
Returns & Refunds
Note that all 30ml & 100ml orders come with their own 1.5ml sample spray – do wear that first, and if you find it not to your taste, I will happily refund you upon return of the unopened full-sized bottle, minus return shipping costs. This option is only available for addresses within Pakistan & the United States.
Outside of the above, I do not accept refunds and unfortunately am not responsible for anything that occurs after the package is dispatched. As this is a solo effort, each order is completed and dispatched by me, by hand.
Where do I get updates and news?
The email newsletter (sign up at the bottom of the page!) is the best place to get updates on restocks, batches and new perfume. Longer, or more public, communication will go up as a blog post and be linked to in the newsletter. I will never use your email address for any other purpose.
You can always write to me directly at umer@umerhasanbhatti.com – I love hearing from people!
