Kayali, which means "my imagination" in Arabic, is a modern fragrance brand launched in 2018 by Huda Beauty, co-founded by global beauty influencer Huda Kattan and her sister Mona Kattan. With Mona as the visionary behind the fragrance line, Kayali was created to blend the richness of Middle Eastern perfumery with the accessible glamor of Western beauty trends. The brand’s debut was met with widespread excitement as it filled a unique space between traditional Arabian scents and modern, mix-and-match fragrance layering.
Each Kayali fragrance is designed with layering in mind, encouraging users to express their individuality by combining different scents from the collection. This innovative approach quickly resonated with global fragrance lovers. The brand launched with four core fragrances Vanilla | 28, Musk | 12, Citrus | 08, and Elixir | 11—and has since expanded with hits like Eden Juicy Apple | 01, Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25, and Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33. Kayali’s aesthetic is as bold and luxurious as its scent profiles, making it a standout in the new era of designer-niche hybrid brands.
Although deeply inspired by Middle Eastern fragrance traditions, Kayali perfumes are produced and managed under the Huda Beauty Group, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Kattan sisters have firmly rooted their business empire in the UAE, and Kayali reflects both their Arab heritage and their global vision. While the fragrances are manufactured in France renowned for its world-class perfume production—the brand identity and leadership are distinctly Emirati.
Kayali enjoys a broad international fan base but has seen especially strong popularity in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the UK. In the UAE and GCC countries, its blend of traditional scent influences (like oud, musk, and rose) with trendy, sweet, and fruity elements appeals to both younger and more mature audiences. Globally, Kayali is admired for its transparent marketing, influencer-driven buzz, and inclusive branding. It’s a favorite among millennials and Gen Z consumers who want luxurious, expressive fragrances without the intimidating price or exclusivity of niche houses.
Kayali is known for offering high-quality fragrances that rival niche perfumery in composition and performance, while maintaining a mid-to-premium price point. The scents are typically Eau de Parfum (EDP) with strong concentration levels that deliver long-lasting wear. In some cases, like Vanilla | 28 and Oudgasm, the concentration approaches Extrait de Parfum levels, making the experience rich and indulgent. The ingredients used are refined and often feature bold top notes, floral hearts, and deep, warm dry-downs that evolve beautifully over time.
The bottles themselves are heavy, jewel-like, and luxurious, with cut-glass faceting and signature white or gold caps that add to the brand’s glam aesthetic. The names of each fragrance include numbers, representing the number of formulations tested before the final version was chosen—adding a personalized, curated element to the collection. This combination of visual luxury and strong olfactory identity is a major reason why Kayali is perceived as offering excellent quality relative to its price.
Kayali perfumes are priced in the mid-to-high range, aligning with designer and niche hybrid brands. In the UAE market, a 100ml bottle typically costs between AED 400 to AED 530, depending on the specific fragrance and retailer. Smaller 50ml or 10ml versions are also available, which makes it easier for new customers to sample the collection before committing to a full-size purchase.
While Kayali is not cheap, its pricing reflects a conscious balance between accessibility and premium appeal. This strategic pricing allows it to compete with mainstream designer brands like YSL and Dior, while offering a niche-like scent experience. Kayali's price point makes it attractive for customers looking for high-end experiences without crossing into ultra-luxury territory.
Kayali fragrances are distributed globally through Sephora, Huda Beauty's website, and selected luxury retailers, ensuring consistent pricing across major regions. In the United States, Kayali perfumes typically range from $85 to $140 USD, while in Europe they retail for around €90 to €130. The pricing is consistent due to centralized brand control and the use of prestige retailers, maintaining a uniform premium brand image.
In Asia and GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, prices are similar to the UAE or slightly higher due to VAT and import duties. However, the brand maintains global availability, making it easier for fragrance enthusiasts worldwide to explore Kayali’s growing collection without price gouging or inconsistencies, a challenge often faced by niche brands.
Kayali perfumes are positioned as affordable luxury not cheap, but intentionally priced lower than ultra-niche brands while offering comparable quality. The brand’s pricing strategy reflects its mission to make luxury-level perfumery more inclusive and approachable. While a bottle of Kayali may not be a budget buy, it delivers a prestige experience at a price point that many customers consider justified and worthwhile.
Compared to mainstream designer perfumes, Kayali may appear slightly more expensive—but the quality, bottle design, and scent complexity make the value proposition strong. Kayali also offers miniatures and discovery sets, which make the brand more accessible and allow fragrance lovers to experiment with layering and personalization without investing in full bottles immediately.
Kayali is very much a luxury fragrance brand, though it avoids the exclusivity and inaccessibility often associated with niche perfumery. It embodies the new definition of luxury: expressive, inclusive, modern, and experience-driven. From the packaging to the scent quality, every aspect of Kayali reflects luxury yet it's designed for everyday wear and emotional connection, not just special occasions.
The brand avoids elitism and speaks directly to its audience with transparent storytelling, engaging social media content, and authentic marketing. Kayali perfumes are not about status—they're about self-expression. This modern take on luxury has won the brand devoted fans worldwide, especially in regions like the UAE and GCC, where perfumery is a cultural cornerstone.
The quality of Kayali perfumes is one of the brand’s strongest selling points. Each scent is developed in collaboration with renowned perfumers in France, ensuring top-tier craftsmanship. The brand’s dedication to quality is evident in its use of long-lasting oils, smooth transitions between notes, and the performance of each composition. Whether it’s a fresh citrus opening, a spicy floral heart, or a deep gourmand base, Kayali fragrances evolve gracefully and linger beautifully.
Customer reviews consistently praise the projection, longevity, and uniqueness of Kayali’s scents. Fragrances like Vanilla | 28 are now cult favorites, celebrated for their warm, sweet, and sexy profiles, while others like Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 and Invite Only Amber | 23 offer bolder, more sensual options. The brand continues to innovate with seasonal releases, layering sets, and themed collections, ensuring that quality remains central to its growth and success.