Frequently Asked Questions
About Zayya
We are fully committed to cruelty-free practices and do not condone animal testing. We will never work with any supplier that tests on animals. Our fragrances are never tested on animals.
We are dedicated to creating products that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We’re committed to sustainability, fair labor practices, and fair compensation for everyone, from farmers to staff. Our mission is to create a better planet for all, one perfume at a time. We actively support local environmental projects and participate in beach cleanups. When you purchase a Zayya product, you’re supporting a company that values simple, beautiful living while being good for both you and the planet.
We strive to do a little better every day by embracing sustainability in all we do. We focus on reusing, recycling, and implementing practices that reduce our environmental impact. Our goal is simple: to leave this beautiful planet a little better than we found it, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we cherish today.
At Zayya, we are deeply committed to supporting local communities and contributing to the South African economy. We understand that every step of the supply chain plays a crucial role in creating a truly sustainable and ethical business. That’s why we make it a priority to hire locally, work with local labor, and ensure fair wages for the people who help us create our perfumes.
We recognize that the farmers who provide us with raw materials, from essential oils to other ingredients, are an integral part of our sustainable business model. By paying fair prices for the materials we source, we’re helping to ensure that our supply chain is just and equitable, benefiting everyone involved, from the farmer to the worker to the final customer. Supporting local labor means investing in the well-being of people within our own community, and it’s a value that we hold dear at Zayya.
By combining high-quality raw materials with the skill of our local team, we’ve developed fragrances that embody both international excellence and local pride. This blend of global sourcing with South African craftsmanship allows us to create products that represent both the global and local communities we support.
When you purchase a Zayya fragrance, you’re not only receiving a premium product, but you’re also supporting a local South African business that is deeply invested in the people and economy of South Africa. From fair wages to sustainable sourcing, your purchase helps foster a fairer, more equitable world for all of us. We believe in building businesses that are beneficial to everyone involved, and with each bottle of Zayya, you’re playing an important part in that journey.
Candles
We use natural soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and organic cotton wicks.
We offer Petit Candles. We recommend trying them if you're hesitant about the scent.
Definitely! Many people will use their vessel for flower arrangements, stationery holders, or other creative ideas. We recommend cleaning the vase with hot water, soap, or a heat gun before its next use.
Perfumes
Fragrances can smell different on individuals due to a variety of factors, including skin chemistry, pH levels, diet, hormonal changes, and medication. Each person’s unique body chemistry interacts with the components of a perfume, leading to variations in how the scent develops and lasts.
Skin Chemistry and pH Levels
The natural oils and pH levels of your skin play a significant role in how a fragrance unfolds. Skin pH varies among individuals, affecting the way perfume ingredients react. For instance, a more acidic skin pH can alter the scent profile, making it smell different from person to person.
Skin Type and Moisture
Skin type influences fragrance longevity. Oily skin retains scents longer due to its natural oils, while dry skin may cause fragrances to dissipate more quickly. Applying perfume to well-moisturized skin can help enhance scent retention.
Diet and Lifestyle
Dietary habits and lifestyle choices can impact body chemistry, thereby affecting how a fragrance smells. For example, consuming spicy or aromatic foods can influence body odor, which may alter the perception of a perfume.
Hormonal Changes and Medication
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can change skin chemistry, leading to different scent perceptions. Similarly, certain medications can affect body odor, which in turn can alter how a fragrance smells on your skin.
Environmental Factors
External factors like temperature and humidity can also influence how a fragrance develops. Heat can intensify scents, while cold can suppress them. Therefore, the same perfume may smell different depending on the environment.
Personal Perception
Individual scent perception varies; what smells pleasant to one person may not to another. This subjective experience is influenced by personal preferences, memories, and even genetic factors.
Testing Perfume
Given these variables, it’s essential to test a fragrance on your own skin before making a purchase. This allows you to experience how the perfume interacts with your unique body chemistry, ensuring it aligns with your personal scent preferences.
Understanding these factors can help you choose fragrances that complement your individual characteristics, leading to a more satisfying and personalized scent experience.
Perfume performs best on well-moisturized skin because moisture helps the fragrance adhere and develop its layers fully. Here’s why:
Why Moisturized Skin Enhances Fragrance
Better Adherence: Perfume molecules bind more effectively to skin that has natural or added moisture. Dry skin lacks the oils that help trap the fragrance, causing it to dissipate quickly.
True Scent Release: Warm, hydrated skin helps the fragrance “bloom,” allowing the top, middle, and base notes to shine as intended. Without moisture, a perfume’s scent might not develop properly, leading to a muted or altered fragrance experience.
Improved Longevity: Fragrance evaporates faster on dry skin, while moisturized skin locks in the scent for longer wear.
How to Prepare Your Skin
Hydrate First: Apply an unscented lotion or body cream to your skin before spraying your perfume. This creates a base layer for the fragrance to cling to and extends its staying power.
Use Matching Products: If available, use a body lotion or cream with a similar scent profile to layer and amplify the fragrance.
Target Pulse Points: Focus on areas like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, where the skin is naturally warmer and enhances scent diffusion.
Tips for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, consider using a light layer of petroleum jelly or an oil-based moisturizer on pulse points before applying your perfume. These products create an even better base for holding the scent.
Extra Hacks
Spray on Hair: Hair is also great for holding perfume (avoid the scalp to prevent drying).
Clothing Sprays: For an extra boost, lightly spray your clothes—but always test on an inconspicuous area first to avoid stains.
By prepping your skin and focusing on hydration, you can experience the full depth and beauty of your fragrance while enjoying its longevity throughout the day.
Fragrance longevity depends on how it interacts with your skin and how you apply it. To make your scent last longer, start with hydrated skin. Perfume evaporates faster on dry skin, so apply an unscented or lightly scented body lotion to create a base for the fragrance. For extra staying power, a small amount of petroleum jelly or an oil-based moisturizer on pulse points can help.
Apply perfume to pulse points like the inside of your wrists, behind your ears, at the base of your neck, inside elbows, and behind your knees. These areas create warmth that helps diffuse the scent. Be mindful when applying to areas like your shoulders or neckline, as having the fragrance closer to your nose can lead to “nose blindness,” where you stop noticing the scent even though others still can.
Layering your fragrance by using matching products, such as body lotion or shower gel, enhances the scent and increases its longevity. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying perfume, as this can break down the top notes and reduce wear time. Let the fragrance dry naturally instead.
Hair holds fragrance longer than skin, so lightly mist your hair from a distance or spray perfume on a hairbrush before running it through your strands. For clothing, a light spritz can add a lasting scent, but always do a spot test to avoid staining.
Applying fragrance to lower areas of the body, such as behind your knees or on your lower back, allows the scent to rise naturally throughout the day for a subtle, long-lasting effect. Choosing fragrances with stronger base notes like amber, vanilla, musk, or oud will also naturally provide better longevity than lighter, citrus-based scents.
Finally, store your perfume in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight, to maintain its quality and ensure it performs as expected.
Experiencing a diminished ability to smell your perfume after wearing it for a while is a common phenomenon known as “nose blindness” or olfactory fatigue. This occurs when your olfactory receptors become desensitized to a particular scent due to continuous exposure, making it less noticeable to you, even though others can still detect it.
Yes, research shows that about 75% of our emotions are generated by what we smell. Use your favorite fragrance to uplift your mood, and spirit or to set a romantic aura around yourself. You also might want to wear a different fragrance from boardroom to bedroom.
No, the scent of a fragrance does not change. Spicy food can change the odour of the skin, thereby affecting the overall odour effect of a fragrance.
Yes, perfumes can leave stains on clothes, but with a little care, you can spray your fragrance on your clothing without any issues. We do recommend spraying perfume on your clothes, as the fragrance often lasts longer on fabric and can enhance the sillage (fragrance trail). However, it’s important to always do a spot check first, especially on delicate fabrics like silk, to ensure the perfume doesn’t leave any marks or damage.
For the best results, spray your perfume from a distance and apply lightly to avoid overpowering the fabric. If you’re worried about staining, test the perfume on a small, hidden area of the fabric before applying it more generously.
Also, spraying your perfume in your hair is a great way to enjoy its scent throughout the day. Just be cautious of the drying effect on your hair if you spray directly on the scalp—spraying it on your strands is a better option.
Perfume application is an art, and knowing where and how to apply it can enhance its longevity, projection, and the overall experience of wearing your favorite scent.
Best Areas to Apply Perfume
1. Pulse Points:
Pulse points are areas where blood vessels are closest to the skin, generating warmth that helps release and amplify the fragrance. Key pulse points include:
Inside the wrists
Behind the ears
At the base of the neck
Inside the elbows
Behind the knees
2. Other Strategic Spots:
Hair: Your hair is a fantastic diffuser of fragrance and holds scent longer than your skin. Give your hair a light mist of Zayya perfume to leave a beautiful, long-lasting trail (also known as sillage). Avoid spraying directly onto your scalp to prevent drying—focus on the ends or lightly mist over your hair from a distance.
Clothing: Perfume clings to fabric, making the scent last longer. Spray your clothes lightly, but always do a spot check first, especially on delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere, to avoid staining.
Ankles, legs, and thighs: Perfume rises, so applying to lower points ensures the scent moves upward throughout the day.
How to Apply Perfume
Spray, Don’t Rub:
Always spray perfume and let it dry naturally. Rubbing your wrists together or touching the application points breaks down the fragrance molecules, altering its scent and diminishing its longevity.
Layer for Longevity:
Start with a fragrance-free moisturizer or a matching scented body lotion to hydrate your skin. Perfume lasts longer on moisturized skin.
Apply a base perfume oil or a similar scent to amplify and lock in the fragrance.
Finish with a light mist of your perfume.
Spray, Don’t Dab:
Spraying ensures even distribution, while dabbing can waste the fragrance and leave uneven patches.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Perfume
Be Generous: Many people underuse perfume, thinking one or two sprays are enough. This couldn’t be further from the truth. For your fragrance to make an impact, don’t be shy—apply generously to your pulse points, hair, and clothing. Let your scent be noticed!
Give Your Hair Some Love: Zayya perfumes are made with perfumer’s alcohol, which is safe for hair. Spray lightly onto your hair to leave a captivating scent trail. This is a great way to enhance your fragrance’s sillage and keep your scent lingering all day.
Store Perfume Properly: Keep your bottle in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
A well-cared-for Zayya perfume can retain its scent and potency for years, even as its color naturally changes over time. This doesn’t mean the quality of the perfume has diminished—perfume is a living substance, and its raw ingredients evolve, giving the fragrance new nuances over time.
Key Tips for Preserving Your Perfume:
Store in Ideal Conditions: Perfumes thrive in room-temperature environments, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them near extreme heat or in places with fluctuating temperatures, like bathrooms, as heat can oxidize the fragrance, alter its smell, and cause discoloration.
Handle with Care: When transporting your perfume, ensure it is kept in a cool place to avoid exposure to excessive heat. Heat can build quickly in vehicles, causing liquids to expand, which may lead to damaged bottles or altered scents.
Minimize Light and Air Exposure: Always store perfumes in a dark place, like a cupboard or drawer, to prevent UV light from breaking down the fragrance molecules. Secure the cap tightly after each use to minimize air exposure, which can degrade the scent.
Avoid Extreme Heat During Transport: Be mindful of where your fragrance is stored when traveling. Heat can cause the perfume to change in scent or consistency, and sudden temperature shifts can weaken the bottle.
Shipping
Pargo offers a new, convenient way for South Africans to receive their parcels. Traditionally, courier services were the only option for online shoppers, but Pargo has changed that by creating a network of over 4,00 pickup points at popular local stores. Now, when you check out, you can choose your most convenient Pargo Pickup Point. This means you can easily Click and Collect without waiting for couriers, and for those with safety concerns, you don’t have to let strangers onto your property. Simply pick up your parcel at a secure Pargo Point, whether at a nearby mall or filling station.
Once you’ve entered your delivery address, you’ll see the three closest Pargo Pickup Points to your location. If you’d prefer to collect from a more convenient spot, like closer to work or home, simply enter an alternate address, and you’ll be shown a new selection of nearby Pickup Points.
Pargo Pickup Points are efficient and fast. Once your parcel arrives at your selected Pickup Point, you’ll receive a Pargo PIN via SMS and/or email. Simply bring your ID and PIN to collect your parcel within 8 days, or send a representative with a copy of your ID and PIN to collect on your behalf.