Inside the Luxe World of the Fragrance Brand Taking Over Instagram

If you've ever been swept away by the sensual aesthetics and rich layers of a Kayali perfume bottle, you're not alone. Kayali has quickly become one of the most talked-about fragrance brands in the beauty world. With its opulent packaging, addictive scents, and celebrity following, it’s no wonder everyone’s asking: Who owns Kayali Perfume? Let's dive into the story behind this luxury fragrance house that’s redefining modern perfumery.

The Founders Behind Kayali

Kayali Perfume is owned by Mona Kattan, the fragrance-obsessed co-founder of Huda Beauty, one of the world’s most successful beauty brands. Mona is the younger sister of Huda Kattan, the beauty mogul and influencer behind the billion-dollar Huda Beauty empire. Together, the Kattan sisters co-founded Kayali under the Huda Beauty umbrella in 2018.

The name "Kayali" means "my imagination" in Arabic, a perfect encapsulation of Mona’s vision to create a fragrance line that celebrates individuality, personal memories, and the art of layering scents. Born in the U.S. and raised in Dubai, Mona Kattan’s multicultural background helped her blend Western and Middle Eastern influences into the heart of the brand.

While Huda Kattan is more recognized as the face of beauty, Mona Kattan is the true creative force behind Kayali. A self-proclaimed "perfume junkie," Mona has been collecting fragrances since her teenage years and reportedly owns over 2,000 bottles. She wanted to bring her deep passion for fragrance to life—and Kayali is the result.

The Birth of a Modern Fragrance Powerhouse

Kayali launched in 2018 with four original scents—Elixir | 11, Citrus | 08, Musk | 12, and Vanilla | 28—crafted in collaboration with renowned French perfume house Firmenich. The launch was groundbreaking not just for its scent quality, but for how it introduced the idea of fragrance layering to the mainstream market.

The perfumes are numbered (e.g., Vanilla | 28), a nod to the number of trial versions it took to perfect the formula. This behind-the-scenes transparency added an artisanal feel to the line and created a sense of intimacy between Mona and her customers.

The aesthetic of Kayali perfumes is also part of their allure—sleek, jewel-like glass bottles with vintage glam vibes. It’s Instagram-ready, TikTok-loved, and editorial-featured—Kayali is as much a visual brand as it is a scent experience.

Kayali’s Most Popular Perfumes

Among Kayali’s lineup, a few stars have stood out and won cult followings:

1. Vanilla | 28

Arguably the most iconic Kayali fragrance, Vanilla | 28 is a warm, gourmand dream of vanilla orchid, tonka bean, brown sugar, amber, and patchouli. Sweet but sensual, it’s known for being the perfect base scent for layering or wearing solo.

2. Déjà Vu White Flower | 57

This floral fragrance is a love letter to femininity, blending gardenia, jasmine, tuberose, and sandalwood. It's sophisticated and romantic—perfect for date nights and weddings.

3. Invite Only Amber | 23

A bold, spicy, and seductive scent, this one is for the perfume connoisseur. With cherry, honey de Provence, tobacco leaf, oud, and amber resin, it’s luxurious and long-lasting.

4. Eden Juicy Apple | 01

One of the more playful options, Eden Juicy Apple is bright, fruity, and flirty. With notes of red apple, blackcurrant, lychee, and jasmine, it’s perfect for casual, everyday wear and is especially popular among Gen Z shoppers.

5. Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33

This fragrance took TikTok by storm upon release. Creamy, sweet, and utterly unique—it features pistachio gelato, whipped cream, marshmallow, and cotton candy. It's like wearing a dessert, in the most luxurious way possible.

Celebrities and Influencers Who Wear Kayali

Kayali has made waves across celebrity circles and influencer feeds. While Mona herself is a known face in the beauty industry, Kayali’s scents have found fans among A-listers and digital trendsetters alike.

Bella Hadid, Khloé Kardashian, and Vanessa Hudgens have all been linked to Kayali scents. Influencers like Jackie Aina, NikkieTutorials, and Manny MUA have featured Kayali in their fragrance round-ups and GRWM (get ready with me) videos.

The brand has also carved a niche in the fragrance TikTok and YouTube review space, where creators explore scent layering techniques using Kayali’s versatile perfumes.

The Kayali Experience: It’s All About Layering

One of the standout elements of Kayali is the brand’s emphasis on layering. Mona Kattan encourages users to mix and match Kayali perfumes to create a signature scent that evolves with your mood and vibe. This gives perfume lovers the chance to be alchemists of their own scent journey.

It’s this emphasis on personalization and playfulness that sets Kayali apart. While traditional fragrance houses present perfumes as finished, “untouchable” masterpieces, Kayali invites users to remix, reimagine, and recreate their olfactory identity.

The Future of Kayali

Since its 2018 debut, Kayali has expanded to include body oils, mists, and gift sets—always with Mona Kattan’s signature luxurious, creative touch. The brand continues to release new scents with carefully curated marketing and lush storytelling behind each launch.

Mona has hinted at even more innovative collections and global expansions, proving that Kayali isn’t just a perfume line—it’s a long-term love story between scent and self-expression.

Shop All Kayali Perfumes

Shop Kayali Vanilla Perfume

Shop Kayali Oud Perfumes