FAQs

•Do you offer local pick-up?

Our studio is based on private property, so for safety reasons we do not currently offer local pick-up. We are working on a solution to make this available in the future.

•Do you offer wholesale?

Yes, we welcome wholesale enquiries. Please contact us directly at info@houseofowai.com for more details.

•Where do you ship from?

All orders are packed and shipped from Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand.

•Do you ship internationally?

We are currently working on international shipping options.

•When will my order be shipped?

All orders are packed within 24 hours unless stated otherwise. As perfumes are classed as Dangerous Goods, please allow 2–3 working days for your parcel to arrive.

•Do you ship to PO Boxes?

No, as perfumes are Dangerous Goods we cannot ship to PO Boxes. Please provide a physical address at checkout.

•Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Orders are processed quickly. If you need to make changes, please contact us immediately. Once an order has been packed or shipped, we can’t make changes.

 

•Do you offer Afterpay ?

Yes we offer afterpay.

•What size are your perfumes?

Our full-size perfumes are 50ml, with 2ml samples available to try before committing to a bottle.

•How many sprays can I get out of a 2ml sample?

Each 2ml sample gives 40 sprays, plenty to test the fragrance.

•Are your perfumes unisex?

Yes. Maire was created as a unisex fragrance, but all of our perfumes can be worn by any gender, fragrance is about personal taste.

•What age are your perfumes suitable for?

Hina, Maire, and Amio are lighter on the skin and suitable for ages pre-teen and upwards. If buying for your child.

Matahi and Ōwai are slightly stronger in character and recommended for older teens and adults.

•Why does the scent smell different on me than on someone else?

Fragrance reacts with your skin’s chemistry, it can smell slightly different from person to person.

•Are your perfumes safe for sensitive skin?

Our perfumes are made with high-quality ingredients, but if you have sensitive skin or allergies, we recommend testing a sample first and checking the ingredients list.

Ingredients

HINA

Alcohol Denat, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexamethylindanopyran, Vanillin, Alpha-Damascone

MAIRE

Alcohol Denat, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Vanillin, Linalyl Acetate, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil

 

MĀTAHI

Alcohol Denat, Parfum (Fragrance), Coumarin, Citronellol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Vanillin, Linalyl Acetate, Hexamethylindanopyran

ŌWAI

Alcohol Denat, Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalyl Acetate, Alpha-Damascone

ĀMIO

Denat, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Linalool, Hexamethylindanopyran, Citronellal, Vanillin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Terpineol

 

•What’s the best way to apply perfume?

For the longest wear, apply perfume to moisturised skin. Spraying onto pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears helps the scent project and last longer.

•How should I store my perfume?

Keep your perfume in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid leaving bottles in cars, bathrooms, or anywhere with high temperature changes.

•Does my perfume need to settle after delivery?

Yes, perfumes can be unsettled during transport. Once your bottle arrives, let it rest for 24–48 hours before use so the fragrance settles back to its true character.

•How long will my perfume last once opened?

Perfume is best used within 24 months of opening. Always keep the cap tightly closed when not in use.

•How can I make my perfume last longer?

Apply perfume to moisturised skin and spray on pulse points. You can also mist onto clothes (avoid delicate fabrics) or layer with unscented lotion to extend the wear.

 

•Can I return or exchange a perfume?

For hygiene and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns once a perfume has been opened. Each bottle is sealed with a tamper sticker. If this has been removed or broken, the product cannot be exchanged. Please choose carefully or order samples first.

•What if my order arrives damaged?

your order is damaged in transit, please contact us within 48 hours with photos and we’ll arrange a replacement or refund where appropriate.

•What if my order is missing items?

If something is missing from your order, please contact us as soon as possible so we can resolve it quickly.

•Returns Policy

We follow Aotearoa consumer law regarding faulty or damaged goods.