No.7 Patchouli Oud Vanilla

I did not know what to expect as I tend to shy away from oud, especially a big dose (two types here) but this is so expertly blended it isn't overpowering, but rather provides a richness to the overall composition. I have both Psychedelique and Coromandel, as well as Musc Ravageur and I can see where one would draw the comparison - these all have a similarly strong profile. It's everything I had hoped Molinard Vanille Patchouli would be but wasn't. It's also definitely unisex but easily worn by anyone who isn't afraid of a statement fragrance. I get the rose up top right away, but then we quickly delve into the spiced patchouli that bypasses its rustic aspect by virtue of the added sweet notes. But the base is where the enchantment lies....the vanilla is present and combined with the oud it is not sweet but it is mesmerizing. The addition of benzoin keeps it grounded. If you are familiar with Mateu, then No. 7 will not disappoint. If you've not yet tried this house but like scents such as Coromandel or Psychedelique, you will enjoy this. And while sillage is limited that seems appropriate - it has plenty to say to those closest to you. Recommend

This belongs to my favourite ones. A blindbuy success. Used only few times, but this is art. Very similar to Habit Rouge Spirit and Parfum, but the difference is this one has more floral accords, not too much but enough to make this even more romantic than Habit Rouges. It has some similarities with Roja Enigma Parfum Cologne too but more wearable than that (tho I love that one as well). I am not an oud expert, but thats sure I dont get any bad smell of oud, it just make this gem deeper, woodier. Because of the jasmine combined with spices it begins with sparkling effect, than settles into smoother glowing creation. So emotional, classy, leans more masculine, glowing, mature. Performance is excellent, it lasts for hours and hours, and sillage is good as well. I am waiting for colder seasons to use this more, with elegant clothes. Ah, and the liquid is darker than on the photos, which is good (I regard darker liquids has better performance but thats my opinion).

Really enjoyed the first impression. Opening the 1 ml vial reminded me of Tempo but replace the mate with vanilla. Immediately upon application I got the same, but within 5 minutes it transitioned. Once moderately dry, probably closer to what a spray would provide rather than running wet across the surface of my wrist the top notes came on strong and overpowered everything for 3-4 hours. On my skin I got pink rose powdered makeup, my wife agreed very feminine and mature, 65 and up. Eventually the patchouli came back but the rose hadn’t faded entirely for about 5 hours. I got 12 hours of performance before washing. The vanilla never shined the way I thought it would and the oud was very quiet, easily mistaken for a dark woody note. I bought No. 5 immediately upon sampling and it is very good, No. 7 doesn’t work with my skin. 7.1/10

I'm so on-the-fence about this, but purely on whether I like it on my skin. It's a beautiful scent, exudes class unambiguously, and the (typical for the Mateu brand) understated presentation really does suit the perfume itself. I have to say though, (sorry Blacktundras ;) ) I am one of those who get that "elderly lady" vibe from it, although that is just an initial impression. Once it starts to dry down, the oud-y patchouli base slides into place, complementing that initial floral / powdery beginning, making it a lot more useable for me, personally. It is undoubtedly a top-quality scent, with very impressive performance. A definite "keeper".

At first I did not like this. In fact I went through two 2 ml. samples before I decided I needed a bottle. As others have noted, the beginning smells skanky to me. First the cumin hits me, and that lasts for about 15 minutes before it changes into what I can only describe as two lovers in bed, just having enacted Shoot Twixt Wind & Water. Uh-hmmm. That's why I just didn't know if I could bring myself to buy and wear it outside the house, but decide I did, and now I have a full bottle. I just wait until 45 minutes of having it on before I venture out of the house with it.