Oud Essentiel

When first sprayed, this is a beautiful woody oud. The saffron is especially obvious during the dry down process, which I personally am a fan of. Immediately after dry down, the leather becomes more prominent and the overall fragrance morphs to become drier and even less sweet. The mature fragrance is really lovely, but it does come super close to Bois Mystérieux in my opinion, so much so that I'm not sure I could justify buying it as I already own a bottle of Bois Mystérieux. I suppose the subtle rose note of this is different from the herbal/medicinal laurel note in Bois Mystérieux, but for that reason, I actually like Bois Mystérieux better. However, if that herbal, bay laurel note is just not your thing and you would prefer the slightly traditional rose/oud/leather combo, I recommend this fragrance instead.

My one and only Guerlain - The bottle is dense and dark, hinting at what’s to come. It starts off in medicinal fashion as most natural ouds do, yet in my opinion nothing uber skanky like Silver Oud as an example. Pungent is how I describe it. Some might find it too much or offensive; but you have to be patient with it. And oh my, it’s worth the wait - the dry down is so enjoyable and complex, constantly evolving into a beautiful finish. Stays on clothes about a day, and skin for the most part of it. The leather/ saffron combo works wonders like salt and pepper, with the rose lingering in the background without being too much - giving it a sophisticated softness that balances the dark resinous oud. Good any time of the day any weather but it’s gonna slap hard and long in the winter nights of course.

Wow, a powerful barnyard and dry, dusty expired rose potpourri opening that softens up in 3-4 hours to a sweet incense, leather, oud and amber scent. Lasts 16-18 hours plus. The rose becomes much less dominant, sweeter, (no candy here) and oud more skin like and cashmere like. Definitely an evening and Winter scent. Put it on two hours before going into public or to bed, but it’s a real winner after that opening! I may try and add some sweetness and vanilla layering to it with intense Café from montale or another vanilla scent… however, with caution, as it is already complex. If the layering of sweetness works, I will add it here.

I got this today and it's blown me away. 4 hours after the first spray I'm sitting here sniffing my wrists - not because I need to get up close, it still smells as strong as it did at first, but because I can't get enough of it and want to be wrapped in a cloud of its magic. I adore fragrances on the dark side and often buy men's to avoid the cloying sweetness of some women's. For me this is the best combination of oud, leather, smoke and spice that I've found so far. It will be perfect when I prowl through a goth club in black velvet; it conveys exactly the right impression.

Oh this is a gorgeous creation. In the top with my other oud fragrance (batch from 2017). Unisex. I am a woman and love this one. Shares the throne with Oud immortel byredo, MFK Oud velvet mood, Sisley soir d'Orient, Gucci intense oud and Dior oud rosewood. This one is the most lethery oud compared to others I mentioned. But also without any rose sweetnes, which I prefer. I don't like sweet rose sents, they give me a headache. Oud Fleur from TF is also nice, and the only one I prefert to use during summer months.