Does the lure of the orient fascinate you? If you love the aroma of burning incense or the sweetly spiced scents of India, then Oud oil is the perfume note you simply must experience.
One of the most expensive and widely sought after of all perfume oils, Oud lives up to its sobriquet ‘liquid gold.’ Although an excellent all year fragrance, it comes into it’s own in the autumn and winter months, and are the ideal scent for evening occasions.
Best Oud Perfumes
Below is a summary of the best Oud perfumes for her that we will review fully today. Are all worthy contenders for a place in your perfume collection.
- Roja Parfums Musk Aoud
- Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Intense
- CREED Royal Oud
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud
- TOM FORD Private Blend Oud Wood
- Dolce & Gabbana Parfums Velvet Desert Oud
- Gucci Oud Intense
- Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Precious Oud
- Versace Pour Femme Oud Oriental
- Diptyque Oud Palao
An Overview Of Oud
Before we get into the 10 best Oud perfumes that we tried and tested, lets discover a little more about Oud itself.
What Is Oud?
Oud comes from the Agar tree and provides a lavish fragrance. It is one of the most desirable and expensive ingredients in the world. Its aromatic musky scent has been a widely used choice for hundreds of years in the Middle East, Asia, and India. Today, it often serves as a base in both men’s and women’s fragrances.
Where Is The Agar Tree Grown?
Agarwood is a resinous heartwood that occasionally forms in trees from the genus Aquilaria family. Aquilaria is a sub-tropical tree that grows naturally in South Asia and parts of New Guinea. There are approximately 15 species of Aquilaria know to produce Agarwood.
With the extreme rarity of natural Agarwood, much of its supply comes from plantations. Here, the resin originates from artificial infection, which makes it a much faster process.
How Is Oud Oil Made?
If you have ever wondered why Oud oil is so expensive, look closer at the process behind its creation. Oud oil is native to the agar tree of South Asia. When wood from the agar gets infected with a certain kind of mold, the tree creates a heavy scented resin, fittingly coined ‘liquid gold.’
Not just any piece of infected agar will do; it needs fungus of at least 8-12 years in age. Only then is it viable and ready for the extraction process. Through steam distillation, the resin-soaked Agarwood produces the coveted Oud oil.
What Does Oud Smell Like?
Oud oil has a bold aroma that is unmistakable once you’re familiar with it. The best way to explain the scent is that it’s powerful, musky, and almost animalistic in its decadence. Oud is a scent unlike anything else on the market; it’s common in religious ceremonies and other ancient practices.
It serves well with wood notes and goes exceptionally well with vetiver, sandalwood, carnation, citruses, and even rose.
Because of its strength, Oud most often serves as the base note, which is also because of its high price. This scent is long-lasting and helps a fragrance to linger on your skin for longer than it would normally.
Related: 10 Best Perfumes With Patchouli
10 Best Oud Perfumes For Her
Ingrid and myself spent an enjoyable few days researching many Oud fragrances at a number of iconic London department stores. Here are the 10 best Oud perfumes (for her) that we discovered. Our personal favourite is also noted in case you cannot decide, just watch out for the Viora 5 star icon!
1. Roja Parfums Musk Aoud
Musk Aoud is part of the Aoud collection by Roja Parfums. It offers a modern take on Middle Eastern culture and captures the mysticism of its roots.
This fragrance has notes of leather and patchouli. Its heart consists of vibrant florals, while the base is an intensely spiced blend of luxurious Oud, vanilla, and musk, among many others.
This perfume has a decadent aroma that is perfect for evening wear. Its musky hints and pungent Oud-infused base is ideal for anyone who enjoys warm, spicy scents. Musk Aoud wears beautifully with an evening gown or dressier attire.
Roja Dove is a world-renowned master perfumer. His creations are among the most internationally exclusive and continuously captivate our senses. Musk Auod offers a subtle yet alluring appearance, with its crown of jewels and golden accents.
Top Notes:
Lemon, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Oud, Ambrette
Available at Harrods
2. Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Intense
Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne by Jo Malone London is a dark and richly rewarding fragrance. Its hints of damask rose, and smoky Oud wood combines for an alluring finish, while the splash of clove and praline make it all the more magnetic.
Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne is a brilliantly bodacious fragrance that blends well with the evening hour. Sundown is a time for lustrious and moving scents, which is what makes Velvet Rose the perfect choice.
Jo Malone London presents its creation in a subtle and smooth bottle. Every one of Malone’s creations come in their signature box and offer an individual statement. These perfumes are elegant, charming, and whimsical all at the same instant.
Top Notes:
Rose
Mid Notes:
Clove, Praline
Base Notes:
Oud Wood
Available at John Lewis & Partners
3. CREED Royal Oud
CREED Royal Oud Eau de Parfum is a luxurious fragrance that drew inspiration from the architecture of a Persian palace. Its intense sandalwood and Lebanese cedar notes wrap around the natural aroma of its Oud base. This perfume is a classy choice for ladies with a spiritual side.
Royal Oud Eau de Parfum has an oriental presence that makes it sensual and alluring. Wear this fragrance for evenings out on the town, or occasions when you want to feel your sexiest.
The House of Creed is a genuine family-owned perfume house. With over 260-years of crafting, Creed is synonymous with lavish aromas. Perfume connoisseurs lend their admiration to the nearly 200 scents the Creed family produced.
Top Notes:
Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Galbanum, Cedar, Angelica Roots
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Tonkin Musk, Oud
Available at John Lewis & Partners
4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Extrait de Parfum captures the true essence of the orient. Its Oud wood aroma is both mysterious and sensual, perfect for the sexually confident woman.
The elegance this scent puts forth makes it an excellent choice for fancy occasions or evenings out on the town. Though its sweet vanilla notes lighten it just enough to make it afternoon appropriate too.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian has made his mark as a renowned perfumer. This fragrance house brings freedom of expression to the foreground and isn’t afraid to make bold moves. Expect delicate scents with a touch of sensuality.
Top Notes:
Saffron, Elemi
Mid Notes:
Sweet Vanilla Accord, Cedarwood
Base Note:
Laos Patchouli, Oud from Laos
Available at John Lewis & Partners
5. Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood
Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum offers a smoky blend of Oud wood, vetiver, and sandalwood. Its amber notes add a touch of warmth and add to its already apparent sensuality.
Wear this exotic scent for classy occasions or evenings out on the town. It’s rosewood, and cardamom scents give it a sexual edge that is perfect for confident women.
Tom Ford is a notorious American designer. Celebrated for his genius and synonymous with sensual, classic, and innovative creation. Oud Wood Eau De Parfum has a smooth bottle that speaks to the woody base. It’s subtle yet boisterous and looks like a sophisticated choice.
Top Notes:
Exotic Rose Wood, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Base Notes:
Oud Wood
Available at John Lewis & Partners
6. Dolce & Gabbana Parfums Velvet Desert Oud
Velvet Desert Oud awakens the senses with its permeating fragrance. This perfume offers a powerful blast of incense that brings to mind the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern lands. It’s a seductive adventure that wafts musky notes that linger against the skin.
The dark wood notes make Velvet Desert Oud the perfect choice for nighttime rendezvous. Its rich amber notes take this perfume to a place of sizzling sensuality and make it a must-have for confident women.
Velvet Desert Oud from Dolce & Gabbana launched in 2013. Created by perfumer Alberto Morillas, this perfume has a refined appearance thanks to its sleek, yet elegant bottle. The chromatic effect makes it all the more appealing and certainly makes you want to catch a whiff of what’s inside.
Top Notes:
Incense
Mid Notes:
Oud, Amber
Base Notes:
Musk
Available at Harrods
7. Gucci Oud Intense
Gucci Oud Intense Eau de Parfum is a luxurious unisex fragrance. It sweeps you away to a time past and is unmistakenly a Gucci creation. Its rich and exotic scent is light and refreshing, while the subtle oriental fragrance makes it an alluring choice.
The lightly sweet notes of pear, saffron, and raspberry make Gucci Oud the perfect choice for warm afternoons. Don’t think you can’t wear this perfume after dark because its oriental wood base gives it that smoky smell you want while prowling the night side.
Gucci hails from Florence and goes as far back as 1921. This industry-leading brand is infamous for its high-end fashion and fragrance creations.
Top Notes:
Raspberry, Saffron, Pear
Mid Notes:
Orange Flower, Bulgarian Rose
Base Notes:
Natural Oil, Patchouli
Available at John Lewis & Partners
8. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Precious Oud
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Precious Oud Eau de Parfum is part of the collection ‘Collection Extraordinaire.’
It’s an exquisite fragrance with luxurious notes that embodies the beauty of nature. This perfume combines Oud essence with floral notes for an intensely beautiful result.
Wear this fragrance in warmer weather thanks to its hint of light florals. It’s ideal for afternoon fun in the sun and wears best on a woman with a lively spirit.
This perfume isn’t for the serious lady; its bountiful presence matches well with an energetic go-getter. Precious Oud Eau de Parfum has a sculpted bottle that boasts a slender silhouette and a precious glass exterior. Its very presence is invaluable and feminine, like a brilliant jewel.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Tuberose
Base Notes:
Oud, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Highly Recommended:
This fragrance is our personal favourite!
Available at John Lewis & Partners
9. Versace Pour Femme Oud Oriental Eau de Parfum
Versace Pour Femme Oud Oriental Eau de Parfum is a heady aphrodisiac for the senses. It’s like a warm breeze on a summer day with an intoxicating aroma and Oud base notes. If you enjoy oriental scents, then this is an ideal fragrance to add to your collection.
Ladies with an assured personality suit Versace Pour Femme Oud Oriental Eau de Parfum best. Wear this fragrance for afternoon outings in warm weather, or for evening strolls in the glow of a gorgeous sunset.
Versace has always been a fashion-forward label free from inhibitions. Its perfumery is universally appreciated and notorious for its distinctive aromas. Donatella Versace involves herself in every aspect of fragrance development, and she has a nose for beauty.
Top Notes:
Oriental, Floral
Mid Notes:
Leather
Base Notes:
Oud
Available at John Lewis & Partners
10. Diptyque Oud Palao
Diptyque Oud Palao brings the scents of East and West together. Its Oud base notes blend with rose, incense, cypriol, and rose for a delicate and sensual finish. This hypnotic fragrance wears best on women with a sensual side who enjoy flaunting their sexuality.
Oud Palao is an excellent choice for evening occasions or date nights. Its alluring vanilla and rose notes make it slightly more romantic than most perfumes with a musky scent.
This perfume offers a mysterious appearance with its rounded bottle and sleek black cap. The imagery is reminiscent of medieval times and includes an intriguing type of font.
Top Notes:
Rose
Mid Notes:
Vanilla, Incense
Base Notes:
Oud
Available at John Lewis & Partners
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 of the best Oud perfumes for her. We chose these fragrances after careful consideration and feel that they are among the best available.
Keep in mind that the woody scent and oriental savor of Oud oil make it an excellent choice for evening wear. Though, with the right combination of lighter floral notes, it wears perfectly for daytime outings too. Vanilla, rose, and other sweet pairings lighten up the result.
Oud is a luxurious and highly coveted perfume ingredient, and with good reason; it adds a level of distinction that is unsurpassed. It’s both classy and elegant while offering a taste of the orient in every whiff. If you enjoy woody/musky notes, then Oud base notes are among the most appropriate. If you prefer a more rounded fragrance, then best to choose something with floral top or mid notes to compliment the strength of the Oud base.
Before you go, I have also put together a review of the most elegant perfumes ranging from timeless classics to modern day sophistication that I think you will enjoy.
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Andrew Radford
Andrew is a fragrance enthusiast, collector, and seasoned writer who has a burning passion for all things fragrance and flavour related. From woody aromatics to green & spicy, I leave no stone unturned in my quest to discover the ultimate scent. Andrew’s Full Bio.
FAQs
What does London Oud smell like? ›
The nose behind this fragrance is Francois Merle-Baudoin. Top notes are lemon, bergamot and mint; middle notes are lavender, jasmine, white flowers and sea notes; base notes are patchouli, cedar, nutmeg, cardamom and agarwood (oud).
Which oud do Arabs wear? ›Use bakhoor or oud muattar (fragranced oud chips) on your hair as well as your clothes. Although bakhoors are generally used for homes, Arabs love to use specific scents on their hair and clothes as well. Doing this enhances your scent without over applying one specific scent.
Which is the best seductive perfume? ›- Pumpkin - Paco Rabanne Fabulous Me. ...
- Cinnamon - Yves Saint Laurent Opium Eau De Parfum Spray. ...
- Champaca - J'adore Dior Eau De Parfum. ...
- Vanilla - Guerlain Shalimar Eau De Parfum. ...
- Lavender - Tom Ford Lavender Extreme Eau De Parfum.
A Good-Quality Oud
High-quality ouds' faces are made from spruce, tuning pegs and fingerboards are constructed from ebony. The bowl back is made of maple, walnut, palisander and mahogany. If the strings are closer to the fingerboard, it would be easier for you to play the instrument.
If you are looking for a lovey-dovey sound with a more ornate overall design, then the Arabic Oud is the one for you. But, if you are after a distinguishable yet simple look with a very clean sound then you should opt for the Turkish.
Is oud a feminine smell? ›For a start, it uses Oud as a middle note rather than a base note. The effect is subtle; a fragrance that you'll associate with Oud but not instantly. It adds depth and character that's fully encouraged and supported by its sweeter top fragrance notes. Despite those, it's a more masculine than feminine fragrance.
Is oud perfume for ladies? ›Oud Mood 30ml | Eau de Arabian Parfum | Perfume Spray Fragrance | Amber, Floral, Musky Oud Perfumes (for Women and Men)
What is the best oud for beginners? ›Turkish Oud can be a good bet for beginners as the action is likely to be low and make it easy to play. Also, inexpensive factory-built models tend to be quite reliable and well-built. Construction: Turkish Oud is pretty easy to find.
Where is oud most popular? ›Although the raw ingredient is mostly found in Asia, oud perfumes have become a staple in the Middle Eastern culture, and are seen as a prestigious asset often associated with royalty.
Is Oud perfume for ladies? ›Oud Mood 30ml | Eau de Arabian Parfum | Perfume Spray Fragrance | Amber, Floral, Musky Oud Perfumes (for Women and Men)
Is Oud a feminine smell? ›
For a start, it uses Oud as a middle note rather than a base note. The effect is subtle; a fragrance that you'll associate with Oud but not instantly. It adds depth and character that's fully encouraged and supported by its sweeter top fragrance notes. Despite those, it's a more masculine than feminine fragrance.
Which Arabic perfume is best for ladies? ›- Best Travel-Friendly: Zoha Arabian Musk Perfume Roll-On. ...
- Best Earthy Scent: Hijaz Saffron Oud Alcohol-Free Scented Oil Attar. ...
- Best Alcohol-Free: Al Haramain Sultan. ...
- Best For Summers: Arabian Oud Sehr Al Kalemat. ...
- Best Hypoallergenic: Spice Woods Perfume Oil Mist.