With prominence in history and in hadith (the collections of Prophet Muhammad’s words and actions), oud has long been a staple source of perfume in Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures. This precious and fragrant material is also known as agarwood, and has been used for perfumery and religious rituals for millennia across Asia.
Oud is said to be the perfume of choice for the Prophet Muhammad, and in its pure oil form is one of the permissible scents that can be used during prayers and religious ceremonies. Its presence and strong, captivating scent has solidified it as one of perfumery’s oldest core notes, alongside other natural sources like amber and musk.
As we wind down from the holy and blessed month of Ramadan and move into the festivities of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, these oud-based perfumes are a great choice to make come Eid morning as relevant transition from the holy month into a new one. Putting a twist on tradition and opting for these luxury blends will also make your festive morning something to look forward to.
Louis Vuitton
Ombre Nomade
For lovers of rare essences, Louis Vuitton offers Ombre Nomade that takes the treasured oud wood and combines it with unexpected raspberry and benzoin, while grounding it on a base of incense. The scent is rebellious and intoxicating, creating an enchanting story that surrounds you and transports you to a desert that comes alive at night.
Maison Crivelli
Oud Maracujá
The deep scent of oud takes a turn for the unexpected in this creation by Maison Crivelli, resulting in a tropical fruity twist on the classic. Fresh passionfruit, lush saffron, patchouli, leather, benzoin, rose, and vanilla absolutes play with the warmth of oud to offer something special from fruity, creamy, and floral notes.
Guerlain
Oud Essential
In Guerlain’s ode to oud wood, comes this striking green and gold flacon from which a burst of fragrance will envelop you. The strength and depth of oud, often described as woody and smoky are revealed and complemented with rose, then enhanced by leather. A scent that is as sensual as it is captivating, while staying true to the lingering enchantment of one of the oldest perfume inspirations.
Ormonde Jayne
Nawab of Oudh
One of Ormonde Jayne’s signature perfumes, Nawab of Oudh was launched in 2012 and remains a mainstay for this niche perfume brand. A potent blend of amber and rose with a soft oud edge, the scent manages to be both light and rich, delivering a complex yet synergistic fragrance. Spicy notes of cardamon, pimento, and cinnamon play beautifully with fresh green notes, bergamot, and orange – all over a depth of oud alongside ambergris, musk, vetiver, and labdanum.
Jo Malone London
Oud and Bergamot
A scent that is created true to Jo Malone London’s mission to rewriting the rules of perfumery with unexpected combinations and playful concepts, Oud and Bergamot reframes the classic approach to this precious wood. Adding the bright and sparkling bergamot as a top note lends a crisp opening scent, while the cedarwood with its woody profile unique to that of oud adds a touch of bramble to the base of the scent. In the dry down, the oud shines and leaves an irresistible finish.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
Oud Satin Mood
As if wrapped in satin, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Oud Satin Mood wraps you in the woody-ambry scent of oud, blending with several other notes to be worn as delicate fabric on your skin. Violet accord opens the scent bouquet, followed by Damascena rose which smoothly blends into vanilla amber enriched with benzoin.
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