Oud has a reputation for being bold, dark and intense. That's partly true, but it doesn't mean it's hard to wear. If you've never tried it, this guide explains what oud smells like and how to ease in without overdoing it.
What is oud?
Oud, also called agarwood, is a dark, resinous wood that has been prized in perfumery for centuries. In fragrance it's used for a rich, deep character that can come across as woody, smoky, leathery, slightly sweet or balsamic.
What does oud smell like?
People describe it in different ways, because the style varies from one fragrance to the next. Common impressions include:
- Warm and woody: like polished wood or incense
- Smoky: a gentle, dry smokiness rather than a campfire
- Sweet and resinous: especially when paired with amber or vanilla
- Leathery: deeper, drier and more mature
Why oud can feel strong
Oud fragrances tend to be rich and long-lasting, so a little goes a long way. If you've tried one and found it overwhelming, the usual causes are too many sprays, or starting with a very dark, smoky style.
How to start
1. Choose a blended oud. Oud paired with softer notes such as rose, vanilla or amber is usually easier to wear than a pure, dark oud. Rose Velvet & Oud is a good example of that pairing in our range.
2. Start small. One or two sprays is usually plenty. You can always add more.
3. Wear it in cooler weather or in the evening. Oud feels most natural in autumn and winter, and at night.
4. Test on skin and give it time. Wait 20 to 30 minutes so the heart and base can develop. Oud often changes a lot after the first hour.
5. Try a tester first. Oud is a bold style, so it's worth trying before you buy a full bottle. A 5ml tester from £4.99 lets you wear it for a full day.
Where to look
Browse our full oud fragrances collection. If you like woody scents but aren't sure about oud yet, our woody fragrances are a good stepping stone. Prefer something sweeter and gentler? Try vanilla fragrances or spicy fragrances first.
All Power Fragrances are blended and bottled in the UK, with free tracked delivery on orders over £19.99.