When you think of a woody scent, you may not necessarily think of luxury. However, did you know that one of the world’s most expensive natural raw ingredients is a particular type of wood? It’s called ‘oud’, and oud perfumes are making a statement in the fragrance world! Let’s find out why…
What is oud?
Oud is derived from the tropical agar tree and can be found naturally growing in the Middle East. It’s thought to have originated in Assam, India.
When the agar tree becomes infected by a mould called phialophora parasitica, the tree produces a dark, dense and fragrant resin to protect itself. It’s the resin which becomes embedded in the tree that is the source of oud. Isn’t nature clever?
What does oud symbolise?
The agar tree is considered one of the most expensive timbers in the world, with the global market reportedly worth a scent-sational £5 billion! Because of its high value, lots of cultures see oud as a symbol of wealth and luxury … we can see why! Europe and Asia even reference the use of oud in religious ceremonies. Oud oil is also often used in spiritual ceremonies to cleanse the space of negativity. Cool, right?
What does oud smell like?
As you’d expect, oud has a very warm and woody aroma to it. It’s considered particularly potent, so oud perfumes are not for the faint-hearted! Due to being sourced from timber, you may also detect a hint of dampness in its scent and a delightful smokiness. Oud wood fragrances are unique – you simply have to try them to appreciate them! Oud is often subtly blended with touches of floral notes, and fruity notes, but the predominant scent is always musky and sensual.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUD AND PERFUME?
The difference is simple, oud perfumes contain oud and other perfumes don’t! Oud has a very strong and powerful long-lasting aroma, so it is only added in small amounts to create more depth and complexity in fragrances. The concentration level of oud is generally much higher than the level found in perfume.
Here at The Perfume Shop, we LOVE the warm and smoky aroma of oud. So much so, that we have rounded up a selection of oud fragrances for you to explore, because we know you love it too!
Oud Minerale by Tom Ford
The warmth of oud is spiked with a wave of fresh pink peppercorn in this heady, intoxicating fragrance. Both rich and refreshing, Oud Minerale offers a unique twist to the usual oud aroma. Seaweed, musk, and salt swirl into sensual, smoky woods to create a unique and intoxicating scent experience. If you’re an oud lover, then this is a must-have for your collection!
Treat yourself to our exclusive oud perfume and enjoy a spiritual and scent-sational journey. This distinctive and mysterious scent perfectly captivates the warmth and vibrance of the Middle East. Spicy top notes combine with elegant oud woods at the heart, bursting into delicious notes of vanilla and amber to create a sophisticated, rich, and exotic fragrance that leaves a desirable musky trail.
If you love the heady aroma of oud, but you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly fragrance, Oud by Axis might just be what you’re looking for. This bold and commanding perfume, exclusive to The Perfume Shop, combines smoky and woody notes with hints of lavender and bergamot that mingle with the rich scent of powerful oud, creating an intense fragrance that’s both earthy and alluring. A strong, addictive fragrance that doesn’t break the bank? Yes, please!
Crafted from traditional Eastern ingredients, Gucci Oud Intense is an opulent fragrance that harnesses rich ambery oud wood. Featuring notes of leather and Olibanum Oil (another word for frankincense), this unisex perfume is rich, sensual and unmistakably Gucci. Whatever the occasion, finish your look with a spritz or two (but go easy – a little goes a long way!).
The heady aroma of No.2 is dominated by Turkish rose, lily of the valley, and fragrant peony. Heart notes of rose and oud perfectly complement the white musks and sweet vanilla at the base. If you love oud perfumes that are much more on the floral side, then this deep and mysterious fragrance is the one for you.
Georgie is our content creator and curator here at The Perfume Shop. She joined us at our Scentquarters in High Wycombe in 2022 and became a certified fragrance expert in 2023. Outside of the perfume world, Georgie loves reading, creative writing, and exploring new places. Her favourite fragrance? She’s spoilt for choice, but if she had to pick, it would beAlien Goddess by Mugler.
What is Oud?
When you think of a woody scent, you may not necessarily think of luxury. However, did you know that one of the world’s most expensive natural raw ingredients is a particular type of wood? It’s called ‘oud’, and oud perfumes are making a statement in the fragrance world! Let’s find out why…
What is oud?
Oud is derived from the tropical agar tree and can be found naturally growing in the Middle East. It’s thought to have originated in Assam, India.
When the agar tree becomes infected by a mould called phialophora parasitica, the tree produces a dark, dense and fragrant resin to protect itself. It’s the resin which becomes embedded in the tree that is the source of oud. Isn’t nature clever?
What does oud symbolise?
The agar tree is considered one of the most expensive timbers in the world, with the global market reportedly worth a scent-sational £5 billion! Because of its high value, lots of cultures see oud as a symbol of wealth and luxury … we can see why! Europe and Asia even reference the use of oud in religious ceremonies. Oud oil is also often used in spiritual ceremonies to cleanse the space of negativity. Cool, right?
What does oud smell like?
As you’d expect, oud has a very warm and woody aroma to it. It’s considered particularly potent, so oud perfumes are not for the faint-hearted! Due to being sourced from timber, you may also detect a hint of dampness in its scent and a delightful smokiness. Oud wood fragrances are unique – you simply have to try them to appreciate them! Oud is often subtly blended with touches of floral notes, and fruity notes, but the predominant scent is always musky and sensual.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUD AND PERFUME?
The difference is simple, oud perfumes contain oud and other perfumes don’t! Oud has a very strong and powerful long-lasting aroma, so it is only added in small amounts to create more depth and complexity in fragrances. The concentration level of oud is generally much higher than the level found in perfume.
Here at The Perfume Shop, we LOVE the warm and smoky aroma of oud. So much so, that we have rounded up a selection of oud fragrances for you to explore, because we know you love it too!
Oud Minerale by Tom Ford
The warmth of oud is spiked with a wave of fresh pink peppercorn in this heady, intoxicating fragrance. Both rich and refreshing, Oud Minerale offers a unique twist to the usual oud aroma. Seaweed, musk, and salt swirl into sensual, smoky woods to create a unique and intoxicating scent experience. If you’re an oud lover, then this is a must-have for your collection!
TOM FORD
Oud Minerale
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £152.00
Oud Spice from The Perfume Edit
Treat yourself to our exclusive oud perfume and enjoy a spiritual and scent-sational journey. This distinctive and mysterious scent perfectly captivates the warmth and vibrance of the Middle East. Spicy top notes combine with elegant oud woods at the heart, bursting into delicious notes of vanilla and amber to create a sophisticated, rich, and exotic fragrance that leaves a desirable musky trail.
The Perfume Edit
Oud Spice
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £24.99
Oud by Axis
If you love the heady aroma of oud, but you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly fragrance, Oud by Axis might just be what you’re looking for. This bold and commanding perfume, exclusive to The Perfume Shop, combines smoky and woody notes with hints of lavender and bergamot that mingle with the rich scent of powerful oud, creating an intense fragrance that’s both earthy and alluring. A strong, addictive fragrance that doesn’t break the bank? Yes, please!
Axis
Oud
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £12.99
Gucci Oud Intense
Crafted from traditional Eastern ingredients, Gucci Oud Intense is an opulent fragrance that harnesses rich ambery oud wood. Featuring notes of leather and Olibanum Oil (another word for frankincense), this unisex perfume is rich, sensual and unmistakably Gucci. Whatever the occasion, finish your look with a spritz or two (but go easy – a little goes a long way!).
Gucci
Oud Intense
Eau de Parfum Spray
90ML – £155.00
No.2 Floral from ©lone
The heady aroma of No.2 is dominated by Turkish rose, lily of the valley, and fragrant peony. Heart notes of rose and oud perfectly complement the white musks and sweet vanilla at the base. If you love oud perfumes that are much more on the floral side, then this deep and mysterious fragrance is the one for you.
Lone
No.2 Floral
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £49.99
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Georgie Smee
Georgie is our content creator and curator here at The Perfume Shop. She joined us at our Scentquarters in High Wycombe in 2022 and became a certified fragrance expert in 2023. Outside of the perfume world, Georgie loves reading, creative writing, and exploring new places. Her favourite fragrance? She’s spoilt for choice, but if she had to pick, it would be Alien Goddess by Mugler.
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