Oud. That word strikes fear in the hearts of newbie fragrance lovers. Okay, my heart, thereis fear in my heart. When other fragrance reviewers have described the note as “skunky,” I couldn’t help but think twice about trying an oud forward fragrance. And with a name like Oud for Greatness, I had no idea what I was in for with this creation by Initio Parfums.
Oud for Greatness by Initio Parfums
$410 for 90 mL (real oud is very expensive)
Notes: oud wood, agar wood oil, lavender, saffron, patchouli, and musk
Instead of my usual, wear test when I go out and about my day, I figured it best to try this one out at home. After a evening shower, I applied it to my wrists and was comforted. It was nowhere near what I’d feared.” As the brand describes it, the oud is matched with the fresh note of lavender and spice from nutmeg and saffron. On me, it seemed to mellow out, dare I say sweeten as the hours went by. It was still prominent on my skin the next day.
The next obvious step would be for me to wear this out. Problem is, I’m not sure where. Don’t get me wrong, this is a wearable fragrance, but still quite powerful. It seems a bit too strong and particular note to be suited for small office space. I will give my boss the respect of not showing up smelling like an Arabian king. But going out (yeah, which I totally do), maybe even a dinner, or just shopping out and about, those occasions might work within my comfort zone. I am still working up the courage to wear more challenging scents out and about without a care. Or I will just sit regally at home, smelling myself.
If you are an oud aficionado, and haven’t already tried this one, Oud for Greatness might need to be your next sample. And if you are new to the game and oud shy, give it a try and see if it doesn’t change your mind.
(Image credit: Initio Parfums)
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