Search

A fresh frankincense fragrance sounds like an oxymoron but Amouage made it (and if anyone was going to it had to be them). My first impressions of Search when I tried my sample on paper was that it was a lime bomb, but on skin it's a completely different story. Amouage has two types of incense notes, the slightly bitter and acidic frankincense you can find in fragrances like Purpose 50 and Decision, and the one here that smells smokier and softer, more like a church, think of Tom Ford's Ébène Fumé and Black Lacquer. Search is primarily a woody frankincense and lime fragrance that's oddly very fresh and uplifting. Closer to the skin there's a dry, almost ashy vetiver that blends spectacularly with the frankincense and lime, the "burning woods" description is not entirely marketing spiel. There's also a touch of something here that's fruity and sweet, might be the juniper berries. I also have to mention that the skin scent I've smelled from the 6 hour mark onward smells amazing, there's a citrus sweetness to it that's addictive. Search was a tremendous surprise because I didn't expect to like this anywhere near as much as I did, and now I'm sure I'll be picking up a bottle down the line. I thoroughly recommend sampling this one. Performance was weak by Amouage standards, but still pretty good overall even for a fresh fragrance. I'll be going in depth so TLDR both projection and sillage are strong, longevity is great at ~9 hours. Since I've been wearing other Amouage fragrances recently I'm definitely nose blinded from wearing them, so it played into my perception of performance but I tried to gauge it as best as I could. Going into detail now, initial projection was really strong, as right after spraying it on I walked by my sister's room a good 6-7 feet away from her and she stopped me to ask what I was wearing since the faint hint she caught of this in the air reminded her of her hair oil (it smells nothing like it up close, she caught the very "edge" of the scent trail so to speak). Sillage is dense but not overwhelming at all, as I sat close/next to my mom for a few hours between car trips and lunch and she said she could smell it a lot but it didn't bother her. This is where I say nose blindness plays in because I couldn't smell myself at all at this point. Longevity has also been great, it's been almost 9 hours and it's still hanging on to my skin, but it's already a bit faint. Performance might not be close to some of the monsters like Purpose 50 and Guidance 46 but it's definitely a great performer, even more so considering it's a fresh fragrance.

This is one of those fragrances where the mostly-positive reviews somehow create a low score. This may be due in part to the fact that this is two different fragrances - both of which are excellent - that don't agree on temperature or setting. The lemon, lime and elemi create an informal warm weather scent, though you can sense there is more just beneath the surface. The touch of vetiver that joins pretty early on increases the target age by about 10 years, making it more formal and better for the shoulder seasons. But at around 90 minutes, this completely transforms. My visual of the drydown is the smell of church pews in an old church, with rich woods that have been embedded with frankincense incense for many decades. The cade oil in this like the shellac, providing a compelling minty turpentinic element. The elemi, a tricky component, is handled deftly by Amouage, providing indefinable hay and tobacco-like accents. A smoky element that pulls from the vetiver and pepper starts small but grows steadily. The dry down is a dark, resinous affair, requiring a mature, self-confident male to stand up to it. Pretty formal, strongly favoring colder temperatures. So when and where do you wear this stuff? Well, the citrus phase is around 60 - 90 minutes, and the drydown phase is a good 5 - 6 hours, so I'd pick this for the drydown. Don't worry, the opening isn't bad for colder weather, because the vetiver and elemi combine in a grassy way during the opening that nonetheless adds density that provides depth. By now you can probably tell that I really like this, but will I be buying a full bottle of this? Probably not. If I was the kind of guy who dropped $400 every time a new Aventus batch came out, I would buy this without a second thought. I think it is worth every penny of the $180 it is selling for currently, but I've only bought things in that price range twice. For Amouage Jubilation and Tauer L'Aire du Desert Marocaine. This doesn't quite reach that level. But if you have a decant you want to sell me, let me know!

Greetings to all fragrance lovers around the world. Some fragrances reveal everything in the first few minutes. Search is not one of them. My first impression was a beautifully natural citrus opening. Bright, fresh and extremely realistic, but I honestly thought I was simply experiencing another high-quality citrus fragrance. I was wrong. As time passed, the fragrance quietly changed direction. The citrus slowly stepped back, allowing the real personality of Search to emerge. Green vetiver, smooth dry woods, refined frankincense and a subtle resinous bitterness came together to create a masculine composition that feels elegant rather than loud. The transformation is what impressed me the most. Unlike many summer fragrances that lose their identity once the citrus fades, Search seems to begin exactly where others finish. The dry down became my favorite part. A clean green vetiver with a slightly earthy character wrapped in soft woods and beautiful frankincense. Complex enough to keep your attention, yet effortless to wear. Another thing I discovered is how well this fragrance responds to body heat. As my skin became warmer, the woods and frankincense felt more expressive, giving the fragrance a natural sense of movement throughout the day. The opening reminded me of Burlington 1819 by Roja Dove because of its remarkably natural citrus quality, but that similarity disappears quickly. Search follows its own path and develops into something entirely different. Performance on my skin was excellent. Longevity easily exceeded my expectations, while projection was strongest during the opening before settling into a refined personal scent bubble. Final thoughts: Search is not a citrus fragrance. It is a woody-frankincense fragrance that simply chooses citrus as its introduction. Don't judge it during the first fifteen minutes. The real story begins much later.

Alexis Grugeon is the very same gentleman who authored Opus XV - King Blue... so it is reasonable to expect good things from him. Search doesn't disappoint, but presents a different olfactory experience, often likened (by me) to a "lemon flambé." The initial burst is undeniably bright and zesty, showcasing a vibrant citrus accord. This "luminous opening", however, is quickly complemented by unexpected darker facets. As Search settles, a pronounced pine-like essence emerges, along with a smoky frankincense. Another key player in Search's character is the rather heavy cade oil base, an ingredient that imparts a unique tar-like and leathery smokiness. This particular note might partially remind those familiar with more "adventurous" fragrances such as Pyroclasm or Tyrannosaurus Rex , which similarly leverage robust smoke. From a performance perspective, Grugeon's fragrance offers decent longevity, typically lasting between seven to nine hours on skin. While the initial projection is noticeable, the scent bubble is not explosive, but remains quite consistent and discernible for a solid five to six hours. The fragrance is linear in its development; after the initial citrus brightness mellows, the smoky, woody core holds steadfast, slowly fading over time rather than evolving through dramatic shifts. While this might not appeal to those who prefer a more dynamic and Amouagesque scent journey, it delivers a consistent experience. Search possesses no discernible sweetness, lending it a distinctly mature masculine lean. For those who appreciate its notes, it can be considered versatile and a good all-season option. Absolutely worth sampling.

A Tale of Two Surfaces: Fabric vs. Skin I’ve been testing Search for a while now, and the contrast between how this fragrance behaves on fabric versus actual skin is absolutely fascinating. On Fabric: It opens with an incredibly sharp, photorealistic blast of citruses—mostly lemon, lime, and mandarin. As it dries down on clothes, "in a very short time" it takes a very linear, cold route. Because fabric lacks body heat, the fragrance skips its rich resinous evolution and transitions straight from that bright lemon into a dry, stark, almost campfire-like incense. It feels very smoky, woody, and straightforward. Honestly, I don't it on fabric. On Skin (The Real Magic): Skin chemistry completely transforms this juice. The opening is the same gorgeous citrus, followed by that signature smoky Hojari incense. However, once the body heat gets to work, the deep base notes finally unlock. It morphs into a beautiful, warm, balsamic, amber-like dry down. Even though amber isn't explicitly listed, the combination of Elemi resin, frankincense, and Guaiac wood creates this incredibly rich, cozy, and sophisticated sweet aura. Warm Factor: Here is the coolest part: the hotter you get, the better this smells. Whenever I sweat or my body temperature rises, the fragrance reactivates. The moisture and heat bring out a gorgeous, subtle sweetness—likely the remnants of the juicy mandarin blending with the warm resins. It gets sweeter, richer, and incredibly alluring in the high heat. Exceptional longevity and sillage. Make sure you spray it on your skin (3x neck and 2x wrists), let it warm up, and enjoy the ride. 10/10

This is such an underrated and misunderstood fragrance. I think that is because people are going into this expecting a citrus forward fragrance. The citrus is there but is merely a supporting act to the main character that is the incense and smoke. Yes the opening is a blast of citrus, after that dries down, the smoke and incense take over with elimi and citrus constantly in the background. Frankincense also makes his presence known throughout. From a conceptual point of view, this is great juxtaposition. Pairing citrus with incense is no easy feat. It’s almost like ADG Profumo, an incense and aquatic must have sounded mad but was a stroke of genius. And we all know how that turned out. Here is a similar idea, the freshness of the citrus is contrasted with a heady incense. People talk about this being an aromatic citrus and comparing it to Eau Sauvage, at best maybe the Parfum version ever so slightly only because of the elimi in both dry downs. Or the notions that it is boring and generic. I think a lot of people aren’t looking past the opening. I think this is what is throwing people off. Because it is not that. Think of it in reverse. This is not a day time spring, summer scent. But it is sperfect night time spring and cooler summer scent. Perfect for date night between spring and autumn. Good sillage and longevity, plus unique scent make this full bottle worthy in my opinion. Bought at a discount which soften the blow. RRP might be a bit too high.

I feel compelled to post my initial reaction to Search. I blind bought this fragrance a few weeks ago after falling in love with Purpose 50. I didn't think much of the top notes this morning when I spritzed my usual hot zones. I had an onsite meeting with a client at a retirement community. Seniors [American] are often vocal when you wear a strong scent in their living spaces. On two separate occasions, both of which in a close space, an older women told me I smelled wonderful. One commented that I smelled like I mixed limoncello [Italian liquor] with whiskey. I wasn't entirely sure if she was inferring I had been drinking during the workday. I honestly could not smell the scent on myself for most of the day, but that was likely due to competing scents in that health care related residential environment. I reapplied the fragrance after taking a shower and moisturizing when I got home an hour ago. I should also add that I live at 8,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. Holy Peter, Paul, and Mary! This time around the opening lime note hit me like a freight train. Slap me silly and call me Sally because the first 30 minutes were memory inducing! The scent of lime drifts through smoke curling up from a Colorado campfire with that sharp, sweet from the tree sap, and wild. There’s something about that smell of lime kissed by fire that feels unexpected, electric, and unforgettable. A little citrus and a little smoke.

Nose Note #877 This is brilliant. I've heard people saying: "What a let down from Amouage, this is not like them"; "We've smelled this before, totally nothing new"; "Smells like a designer, doesn't justify the price in no way". This was basically all I've heard about Search. Man, they are wrong. This is amazing and like nothing I've tried. Super smoky limon/lime accord. This incense accord that penetrates the composition is totally Amouage. It's confidently strong and doesn't feel heavy at the same time. Just a great summer fragrance, one of the best. It's definately not for everyone. Imagine the smokiest batch of Aventus possible, but with Armaf CDNIM lemon and add pepper - this would not be far away from Search. Very manly, no sweetness. Realistic lemon, very realistic spices - the spices are sort of gourmand, they smell edible which may through some people away. In this regard it's sort of close to Purpose which I also love, everything about it. So The Odyssey – Chapter III – Escape collection is indeed a collection, all fragrances share similar spirit. All this that I have described is when you smell it upclose. In the air this edible quality of spices doesn't show up that much at all, it becomes a super cool smoky lemon scent. Very unique, one of a kind. 9.1/10, just a super solid fragrance that fits my taste perfectly

It smells realistic. Especially that burnt wood note. I mean it smells so real I can't tell the difference. Same with the citrus. He has talent. The perfumer. I just don't know if they go together. I get the concept. It's a good idea. In my opinion it's just lacking some type of bridge to connect the polar opposite notes together. Something that could possibly be a mix between the two. Maybe Cyprus? Neroli? Juniper? Or maybe he wants the stark contrast. It borderlines successful. It's challenging in the best way possible. The name of the fragrance is Search after all. Boy am I searching. Lol. It's almost an anomaly. I hate it and love it at the same time. Now it's starting to soften up. Burnt smell is going away. Now it's becoming aromatic. I don't know. This brand is incredible. So many twists and turns. Amouage is not for beginners. Definitely not for people who like really sweet, main stream fragrances. These fragrances are all about interpretation. In essence, it's just as equal as in any other art form. When it moves you there's nothing you can do but appreciate and take it in. Now I'm starting to understand Search more. It's a dichotomy. The push and pull I am always referencing in my life. Now I have to get it.

Everyone that doesn’t like this saw the price tag and then checked their thin, starving wallets and then got upset and said to themselves that they could get the same thing for half the price, so therefore, they never wanted it in the first place. A tragic yet perhaps highly relevant fox and the grapes situation. Thats what I like to think anyway, and I don’t plan on changing my opinion any time soon. The problem is you can’t really get something like this for half the price, maybe only a commendable effort, but that’s not quite good enough, almost, but not quite. So here’s what I think. I think the top notes are extremely pleasant, juicy, sweet and sour. I think the way they muddle with the incenses and woods over the next few hours is delicate and nuanced and refined. I think what this turns into after you come home to your ugly broad of a girlfriend is just as tasty and hot as when you first put it on in the morning. I think it’s fun and cute and sexy in the masculine manner of things, in the way that we normally aren’t allowed to be, and therefore I think it’s a little taboo. And you know what they say? I think, therefore I am.

Search is like an Amouage version of Creed Aventus. Though they are remotely different, they are in the same style of light smoky citrus fragrance. Search swaps the fruitiness citrus/pineapple to a sharper lime/lemon smell. More sour and less sweetness, of course and that sometimes can be perceived as a bug spray. The smokiness in Search is empowered by Hojari frankincense (not balsamic or abrasive frankincense smell at all) with a very light peppery spiciness to it instead of a smoky woodiness from birch and maybe cedar in Aventus. Search is a very simple smoky citrus fragrance, very minimal, but also very meditative with the quality of the smoky frankincense and the freshness of lime. It is not mass appealing like Aventus as there is almost no-added sweetness in Search and the lime is a bit sharply sour. Search projects much lower than Aventus after the opening but has a good staying power for at least 6h-8h and on clothes for longer. It sits on skin as a light smoky citrus smell. It is light but calmingly mature. It does not smell cool or wow-inducingly attractive/appealing, but it calms me down while feeling fresh and chill.

This is Amouage’s attempt to make a simple Colonia style citrus. These fragrances are typically straightforward/simple and therefore need very high quality oils to stand out...in other words there is no where to hide. And I’m getting a strong resemblance to Renaissance....Xerjoff’s attempt at a classic colonia style. They both open with that huge lemon/lime blast and then settle into a herbal/ambery thing. Search smells of higher quality oils and its use of incense makes it much smokier. The difference lies in the base notes...Amouage using there go-to incense while xerjoff uses a very synthetic cedar. But they are very much kissing cousins. I’m a big admirer of this style so this was an easy like for me. Not sure if I’m going to buy a bottle as I have a deluge of these types of fragrances. We will see...Amouage’s always have a secret or two to share. Edit: I’ve worn this a few times now and it’s very addictive. That lemony, peppery incense thing is very attractive and elegant. I’m afraid I’m going to need a bottle. Sorry Xerjoff and the like but Amouage wins out...like they do most of the time.

I’ve been going down the amouage rabbit hole for months, and it’s by far my favorite brand. I own 12 bottles, used to own a seperate one, and have owned a couple decants that I haven’t turned into bottles yet. Search is one (of a bunchhh) that really intrigues me. Now I do want to say that I have not had the pleasure of smelling this, but the citrus and Cade oil combo seems to be even more drastic than enclaves mint and frankincese/spices combo. I was watching a YouTube video on the “mystery of Amouage” and one of the people who was directing the personal tour, said that search overcame the entire factory when a batch of it is being made. Just that by itself intrigues me, knowing, (and owning) some of the strongest amouage perfumes ever. If search is as strong as he says, it would beat silver oud, the interlude trios, overture man, king blue, royal tobacco, and countless other beast performers. For being a citrus scent.... That’s wild. I should sample it, but the joy that blind buying amouage gives me is a little extreme. I guess we’ll see what happens 😂

From the moment you apply this fragrance, you are greeted with a burst of zesty and invigorating citrus notes. The citrusy top notes, including manadrin and lemon, are crisp and uplifting, instantly energizing your senses. The citrus accord is vibrant and well-balanced, creating a refreshing ambiance. As the fragrance develops, the smoky undertones begin to emerge, adding depth and complexity to the scent. The smokiness is not overwhelming but rather provides a sophisticated and mysterious aura. With hints of incense and vetiver, the smoky notes intertwine seamlessly with the citrus, creating a harmonious blend that is both distinctive and alluring. It’s a beautiful unique scent I have never smelled anything like that before. I bought 100ml bottle and I see it going fast because the longevity isn’t by the standard of Amouage but understandably this is a fresh zesty fragrance so no surprise here. Longevity: 5-6 hours on skin Projection: loud for the first 2 hours then it’s toned down to skin scent.

Search from Amouage is a showcase of the highest grade frankincense in the world: Royal Green Hojari. Historically reserved for the Omani royalty. I’ve never tried the raw material alone but supposedly has a critusy, sweet, piney and aromatic profile which is what you get in here for almost all of its duration. There are also actual real citruses molecules in the opening as well but the frankincense quality carries that bright freshness further along. The base is smoky as you would expect from the brand, giving a good balance to the composition. For comparison Oud Minerale from TF comes to mind in my opinion, they seem totally different fragrances but they smell alike I found. Wearing Search to me is not just about smelling good but also for purification and connection with the divine. Hojari frankincense has been used for millennia across various cultures for its profound spiritual benefits. A complex and long lasting versatile piece of work from the great house of Amouage.

Amazing! Deep oily lemon with Elemi and strong white pepper that wierdly gives an incense feel. Quite a juxtaposition but boy does it work well! Extraordinarily linear with phenomenal staying power and balloon. Easily one of the best Amouage in terms of money v performance. Out of my 400 perfumes and 1000 odd that have been in and out of my collection this is actually pretty unique for a lemon citrus corker! Together with Duc De Vervin Extreme and Cologne Italien it would be one of the best lemon centric scents though this might not be ammenable for some because the dusty pepper may take some getting used to. Don’t let the vote for comparisons also mislead you. Most suggestions are laughable and indicate a limited nose with experience. There is nothing I know of that comes close for comparison, however if you would like an extraordinary performer in the lemon citrus box this is one to tick. Happy smelling!

i find it a masterpiece. this is formal, and trully refined. it's undeniably smoky, masculine, and best suited to those aged 36 and above. it's citrusy-balsamic on dark woods. this particular combination of lime and elemi is a masterstroke, while the smoky depth of genuine hojari frankincense feels captivating rather than harsh. the aroma is potent, posh, strongly present, and leaves a memorable impression. a real attention magnet and compliment getter. an outstanding release from amouage, and such a hidden gem. it feels imaginative, exceptionally well-crafted, and high quality. certainly far ahead of the curve, above the trends, and beyond the ordinary. based on this remarkable creation alone, i see this perfumer a master artist operating on an entirely different level. this is my first encounter with his name and his work.

This is something that I was not expecting. It is a fresh citrus fragrance but it evolves into something darker. After some time, it stops being fresh and it becomes smokey and you can smell the incense and woods, while maintaining that citrusy part still. I was blown away by it. It is definitely a perfume you can use anytime, anywhere. EDIT After wearing it a few times, it does feel like one of those perfumes that exude personality and you must be up to the category of it. Something you would expect from any Amouage. At times, it might feel that the perfume is wearing you, so, it is a strong, fantastic, perfume and its you who must be up to the task of wearing it. It is not for anyone, but it is such a complex perfume that must be recognized for its artistry.

Search: tested on strip This fragrance is a fizzy juicy lemonade. This is the most beautiful lemon I’ve ever smelled. Juicy yet realistic and sparkly. The base of vetiver and the incense give this fragrance a unique touch only Amouage could do. This is something of such good quality that it feels like you could drink a sip of it. Very likeable also, especially for an Amouage. It reminds me a bit of my child experiences with my dad where he would help me make some lemonade to sell at the church in those charity events. But it also reminds me of a gin tonic one of those memorable gin tonics sipped at sunrise after a night with friends enjoying the view. You cannot get anything better than this it’s not just a fragrance it’s a memory and a story... 9.5/10

I blind bought this due to the wildly different reviews. It’s been on my skin for about an hour, and I really enjoy it. It has this photorealistic sugared citron opening. A similar smell to that if you haven’t smelled that is a Lemonhead candy. There is no resemblance to cleaning fluid, there’s nothing synthetic here. It’s sharp, sugary, tangy and mouthwatering citrus rind, mixed with a charred and smoky citron rind. It’s like you plucked a citron from the tree, sliced it open, smelled it, and then took a blowtorch and charred it to a crisp. The cade oil is lovely, and not for everyone. I actually love this, and it brings me a sense of excitement everytime I smell it. Gorgeous perfume from amouage