Bois de Oud

I love this stuff. I watched this stuff on eBay over a year, waiting for someone to review it, because I just wasn't going to buy another bottle of perfume I never smelled and be ticked off when it was no good. No reason to worry here, this stuff is fabulous. Different than the Tom Ford ouds, but very worthwhile and so much cheaper. It starts off very spicy, I think more incense than geranium. What it really opens with is the smell of the Dickens Faire in San Francisco, held in November and December, when you first walk in the door. Not everyone's been there, so I guess that's the smell of incense, chai tea, mulled wine, and homemade soap. Within a half hour, the oud has taken over, and it's a long lasting oudy, woodsy, Middle Eastern scent (or however people who've never actually been to Iraq or wherever think the Middle East smells like). I'd say the whole effect is oud, rose, cinnamon, incense, leather labdanum, and probably galbanum. And it lasts at least 8 hours.

I don't even know what to say about this. It's just beautiful. I reach for it on nights when nothing else will do, when I need something STRONG yet soft and powdery, with the unique tints cast by oud and peach. I never expected Bois de Oud to take such a big space in my heart, but it sure did.

I am so looking forward to trying this out for the first time. I cannot wait to receive it. I found it in the states for $45.

Never heard of the brand, but this was an impulsive buy after seeing it on sale at a Tashkent mall. Cozy, creamy, delectable—I really love the blatant Middle Eastern approach. To me this feels more interested in atmosphere than luxury, and it makes the whole thing feel down-to-earth and accessible. There’s a lot going on, with juicy peach and subtle florals complimenting the rich warmth of ceremonial woods. A dash of castoreum adds a tasteful bit of animalic raunchiness. It’s lovely really. I will say that at least on me, it leans way more feminine. I’m not particularly shy about that, but do feel a little odd wearing something that I’d expect on a sexy, middle-aged French woman. The colder months have arrived either way, so I’m gonna keep testing it out.

Wood, cranberries, elemi, incense, peaches, & cinnamon powder. This is sweet ylang roses woody blend. Not gourmand, but def sweet cranberries, & cinnamon powder. The peaches, & the castoreum are there. Eventually it settles into a sweet powdery and slightly rosy blend. cute.