Lalibela Oud

I ordered a sample of this (from scentsplit) that I've worn several times so I feel like I've gotten a good read on it. I tried the original Lalibela at Bloomingdales and wasn't a huge fan. To me, that one smelled a bit too "old lady", though it may have just been how it mixed with my chemistry. I'm not sure what inspired me to order a sample of the oud version but I'm so glad I did. It's perhaps my new "signature fragrance"! I'm a youthful 40yo woman who tends to like more masculine-leaning or unisex fragrances. What I like about this fragrance is that I don't get any of the "sharpness" or "loudness" that I often find in other Oriental florals, nor do I get the overtly masculine overtones that I often smell in oud-based or woodsy fragrances—both which I can find cloying and claustrophobic after a few hours of wear. Lalibela Oud is well-balanced and stays fairly close to the skin with some soft projection. I don't get any of the white floral notes that are listed (not even in the opening) and none of the other florals come through in a distinct/singular way. The patchouli is clean and rich (as opposed to the more dirty/earthy/dusty expression) and everything settles down quickly into a warm, woodsy, slightly floral combo...with a touch of spice, cinnamon?. To me this smells very "old money" and I imagine a sophisticated, rich, well-traveled woman wearing this. I do think it would smell divine on men, as well, depending on their skin chemistry. Definitely not a young-leaning fragrance but worth a try if any of the above sounds appealing!

For anyone looking for a ME dupe, Emper’s Arabesque Topaz, which is not listed on Fragantica, shares all the same notes.

Just adding a touch of oud, especially the skanky and fecal one, cannot justify this ridiculous price. If you like the sweetness of the original Lalibella, this is not for you. the fluttering, bright sweetness of the original is not working in this "oud" fragrance.

On a warm afternoon I tested this perfume in Barcelona. In the shop there was a suitcase with all the MEMO fragrances presented in it, before each bottle there was a little MEMO card with 3 or 4 key ingredients described. I tested some and then I saw a card with rose/patchouly/oud and incense listed and I tried this one, initially for the rose... Well!, very special! A deep perfume which behaves almost like an extrait, very strong but soft and persistant. After a while the incense comes in and together with the rose, patchouly and oud if forms a well blended whole. The little sweetnes comes from the oud. The rose is not very prominent, but that was no dissapointment after all. It lingers on clothes very well, the following day still present. I was impressed, by the strength and softness at the same time. For me it has the perfect balance of oud, incence and patchouly. None of the 3 is screaming or dominating. I think also high quality ingredients are used. Later in the afternoon I got back to the shop and asked for the price, 370 euro for 75 ml. I did not bought it but that was because I have other bottles to finish/sell first at home. What strikes me most is that I consider the price is high- but no too high for the quality you get and that surpises me because I would normally never say that. I think it also stands on the top within the assortment of Memo perfumes. So it comes on my list and maybe one day.... Because of the high price the SA showed me also the "normal" Lalibela (without the oud, 160 euro) I tested that one too but that is a real different perfume and was not my taste, by the way I did not recognise it as the Lalibela Oud but now without the oud Verdict: Lalibela Oud is a true masterpiece!

I wore this today to give it a test run. At first the patch and rose are in the front. fresh and bright but quickly melt away and the vanilla and oud begin to warm everything up. To me this is skin warmed by the sun and moisturized with coconut vanilla sun tan lotion. The oud is soft and adds a little sweetness. its subtle and delicate

Its very unique and good quality perfume. However it does have vibes of Lalibela and to me layering original Lalibela with luxor oud is much better then this one. By not having this in your collection you are not missing anything master piece. For the price you can go for something better which will have good silage and longevity.

I don’t get much oud. Here’s It’s not overpowering but a very minor note. This is much better than the original Lalibela. Less cloying notes. The original just seems like a bad test run. This is a gourmandy floral vanilla. I also smell cinnamon. Delicate.