Bushra

I said it before, about 500 times, that it was Oud that brought me to this wonderful community 2 and a half years ago(I know, it seems like I have been around for centuries..). Having cried over the prices of the Tom Ford offerings,( still managed to buy a few without selling a kidney) Fragrantica caught my attention with the variety of choice and their reviews! It was the beginning of a great time for me enjoying the writings of Editors and members (mmm who's that Miguel Matos, they do breed them good looking in Portugal, let's see what he has to say for himself.. Wow!!!). So, a couple of years later one can find more oud in my wardrobe then in the entire Saudi Arabia. Bushra got my attention for its wealth of spice and resins. But, let me embellish. On first spritz the fresher notes are let loose, spices, saffron, wood. For a few minutes I am in heaven. Unfortunately this mesmerizing effect is short lived. What goes from then on to develop is a rather sweet, almost gourmand aroma, like a mixture of vanilla, flowers and a touch of something slightly animalic. I can't account for the sweetness, it could be the amber and floral combination, or there is vanilla but simply not in the pyramid. The oud is not strong here for me but I admit that having smelt some of the very strong oud concoctions my threshold of oudy tolerance is simply uncommonly high. For me this is a sweet oud with the emphasis on floral. It didn't rock my boat but,for those who like the more wearable Orientals this juice will not disappoint at all. Just don't expect any barnyard allure.

I'm just not a big fan of oud. I mainly bought this for the pretty bottle and to try a middle eastern perfume. I gave this to my sister - she can use it or just add it to her vanity display. It has a better chance of getting worn by her - I really just didn't like the smell.