Inara Oud

I just can't help finding myself in love with the Swiss Arabian house. One of my better perfume investments was purchasing a sample selection of their oils, and discovering gleaming facets of oud brightened and paired with endless variety. The best way for me to understand these notions, is to think that there exists a perfume counterpoint to each oil. Inara Oud seems to be just that for Shaghaf Oud's oil infusion. Both are absolutely delicious, and equivalently valid in their own right. It is remarkable how much love and attention went into every detail, from the stunning bottle to its luscious contents offered at such humble prices. The opening blast is an aggressive expression of oud's more animalistic growl, but quickly tames into a placid river of fruity sweetness atop a most demure rose. Smoky notes of exotic wood smooth into an almost lactonic creaminess. Tranquil powdery puffs of vanillic softness juxtapose against a resinous base of tropical woods, enchant an easiness, like being baptized with fronds of smouldering incense. A lovely seduction of sweet haze and blissful serenity. This was worth every reasonable penny requested towards its purchase, and a welcome opening to the cold months that lie ahead.

Another blind buy, another gem. Don't get discouraged by the strong opening, after 5-10 minutes it becomes the most wonderful girly, sweet and creamy oud. You can just spray once, you can spray 10 times. It just works well. Projection is not too strong. The longevity, just perfect. It stays on your skin for around 6h, on clothes 24h+. Definitely you need to wash your clothes if you wanna wear another perfume next day. For me it’s an autumn scent, one that makes you feel happy on a rainy day. It’s like giving yourself a hug, smiling to your own reflection in the mirror. Recently I’ve been wearing this every second day. Often spraying it before going to bed. Try it!

Between this, Florence, and Shaghaf Oud, I'm totally on a kick with Swiss Arabian's sweet, fruity roses. They're fabulous value for the price. This is so juicy and full and gorgeous. I'm still dipping my toe into the world of oud, and Inara is a really safe option for anyone who is looking for something with oud that still feels distinctly feminine. If you love the base DNA of Delina / Delina Exclusif, Oud Bouquet, Roses Vanille, and other similar sweet roses, this is an incredibly safe bet. It's delicious. I would wear any time of year but it is VERY sweet, so might get a little cloying on the hottest summer days - they'll be here soon so time will tell!

Wow, there's no incense listed in the notes here but the smokey note is so prominent on me, I walked around the house wondering if I'd left something on the stove, but the smell of burning was following me everywhere - and I realized it was me! My dad came up to me and sniffed my hair, wondering if I'd singed it. It dries down to an exceptionally sweet fruity-vanilla, but that smoke stays on my skin the entire way through. I'm not sure people around me are into this aspect of it, because it isn't exactly subtle, but I think it's great. Longevity and sillage are absolutely monstrous; this can last me into the next day if I overspray.

If you can get past the initial spray, that gives off a BACTINE antiseptic vibe, this is a really beautiful & unique scent. Even though that valerian is a bit strong in the beginning, this blossoms into the most beautiful fruity Oud. And it's not unbearably sweet. Now, I'm not a pro on Oud scents, but I think this is a great introductory for those who are interested in, but find Oud fragrances intimidating. I tried my sample last night and woke up and ordered a full bottle this am. This is affordable and very wearable. A hidden gem & a VERY welcome addition to my fragrance collection. PS yes this is my 1st Oud fragrance 😁