Indochine (2019)

This is a fantastic entry from Xerjoff. The oud is strong enough to make its presence known without ever taking over the composition, and is neither fecal nor animalic. It sets a beautiful woody base that is topped with a fruity, slightly boozy top of mango (which is semisweet and reminiscent of a peach note), caramel (a supporting note that adds the slightest touch of sweetness but stays in the background), and strawberry (again semisweet and jammy). The description of "caramelized" fruits is certainly a more accurate depiction of the caramel note's place in this fragrance, as it blends seamlessly with the fruit and oud to complete this olfactory experience. In my opinion, oud perfumes are generally alluring in their own unique way but this has a dirty, sexy feel throughout its wearing that really separates it from its counterparts. From the strong, attention grabbing opening to the quieter, intoxicating drydown, this really is a unique and amazing blend. The best comparison I can give this is a modernized, smoother version of the fruitier renditions of the Roja Dove Gulf Collection but even that doesnt quite do it justice. However, if you appreciate that collection then this is a cant miss fragrance. Very few fragrances immediately mesmerize me or give me a "WOW" impression but this is a surefire entry on that short list. Longevity is as expected from Xerjoff (12+ hours) and this can certainly fill a room for 3-4 hours before retreating to become a bubble of scent at about arms length for the rest of the wearing. Although oud perfumes are very rarely blind buy safe, this definitely has mass appeal and the oud is not offensive or loud enough to dismiss this as a must try before you buy. If you are experienced with oud (especially from other European luxury houses) then I believe this is a safe buy. Opening 10/10 Drydown 10/10 Longevity 10/10 Versatility 9/10 (wearable in all situations besides hot summer days) Uniqueness 10/10 Overall 10/10 (I cant find any fault large enough to rank this any lower. Truly a beautiful and hypnotizing concoction from one of the best houses on the market.)

XERJOFF: Indochine Oud Stars Collection Nose: Chris Maurice Unisex I love and respect this perfume even if it’s a synthetic mess. 😅 If I smell this when it’s too warm for this scent I hate it and I’m thinking to sell it straight away. Today when it’s-10c it treated me better. There is missing nothing and there is nothing too much - the perfume is a great strange blend of fruits, flowers, musk and oud. This opens up with a juicy fruity strawberry splash which is a little bit shampoo like and harsh first. Strawberry as a note is difficult as well to keep there after an opening but I can get a hint of it for long time and it gets better after 30 min. Flowers start to shine quickly after the opening as well but this is not rosy one even if the rose is there. Other notes are so strong that if you think this is rosy oud, it’s not. This is fruity and sweet, a little bit tropical even if those kind of notes are not listed, but definitely this is a strong scent and oud (feels very synthetic as well) is really present all the time in this. The sweet note is not sugary or syrupy one, not even from vanilla, it comes from fruits. I don’t get any Vanilla vibe from this. And what comes to the longevity: it’s eternal. This is a unique blend and maybe a little bit challenging one but not because of Oud - this can be cloying and too sweet. Somehow it’s addictive and if you like fruity ouds, you should definitely sample this! Top: Strawberry, Pink Pepper & Freesia, Brasilian Orange Middle: Muguet & Peony, Bulgarian Rose Base: Blend Of Ouds, Agarwood & Musk, Vanilla Madagascar (From Xerjoff site) Thank you for reading, I hope my review was helpful. I would appreciate a lot if you want to follow me on IG and/or YouTube (English subtitles): @ninamariahperfumes It gives me a lot of motivation to write more. 🤗

Oud Stars is a Collection of Fragrances that holds a very special place in my heart, as this was the collection that made my fall truly in love with the art of perfumery, with oud, with Xerjoff. The fusion of Italian craftsmanship meets Arabic exoticism is like perfect melody to the olfactive senses, and the new born Indochine, is a scent that demands respect. The magical formula reads very mystical and aristocratic on skin, truly special. Unfolding on first blast with a very extravagant fruity accord and a mesmerizing floral bouquet. The oud in Indochine packs a slight funky punch, a certain arabian mysticism, and the overdose of freesia showcases a very sweet fruity facet, releasing aromas reminiscent of caramelized strawberry jam. Indochine is quite exotic and well nuanced, the floral arrangement is bright and awakening, with delicate white florals and just a hint of rose, as well as a slight green herbal presence. This beauty is rich in sweetness, but not sugary, more like a succulent nectar, Oud and musk frame the composition in the base, with a sensual animalic touch. Indochine lasting power is eternal, easily noticeable after 12 hours and a shower, and the projection is room filling, 4 sprays is the most I recommend. I’m highly impressed.

Thankfully this became available to a worldwide audience through Xerjoff Universe. It is listed as a exclusive and I really have been entranced by its mysticism of caramelized fruity accords enveloped by Oud. This is a special one even only after a few wearings. Comfortable at work and a daily driver which projects a joyous cloud of strawberry, mango elegance. Very polished and refined. Thank you Sergio for this gem.

I hate it when people get 2 5ml testers and think they know about frags plus to me if you don't like this your skin chemistry is off it smells so sweet on my skin I love it