For centuries, oud has been used as a staple ingredient in Arabian perfumes, often found alongside other sweet-smelling essences such as amber and rosewood. However, over the past few years, Western fashion has taken notice of this exotic ingredient and transformed it into one of the hottest trends in the fragrance world. Nowadays, brands such as Creed and Byredo are leading the way in this revival of oud fragrances, creating some of the most unique scents on the market today.
What is oud?
It is a tree resin that is harvested from the Aquilaria tree, grown in Southeast Asia. Oud has been used for centuries as incense and as medicine, often regarded as an aphrodisiac.
Give me your best oud
One of the most interesting developments in the fragrance industry this year has been the rise of ouds. In Arabic, ouds are called al-ʾūd or al-ʾiṭrāb (meaning aromatic wood) which is derived from agarwood, a dark resinous heartwood that’s extracted from trees in Southeast Asia.
Orientals are so hot right now
The Orientals are so hot right now. As the weather cools down, people turn to their favorite scents to get them through the winter. From now until winter, we’ll take a look at some of the best oriental fragrances available on the market today. Let’s start with Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Xerjoff Bois d’Orient. With notes like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and coriander, this fragrance has all the warmth you could need in these chilly months without being too heavy or overpowering. It’s beautifully earthy with subtle hints of vanilla that make it perfect for fall or winter wear!
Intense woods we can’t wait to wear
Woodsy scents are something many of us look forward to in the colder months, as we start to crave that warm, cozy feeling. We’ve rounded up eight fragrances with a woodsy twist that will keep you on your toes all fall and winter long.
Woods that come with a twist
Woods are a must for every day wear, but what about when you want to change up your scent? Woodsy scents are often paired with more floral or citrusy scents, but this season we’re seeing an increase in the number of woody-floral colognes.
Ouds that have staying power
The power of oud, a centuries-old fragrance originally from the Middle East, is not to be underestimated. Its longevity is due in part to its natural oils that have been used for centuries in perfumery.
But as the leaves change color and fall to the ground, it’s time for us to embrace ouds with other notes that are more sensual, cozy and warm–perfect for autumn and winter.
