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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Free Perfume Draw
Today I have a niche offering for our readers. A decant of Via del Profumo "Oud Caravan" is awaiting a lucky reader who will comment on this post below about how they feel about oud in general and arabic-inspired fragrances in particular.
Draw is open internationally till Thursday midnight and winner will be announced on Friday. Good luck!
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I have to admit I know nothing about either oud (except its different spellings!) or arabic-inspired perfumes. I don't think I have ever sniffed either. So this would be a great opportunity for me to experience those :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the draw!
i LOVE arabic and arabic-inspired perfumes. and i'm quite fond of oud either on its own or in blended perfumes, even though it has been perhaps a little "over-exposed" in recent times. it has a beautiful rich grounding scent to me, that works well with heavy florals and other resinous components. i'd be very excited indeed to try this perfume!
ReplyDeleteDear Elena,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very generous opportunity! I believe that I read *somewhere* that Estée Lauder's Sensuous features a note of oud (do you happen to know if this is true?). Though I own and enjoy wearing Sensuous EdP, I confess that I have no tangible- well, olfactory knowledge of what oud/oudh smells like (I feel so very out of touch)!
I enjoy the oud in music!
And I enjoy painting watercolors inspired by Arabic textiles worn by women: the great Arabic aesthetic, culture and people are so very beautiful and special to me.
Best regards, and thanks again! Your writing is inspiring and it is always a treat to visit your site.
I'm a big fan of Arabic-inspired perfumes. They smell mysterious to me, which I love. Oud is great if it's not overdone. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI hear a lot about oud over-exposure but I'm just not there yet. I, for one, am grateful for the recent onslaught, and could use a few more, especially if they're like MKK's.
ReplyDeleteThe only oud I've smelled is Montale's Black Oud, and I love it. In general, I love mysterious, woody and exotic fragrances. I think I would enjoy nearly the entire genres of oud and arabic-inspired perfumes. Thanks for the draw!
ReplyDeleteI love oud and I must say that I am avid oud perfumes collector. I love its rich, mysterious scent.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this draw :)
Thank you for your generosity. i've always been a fan of oud every since it hits the western market. I love all aspects of it, the leather, the rubber, the woody, the skanky...just love it. Since then it has led me to arabic perfume and i am in awe. Very sad to hear what Amouage is pulling their attars. Good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely chalice that's being used to burn incense in the photo you've chosen: it makes me want to lean in and inhale the smoke!
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly like to be better informed about Arabic scents: I've bought some perfume oils via UK Amazon but can't escape the question of how authentic they are. It would be great to have access to the real things, just to experience them for sure:-)
cheerio, Anna in Edinburgh
As I've grown older I've come to love heavier, arabic perfume. They make me feel tall, confident and poweful. All the best, Guro
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on the oud creature in question. I am not a fan of any Montale Oud I have tried. They are run for the shower kind of experience to me. However, right now I am absolutely hypnotized by LM Parfum Black Oud. It is absolutely perfect so it gives me hopes I can find out there some ouds I love. As with everything in the world of transactions, the trend is a bit tiring which does not mean to deny that within a trend some gems may appear. With regards to arabic inspired fumeries, all is fine with me. I love their intensity, boldness, and overall disrespect for the other who happens to encounter its trail.
ReplyDeleteI love Night Aoud by Micallef.It's dark, deep and warm.Thank you for the draw!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried any oud scent so far but I would like to so we thank
ReplyDeleteyou for the opportunity
Phanie
I have enjoyed my samples of Montale Black Aoud, which I think of as an authentic Arabic perfume. Wearing it, I almost feel like I'm snuggling in a mink blanket.
ReplyDeletedo i have to have a deep answer? i love the arabic aesthetic in perfume, and have several i found in a local shop catering to arabic customers. they are gorgeous, especially those with rose. i also love oud, and have several that feature it. my favorite is francis kurkdjian's oud.
ReplyDeletecheers,
minette
My favorites are both from Montale: Black Aoud and Oud Cuir d'Arabie. I also have a bottle of M7, the oud perfumr before they were popular. I'd love to try another one.
ReplyDeleteArabic inspired rose perfumes are lovely. I can't say I've tried an oud which is odd since they seem to be everywhere. Thank you for the drawing!
ReplyDeleteCaraghgirl
I always worry that I am caught in some Arabian-nights inspired orientalist idea, which while pleasant, has me wondering what is preferred in such places.
ReplyDeleteThen I get more worried about not just whose tastes are being pushed - western or not, but which part of society in Arabian countries - & what that might represent.
Then I have a cup of tea.
I find most of the oud perfumes done by Western companies in the grip of this fad go from trite to frightening. Bond No. 9 New York Oud? Come on. I'd be interested in trying a real Arabian oud or a rose oud from the Levant. Oud by an Italian perfumer? That sounds more interesting than most -- Tuscany meets Taif, maybe. Anyway, thanks for the draw.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLast year I spent some time at Dubai airport and was amazed at the number of fragrances aimed at the Arabic market. And at how great all the men smelled.
ReplyDeleteSo I am now exploring oud in oils and incenses, and am enjoying the journey.
Thanks for the draw!
I have yet to try an oud perfume!
ReplyDeleteHowever, the idea of fragrances that are heavily floral or have a strong incense note sounds absolutely beautiful.
Oud is a strange note to me. I spent my nineteenth birthday in Afganistan, serving with the U.S. Army. During my time there, I did not quite enjoy every experience, but it loved the thrill of experiencing a new culture. As yet I was a "closet fragrance enthusiast," as I didn't quite realize the role fragrance played in my life, but that I did bring my boyfriend's pillow with me because it contained his scent, and I recognized that. Oud has both and exotic and a deep smell to me. Not exotic as in tropical and flashy..exotic, as in completely different from the western culture I grew up in. Where I, a woman, was free to expose my face and hair and talk freely to other men. "Deep"... Deep as in, well, you don't need to inhale the scent deeply, but you still feel it permeate your sinuses, your clothes, your hair. It sticks around. I have scarves I brought back that still smell of attars the locals use.. And I associate it with the excitement of visiting a small bazaar for the first time; it lingered there, just under the scent of a sweat more than a few days old, but was oddly and pleasantly complimented with the wide assortments of burning and traded incense.. I brought some sticks back with me, too, but they have since gone bad, unlike the scent of oud on my clothing items. I will always know oud, and it will always stay wherever it has been. A distinct and permanent scent on my memory. Woody, musky, sweaty in both the sweet and bitter ways, and deeply rooted in the Middle East, at least in my personal experience.
ReplyDeleteNot being very up-to-date of the perfume world, oud is still very very new to me! I find oud to often lend a wondrously comforting yet exotic feeling to perfumes, and I also love arabic-inspired fragrances (especially in the treatment of spices!).
ReplyDeleteThe first Oud scent I owned was Tom Ford's Oud Wood. Since then I have added a few more to my collection--Byredo Accord Oud and another Tom Ford Oud Fleur, I love Arab-inspired perfumes--one of my very favorites is Amouage Lyric Woman. In fact there are many Amouage scents that I love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the draw!
I love Oud! The Arabic scents are some of my favorites! Their incense and earthy scents are so exotic!
ReplyDeleteUntil recently I could say that I disliked agarwood. But recently I found at least a couple of perfumes agarwood in which didn't bother me - so now I'm keen to try more good perfumes with the note.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked agarwood/Oud, but finding it done in the french style (i.e, with alcohol and not in oil form) has always been a challenge as most 'french style' perfumes tend to butcher the oud, making it almost unrecognizable and its noble qualities lost. Would really want to try an alcohol based scent that does not have that.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite 'Arabic style' perfume is Aramis Calligraphy Rose. And, like everyone else I love the idea of the rich and elaborate East with its 'exotic' attars - but whether this idea translates into a perfume that I actually enjoy wearing - well that depends on the particular iteration!
ReplyDeleteAs with any perfume type, I find oud interesting. The only one I own is Lanvin's Les Notes Oud & Rose, which I immediately liked. It reminds me of a mechanic's garage, as if I was standing next to him, and his uniform was full of all the motor oils. It's so different, but good. There's definitely a time and place for it, as with any perfume. I'd like to try others, to see how they take the oud experience to other planes.
ReplyDeleteI have several very nice 100% oud oils from Cambodia, Assam, and Borneo. Good oud oil is like a good perfume with beautiful and interesting top, middle and base notes. These ouds are my go to fragrances for all occasions. I also wear and love several concentrated perfume oils that include some form of oud (natural or synthetic) by Rasasi, Swiss Arabian and other Arabian houses.
ReplyDeleteThe first oud I can remember smelling was 10 Corso Como, but I don't know if that is really oud or a lot of something else. I just know I loved the old formulation like crazy. I feel like a lot of companies are just plastering oud on labels because its the latest craze, but after reading about it (one of your posts on materials I think) I realize that most mainstream perfumes won't give me any real sense of oud. However, Via del Profumo is in a class by occupied by few. I want to try every single thing they make. I would love to be included in the draw. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteoud in general: my husband loves the note (and he doesn't know anything about the hype, the hate, the arabic inspirations... he just loves the smell of oud, or what passes for oud, I suppose), and I have been amazed by the way some people can rock those oudy roses that turn all sour on me... That said, I have encountered few loves!
ReplyDeleteThe idea of arabic inspired fragrances appeals to me very very much. I think it's the only kind of "perfume exotioca" that fascinates me and that seems compatible with my tastes...
No experience with oud however the coal burning in the burner reminds me of orthodox incense burners and I can almost smell the rich mix of fragrances wafting through the air. Nice image.
ReplyDeleteI love oud perfumes and I am trying to follow the trend, but sometimes it is too much! For example all these Arabic-inspired designer ouds like Dolce and Gabbana or even Hugo Boss.
ReplyDeleteThe real thing is the best, hope to try Oud Caravan then as it follows real traditions!
I like oud in most of its interpretations. It has such a complex profile that it's often hard to pin down what exactly is oud like. Unfortunately I've not tried pure oud (seriously expensive and always worry of adulteration) but I like Montale ouds, especially Black Oud. I like Kurkdjian's Oud a lot because it accents the fruity aspect of oud. Best barnyard oud for me comes from REALOUD by Phoenicia perfumes, which I know to have real oud in it.
ReplyDeleteI like Arabic inspired fragrances on the whole, they seem to be centred around rose, saffron, and oud most of the time. Although admittedly they can sometimes be heavy handed.
I've never tried a La Via del Profumo, but I would love to! ty
I just spent some time in Oman browsing and sampling. What came as a total shock was the fact, that all 'oud' frags I knew were a very mild, westernised version of what I smelled there. High quality Oud/ Oud in high concentration not only in the souk but from the big shops in the expensive malls smelled very dirty: Camel dung, wet goat hair…mystery.
ReplyDeleteI like classic Arab Oud combinations with incense, attar of roses, saffron, clove and cinnamon, Jasmine.
Thank you for the draw!
I like Oud as a note in perfumes. I find it gives them complexity and dimension. However, if the Oud has a burned tires aroma, it doesn't go over too well ( looking at you Montale's Black Aoud). I'm looking forward to getting my nose on some Amouage attars. Amouage seems to be one house that has perfected the incorporation of Oud in fragrances. One of my favorites is Memoir Man and Jubilation 25 Man. I need to try the female versions to see how they compare. From Dior's Privee line, Oud Ispahan is a favorite as well. Thanks for the draw!
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about oud. On the one hand, it is intriguing and can be very interesting in the right composition. On the other, I'm skeptical of any fragrance that uses it since it has become a convenient shorthand (or shortcut, even) to signal luxury. But generally Arabic-inspired fragrances really appeal to me. I love their richness and mystery (and I love the scent of resins!).
ReplyDeleteThat said, I've been very impressed by Via del Profumo, and I would love to give this a try! Thanks for the draw!
I love Arabian inspired fragrances, having grown up on a steady diet of fairy tales influenced by the exotic Arabian nights. And I love oud.
ReplyDeleteThank you! jean :)
PS:
my email is actally jyatesnewyork@aol[dot]com
I like oud and arabian-influenced perfumes and am glad that, for the most part, they are not meek-hearted.
ReplyDeleteMant Arabic scents can be just too too tooo ,,,for me to decipher and wear . But AbdesSalaam is my very favorite perfumer , for his scents , his mystery , his elusive persona , his odd mix of spiritual disciplines . I would love LOVE to study with him for a summer tho he no longer takes students . I have sniffed this particular scent and love it most of all .
ReplyDeleteThank you for the draw !
Love the photo. I love Arabic fragrance and would love to find the perfect one. So many ouds, would love to smell the pure ouds. Any real knowledge of oud I learned here. Thank you for the draw.
ReplyDeleteI adore Arabic and Arabic-inspired fragrances. I would dearly love to be able to sample a top quality pure oud, but those I have tried, some reasonable quality oud blends and some clearly synthetic, are still pretty amazing. I must confess, I steer clear of the strongly "barnyard" offerings, and there are certain oud perfume types (Ferrari Oud, for example) that develop a very unpleasant note to my nose. But a sweet, fruity Cambodi oud or an "antiseptic" blend is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteI think that many of the Arabic inspired fragrances are beautiful. As to oud, some fragrances which use it are lovely, and some are not. Thank you for the draw.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elena for this opportunity! Coincidentally I am working on a fragrance with Oud for the season ahead. It will be more a Vermont oil perfume than Middle Eastern but I have a deep appreciation for the variety and depth of this mystical wood. The Middle Eastern scent landscape has been a bit heavy for me but I embrace components of it individuall and they have inspired me to create more delicate formulations. I love the way that a scent or combination of scents morph into transporting one to a new destination. Perfume Power!
ReplyDeleteI don't have much experience with or access to oud-centric fragrances. I do have a bottle of vintage M7 and a small bottle of Madini Oils Agarwood. Don't know how much oud is in there, but they both smell great to me - rich and smoky/medicinal. Thanks for the draw.
ReplyDeleteI have loved oud perfumes for years. In fact it is my favorite note in perfume. This was all before oud became overexposed. At the time, no one in Western perfumery was even talking about oud, much less putting the name in every oud-less composition. The real oud from the Middle East and Asia smells totally different than the cleaned up versions in today's popular perfumes. It is that dirty note that I adore. Back then, one could get beautiful Arabian oils with oud in it online. Also, I still love Arabian oil perfumes in beautiful bottles, though they are probably not natural. They are a work of art and remind me of cultures where perfuming the guest upon entry with burning oud smoke and anointing them with oils upon exit is a sign of refinement.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to me that something as wonderful as oud owes its existence to mould! I have always been most attracted to heavy scents, so Arabic-inspired fragrances are very appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Saudi Arabia. Whenever we took a plane abroad to visit family abroad ( you could still smoke in the plane) the smell of oud and sigarettes would dominate. So oud now still reminds me of aeroplanes.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the Middle East I never considered 'Arab' fragrances special, because I was surrounded by them. Although I don't actively seek them out now, I think they have a depth to them that is uncommon in North America, so I'm entertained by them. Thanks for the draw!
ReplyDeleteHelen, I wish to win the perfume. I have always wanted a perfume from via del profumo. Please enter me in the draw although a little late!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh. I don't know about oud, I love love arabic-inspired fragances, they remind me of the story of arabian nights...And feel like an arabic princess...
ReplyDeleteI love oud and I am not yet tired of the trend, mainly because I am rather new to the perfume world so I am still starting to understand and recognize oud as a note. I am not sure if I can go full on with oud just yet. Via del Profumo sounds so interesting and promising. I'd love to try this!
ReplyDeleteI have only tried two oud perfumes this year Oud Wood by Tom Ford and Pure Oud by Kilian and I loved both. On my list now I have Black Afgano by Nasomatto because I read it is reminiscent of Pure Oud. I haven't smell the pure oil and I think I will fear the experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering this decant.
I am not familiar with oud as a note, except for everyone complaining that there is too much of it!
ReplyDeleteI love incense so perhaps I would like oud. All of the Arabic-inspired bottles are so beautiful to me, would like to smell an Arabic fragrance.
I had never heard of this note "oud", and needed to look it up in a dictionary... Now I wonder how it smells. Thanks for the opportunity to go on learning (and not only about perfumes, but your language as well!!). Greetings from Argentina.
ReplyDeleteIt's the bitter sweet nature of Oud that I like. It's alomost a yum-yuck relationship with the fragrance - but more yum than yuck!
ReplyDeleteI love rich fragrances so Arabic fragrances are right up my alley. As for oud, I'm not the biggest fan but maybe that's just because I haven't found a perfume that uses oud beautifully. Thanks for the draw.
ReplyDeletei absolutely love oud in most perfumes, what i dislike it's what passed for oud these days, which is cypriol oil or nagarmotha. perfume brands should be honest about this and stop using the word oud as a sales tactic. most oud perfume these days do not contain oud. my fave oud perfumes are mona di orio and xerjoff oud stars collection, particularly alexandria. thanks for this draw.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice draw!
ReplyDeleteAm I late?
I like a few Oud - based perfumes from By Kilian, Montale, Xerkoff etc. Recently I discovered Middle Eastern Oud blends... It erally is another world. I am not sure I like it more (well, my european tastes don't change in a few months) but, for sure, they are challenging, fun and inspiring.
Gentiana
What a nice draw! I hope I'm not too late... Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI like a few Oud-centred perfumes from By Kilian, Xerjoff and Montale. My favorite is Mona di Orio's, followed by Francis Kurkdjian's.
I recently discovered Middle Eastern perfumery and Oud blends... a fascinating world, indeed.
Gentiana