It’s strong, exotic and a little bit smoky. We’re talking about oud – one of the most expensive natural resources in the world.
Arabic for wood, oud technically refers to the resin produced by microbes that invade the trunks of Aquilaria trees. It is often referred to as liquid gold, and for good reason. Less than 2% of Aquilaria trees actually produce resin, which is why the luxe scent boasts equally luxe price tags. The unisex scent is incredibly versatile, and although it is mostly used as a perfume, it can also be used in air fresheners, soaps, body lotions and natural deodorants.
During a recent trip to Dubai, Bianca Cheah was captivated by the alluring, statement-making aroma and managed to get her hands on a traditional oil-based oud.
Since returning home, she noticed that quite a number of oud products have popped up on counters. So if an Arabian sojourn isn’t on the agenda at the moment, here’s a selection of the very best oud products available right now. The heady scents will transport you to the Middle East in seconds.
7 products you need to try
Tom Ford
This warm and sensual fragrance is an intoxicating blend of spicy wood, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean and amber.
Shop → Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum $298.00
Byredo
Byredo’s mysterious perfume features sweet and fruity notes combined with leather and spices.
Shop → Byredo Accord Oud Eau De Parfum US$150.00
Dolce & Gabbana
With rich smoky tones of the dark wood and mysterious deep amber notes, this is the ultimate date night fragrance.
Shop → Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Desert Oud US$306.00
Acqua di Parma
Gents, this one is for you. Italian citrus brightens Acqua di Parma’s signature leather notes for a fragrance that is strong and charismatic.
Shop → Acqua di Parma Acqua Di Parma Colonia Intensa → $290.00
Glasshouse Arabian Nights
With sensual oud immersed in saffron, white rose and amber, this limited edition candle is absolutely divine. In fact, we’ve been burning it all week in the Amodrn office.
Available from 23rd May 2016 exclusively at David Jones department stores nationwide, $42.95
Jo Malone London
Nourish and pamper your skin with this luxurious body oil.
Shop → Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Dry Body Oil $105.00
Molton Brown
The rich and smoky aroma of this bath and shower gel is quite subtle, but still effective.
