Lance Carson
Oud, also known as Agarwood, is a highly precious resin that forms the base note of many perfumes. It is a natural ingredient, extracted from the resinous heartwood of the Asian Aquilaria tree when it becomes infected with a specific type of mould. The process of extraction is lengthy, making oud an expensive and opulent purchase. The scent is warm, woody, smoky, and sometimes sweet, and is used in both men's and women's fragrances. When wearing an oud fragrance, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way, and it is best suited for evening wear or occasions when you want to make an impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sillage | One of the most powerful sillage, which is the trail that a fragrance leaves behind |
| Unisex | Warm, woody, smokey, and sometimes sweet |
| Potency | A little goes a long way |
| Longevity | A 3-gram bottle should last up to a year with average daily use |
| Price | Expensive |
| Use | Can be paired with floral notes like rose, jasmine, and orange blossom for a more wearable, everyday fragrance |
| Application | Use an applicator or atomizer |
| Pulse points | Inner wrist and throat |
| Use cases | Fragrance, meditation, therapeutic, aromatherapy, diffuser oils |
| Synthetic versions | Easier on the nose than real oud |
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What You'll Learn
How to apply oud oil
Oud oil is a powerful fragrance, so it should be used sparingly and with caution. It is a unisex scent, often described as warm, woody, smoky, and sweet. The oil is derived from the agarwood tree, which is found in South-East Asia, India, and Bangladesh. It is a popular ingredient in men's fragrances and is also used in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. When applying oud oil, follow these steps:
Firstly, always store your oud oil in a cool, dark location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Then, when applying the oil to your skin, pour a few drops into your hands and rub them together to warm the oil. Gently apply the oil to your wrists, neck, and behind your ears—these pulse points will allow the fragrance to last longer. You can also apply oud oil to your hair, between your eyebrows, and on your eyelids. If you are new to oud oil, it is best to start with a small amount and increase as needed. The ideal time to apply the oil is at night before bed or right after a shower.
If you wish to create a stronger scent cloud, you can swipe the oil on both wrists and apply a small amount behind each ear. You can also rub the oil between your hands and onto your clothing. For a truly immersive experience, purchase some high-grade agarwood chips and place them on a burner. As the chips begin to bubble, fumigate your clothes and skin with the smoke.
It is important to note that oud oil should not be applied directly to your face, as it may irritate your skin and cause unwanted side effects such as redness or swelling. Always use a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, when applying oud oil to your skin to prevent irritation and potential allergic reactions.
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How much oud to wear
Oud is a highly potent fragrance, so a little goes a long way. It is advised to refrain from using too much, especially before entering a confined space, such as a lift or a plane.
When applying oud as a fragrance, it is important to consider where and how much to apply. The ideal locations for application are the pulse points, such as the inner wrist and throat, as this allows for better absorption into the bloodstream and enhances the healing properties of the oil. However, it is important to note that washing your hands can diminish the efficacy of the fragrance, so it is recommended to apply it to the inner wrist instead of the hand.
The amount of oud to wear depends on the desired intensity of the scent. A quality oud fragrance will be long-lasting and will continue to release its aroma throughout the day. Therefore, a small amount will be sufficient. For those new to oud, it is recommended to start with a more accessible scent or a lighter version of oud to get accustomed to its strong and unique fragrance.
The application method can also impact the intensity of the scent. When using artisanal oud oil, the applicator can be loaded to the desired depth. Using just the tip of the applicator will provide a lighter aroma, while loading the applicator fully will result in a stronger fragrance.
It is worth noting that the type of oud and the method of application may vary. Some oud fragrances come in the form of oils, while others are available as sprays or perfumes. The application method will depend on the style, occasion, and purpose for wearing the oud. For example, if using oud for therapeutic benefits, it is recommended to apply it liberally to the pulse points and rub it in to enhance absorption.
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Where to apply oud on the body
Oud is a unisex fragrance that is warm, woody, smoky, and sometimes sweet. It is one of the most potent fragrance notes, and a little goes a long way. The ideal locations for applying oud differ slightly for each person. When applying artisanal oud oil as a fragrance, there are three major factors: the style, the occasion, and the purpose for wearing the oud oil.
Oud is usually applied to the wrists, sides of the neck, and behind the ears—areas with a pulse. These places are warm, and the heat activates the scent to make it last longer. You can also apply it to your inner wrists, behind your earlobes, and on your neck along the carotid artery for better projection and sillage.
If you want to apply oud oil to your clothes for a longer-lasting scent, you can apply it to the inside of collars, plackets, and the cuffs of your sleeves. You can also apply it to your beard, eyebrows, collarbones, sides of your nose, and under your chin.
To apply, gently swipe the stick across, making a line. You can rub the oil using your index finger to spread it around the area. Since oud oil can wear off, it is best to apply it directly before an event.
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Best oud fragrances
Oud is a fragrance oil typically used as a base note in perfumes. It is rich, woody, and decadent, and is usually worn at night time. It is one of the most expensive raw ingredients in the world, produced from the resinous heartwood of the Asian aquilaria tree, which is exceedingly rare.
When wearing an oud fragrance, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. It is a powerful scent, so you only need a small amount to last all day. It is also a good idea to consider the occasion and purpose for wearing the fragrance. For example, you might want to refrain from wearing it in small or enclosed spaces, such as a lift or a plane.
- Roja Dove's Aoud
- Tom Ford's Oud Wood, Tobacco Oud
- Comme des Garçons Wonderoud
- John Varvatos Oud
- Boss Bottled Oud
- Velvet Oud by Francis Kurkdjian
- Velvet Rose and Oud by Jo Malone
- Oud Satin Mood by MFK
- Oud Mood Lattafa
- Guerlain Oud Nude
- Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood
- Byredo Mumbai Noise
- Diptyque Oud Palao
- Penhaligon's Halfeti
- Juliette Has A Gun Another Oud
- Killian Musk Oud
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History of oud
Oud, also known as agarwood, gets its name from the Arabic "al-oud", which means "wood". It is a highly fragrant oil extracted from the resin of the Aquilaria tree, which is primarily found in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, India and Bangladesh. The art of perfumery has a long history in the Middle East, dating back thousands of years. Over time, perfumes and fragrances have become integral to the cultural heritage of the region.
The history of oud dates back to antiquity, with records of its use in fragrances dating back to the third century in China. In Buddhist tradition, the most precious string of beads is made of agarwood, and in Islamic circles, it was valued as an essential oil and personal perfume. It was also burned in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes, with the smoke inhaled to treat various ailments.
Oud became a valuable commodity as its use extended to different countries, and exporters struggled to keep up with rising demand, leading to increased prices. As a result, manufacturers began diluting the oil by mixing it with other ingredients. However, as people's purchasing power increased, experimentation with different blends began, leading to the creation of new fragrances that featured oud as a base note.
In recent years, oud has experienced a revolution, with designers such as Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford launching fragrances featuring this cherished essential oil. The unique and alluring aroma of oud, coupled with its cultural and historical significance, has made it a sought-after ingredient in the perfume industry, with many fragrance houses now offering oud-based scents.
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