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Perfume has been an essential accessory for women for centuries, adding an alluring touch to their overall style and personality. While there are countless fragrances available in the market, one particular scent that has been gaining immense popularity among women is oud. I often get asked the question, ‘What actually is oud?’; oud, also known as agarwood, is a precious resin extracted from the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree. It has a rich, complex aroma that is both exotic and enchanting, making it a sought-after ingredient in perfumery. In this article, we will explore some of the best oud perfumes for women, for any budget, some are niche fragrances and some designer perfumes but each offers a unique olfactory experience.

PerfumeFragrance Notes
The Kayali Oudgasm CollectionRose, Vanilla, Tobacco and Coffee Ouds
Tom Ford Black OrchidOud, Black truffle, Blackcurrant, Patchouli
Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’ExtraitIris, Oud, Benzoin
Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot IntenseOud, Bergamot
Misguided Babe OudOud
Acqua di Parma Colonia OudOud, Woods
Paco Rabanne Fame ParfumJasmine, Mango, Oud
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin MoodOud, Rose, Vanilla
Amouage Epic WomanOud, Pink Pepper, Cinnamon
Guerlain Santal RoyalOud, Sandalwood
Versace Oud OrientalRose, Saffron, Violet, Heliotrope,Leather, Sandalwood, Vanilla
Roberto Cavalli Nero Assoluto Orchid, Citruses, Vanilla, Ebony and Wood
Wonderoud Comme des GarconsOud, Wood

Table of Contents

The Kayali Oudgasm Collection


The Kayali Oudgasm Collection is a versatile group of four fragrances which celebrate the Middle Eastern heritage of the Kayali founder Mona Kattan. My personal favourite is the Vanilla Oud perfume which is sweet and warm. Rose Oud is very feminine whereas Tobacco Oud is quite masculine. Café Oud sits somewhere in the middle; its more of a classic amber and oud fragrance.

Check out my article on all the Kayali fragrances.

Kayali-Oudgasm-Collection-1

Tom Ford Black Orchid


Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is a luxurious fragrance that combines the mystique of oud with other exotic notes like black truffle, blackcurrant, and patchouli. The result is a sensuous and opulent scent that exudes confidence and elegance. Black Orchid is perfect for special occasions and those who want to leave a lasting impression.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait


Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait is a soft combination of iris and oud. This fragrance is ideal for someone looking for a subtle oud perfume where the note isn’t the primary scent in the fragrance. Iris is a core note in most of the La Vie Est Belle perfumes, and in La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait it is the main note; this creates a slightly powdery, feminine feeling to the perfume which lasts all day!

Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Intense


Jo Malone is known for its exquisite fragrances, and Oud & Bergamot Intense is no exception. This fragrance marries the warmth of oud with the freshness of bergamot, creating a well-balanced and versatile scent. Many of the Jo Malone London perfumes are colognes which mean they’re very light, Oud & Bergamot Intense however it a more concentrated fragrance which can be relied upon to project. It’s suitable for both daytime and evening wear, making it a favourite among many oud lovers.

Missguided Babe Oud


Missguided Babe Oud is my top recommendation for a very affordable oud fragrance. The Misguided perfumes are usually about £25. I find that Babe Oud lasts well and stands out at great value for money when compared to many other oud scents. The Missguided perfumes can be found in the US at Walmart and in the UK and Europe at The Fragrance Shop.

Acqua di Parma Oud


Acqua di Parma’s Oud is a sophisticated and timeless scent that combines the traditional Italian cologne with the allure of oud. The result is a fragrance that is both refreshing and exotic, perfect for women who appreciate classic elegance with a modern twist.

Paco Rabanne Fame Parfum


Paco Rabanne Fame Parfum is an intense version of the best selling Fame Eau de Parfum. This fragrance has the jasmine and mango of the original scent but with an added oud and amber undertone which adds depth and warmth. This isn’t as heavy as many niche oud fragrances making it suitable for wearing during the day as well as in the evening.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood


Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a masterpiece that combines the sensuality of oud with the sweetness of Bulgarian rose and vanilla. The result is a fragrance that is velvety, romantic, and utterly captivating. It’s perfect for women who want to feel indulgent and luxurious.

Amouage Epic Woman


Amouage is renowned for its opulent and long-lasting fragrances, and Epic Woman is no exception. This perfume combines oud with spicy notes like pink pepper and cinnamon, creating a scent that is powerful and unforgettable. It’s an excellent choice for confident and adventurous women.

Guerlain Santal Royal


Guerlain Santal Royal is a woody oriental fragrance that features the richness of oud and the smoothness of sandalwood. It’s a scent that exudes elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for formal occasions and evening wear.

Versace Oud Oriental


Versace Oud Oriental is a luxurious and opulent fragrance. It opens with a rich, spicy blend of saffron and black pepper, setting a warm and inviting tone. The heart reveals the prominent oud note, complemented by a subtle floral nuance from rose and heliotrope. The base notes of vanilla, labdanum, and leather add depth and sensuality. Oud Oriental boasts impressive longevity and sillage, making it ideal for special occasions and colder weather. This scent combines traditional Middle Eastern oud with a modern, Western flair, resulting in a captivating and sumptuous aroma for those who appreciate bold and sophisticated fragrances.

Roberto Cavalli Nero Assoluto


Roberto Cavalli Nero Assoluto is a bold and seductive fragrance. It opens with a burst of orchid and citrus, offering a vibrant and exotic introduction. The heart showcases an elegant blend of rich vanilla and ebony wood, adding depth and sensuality. As it dries down, the scent evolves into a warm and woody base with notes of leather and tonka bean. Nero Assoluto has moderate longevity and sillage, making it suitable for evening wear or special occasions. This fragrance embodies an air of sophistication and glamour, perfect for those who appreciate an intense, oriental aroma with a touch of mystery.

Comme des Garcons Wonderoud


Wonderoud by Comme des Garçons is a modern take on the traditional agarwood scent. It opens with a burst of bright, citrusy bergamot, which quickly gives way to a deep and woody oud note. The heart introduces a mild smokiness and earthiness, creating a harmonious complexity. In the dry down, vanilla and musk round off the composition with a touch of sweetness and warmth. Wonderoud is a versatile fragrance suitable for daily wear, boasting moderate sillage and longevity. It offers a contemporary twist on oud, appealing to those who appreciate the enchanting depth of this precious wood in a more subtle and accessible form.

In conclusion, oud perfumes for women have become increasingly popular for their exotic and captivating allure. These fragrances offer a unique olfactory experience that combines the richness of oud with other complementary notes, resulting in scents that are both intriguing and elegant. Whether you prefer a sensuous and opulent fragrance or a more balanced and versatile one, there’s a perfect oud perfume out there for you. Explore these options and discover the enchanting world of oud in a bottle.

Soki London

Sophie is the perfume enthusiast behind Soki London. She reviews the latest perfumes and entire perfume ranges on her YouTube channel and website.