Best Oud Perfumes for Beginners: 7 Easy Ways Into Oud
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Oud (agarwood) is the heart of Arabian perfumery, but real oud can smell smoky, woody and even a little animalic. If you are new to it, it helps to start with a smoother blend.
Here are the oud perfumes we suggest for beginners, from soft and sweet to deeper and more traditional, with verified notes for each.
The quick answer
Start soft with Tom Ford Oud Wood or Lattafa Oud Mood. For a cheap first oud, Lattafa Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory. When you are ready for more, try Initio Oud for Greatness.
Start here: smooth and easy
1. Tom Ford Oud Wood: the smooth classic
Unisex | Eau de Parfum
Listed notes: Oud, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Patchouli, Amber, Tonka Bean
A polished, woody oud that many people try first. Listed notes: oud, cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli.
2. Lattafa Oud Mood: sweet rose oud
Unisex | Eau de Parfum | Long-lasting, rated 8.5/10 for longevity by Parfumo users
Top: Rose, Saffron, Pimento · Heart: Oud, Caramel, Floral Notes, Patchouli · Base: Woody Notes, Amber, Resins, Incense, Musk
Rose and saffron soften the oud, with caramel and incense. Rose, saffron, pimento on top; oud, caramel, floral notes, patchouli in the heart; woody notes, amber, resins, incense in the base. Longevity: Long-lasting, rated 8.5/10 for longevity by Parfumo users.
3. Lattafa Qaed Al Fursan: oud with pineapple
Unisex | Eau de Parfum
Top: Saffron, Pineapple · Heart: Fir Balsam, Jasmine · Base: Cedarwood, Amber, Oud
A bright, fruity opening with just a touch of oud in the base. Saffron, pineapple on top; fir balsam, jasmine in the heart; cedarwood, amber, oud in the base.
Next step: more oud
4. Lattafa Bade'e Al Oud Oud for Glory: budget favourite
Unisex | Launched 2020 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Saffron, Nutmeg, Lavender · Heart: Oud, Patchouli · Base: Oud, Patchouli, Musk
A strong saffron and oud blend at a very low price, often compared with Initio Oud for Greatness. Launched in 2020. Saffron, nutmeg, lavender on top; oud, patchouli in the heart; oud, patchouli, musk in the base.
5. Initio Oud for Greatness: the niche icon
Launched 2018 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Lavender, Saffron, Nutmeg · Heart: Oud · Base: Patchouli, Musk
A rich, saffron-led oud from a niche house. Launched in 2018. Lavender, saffron, nutmeg on top; oud in the heart; patchouli, musk in the base.
6. Creed Royal Oud: woody and refined
Unisex | Eau de Parfum
Top: Pink Pepper, Bergamot · Heart: Angelica, Galbanum, Cedar · Base: Musk, Oud
A dry, elegant oud from Creed. Pink pepper, bergamot on top; angelica, galbanum, cedar in the heart; musk, oud in the base.
When you are ready
7. Amouage Interlude Man: smoky and bold
Marketed for men | Launched 2012 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Bergamot, Oregano, Pimento · Heart: Amber, Frankincense, Cistus, Opoponax · Base: Leather, Oud, Patchouli, Sandalwood
A powerful, smoky scent for people who already love strong perfumes. Launched in 2012. Bergamot, oregano, pimento on top; amber, frankincense, cistus, opoponax in the heart; leather, oud, patchouli, sandalwood in the base.
Tips for wearing oud
Start with one or two sprays: oud is strong. Wear it in cooler weather or in the evening at first. If you want to try real oud oil, see our guide to the best Swiss Arabian perfumes, where the Shaghaf Oud oils are an easy start.
FAQ
What is the best oud perfume for beginners?
Tom Ford Oud Wood and Lattafa Oud Mood are smooth, easy starting points. Lattafa Oud for Glory is the best cheap option.
What does oud smell like?
Oud smells woody, resinous and smoky, sometimes with a leathery or animalic edge. Blends often soften it with rose, saffron, amber or vanilla.
Is oud perfume for men or women?
Oud is traditionally unisex, and most oud perfumes are marketed for everyone.
