How to Wear Oud

Many people approach oud with some hesitation. It is strong and unfamiliar. Once you know how to wear it, it becomes one of the most personal things you can put on. With an extrait, technique decides whether a fragrance feels like an elegant aura or a cloud.

Prepare the skin

Dry skin absorbs fragrance quickly. Apply after showering, on skin moisturised with an unscented lotion or oil, and the fragrance stays longer.

One place is enough

Oud works with the warmth of your body. Choose one or two places:

• the inner wrist, to notice it yourself
• behind the ears or on the neck, where it stays present in conversation
• the chest, under clothing, for a softer trail
• the inside of the elbow, for an aura that rises gently

Dose with restraint

An Eau de Toilette may need five or six sprays. With an extrait at 30 to 35 percent, one or two are usually enough. If you are unsure, spray once into the air and walk through the mist.

Don’t rub

Rubbing the wrists together warms the skin and breaks the lighter notes. Spray or dab, and let it settle by itself.

Give it time

The opening is dark and resinous. After fifteen to thirty minutes the heart comes through, and towards evening a warm, close skin scent remains.

Season and occasion

Oud responds to temperature. In cold air its woody depth unfolds beautifully. In summer, wear less or choose a floral oud. At the office one touch on the wrist is enough; an evening can carry a little more.

Let it speak alone first

You can layer later. Get to know the fragrance on its own first; many people end up letting it speak alone.

Keep it well

Store your flacon in its box or a dark cupboard, away from light, heat and humidity. The bathroom is the worst place for perfume.

Wear oud the way you wear a piece of jewellery you love: with intention.

The easiest way to find your oud is the Discovery Set: three fragrances of 2 ml. Its amount comes as a code by email, credited once on your first 100 ml flacon and valid for 37 days.