Midnight OUD by Kelsey Berwin

The bottle is top-notch: well-made, substantial, and stylish, with a cap that seals perfectly (a real relief, nothing like the Zeus). It smells elegant and, while it might sound odd, it’s ideal for everyday wear. Although leather isn’t listed, the moment you smell it, your nose screams yes. It could be the blend of notes, but ultimately it’s a linear scent with a strong, punchy opening. It’s dry, rough, intense, and very woody, with a very subtle fruity touch at the base. On skin, it reminds me a lot of Huberta from the same brand, though with less depth and without that floral note, yet together they share that same vibe. The longevity is brutal: I went out to a party and woke up the next day at 4 pm, and it was still noticeable. Projection is notable at first but settles down quickly. If you want more info, photos, and so on, drop by my Instagram (JL_Perfumado) or YouTube (Perfúmate Con JL).

To start, the main flaw is the name and packaging. You see a black bottle with gold detailing that says ‘Midnight Oud’, and your mind thinks: wow, intense and opulent oud! But upon trying it, those ideas vanish. It’s not a bad perfume, but there’s an abyss between what you expect and what it actually is; hence the negative comments, which are more disappointment than real criticism. It’s almost linear, nothing like the oud (if it’s there, it’s minimal). Overall, it smells like undeclared leather, very eighties, with that soapy barber shop touch, but with very modern spices and fruits. I liked it. The opening is intense, rough, spiced, bubbly and effervescent, a homogeneous and fresh blend of leather and wood, not citrusy, but like a dewy morning in a mossy forest. Then it settles and maintains intensity, with a fleeting sweet fruity hint at the end over mossy woods, very current. There were moments when it reminded me of ‘One Man Show Gold Edition’; they don’t smell the same, but if you know it, it gives you an idea. As for longevity, it’s subjective; I’ve read it lasts a mere breath, but in my opinion, not a chance. I put it on at 8:00, two sprays on the neck and one on each wrist. I stopped smelling myself at 3 hours, but others could still detect it. I got home at 22:00 and, to my surprise, it was still there at 14 hours. In summary, it lasts about 10 hours, with high projection at the start that drops to moderate. It’s for cold or mild times, day or night. It could be perfect for daily wear or the office: it’s not intrusive, pleasant, long-lasting and projects a formal, clean image. It’s not for everyone; it’s a mature and serious scent. I’d recommend trying it first, but given the price, you’re not losing out.