Oudmazing by Montale

I’ve worn more than 20 Montales and tried another 20, including several versions of ‘Aouds’, and this is undoubtedly the most unpleasant of them all. It’s a 100% feminine perfume, made for the lady and the lover. The woke agenda is going too far by forcing it to be unisex. If you identify with the pre-2010 definition of a man, stay away from this immediately. It has that powdery/fruity/jasmine/bergamot accord that triggers a reptilian reaction in the male brain by associating it with a feminine scent. No man who wants to do himself a favour should wear it. I have more to say but I’m out of energy; the olfactory memory still afflicts me. 0/10

If you already know several fragrances, this Oudmazing can remind you of some, but without losing the Montale identity. It has a very present fruity component, a green touch, and a base of leather, oud, and vanillaised patchouli that is very pleasant, within what dense and heavy that combination can be. The fig, pear, and grapes are noticeable at times, but the overall blend is a sweet perfume, with good body, of good quality, and that tends more towards the feminine. It reminds me of scents like La Vie est Belle, Black Opium, or Oud Satin Mood, but I highlight that its quality-price ratio is excellent for what it offers. Few perfumes would I call nocturnal, and this is one of them. It is among the best from the brand; I recommend trying it. Personally, I wouldn’t have it, but as a gift or for a woman, it would be a good option. Note: 8.5/10 Tested from the brand’s discovery set.

I ordered this fragrance along with two other Montales in 20ml boxes, and without a doubt, it is the one that impressed me the least of the three. It seems to smell like Lancôme’s ‘La Vie est Belle’, and since I’m not a big fan, it is the one that excites me the least. They share gourmand/fruity notes: pear at the start, jasmine in the middle, and vanilla and patchouli at the base. The truth is they share too many notes, haha, but I expected it to smell more like grapes and figs. In Oudmazing, the difference is noticeable: it is a more mature and dark version, with distinguishable leather notes and very present oud from the beginning. It is practically unisex, sweet and strong at the same time, with a bit of both sides. I was looking for something more spectacular and different, but it reminds me too much of the current gourmands that are saturating the market (and our noses XD). For daily use, I’m not sure if I would recommend it; I see it more for occasions where we want to stand out, formal events, or nights. I think this fragrance leaves its strong character in the environment.

Oudmazing is a potent unisex that at first coquettishly leans towards the feminine due to that floral-fruity explosion. As it dries down, it becomes more bearable and balanced; the leather and oud are almost imperceptible, but just that gives it the balance to remain unisex. It is top quality, although complex and not for every nose. It can generate that love-hate relationship in the wearer.

Oudmazing can make you think of many sweet perfumes of now, but if you look at each facet and enjoy its sparkles, you will see its charm and complexity. It is not just sugary. The first time I heard it, my pupils dilated; after so many fragrances like this, it is hard for one to capture me, but Oudmazing did it hands down. It tastes like a child in an amusement park: first you see wild berries, grapes, figs, oranges, and sweet lemons; then small, cheerful flowers wrapped in amber with hydrating vanilla; then a shiny leather appears on the way; by the end, you can make out the classy oud embracing every note. It is magic because although the journey is the same, the experience is never equal; the lights and shadows vary, and that makes it exceptional. That juicy, fruity, woody, and sweet mix has me at its feet. It is totally unisex, not for the timid, because in a slip-up the perfume can take you and not you to it. Trail and longevity impeccable as in almost all Montales. ORIGINALITY 8/10 LONGEVITY 10/10 TRAIL 10/10

What I like most is that it lasts a very long time, around 12 hours with good intensity at the start. Afterwards, although it’s not a disaster and I know it has its fans, I find it a bit cloying and sickly-sweet, which is typical of fruity fragrances. Don’t worry about that blend of oud with the sweetness, because the oud is only noticeable at the beginning, a bit dirty, while what dominates are the fruity notes, which are far from seeming natural.