Sensual Oud by Zara

The first time I wore it, I sat on my grandmother’s sofa and smelled a blend of roses and old furniture. It’s incredible; it screams luxury, vintage, elegant and cosy. It’s one of the rose and oud combinations I recommend without hesitation. Furthermore, the longevity is another strong point: it has good projection and lasts hours on the skin and days on clothes. I love layering it over Oud Mood; it becomes a beast.

It is a challenging perfume, without a doubt. The opening is potent, spicy and smoky with leather notes. Immediately afterwards, the rose appears, very subtle, becoming powdery as it dries. In fact, after a few minutes it softens and becomes more wearable. The oud is present from start to finish; it is medicinal, relatively clean and without animalic connotations. In short, it is elegant, sophisticated and manages to convey that Eastern exoticism and the mystery of the Thousand and One Nights. A must for lovers of woody scents with oud.

I bought it blind online without expectations due to the mixed reviews, but luckily I loved it. The first thing I thought when smelling it was something very specific: it’s like combining all the scents from those Indian-themed incense and diffuser shops, with mini water fountains and everything. I found it a very special fragrance.

I bought this blindly online with low expectations given the mixed reviews, but luckily I’ve loved it. The first thing I thought upon smelling it was very specific: it’s like combining all the scents from those incense and aromatic oil shops with an Indian theme, complete with their mini water fountains. It felt like a truly special fragrance.

I received it yesterday and I am still testing it, but I like it. I was wary of the reviews for the original Oud Ispahan saying it left a faecal smell on some people, but it seems it is not the case on all skin types. It is heavy, so you must be careful with sprays and it is strange at first. Do not buy it blind.

I bought this perfume blindly and I’m delighted; it smells like an expensive product and lasts on my skin for over seven hours. A wonder from Zara.

This is truly an eau de parfum… if you like oud and slightly sweet leather, it is your perfume. It is potent and challenging. Thanks Zara for putting this gem on your shelves. If you are looking for a perfume to please everyone, this is not it… beware.

I own the Dior Oud Ispahan and this is 85% similar, incredible for the price. It has good longevity and projection, filling a room with just one spray. If you like the Dior one, you must get this.