Wonderoud by Comme des Garcons

Well, let’s look at the official Comme des Garçons pyramid: Texas Cedarwood, Fraction OrPur, Oud Wood, Indonesian Patchouli, Australian Sandalwood, Haitian Vetiver, Guaiac Wood, and Pashminol. When I tried it this morning, I didn’t see that list; I only saw Oud on Fragrantica, which caught me by surprise as that is precisely the note I dislike most about this fragrance. My first thought was a wood blend: sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, and even pine, which I got right on the money. It’s that kind of dry, dark woody perfume with a patchouli base, leather, and sometimes incense, in the style of Private Label, Encre Noire, Gucci Rush, or Dark Aoud. I’m not saying they’re identical, but you know what I mean. It’s quite linear. The brand claims it contains natural oud, and if they say so, I won’t deny it, but to my nose, the oud is nowhere to be found here. The performance is ridiculous; Wonderoud starts straight off as a skin scent. It projects nothing ever, and although it lingers close to the skin for about four or five hours, it doesn’t justify its terrible value for money. It’s a good option for anyone seeking a woody scent without drawing attention, suitable for an office or enclosed spaces. In my opinion, it’s totally masculine. Despite being woody and faint, it could be worn in any climate, even with heat, though one would have to test it. Not much more to add. The smell isn’t bad as a woody scent, but I can’t recommend a perfume with such poor performance that sells at an outrageous price. I believe there are similar options with better performance and a more reasonable price. On to the next one, butterfly.

It’s a leathery, syrupy blend with a medicinal edge, yet it retains a sense of cleanliness. The ebony effect is very dark, though it fits daily life well. It has that typical cold air of domesticated ouds, with a tar-like nuance that almost turns sweet. While CdG has many fun fragrances, this one doesn’t stand out to me. I’d place it alongside other vegetable leathers and cold ouds I’ve already tried.