10 Best Oud Perfumes And Fragrances For Women To Try In 2024
Surround yourself with the intoxicating aroma with a few sprays of these Oud perfumes.
Nathalie Rouquet is a perfume expert with more than 13 years of experience in the field. From flowering gardens to spices and herbs used in cooking, she has always been fascinated by smells from as long as she can remember. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, she graduated with a master’s degree in Chemistry, specializing in Perfumery from ISIPCA, the well-known French fragrance school created by Jean-Jacques Guerlain, member of the legendary Guerlain perfumery dynasty.
Read full bio of Nathalie Rouquet
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Image: Shutterstock
Intense, animalistic, and intoxicating, oud is one of the most invigorating scents out there. The best oud perfume can arouse in your senses something that is difficult to capture in words— you have to smell this dark resin oil to understand it. Oud perfumes have emerged in the Western world from the Middle East and you no longer need to be deprived of this exquisite experience. If you want something luxurious or something to keep you warm in colder months, check out our list of the best oud perfumes with positive reviews you can find online.
In This Article
What Is An Oud perfume?
Oud perfumes contain natural oud essential oil extracted from an agar tree commonly grown in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. Believe it or not, oud is a type of mold, a fungus-infected resinous wood. And since this mold may not grow on all agar trees, oud is rare and popularly labeled as liquid gold by perfume connoisseurs.
Now, are you ready to experience the enchanting spell of oud and some woody notes to your perfume collection? Here’s our list of the 10 best oud perfumes for women in 2024.
10 Best Oud Perfumes That’ll Open A Million Doors To Exotic Scents!
1. Best Long-Lasting Effect:Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Eau De Parfum
If ever there was an opulent gold galore, this one is the ultimate one! This oud fragrance is a must-try if you desire a hint of passion, beauty, and glamor in your aura. Packed in a striking yet elegant bottle, the gourmand scent will engulf your heart and senses with its oriental notes and intense sillage instantly. It contains precious ingredients like saffron. This statement-making luxury oud perfume opens with the captivating saffron (well-known as red gold) evolving into an exquisite heart of rose and praline. Notes of rich oud lead this fragrance into a fiery dance of sweetness and rich woody notes before settling into the warm embrace of vanilla. A whiff of royalty, anyone? You may check this video review to get an insight into the tester’s experience for a better understanding of this luxury perfume.
- Intense
- Long-lasting
- Ideal for women and men
- Best-suited for winters
- Not tested on animals
- Scent may be overpowering for some
Did You Know?Mr. Hussein Adam Ali founded Swiss Arabian in 1947, making this the first perfume house in the UAE.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 4,175 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Travel-Friendly Bottle:Arabiyat Khashab & Oud Gold Edition Eau De Parfum
If you are looking for oud and citrus combinations, the majestic redolence of this Arabian oud perfume will deliver exceptional results and uplift your senses in a whiff. An eclectic blend of citrusy, woody, and oriental notes, the fragrance imparts a dramatic experience as the sweetness of top notes seamlessly descend into spicy, oriental, and luxurious middle and base notes. The golden oud perfume opens with top notes of bergamot and saffron, a sweet and citrusy wake that streams into the plush middle notes of vetiver, and cedar, only to welcome warmth and comforting base notes of amber, sandalwood, and oud wood.
- Sweet and spicy
- Occasional wear
- Ideal for men and women
- Travel-friendly
- May not last all day
- Woody scent may be heavy for some
Pro TipYou must use it on warm skin, especially on your pulse points and behind the ears. Instead of rubbing the area, let the skin absorb the perfume for a long-lasting effect.
3. Best For Daily Wear:Versace Oud Pour Femme Oriental Eau de Parfum
With the heat of the Middle East to entice and empower, this concoction by Versace will make heads turn with its spellbinding redolence. A luxurious blend of oriental, spicy, leathery, and powdery notes, the rich fragrance is for those who like to stand out in any crowd. With oriental top notes of rose, saffron, and freesia to appeal and impress with the intoxicating mixture of sweet and spiciness, the heart notes are intimate and feminine yet deep with violet, heliotrope, and patchouli. The oud blend then settles into the leathery base of oud, sandalwood, and creamy vanilla to leave a trail of soft and warm sweetness. So, if you are looking for a feminine oud perfume with light to moderate sillage, this one from Versace, a celebrity-endorsed brand, will not disappoint. This video review will give you an insight into the reviewer’s experience and help you learn more about the product.
- Soft oud perfume for her
- Sweet
- Mild sillage
- Suitable for daily wear
- Slightly expensive
4. Best Floral-Fruity Notes:Al Haramain Amber Oud Rouge Eau De Parfum
How about something fresh and zesty to keep the tiredness at bay? This amber-based long-lasting oud perfume is no less than those designer oud perfumes out there. It leaves behind a powdery, oriental, and spicy trail that’ll keep you smelling good and fresh all day. The scent has top notes of rosemary, bergamot, and lemon for a fresh stir that intensifies with the middle notes of spices, guaiac wood, and cedar. An uplifting sillage if you are looking for a perfume-slash-ice breaker scent, it also contains base notes of amber, resins, and musk for a warm, powdery, and sweet trail. This video will give an idea about the reviewer’s experience with the perfume and help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
- Intense
- Comfortable wear
- Ideal for men and women
- Elegant packaging
- Some may find it overwhelming
5. Best Light-Scented Fragrance:Hamidi Natural Oud Perfume Spray
From the lush forests of Assam (a northeastern state in India), this water-based oud perfume contains natural extracts of the rare agarwood. If you are looking for lightly-scented oud/oudh perfumes to explore so that your BFFs can’t stop raving about the fragrance, Hamidi’s Natural Oud Water Perfume is the one for you. Gentle on the skin and refreshing to the senses, it’ll keep your vibes uplifted with its natural essence. It contains top notes of pepper, middle notes of rose, and base notes of amber, musk, and agarwood for a spicy, sweet, and powdery-warm experience. This affordable oud perfume is ideal for anyone who is into subtle, sophisticated aromas.
- Lightly-scented
- Gentle on skin
- Alcohol-free
- Lightweight packaging
- Spicy notes may be sharp for daywear
6. Best For Spring Wear:Rasasi Sotoor Raa Eau De Parfum
If you are into oud and floral combinations, check out Rasasi’s Sotoor Raa. It will remind you of summer skies as you find yourself lost in its intriguing color. The unique floral oud perfume brings together the mystique and minimalist charms of the east and west in its contemporary blend. A luxe and potent fragrance, it packs a spunk of joy and energy for the young and those who are young at heart. It opens with top notes of lemon and bergamot for a zesty wake, which leads the way to the heart notes of nutmeg balanced by the elegance of jasmine and lily of the valley. The scent then dries down to the earthy, woody yet luxurious warmth of musk and patchouli.
- Intense sillage
- Ideal for men and women
- Best-suited for spring and summer
- Floral fragrance
- May not be the best choice for winter
7. Best For Nighttime Parties:Arabian Oud Kalemat Spray
Here’s one signature oud fragrance for the dreamers! The Arabian Oud Kalemat Spray unfolds like poetry with its sweet and warm notes to make all your moments memorable. This oud for special occasions and parties has fruity and spicy notes of blueberry and star anise that stream into the heart notes of cashmere wood and rosemary. Intense and irresistibly delectable with hints of honey in the base notes, the scent settles into earthy and powdery-sweet notes of musk and amber.
- Long-lasting
- Intense sillage
- Ideal for all seasons
- Suitable for men and women
- Sweet oud perfume
- Expensive
8. Best For Winter Wear:Gucci OUD Eau de Parfum
If you want to make a long-lasting impression, this Oud Eau De Parfum from Gucci, a celebrity-endorsed brand, is a fantastic choice. From lifting your spirits to making heads turn, it leaves a trail so captivating, you’re going to be bombarded with a shower of compliments. Irresistibly charming yet mysterious at the same time, the scent opens on fruity notes with pear and raspberry balanced by some cheeky saffron. The heart notes are floral and sweet with orange blossom and Bulgarian rose that dry down to the oriental base notes of amber, musk, patchouli, and agarwood. So, if you’re a true romantic at heart and are looking for a rose oud perfume, you need not look further than this oud-based concoction.
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ideal for men and women
- Suitable for evening and winter wear
- Expensive
9. Best Warm Undertones:Banana Republic 17 Oud Mosaic Eau De Parfum
This west-meets-east fragrance by the Banana Republic has a mystical charm that’ll make people stop in the wafts of your sillage. Infused with fruity notes of the west, the smoky warmth of the Middle East spices, and the floral notes of Asia, the eclectic blend is unique, refreshing, and comforting at the same time. More like a contemporary fragrance peppered with traditional and warm scents, the infused oud only makes the blend more uplifting. The perfume has top notes of cardamom, pepper, and plum, middle notes of Turkish rose, labdanum, and saffron that settle down to base notes of amber, musk, and agarwood. If you are into rich and intense scents, this one is a must-try!
- Intense
- Long-lasting
- Ideal for men and women
- Suitable for all seasons
- Spicy notes may be sharp for daywear
10. Best Earthy Notes:Oud Elite Sugar Oud Eau De Parfum
This sugar comes with a hint of spice! If you are looking for oud and spice combinations, try the Oud Elite’s Sugar Oud. It is a harmonious blend of western fruity aromas with the spiciness of the oriental flavors. If you are concerned whether it is intensely floral or fruity, don’t be, as the infused spice balances the sweetness in the blend. And if that wasn’t enough, the base notes add a touch of warmth and earthiness to the perfume. It has top notes of orange blossom and peach for an exhilarating start that merges with the spiciness of cardamom and elegance of jasmine, only to dry down in the base notes of musk and vanilla.
- Intense sillage
- Long-lasting
- Ideal for men and women
- Strong vanilla scent
- Expensive
Plunge into the richness of oud this season! There you go, those were the 10 best oud perfumes for women that are must-try. If you need assistance while shopping for an oud perfume or wondering how to use one, we have some tips and tricks for you in our buying guide below.
How To Choose An Oud Perfume?
Choosing a perfume online can be tricky, but here are some tips that may help:
- Oud concentration
Understanding the notes in the perfume will help you understand how long you can enjoy the oud fragrance. The top notes are the ones that hit you instantly after spraying, and they last for 5-15 minutes. The heart or middle notes last for 2-4 hours, followed by base notes that last for up to 4-6 hours. “In fact, some base notes can last for even weeks in the right conditions,” says Nathalie Rouquet, a Perfume Expert from France. Oud or agarwood extracts are primarily or most of the time infused with the base notes because of their luxe and long-lasting formula.
- Staying power
Check the perfume oil to alcohol ratio in the blend to determine how long the fragrance will last. Since oud extracts or oil are naturally potent, they tend to last longer and make a strong impression, especially when combined with floral and fruity scents.
- Sillage
Oud perfumes can come across as heady once sprayed, which is why you must let it settle to experience its true sillage. Although most of the oud perfumes have a heavy or intense sillage, there are water-based oud perfumes such as Hamidi Natural Oud Water Perfume Spray, which is light compared to alcohol-based oud perfumes.
You may also check reviews of the perfumes on Amazon. This will give you an insight into the reviewers’ experiences with the product and help you make an informed decision.
How To Use An Oud Perfume
One of the best ways to use intense, exotic fragrances is to apply them to your pulse points, such as your inner wrists and neck. You can also apply it behind the ear lobes, inner elbows, or behind knees for the best experience. If you like perfume layering, you can layer oud perfumes with soothing floral fragrances. Never rub it on the skin! Oud fragrances can be very powerful, long-lasting, and have a lot of sillage. So, use sparingly at first as they can feel overpowering at times, both for you and for people around you.
The Bottom Line
Exotic oud perfumes come in elegant bottles that attract attention with their natural tones. These expertly crafted perfumes are intense, long-lasting and best suited for people who adore woody notes. While some of the expert-recommended perfumes listed are in extremely high demand in summer and spring, others are mostly purchased during the winter season. Purchasing these perfumes depends on your fragrance preferences. Try the Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Eau De Parfum for some Intense oriental notes, the Versace Oud Pour Femme Oriental Eau de Parfum for a blend of spicy, leathery notes, and the Al Haramain Amber Oud Rouge Eau De Parfum for a mix of citrusy, floral, and woody fragrances. If you are willing to take a look at oud perfumes for the first time, you should check out the ones that come with fruity scents, as they don’t tend to overwhelm first-time users. Try to find something that also contains notes you are familiar with. Oud perfumes come in light packaging and sit gently on your skin. However, you shouldn’t try on these perfumes if the scent is overpowering, or too sharp for your taste.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
“The author Srijita De is a perfume aficionado. She chooses luxurious perfumes that linger long and have intoxicating multi-layered notes to entice your olfactory senses. This list of Oud perfumes is the ultimate guide to a user who wants to experience this exotic and luxurious Middle Eastern scent and smell good all day with the sophistication of a Queen.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oud scent smell like?
Oud perfumes have a potent scent with a long-lasting and captivating sillage. The fragrance ranges between sweet, spicy, earthy to leathery sometimes and is ideal for winters, evening, or occasional wear.
Does oud perfume contain alcohol?
Yes, most of the oud perfumes contain alcohol. However, if you are looking for an alcohol-free oud perfume, try Hamidi Natural Oud Water Perfume Spray, as it is water-based.
How long does oud perfume last?
Oud perfumes’ longevity is unmatched because of their powerhouse scent, which can easily last through the day and for up to 24 hours.
Is oud perfume a feminine smell?
No oud perfume is a seductive, lavish, and enigmatic scent. It is a unisex perfume.
Does oud smell expensive?
Oud oil is extracted from agarwood, and 1 of every 10 trees in the forest becomes infected with Phialophora parasitica. That equates to around 2% of all trees, making Oud a costly fragrance.
Is oud a good scent?
The aroma is strong but pleasant, evoking warm, smokey tones with hints of wet wood, combined with floral and fruit notes, making OUD an excellent fragrance.
Read full bio of Nathalie Rouquet
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.