Amber Oud by Kilian

Amber , Oud, Bay leaf, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Benzoin.

I understand that there are different interpretations of the oud note. Mona created a very expensive, yet fabulous rendition of it, before her untimely and sad passing. The oud note in that release was different than what I had become accustomed to, but I was certainly able to identify it as oud. I cannot say however that I experience oud in any fashion while wearing Amber Oud by Kilian.

Do I find Amber Oud a nice scent? Yes, it's extremely nice in totality, but I still want oud in a scent that advertises it in its name. It's also no surprise that the price is.......well........high even by Kilian standards. Amber Oud is all about amber on my skin from start to finish. It does exhibit some woodiness and has an oriental finish. It's nice, but the price point is simply too much for this reviewer.

After wearing Amber Oud numerous times, I know where I have smelled this particular rendition of the amber note. Lo and behold, it was Obsession that came in that strange but cool oval bottle with the unconventional top. Bear with now, because I am referring to the amber note and not the entire fragrance. To me, they are truly similar and that may prove to irritate some who absolutely love Amber Oud. In no way am I denigrating the Kilian, but on my skin, it is what it is. I simply wish this was more versatile and unfortunately it is not.

In my wearings, I cannot say that bay leaf or Cedar made a real impact. Not much can stand up to the amber in this scent. I think it smells great and manages to keep its presence very manageable while maintaining depth. The vanilla is definitely a nice transition that takes this uncomplicated fragrance to the finish. Is it enough though?

No....not really. I'd wear Amber Oud on a regular basis, but on the condition that I didn't have to shell out the asking price. It's simply too much do-re-me for what it does. At almost $400 per 50ml., it makes you think real hard, but it still deserves a thumbs up because it does smell extremely good.

Comments

DK Men by Donna Karan

Citrus, Juniper, Pineapple. Ambergris, Almond. Sandalwood, Lavender, Musk. I felt compelled to revisit DK Men ( Fuel for Men ) after perusing through some older samples and then reading my previous review from 2009. Wearing DK Men again has caused me to revise my original post. I liked it three years ago and have a new found appreciation for this extremely smooth fragrance. My perception of it has changed slightly, but my opinion is still extremely favorable. This time around, I get less of a petrol vibe and much more of a fruit and suede theme. The pineapple note is integrated so well that I am surprised I couldn't previously esteem its deft implementation like I can now. The magic of DK Men is in the blending of chosen notes. The citric opening is very good indeed in spite of its quick dissipation. The pineapple and amber quickly pick up the slack. They are rich, full bodied and manage to keep a respectable presence while offending no one. The volume is intelligent. ...

Black Suede by Avon

Nutmeg, Clove, Amber, Musk, Moss, Wood Notes. Yes.........I am reviewing one of the Rodney Dangerfield's of fragrance. Black Suede has been gracing medicine cabinets, for better or worse, since 1980 my friends. If you're expecting me to inform you ( like others may have already ) that Black Suede is a nasty scrubber, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're expecting a glowing review claiming it's a diamond in the rough, you won't hear that from me either. I will say though that Black Suede doesn't deserve the hate it's received and most of that is due to snobbery aimed at Avon products in general. I kid you not when I state that a close relative to this fragrance is Cacharel Pour L'Homme. The array of spice in both ensure comparison, but the "smoother" of the two is Black Suede due to its implementation of Amber. While wearing Black Suede, one can detect a hint of "drugstore". That quality doesn't manife...

La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme by L'Artisan Parfumeur

I read many reviews before or after I do my own and I seem to be at complete odds with the house of L'Artisan. I have previously said on basenotes that for me, L'Artisan Parfumeur is the most over-rated house I have come across. La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme does nothing to sway that opinion. Yet another linear, floral dominant scent that does nothing to stir me up or inspire me in any way. This house has "pleasant" nailed down to an art form......but damn...can't we go beyond that? The only attempt at polarization so far has been Dzongkha ....and I found it a jumbled mess. At these prices, move me, anger me, hate me.......but please don't bore me. Extreme in a nutshell is a toned down tuberose with assorted "blossom" thrown in the mix. Is it bad? No, it's an acceptable floral scent that's very timid and just lays on my skin smelling like....well....a toned down version of tuberose with blossom this or that added to it. I'm almost a...

Il Mondo di Odore

Search This Blog