Oud perfumes scream ‘main character energy’

Mona also adds how eclectic oud scents are. “You can apply it as a perfume, an oil or as bakhoor – which is the process of burning scented wood to scentscape your home or use on your clothing or hair as way to help intensify the fragrance. I have so much love for these traditions and I wanted to add my own twist to it and share them with the world through the Oudgasm collection.”

Why do ouds last longer than other scents?

According to the Initio alchemists, “this addictive, ancient essence has a rare complexity. It has woody, smoky, leather, resin, animal and even fruity aspects. This extreme richness explains why a perfume containing a substantial quantity of oud lasts on the skin and clothes for so long.”

Mona also adds that it’s due to the intensity of the oud note itself. “On its own, a little can go a very long way, especially if combined with the oud oils and the bakhoor.”

Can you layer ouds with other scent families?

“Oud wood is like a blank canvas, where other colours from the perfumer’s palette can be painted. When it comes to layering, a composition that’s rich in oud such as our Oud for Greatness £305, Harrods, mixed with a sweet and rich vanilla fragrance or creamy sandalwood, like our Rehab Extrait de Parfum, £240, Selfridges, work,” the Initio alchemists tell us.

Mona Kattan is a master of layering herself: “Absolutely, in fact I highly recommend it! Oud is quite a unique scent and acts as a beautiful base if you want to intensify your fragrance experience – whether you pair it with something fruity, smoky, sweet, woody, floral – it truly complements most fragrance families.” Mona loves layering Kayali’s cult-fav Vanilla 28 EDP, £73, Cult Beauty with their Kayali Oudgasm Café Oud 19, £119, Cult Beauty to create a vanilla latte scent that is perfect for the cooler months.

Diptyque Oud Palao Eau de Parfum, 75ml

Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum 100ml

Juliette has a Gun Another Oud Eau de Parfum Spray, 100ml

Who are oud perfumes suitable for?

Although ouds may seem a little intimidating, Mona assures us that ouds are suitable for everyone. “It’s just finding the right oud fragrance that speaks to your heart and nose,” she says. “Its ability to be layered with sweeter or woodier scents makes it incredibly versatile. Depending on your scent palette, you might want to go for a lighter, less concentrated version of the scent as some can find it overwhelming.”

The Initio alchemists think that ouds are great option for people who are most attracted to powerful scents. “Oud’s mixed sensuality speaks to all those who like powerful, animal fragrances, the sort of scent that we feel as much as we smell, fragrances that bring us back to our inner nature,” they say.

What should you be looking for when shopping for an oud scent online?

“The origin of the essence is a determining factor, along with its variety. Assam oud is undoubtedly the best quality. This is the one we use in our perfumes. A little tip: pay attention to a designation called ‘oud accord’, which means that it’s not strictly-speaking an oud wood essence but a substitution made up of cedar, sandalwood, cypriol, patchouli and certain synthetic molecules,” the Initio alchemists tell us.

Mona adds: “Oud is often used as a base note, but the intensity varies a lot depending on the fragrance. Find what kind of scent suits you best, and what pairing you enjoy and just have fun! Fragrances have no rules, and this journey into scent is a very personal one to find out what you enjoy most.”

If you’re looking to create a mini Harrods perfumery in your beauty cabinet but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. Here are our top 30 picks of the best ouds on the market right now, to get you started. You’re very welcome.

For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.