Ingredient Spotlight: The Perfume Legacy of Oud
For centuries, Oud has been revered as one of the most prized ingredients in perfumery. Treasured for its diverse aromatic properties, it has only increased in popularity as the demand for this unique note grows. At Grace de Monaco, our latest fragrance, Promenade Sous Les Étoiles, highlights Oud's compelling and intoxicating scent.
What it is
Known as "liquid or black gold," Agarwood, Oud or Oudh is a resinous oil from the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, a species found in Southeast Asia. Oud's rarity is because only the trees infected with a specific fungus produce this rich, smoky resin that creates its deep, heady scent. The use of Oud in religious practices dates back thousands of years to the Middle East and Asia. For centuries, agarwood was burned as incense in places of worship as a form of purification. The resulting warm and smoky aroma created a sacred and meditative atmosphere that was believed to elevate the spiritual experience.
How it smells
Oud is cherished for its multifaceted olfactory profile—woody, sweet, earthy, and slightly animalic, with hints of incense and spice. These aromatic qualities vary based on factors like tree species, geographic location, harvesting, and processing methods. Oud’s natural complexity makes it a versatile note that elevates perfume compositions, creating depth and sensuality. The rarity of pure oud oil and the labor-intensive extraction process further amplify its desirability. It is a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and artistry, which continues to captivate modern perfumers like Hamid Merati-Kashani and fragrance connoisseurs.
Its role in fragrance
In fragrance formulas, Oud typically shines as a base note. Its lasting power helps anchor a perfume, providing depth and longevity while balancing lighter notes in the composition. It often works in harmony with florals, spices, and citrus notes, creating an impression of mystery and warmth that lingers on the skin. Oud adds richness and a dark, resinous quality to heart and top notes, infusing the entire composition with a sophisticated complexity.
How we’ve used it
In Promenade Sous Les Étoiles, oud plays a starring role, enveloping the wearer in a warm, sophisticated embrace. The fragrance highlights the oud’s deep, resinous character while balancing it with luminous top notes like bergamot and rich heart notes of rose de mai and ylang-ylang. This creates a perfect essence where oud brings sensuality to the base, allowing the lighter notes to shimmer above, forming a scent that is as timeless as it is modern.
Oud’s storied history and unique depth make it one of the most coveted ingredients in perfumery because it adds such a rich and complex character to the formulation. Oud’s aromatic presence offers an unforgettable scent that lingers beautifully. Grace de Monaco is thrilled to introduce the exquisite allure of Oud in our latest fragrance, Promenade Sous Les Étoiles, bringing a unique resonance to your fragrance experience.
Shop Grace de Monaco to experience Oud’s luxurious presence in Promenade Sous Les Étoiles, and let this timeless fragrance transport you to a world of opulence and style.
Grace de Monaco is the world’s first luxury brand for good. In honor of Princess Grace's legacy, 100% of profits support emerging talent through the Princess Grace Foundation-USA
