Intense Oud Clones

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Intense Oud by Paris Corner aims squarely at Gucci's creation. The opening blasts with a smoky incense, a bit rough around the edges compared to the smoother Gucci. The heart leans heavily into olibanum and a generalized "woody" accord; the leather is more of a suggestion than a statement. The drydown brings the oud, amber and ambergris to the forefront. It's a serviceable oud, not barnyard or challenging. Compared to the original, I'd say this is 90% there. The differences lie in the quality of the ingredients. The Gucci has a richness and depth this clone can't quite match. ### Longevity & Projection the performance is commendable. Expect 6-7 hours on skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It becomes a skin scent after that, which isn't a bad thing for an oud fragrance. Don't overspray! 3-4 sprays max. It's masculine leaning, but a confident woman could pull it off. This clone offers a very respectable interpretation for everyday wear without breaking the bank. A great way to experiment with the oud genre without taking a huge risk."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down The Essence opens with a hazy plume of incense, not as bright as Gucci's Intense Oud, but still conveying that sacred space vibe. A balsamic olibanum heart mixes with dry woods and a suggestion of worn leather. Think antique bookstore more than biker jacket. The base attempts agarwood, amber, and ambergris. Here, it departs most noticeably from its inspiration. It's a touch synthetic, lacks the depth and animalic growl of the original's oud. That being said, it captures around 75% of the intended atmosphere. Slightly less refined, but ultimately effective. ### Bottom Line If you crave the brooding, spiritual aura of Gucci's Intense Oud but can't stomach the price tag, The Essence is a viable alternative. It's not a perfect replica, lacking some of the nuances and luxurious depth. However, you gain a fragrance that evokes a similar mood. The kind of person who wears this appreciates quiet contemplation, finds beauty in aged things, and likely owns a well-worn copy of *Siddhartha*. The Essence is a good compromise. ### Projection Power Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 6-7 hours of moderate projection before it settles into a skin scent. It projects softly for the first two hours, creating a personal bubble of contemplative aroma. Not a beast mode fragrance, but respectable, especially considering the price point."