Niche Oud

Final Thoughts

This fragrance suits a character attempting gravitas before they’ve truly earned it. Think a junior executive trying to command a boardroom, or a teenager attempting a sophisticated look. Ultimately, the fragrance wants to project power, but the execution falls slightly short. It would pair well with dark clothing and a carefully cultivated air of mystery, though perhaps not the best choice for a first date.

How it Smells

Niche Oud opens with a fleeting sparkle of citrus. It hints at fresh bergamot, but swiftly yields to a medicinal wave. The rosemary note edges towards Vicks VapoRub, while the mandarin gets lost in the shuffle. The heart dives headfirst into oud, but it’s an oud rendered synthetic. It's reminiscent of band-aids and a faint whiff of rubber tires. This isn't the refined, animalic oud of luxury perfumery; it's a more aggressive, almost plasticky rendition. As it dries, the amber and musk emerge, creating a powdery sweetness that attempts to soften the initial harshness, yet the blend is still faintly antiseptic. The vetiver provides a grassy undertone, but it's a subdued player in this somewhat discordant arrangement. It departs significantly from the smooth, cherry-tinged warmth of its inspiration.

Projection Power

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour, then settling to within an arm's length for the remainder of its lifespan. I tested it during an indoor workday, and it garnered a few intrigued glances, but no compliments.