Lamasat Oud

First Impressions & Dry Down

Lamasat Oud opens with a surprisingly sharp rosewood note, reminiscent of freshly lacquered furniture. The cardamom is present, but feels more like a generic, dusty spice rack than the nuanced sweetness in the original. The pepper adds a fleeting prickle, but lacks depth, giving way quickly to a woody heart. The oud accord here is where it veers furthest from its inspiration, leaning towards a medicinal, almost camphoraceous edge. The sandalwood is present, but reads as a synthetic, slightly acrid wood. The drydown attempts to smooth things out with tonka bean, but a plasticky vanilla competes with the amber creating a somewhat cloying effect, rather than the creamy warmth promised by the notes.

Performance Reality Check

Lamasat Oud projects moderately for the first hour, reaching about an arm's length. After that, it retreats closer to the skin, becoming a more intimate scent. The longevity is decent, clocking in around 5-6 hours on my skin, though the final vestiges are a rather muddled mix of synthetic woods and powdery amber. I tested this in a controlled, indoor environment at a consistent 70°F.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance is best suited for cooler weather – late fall or early spring – to avoid the vanilla becoming too oppressive. While the woody elements might hint at versatility, the synthetic nature of some notes makes it more appropriate for casual, rather than formal, occasions. Given its performance and profile, Lamasat Oud is best used during the day for short errands, but might not be suitable for all-day wear.