Bleu Oud

Scent Breakdown

Bleu Oud opens with a bracing, almost astringent wave of mandarin and grapefruit. The citrus leans sharply synthetic, exhibiting a cleaning-solution-like edge. The pink pepper is present but muted, contributing only a slight prickle. As it transitions, the heart introduces an incense accord that is noticeably drier and less nuanced than the inspiration. There's a chalky texture here, almost like crushed aspirin. The tobacco is a phantom note, only suggested by a vague, hay-like aroma. Saffron attempts to add depth but presents as a metallic tang. The drydown leans heavily into a simplified oud note – less animalic barnyard, more cedar wood shavings. The leather is more akin to vinyl car seats than supple hide. The amber offers a cloying sweetness that clashes with the drier elements, lacking the smooth, resinous quality of a well-executed amber. It diverges considerably from the original's intricate balance, opting for simplified, linear construction.

Final Thoughts

Bleu Oud is best suited for casual, daytime wear, perhaps running errands or quick trips outside. Its simplified structure and moderate performance make it suitable for situations where a sophisticated or powerful fragrance would be out of place.

Performance Reality Check

On my skin, Bleu Oud managed approximately 5-6 hours of longevity. Projection initially extended to about an arm's length but quickly subsided to a skin scent within the first hour. I tested it in both an office setting and during an evening walk; performance was consistent, if underwhelming, in both scenarios.