Violet Oud

Final Thoughts

Wearing Violet Oud is like attending a formal event in ill-fitting attire. It attempts to evoke sophistication but misses the mark. The gain is a certain boldness in the initial stages, but the loss is nuance and overall refinement. The synthetic components ultimately detract from the intended luxurious experience.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Violet Oud opens with a disconcerting, almost medicinal blast. The promised mandarin and grapefruit manifest as a singular, sharp citrus accord reminiscent of cleaning fluid, underscored by a prickly pink pepper attempting, and failing, to soften the initial harshness. The heart attempts to introduce complexity with incense and tobacco, but the saffron presence is muddled, creating a vague, slightly acrid spice that leans toward stale potpourri. The base reveals the central tension: a synthetic oud note, smelling vaguely of wood polish, clashes with a plasticky leather accord. The amber provides a sickly-sweet, almost cloying counterpoint. I detect only a passing resemblance to I by Widian; the original has a smoother, more refined evolution, whereas this veers into discordant territory.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is deceptive. It remains detectable on skin for a solid 7 hours, however, the projection is minimal; settling into a skin scent within an hour of application. Tested in an indoor, climate-controlled environment and outdoors in moderate temperatures.