Intense Oud

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.