Exclusive Oud

First Impressions & Dry Down

Exclusive Oud by Zara presents an opening dominated by a candied apple accord – think artificial green apple jolly ranchers rather than a crisp, natural fruit. The ginger provides a fleeting warmth, quickly overshadowed by a pervasive, synthetic bergamot that veers towards lemon furniture polish. The heart struggles to emerge. There's a hint of herbaceous sage battling with the juniper, resulting in a slightly bitter, medicinal quality. Geranium is present, but subdued, contributing a metallic tang. The base is where the divergence from its inspiration becomes stark. The amberwood is pronounced, lending a scratchy, almost sandpaper-like texture. The tonka bean adds a saccharine sweetness, reminiscent of burnt sugar, while the cedar is rendered as a pencil shaving dryness. The overall effect is cloying and somewhat dissonant.

Conclusion

This fragrance is suitable for brief, casual encounters where close proximity is minimal. Perhaps a quick trip to the grocery store or a fleeting after-gym scent. The pronounced sweetness and synthetic edge, however, make it unsuitable for formal occasions or situations requiring sophisticated subtlety.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending to approximately one arm length, but quickly diminishes to a skin scent within 2 hours. Tested in both an office environment and casual outdoor setting, the synthetic nature of the composition became more pronounced in warmer conditions.