How to Wear Oud: A Beginner's Guide to Skin Fragrance

Oud is one of the most prized ingredients in perfumery: deep, warm and long-lasting. If you are new to it, here is how to wear it well.

What is oud?

Oud comes from agarwood, a resinous wood prized for its rich, complex scent. It can smell woody, smoky, sweet or leathery depending on how it is blended.

Where to apply

Apply to pulse points such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears, where warmth helps the scent open up. Oils sit closer to the skin than sprays, so they tend to feel more personal.

How to make it last

• Apply to moisturised skin
• Do not rub your wrists together, which can dull the top notes
• Layer an oil under a spray from the same family

How much to use

Oud is strong. Start with one or two small applications and add more only if you want it.

Finding your style

Try a discovery set first so you can compare scents on your own skin before choosing a full-size bottle.