‘ilm by Kemi Blending Magic

Undoubtedly one of the best in the Kemi line, alongside Kemi and Tempest. It’s an intoxicating and addictive scent, but beware: you need to love oud or have prior experience because it’s animalic, almost fecal, and not for everyone. People have asked me what I’m wearing and said they’ve never smelled anything like it; it’s peculiar and unique. Unfortunately, the brand is already super scarce, but if you find it and are looking for a very high-quality, authentic oud, grab it (better to test first). I detect a very soft raspberry or red fruit note and a deliciously sweet oud. Lasts a solid 10 hours for me; I even sleep in it and it’s still on my skin the next day. Projection is moderate, not a beast, but noticeable. For me, it’s a gem; I own many ouds, but this sweet one is the easiest to enjoy.

Some YouTube channels claim it’s ‘Cambodian oud’ (almost everything seems Cambodian). That’s a lie 🤥🔎 ILM is actually made from three ouds: Indian, Bangladeshi, and Laotian. Nothing from Cambodia; you have to avoid changing its nationality just to ‘act knowledgeable’. ➡ What does ILM smell like? Imagine something very woody, with a sweet, resinous, and dirty tone, reminiscent of cheese. I can see the typical ‘stable’ smell, but it’s not precise to use that word. It has no development or contrasting notes; no flowers, just pure oud. It’s a simple, linear, masculine offering with good-to-moderate performance, difficult for novates and only for those who enjoy oud. An acquired taste. It’s one of the hardest from Kemi. There are friendlier options like the gourmand ‘Aurum’ (chocolate-strawberry). This one (ILM) is excellent for testing aggressive oud. Although Bortnikoff has higher quality, its oud smells very woody and the challenge lies in the supporting notes (like ambergris or leather), not the oud itself. ILM is harder than Bortnikoff’s but easier than The Night by Frederic Malle or Nebulous by Boadicea. Good perfume, I like it! Very interesting, and I feel this line has more quality than Xerjoff’s Oud Stars, although I definitely prefer… Kemi.