Oud Sharqia by Ard Al Zaafaran

In my previous review, there were some inconsistencies regarding this perfume, especially its performance, which didn’t match what forum users claimed. Since I tested the oil version and most comments were about the alcohol version, I decided to buy it to see what was true. I’ve had it for a while and use it occasionally; today I want to highlight the differences. The scent is identical to the oil version, with no changes in its development. Performance-wise, there’s a noticeable difference: the longevity is almost the same, though the alcohol version is slightly shorter, but nothing significant—it still lasts over 7 hours. Projection shows more notable changes: while the oil version stays close to the skin from the start, the alcohol version has a much more noticeable trail, though not exaggerated. It’s very present for the first hour, then settles into a moderate projection, which isn’t bad considering it’s a very soft and delicate scent, nothing intense. Having used both, I highly recommend the alcohol version; it’s much more versatile than the oil and comes at a super low price. Personally, since I own both, I apply the oil first and then layer the alcohol version on top, which gives me much better longevity and a bit more projection. But that’s just me, a weirdo, hahaha.

I wanted to comment that the notes listed on Fragrantica are very brief compared to what I actually smell. When I first smelled it, I felt it was much more complex than a two-note perfume. From the start, I detected rose, and as it dried down, I also noticed musk; I could perceive those two notes quite clearly, so I set out to clarify the note list. I searched online and found all kinds of ridiculous combinations, but at an Arab perfume shop (thanks to Google Translate), they listed the notes that seem correct to my nose. Top Notes: Oud and Turkish Rose. Heart Notes: Sandalwood and Musk. Base Notes: Oud, Sandalwood, and Woody Notes. These notes align much better with what I perceive. If you look closely, combining all the woods, the perfume is built on three accords: Rose, Musk, and Woods. The woods are present throughout the entire development; they’re exquisite, with many nuances and shifting character. They feel spicy, balsamic, and even smoky. The oud in this perfume isn’t the typical medicinal or dirty accord; instead, it’s sometimes spicy, sometimes balsamic and resinous, more Western in style. I love this mysterious side of oud. The development starts with rose, very in the Arab style, embraced by woods that give it a spiced air and camouflage it well. Gradually, the musk emerges, executed in such a way that it feels clean and fresh, inspiring a sense of order. It’s a cozy and tender scent that remains this way until the very end. Despite having so many woods, the overall aroma is very subtle and delicate, nothing flashy or intense. It’s a fragrance for personal enjoyment, staying close to the skin almost from the start. Its longevity is very high, over 8 hours, and you can still detect it, but as I said, it projects almost nothing from the beginning, and since the scent is so soft, that doesn’t help either. I’m using the oil version; I don’t know if the alcohol version has better projection (some forums suggest it does), but the oil version definitely does not. I’ve really liked the scent; it’s a beautiful fragrance, but I would have liked it to project more, even though it’s a pure delight at close range.