Red Evening by Massimo Dutti

This Red Evening is exquisite. Lasts long and projects well.

Best for temperatures under 17°C. I don’t detect the oud or roses, or they’re too synthetic; I only smell a pretty bad amber and the fixative. At first, the rose was more noticeable, but now it’s just the amber and fixative. At €32 for 100ml, it’s okay if you just want to make a statement, but I’d rather spend more on something I actually like before using something I don’t. It’s super long-lasting, too much: still noticeable three days later, and if it lands on clothes, forget it. I don’t recommend it: I wanted a winter daily perfume, but I can’t wear this. Too strong, with nonsensical harshness and stupidly long longevity. I stopped using it after two months; I couldn’t handle it.

I found it the other day at a Massimo Dutti and couldn’t help but take the bottle. I love the scent: fresh out, it smells like rose with nuances of red fruits not listed and a dark oud that complements it. As it dries down, the rose dominates with the oud in the background, giving a deep, balsamic feel alongside the amber. The scent is well-cohesive; the notes blend perfectly. It’s not an offensive or difficult oud; despite being intense, it can please the public. I’d even consider it good for beginners into oud perfumes. Longevity is correct; I don’t find it as nuclear as people say; in my case, it lasts 5-7h on skin, projecting softly for 1-2h after. I’m happy with the price. I see it as more of a night scent, but it could work during the day in informal settings. Only for cold temperatures: winter, autumn, and spring depending on where you live.

One of my favorites: rose, oud, and amber make an unbeatable blend. It’s warm, dark, and powerful without being overwhelming; the oud is elegant and not animalic at all, paired with a rich, powdery rose. Maybe better for fall/winter than summer. Perfect for formal dinners with a partner or friends.

For me, it’s a masterpiece: that strong workshop smell mixed with very ripe red fruits (sweet and sour) makes you think it’s going to be a beast, but the intensity drops quickly and leaves a scent heavily marked by wood, incense (not listed), and a very soft floral. It would be one of my favorites if it had more projection and longevity. On clothes, it lasts 24h or more; on skin, about 6-7h and very sillage-free. For those worried about compliments… zero. For those comparing it to Opulent Oud… zero too; the oud in Opulent is almost fecal, but this is identical to Swiss Arabian’s Shagaf Oud turned down a notch. 10 for scent, 8 for longevity, 8 for projection.

My first oud purchase. Heads up: it needs to mature. The opening smells synthetic with rose and wood, but after a few hours it improves dramatically: the rose fades, leaving a sweet, floral, balsamic, dark scent with a subtle smoky touch. It looks elegant, not cloying. Don’t test it directly on skin; it shines in the air. I think it’s unisex, though it leans masculine as it dries down. Longevity is monstrous: 12 hours with 4 sprays and it fills the room. Lasts days on clothes, reminiscent of fabric softener. Better for cold weather.