What Is Oud? A Beginner's Guide to Oud Perfumes in Malta

If you have ever smelled a rich, smoky, slightly leathery perfume and wondered what made it so deep, the answer was probably oud. It is the signature ingredient of Arabic perfumery, and once you understand it, a whole world of fragrance opens up.

What is oud?

Oud (also called agarwood) comes from the dark, fragrant resin that forms inside certain Aquilaria trees, which grow in South and South-East Asia. Natural oud is one of the most expensive perfume materials in the world, so most modern perfumes use a blend of natural and carefully made aroma materials to recreate its character at an affordable price.

What does oud smell like?

Oud is woody, smoky, slightly animalic and leathery, with a dark sweetness underneath. On its own it can be intense, which is why perfumers usually pair it with softer notes such as rose, saffron, vanilla, amber or fruit.

How to wear oud

• Start with one or two sprays: oud perfumes are strong and long-lasting.
• Apply to pulse points and clothes; oud lingers beautifully on fabric.
• It shines in cooler months and in the evening, perfect for a Maltese winter.

The best oud perfumes for beginners

• Lattafa Eternal Oud (€56.95): the softest way in. Grapefruit, plum and orchid lead into vanilla, oud, benzoin and tonka, so the oud feels warm and smooth rather than smoky.
• Lattafa Badee Al Oud Amethyst (€49.95): a soft, rosy oud. Pink pepper and bergamot, Turkish and Bulgarian rose, then oud, amber and vanilla.
• Lattafa Badee Al Oud Oud For Glory (€49.95): the classic. Saffron, nutmeg and lavender over a rich oud and patchouli base. Bold, smoky and long-lasting.
• Badee Al Oud Discovery Set 5 × 5ml (€49.95): not sure which one? Try five Badee Al Oud scents before choosing a full bottle.

Want to compare the whole range? Read our Badee Al Oud guide, or explore our oud & woody perfumes collection.

All our full-size perfumes are 100% genuine, with fast delivery across Malta & Gozo and free delivery on orders over €50. Not sure what to choose? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you pick.