Rose and oud perfumes

Ember Enigma is an independent UK fragrance guide. We do the legwork on the top ranked fragrances, checking notes and prices, so you don't have to.

Velvet petals and smoky wood.

Rose is far more than a polite floral. In winter fragrances it turns jammy, dark and velvety. Oud, a resinous wood, adds smoke, leather and depth.

Together they make one of the most luxurious pairings in perfume, popular for evening wear and generous Christmas gifts.

Bottles on Ember Enigma: Thirty Three by Ex Idolo; Victoria by Frassaï; Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian; Dasman by Boadicea The Victorious; MAAI by Bogue Profumo; NoMad by Bond No. 9; Rose Goldea Blossom Delight by Bvlgari; Oud Immortel by Byredo; Rose of No Man's Land by Byredo; No 22 by Chanel; J'Adore L'Or Essence de Parfum by Christian Dior; Oud Ispahan by Christian Dior; Fétiche La Rose by Christian Louboutin; White Flowers by Creed; Rosarine by Dusita; Octavian by Electimuss; Oud Noir Intense by Fragrance Du Bois; Parisian by Fragrance du Bois; Oud Touch by Franck Olivier; The Moon by Frederic Malle; Fantasque by Givenchy; A Reason to Love by Gucci; Aqua Allegoria Forte Florabloom by Guerlain; Santal Royal by Guerlain; Quelques Fleurs l'Original by Houbigant; Atomic Rose by Initio Parfums Privés; Velvet Rose & Oud by Jo Malone London; Rose by Kai; Pearl Oud by Kilian; Voulez-vous coucher avec Moi by Kilian; L.12.12 Blanc by Lacoste; Fakhar Rose by Lattafa; Rose 31 by Le Labo; Oud Maracujá Extrait de Parfum by Maison Crivelli; L'Homme À La Rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian; London by Memoirs of a Perfume Collector; Retrospect by Merit; Scherzo by Miller Harris; Scherzo Extrait by Miller Harris; Perfect Oud by Mizensir.

What does oud smell like? Smoky, woody and slightly animalic, sometimes medicinal. Many Western fragrances use a softer oud accord rather than natural oud oil.

Is rose fragrance old fashioned? Not when paired with oud, pepper or woods. Modern rose fragrances often smell dark and textured rather than powdery.