Who hasn’t launched an oud at this stage? I guess Caron felt the pressure to do something to keep up with new luxury and niche perfumes brands, so they decided to launch some ouds too.
Caron Secret Oud opens as a spicy rose with a camphoric patchouli. The saffron adds both a “chewiness” and a metallic coolness. It almost has a “new leather jacket” aspect to it. The best comes later with Secret Oud. After 45 minutes to an hour, I get this savory saffron rose. The florals are as soft as velvet. The heart becomes woodiser with oud, cedar and something that reminds me of artist’s charcoal.
I thought sampling this, that I would be left with grumpy feelings. But, I don’t have any (unless you bring up price). Secret Oud is yes, a modern oud, but it’s still has Caron DNA. These rose and jasmine in this is so “Caron”.
Notes listed include saffron, damask rose, rock rose, jatamansi, oud, jasmine, cedarwood, and musk. Launched 2011. PERFUMER – Richard Fraysse
Give Secret Oud a try if you like oud/roses or spicy florals. Or if you like perfumes like Juliette Has a Gun Midnight Oud, M.Micallef Le Parfum Denis Durand Couture, L’Artisan Parfumeur Skin on Skin, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood and/or By Kilian Pure Oud. Caron Secret Oud is unisex.
Secret Oud has average projection and above average longevity.
The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $250 at Luckyscent. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Caron’s deep dark rose with oud and saffron. It’s good but I’m not in love with it. It’s worth sampling if you don’t already have something that fits into the rose/oud/saffron category.
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