Fragrance Guide

The Oud Artisan Fragrance Guide

Fragrance descriptions use a language of notes, accords, families and development.

This guide explains what those terms mean.

Top Notes

Top notes are the first aromatic impression you notice after applying a fragrance.

Common examples include:

  • bergamot

  • lemon

  • mandarin

  • herbs

  • fresh spices

  • green notes

They often introduce the fragrance before giving way to the heart.

Heart Notes

The heart becomes more noticeable as the opening develops.

Examples include:

  • rose

  • jasmine

  • tuberose

  • orange blossom

  • spices

  • patchouli

  • aromatic herbs

Base Notes

Base notes help define the deeper character and dry-down.

Common examples include:

  • oud

  • cedar

  • sandalwood

  • musk

  • amber-style accords

  • vanilla

  • patchouli

  • resins

  • leather

What Is a Dry-Down?

The dry-down is the later stage of a fragrance after brighter opening notes have softened.

This is often where woods, musk, resins, vanilla and deeper aromatic materials become more noticeable.

Woody Fragrances

Woody fragrances may feature:

  • oud

  • cedar

  • sandalwood

  • vetiver

  • patchouli

  • cashmere-style woods

They can range from dry and fresh to warm, smoky or resinous.

Floral Fragrances

Floral compositions can include:

  • rose

  • jasmine

  • orange blossom

  • tuberose

  • lily of the valley

  • violet

A floral fragrance can be fresh, creamy, green, sweet, spicy or deeply opulent depending on the surrounding notes.

Fresh & Citrus

Typical notes include:

  • bergamot

  • lemon

  • mandarin

  • orange

  • green leaves

  • aromatic herbs

These often create brightness and lift.

Resinous & Incense Notes

Frankincense, myrrh, labdanum, benzoin and incense accords generally contribute warmth, depth and an atmospheric character.

Marine & Aquatic

Marine accords can suggest:

  • sea air

  • water

  • mineral freshness

  • salt

  • aquatic greenery

They are often paired with citrus, florals or woods.

Choosing a Fragrance

Instead of asking whether a fragrance is simply "strong" or "fresh", consider which combination suits you:

Fresh + floral
 Woody + spicy
 Oud + rose
 Amber + incense
 Marine + citrus
 Floral + vanilla
 Green + woody

Use the fragrance profile on each product page to compare.