MagazineGuide
Oriental and amber perfumes: vanilla, amber and oud from the great houses
Warm, enveloping and long-lasting, amber perfumes are among the most loved in Algeria. What defines them, how to wear them, and 12 originals to discover at ROSÉ.
01Amber or oriental?
It is the same family. Perfumers today rather speak of amber perfumes. Their signature: a warm, sweet base of vanilla, resins such as benzoin and tonka bean, often lifted by spices, woods or leather. They last long and leave a strong trail.
02And oud?
Oud is a precious, resinous wood, very present in oriental perfumery. European houses most often use it as a dark, woody note at the base of the perfume, paired with spices, saffron or patchouli.
For her
Vanilla and lavender, jasmine, amber and rose, musk and patchouli.
Hazelnut, orange blossom and vanilla.
For him
Bitter orange and black pepper, cardamom and saffron, oud and patchouli.
Chilli pepper, lavandin and sandalwood.
Cardamom, caramel and amber wood.
Lemon and bergamot, star anise and guaiac wood, tonka bean, tobacco and leather.
Gourmand vanilla
Plum, lavender and tonka bean.
Lavender and mint, vanilla and benzoin, honey and tobacco.
Clementine and orchid, ylang-ylang and vanilla, white musk and ambergris.
Lavender and bergamot, jasmine sambac and vanilla, sandalwood and white musk.
03When to wear them
Amber perfumes shine in the evening, in winter, during celebrations and long evenings. They are powerful: one or two sprays are enough, especially indoors. In summer, keep them for the night, or choose a lighter version.
Frequently asked questions
Which oriental perfume for men?
Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir for oud and saffron, Azzaro The Most Wanted for caramel, Armani Code for tonka bean and leather, Boss The Scent Elixir for spicy sandalwood.
Which amber perfume for women?
Mugler Alien for white amber, Burberry Gold for vanilla and rose, Elie Saab Elixir for myrrh and benzoin, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Intense for gourmand vanilla.
Do amber perfumes last longer?
Often yes: vanilla, resins and woods evaporate slowly. That is why they stay on the skin and clothes long after the evening.
An amber perfume is worn like a precious fabric: sparingly, but always noticed.