Oud Perfume UK: A Complete Guide to Buying Authentic Scents
What Is Oud Perfume and Why Is It So Valued?
Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the rarest and most expensive perfume ingredients in the world. It forms when the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a specific type of mould, producing a rich and dark resin with an intoxicating aroma.
For centuries, oud has been an integral part of Middle Eastern traditions. It has been used in religious ceremonies, hospitality rituals, and personal grooming. Oud oil and wood chips are still burned in homes as a sign of welcome and purity.
Due to its rarity and the complex process of extraction, oud is often referred to as 'liquid gold.' A single kilogram of high-quality oud oil can cost tens of thousands of pounds, making it one of the most luxurious ingredients in perfumery.
The Rise of Oud Perfume in the UK Market
Oud was once an exclusive note found mostly in Arabian perfumery. However, it has gained mainstream popularity in recent years in the UK.
UK consumers are increasingly drawn to bold and long-lasting fragrances. Oud's woody, smoky, and sometimes sweet undertones make it versatile for both men and women. Perfume houses now craft oud blends with citrus, floral, or musky notes to suit modern tastes.
International luxury brands such as Tom Ford, Dior, and Armani have incorporated oud into their collections. This has exposed a wider UK audience to the scent, making it a regular feature in high-end department stores and online fragrance shops.
How to Choose the Right Oud Perfume in the UK
With a wide range of oud perfumes available, it can be overwhelming to decide which fragrance best suits you.
Oud comes in different concentrations, from Eau de Parfum (EDP) to pure oud oil. Eau de Parfum : Blended with other notes, wearable daily.
: Blended with other notes, wearable daily. Oud Oil: Intense, concentrated, and often worn in small drops.
Fresh Oud – lighter, often blended with citrus or florals, ideal for daytime wear.
– lighter, often blended with citrus or florals, ideal for daytime wear. Woody Oud – earthy and smoky, giving a more traditional, masculine feel.
– earthy and smoky, giving a more traditional, masculine feel. Sweet Oud – mixed with vanilla, amber, or rose, offering a warmer and more romantic aroma.
For formal occasions , choose deep, woody oud.
, choose deep, woody oud. For day-to-day use , go with fresh oud blends.
, go with fresh oud blends. For special evenings, sweet oud adds sophistication and charm.
Where to Buy Authentic Oud Perfume in the UK
Finding genuine oud can be challenging due to the number of imitations in the market. Department Stores (e.g. Harrods, Selfridges): Stock premium oud perfumes from global brands.
(e.g. Harrods, Selfridges): Stock premium oud perfumes from global brands. Specialist Boutiques : Offer niche and artisanal oud perfumes, often imported directly from the Middle East.
: Offer niche and artisanal oud perfumes, often imported directly from the Middle East. Trusted Online Retailers: Provide both branded and independent oud perfumes, but always check for authenticity guarantees.
Price : If it's too cheap, it's likely synthetic.
: If it's too cheap, it's likely synthetic. Longevity : Authentic oud lasts for hours on the skin.
: Authentic oud lasts for hours on the skin. Complexity: Genuine oud evolves with time, changing notes as it settles.
Entry-level designer oud perfumes: £70 – £150
Niche UK and Middle Eastern brands: £200 – £500
Pure oud oil: £500+ depending on rarity and source.
Caring for and Wearing Oud Perfume Properly
Oud perfume is powerful, so correct application ensures the best experience.
Apply on pulse points such as the wrists, behind the ears, and base of the neck. This allows the warmth of your body to release the fragrance gradually. Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in humid areas like bathrooms, as moisture can alter the scent.
Some enthusiasts layer oud with lighter perfumes to create unique blends. For example, pairing a citrus-based cologne with a drop of oud adds richness without overwhelming the senses.
Common Questions About Oud Perfume in the UK
Why is oud perfume so expensive?
The high cost is due to its rarity, labour-intensive harvesting, and complex extraction process.
Does oud perfume last longer than regular perfumes?
Generally, yes. A good oud perfume can last 8–12 hours, while pure oud oil can last even longer.
Where can I find niche oud perfumes in the UK?
Look into boutique perfume houses in London and Manchester, as well as online retailers specialising in Middle Eastern imports.
Final Thoughts
The demand for oud perfume in the UK continues to grow as more people discover its depth, luxury, and cultural heritage. Whether you prefer a subtle fresh oud for daytime use or a deep woody oud for evening occasions, there are countless options available across the UK market. By understanding how to identify authentic oud, exploring different blends, and knowing where to shop, you can confidently invest in a fragrance that will stand out for years to come.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
14 hours ago
- Time Business News
Oud Perfume UK: A Complete Guide to Buying Authentic Scents
When it comes to luxury fragrances, few scents carry the depth, history, and prestige of oud perfume. In recent years, oud perfume UK searches have grown rapidly, with fragrance lovers across the country exploring this exotic note once reserved for Middle Eastern markets. Whether you are discovering oud for the first time or looking to purchase a long-lasting and authentic scent, this guide will help you understand everything about oud and how to find the right fragrance in the UK. What Is Oud Perfume and Why Is It So Valued? Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the rarest and most expensive perfume ingredients in the world. It forms when the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a specific type of mould, producing a rich and dark resin with an intoxicating aroma. For centuries, oud has been an integral part of Middle Eastern traditions. It has been used in religious ceremonies, hospitality rituals, and personal grooming. Oud oil and wood chips are still burned in homes as a sign of welcome and purity. Due to its rarity and the complex process of extraction, oud is often referred to as 'liquid gold.' A single kilogram of high-quality oud oil can cost tens of thousands of pounds, making it one of the most luxurious ingredients in perfumery. The Rise of Oud Perfume in the UK Market Oud was once an exclusive note found mostly in Arabian perfumery. However, it has gained mainstream popularity in recent years in the UK. UK consumers are increasingly drawn to bold and long-lasting fragrances. Oud's woody, smoky, and sometimes sweet undertones make it versatile for both men and women. Perfume houses now craft oud blends with citrus, floral, or musky notes to suit modern tastes. International luxury brands such as Tom Ford, Dior, and Armani have incorporated oud into their collections. This has exposed a wider UK audience to the scent, making it a regular feature in high-end department stores and online fragrance shops. How to Choose the Right Oud Perfume in the UK With a wide range of oud perfumes available, it can be overwhelming to decide which fragrance best suits you. Oud comes in different concentrations, from Eau de Parfum (EDP) to pure oud oil. Eau de Parfum : Blended with other notes, wearable daily. : Blended with other notes, wearable daily. Oud Oil: Intense, concentrated, and often worn in small drops. Fresh Oud – lighter, often blended with citrus or florals, ideal for daytime wear. – lighter, often blended with citrus or florals, ideal for daytime wear. Woody Oud – earthy and smoky, giving a more traditional, masculine feel. – earthy and smoky, giving a more traditional, masculine feel. Sweet Oud – mixed with vanilla, amber, or rose, offering a warmer and more romantic aroma. For formal occasions , choose deep, woody oud. , choose deep, woody oud. For day-to-day use , go with fresh oud blends. , go with fresh oud blends. For special evenings, sweet oud adds sophistication and charm. Where to Buy Authentic Oud Perfume in the UK Finding genuine oud can be challenging due to the number of imitations in the market. Department Stores (e.g. Harrods, Selfridges): Stock premium oud perfumes from global brands. (e.g. Harrods, Selfridges): Stock premium oud perfumes from global brands. Specialist Boutiques : Offer niche and artisanal oud perfumes, often imported directly from the Middle East. : Offer niche and artisanal oud perfumes, often imported directly from the Middle East. Trusted Online Retailers: Provide both branded and independent oud perfumes, but always check for authenticity guarantees. Price : If it's too cheap, it's likely synthetic. : If it's too cheap, it's likely synthetic. Longevity : Authentic oud lasts for hours on the skin. : Authentic oud lasts for hours on the skin. Complexity: Genuine oud evolves with time, changing notes as it settles. Entry-level designer oud perfumes: £70 – £150 Niche UK and Middle Eastern brands: £200 – £500 Pure oud oil: £500+ depending on rarity and source. Caring for and Wearing Oud Perfume Properly Oud perfume is powerful, so correct application ensures the best experience. Apply on pulse points such as the wrists, behind the ears, and base of the neck. This allows the warmth of your body to release the fragrance gradually. Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in humid areas like bathrooms, as moisture can alter the scent. Some enthusiasts layer oud with lighter perfumes to create unique blends. For example, pairing a citrus-based cologne with a drop of oud adds richness without overwhelming the senses. Common Questions About Oud Perfume in the UK Why is oud perfume so expensive? The high cost is due to its rarity, labour-intensive harvesting, and complex extraction process. Does oud perfume last longer than regular perfumes? Generally, yes. A good oud perfume can last 8–12 hours, while pure oud oil can last even longer. Where can I find niche oud perfumes in the UK? Look into boutique perfume houses in London and Manchester, as well as online retailers specialising in Middle Eastern imports. Final Thoughts The demand for oud perfume in the UK continues to grow as more people discover its depth, luxury, and cultural heritage. Whether you prefer a subtle fresh oud for daytime use or a deep woody oud for evening occasions, there are countless options available across the UK market. By understanding how to identify authentic oud, exploring different blends, and knowing where to shop, you can confidently invest in a fragrance that will stand out for years to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Estée Lauder's Sales Decline in Fourth Quarter, Tariffs to Impact Profitability by $100 Million Next Year
Updated at 4:50 p.m. ET on Aug. 21 The Estée Lauder Cos. saw net sales slide in its fourth quarter and the company expects tariff-related headwinds to impact profitability by about $100 million, but it is betting on sales returning to growth next year. More from WWD Waldencast Delays Earnings Release, Initiates Strategic Review Following Novaestiq Acquisition Despite Tariffs, No Hint of a Slowdown at Arc'teryx Parent Amer Sports in Q2 Manolo Blahnik's DTC Strategy Means Less Wholesale, More Stores The stock price closed down 3.8 percent on Wednesday to $86.57 following the release of the earnings report. For the three months ended June 30, net sales fell 12 percent to $3.4 billion, the beauty group, whose brands include Clinique, MAC and Bobbi Brown, said Wednesday. This was a touch above analysts' expectations. Organic sales fell 17 percent in skin care, the majority of the business, primarily driven by Estée Lauder and La Mer, reflecting the challenges in the company's Asia travel retail business. Makeup net sales decreased 12 percent on the back of lower net sales from Estée Lauder, declines across all geographic regions from MAC and lower net sales in North America. Sales declined 15 percent in hair care due to ongoing brick-and-mortar challenges in North America, which more than offset the benefit from the fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter launch of Aveda in Amazon's U.S. Premium Beauty store. One bright spot was fragrance, where net sales increased 2 percent thanks to Le Labo and Jo Malone London. On a geographical basis, sales fell in all regions, primarily driven by declines in the company's global travel retail business and North America. The net loss was $546 million and diluted net loss per common share was $1.51, compared to $284 million and 79 cents, respectively, the prior year. For the fiscal year as a whole, though, there were some green shoots. In the second half, the company gained prestige beauty share in China, Japan and the U.S. Tom Ford and Estée Lauder fueled second half share gain in China, while Le Labo, Estée Lauder and La Mer powered Japan in the U.S. 'Fiscal 2025 has been a time of stabilizing the company, setting the foundation, creating a powerful, transformative strategy and starting to execute with excellence,' said chief financial officer Akhil Shrivastava in an interview. 'Of course, there is work ahead of us, and in 2026 the big message is we return to growth, but also return to profitability.' A change in channel mix was also underway. Travel retail represented approximately 15 percent of reported sales last year, down four percentage points from fiscal 2024 and 14 percentage points below its peak reached during the pandemic, reducing its exposure to its volatility. The company is expecting it to return to growth. At the same time, it increased the total number of Lauder brands on Amazon to 11. 'We are very pleased with our progress with Amazon,' said Stéphane de La Faverie, president and chief executive officer, during an earnings call. 'Clinique was the first brand to launch, Aveda and Origins were the last ones to launch. Clinique continues to be very, very strong, which tells us that we've been able to not just attract new consumers, but also reengage with lapsed consumers. Over the past 12 months, Amazon not only is adding new consumers for us, but is also acting a little bit as a megaphone to our total business because Amazon is not only a commerce platform, but is also the majority of the beauty search that is happening in the market. 'You will see the mix of new retailers like Amazon or specialty multi increasing in the total going forward, and that's the intent that we have,' he continued. Providing only an annual forecast for fiscal 2026, sales growth is forecast between flat and 3 percent, an improvement from 2025 when annual sales dropped 8 percent. Lauder expects tariff-related headwinds to impact fiscal 2026 profitability by about $100 million. Adjusted earnings are estimated to come in between $1.90 and $2.10. Analysts had pencilled in $2.21. Shrivastava said the company has been working to reduce the tariff impact. 'The way we've managed tariffs is another great sign of what we are building as a company. It is a sign of agility. It is a sign of proactiveness,' he said. 'We saw the challenge that was ahead of us, and we put a task force in place working directly with Stéphane and me on strategies to mitigate the tariff impacts. We have used the trade agreements. We have moved production. We have looked at material sourcing, finished good sourcing, leveraging our nine campuses around the world. And we are on track to reduce the share of products sold in China that are sourced from our U.S. plants to less than 10 percent by the end of the year.' It also has the option to raise prices in its tool kit. Away from tariffs, the company has been working to turn around its fortunes via its new Beauty Reimagined strategy and Profit Recovery and Growth Plan. In February, Lauder revealed plans to ramp up its restructuring program, part of the PRGP, and eliminate between 5,800 and 7,000 positions. As of Aug. 13, the company has approved initiatives totaling $747 million and a net reduction of more than 3,200 positions. During the earnings call, de La Faverie also noted that it recently engaged an external adviser as it considers evolving the portfolio. 'Key organizational needs, in our view, include de-layering the organization to drive speed, digital community engagement, and reinventing important and iconic yet dusty skincare franchises to embrace new and existing customers,' said Oliver Chen, an analyst at TD Cowen. 'The landscape has permanently changed with TikTok, L'Oréal, Amazon, Ulta and social media becoming key stakeholders in trend origination, change, growth and risk. We remain on the sidelines, but we like the progress management is making and monitor signs of sustained growth across categories and regions.' Best of WWD Which Celebrity Brands Are Next for a Major Deal? Lady Gaga, Beyonce and More Possible Contenders for the Next Corporate Prize The Best Makeup Looks in Golden Globes History A Look Back at Golden Globes Best Makeup on the Red Carpet, From Megan Fox to Sophia Loren [PHOTOS] Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Estée Lauder Faces Tariff Costs, Profit Drop, But Projects Rebound In 2026
Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. (NYSE:EL) shares plummeted in the premarket session on Wednesday after the company reported fourth-quarter results. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of 9 cents, which is in line with the street view. Quarterly sales of $3.41 billion (down 12% year over year) outpaced the analyst consensus estimate of $3.397 care sales slumped 16% year over year, makeup fell 11%, fragrance grew 4%, and hair care decreased 15% on a reported basis in the quarter. In mainland China, the company gained prestige beauty share across all categories and channels in the fourth quarter, led by La Mer and TOM FORD, with full-year gains also driven by La Mer and Le Labo. In Japan, it captured share in every quarter of fiscal year 2025 and reinforced its #1 fragrance ranking in the fourth quarter through Le Labo, Jo Malone London, and KILIAN PARIS. In the U.S., share trends improved notably in the second half of fiscal year 2025, led by The Ordinary, Clinique, and Estée Lauder, though the fourth quarter saw a modest loss. Gross profit in the quarter under review fell 12% to $2.456 billion. Gross margin expanded to 72% from 71.8% in the year-ago period. Quarterly adjusted operating income slumped 61% year over year to $137 million. View more earnings on EL Estée Lauder said that this reflects the increase in consumer-facing investments, along with sales volume deleverage in fiscal 2025. The company exited the quarter with cash and equivalents worth $2.921 billion, lower than $3.395 billion in the year-ago period. The company announced a quarterly dividend of 35 cents per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable in cash on September 16. Outlook Based on current information and net of planned mitigation actions, Estée Laude expects tariff-related headwinds to impact fiscal 2026 profitability by approximately $100 million. 'Despite continued volatility in the external environment, we embarked on fiscal 2026 with signs of momentum and confidence in our outlook to deliver organic sales growth this year after three years of declines and to begin rebuilding operating profitability in pursuit of a solid double-digit adjusted operating margin over the next few years,' said CEO Stéphane de La Faverie. The company has provided its financial outlook for fiscal year 2026, projecting EPS to range between $1.90 and $2.10, well above the analyst consensus estimate of $1.48. The company expects sales to reach between $14.613 billion and $15.042 billion, surpassing the analyst forecast of $14.321 billion. In its fiscal 2026 guidance, Estée Lauder has reflected several key assumptions. The company anticipates global prestige beauty growth to fall between 2% and 3%. Additionally, Estée Lauder plans to implement stricter inventory controls and a substantial reduction in discounts to better align retail and net sales growth. In terms of regional performance, Estée Lauder is forecasting mid-single-digit growth in mainland China, signaling early signs of market stabilization. The company also expects a modest recovery in its global travel retail business, particularly in the first half of fiscal 2026, driven by improved shipment levels in Asia travel retail. However, the company cautions that volatility in this sector, including weak conversion rates, could temper overall performance. Excluding mainland China, Estée Lauder is projecting low-single-digit growth in most other markets, with year-over-year growth rates improving compared to fiscal 2025. For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the company expects a low-single-digit decline to slightly positive growth, driven by strong results in global travel retail and solid performance in mainland China. These gains are expected to offset more moderate declines in other areas of the business. Price Action: EL shares are trading lower by 8.17% to $82.53 premarket at last check Wednesday. Read Next:Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? ESTEE LAUDER COS (EL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Estée Lauder Faces Tariff Costs, Profit Drop, But Projects Rebound In 2026 originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
