Versace Oud Noir Review – Everything You Need To Know
Oud Noir.
One of the best beginner oud fragrances.
Versace Oud Noir was released in 2013. It is based on spices and Oud. It lasts seven hours on the skin with above-average projection.
In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Versace Oud Noir is not discontinued.
- I don’t recommend wearing this in the summer, fall, and winter only.
- Oud Noir lasts seven hours on the skin with above-average projection.
- Besides the oud, this is well supported by other notes in the fragrance.
- Despite the big projection, this is still easy to wear in the office and a great way to stand out while doing so.
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What Does Versace Oud Noir Smell Like?
Right off the bat, there is bitter orange, clean florals, and spicy pepper. Does this mean the scent will be light, citric, and floral? No, far from it.
As long as it takes you to read this sentence, the spices kick the citruses and florals out of the picture. This makes room for the oud to make its way in.
It rests in the distance for a few minutes. But soon, it will come with power and take over the scent for the rest of the wear.
The rest of the wear is simple. It is heavy oud and spicy warmth.
Versace Oud Noir notes:
TOP NOTES
- Black Pepper
- Bitter Orange
- Neroli
MID NOTES
- Saffron
- Cardamom
- Olibanum
BASE NOTES
- Oud
- Patchouli
- Leatherwood
Oud Noir Performance
How Long Does Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir Last?
Oud Noir lasts seven hours on the skin with above-average projection. The first few hours, it pushes a couple of feet before receding to the skin, never becoming a skin scent.
This performance is with five sprays.
This is exclusively fall and winter wear. Sometimes, oud fragrances are okay in the heat of summer.
However, there is a degree of sweetness, so it gets too intense. I tried it in the spring with spray moderation, and it worked fine. But remember that you may get nauseous if you have a sensitive nose.
When Should I Wear Versace Oud Noir?
As for the occasions, it is all. A pleasant and subtle fragrance to wear to the office but also stands out on a date or formal occasion.
Generally, if you want to stand out, wear an Oud fragrance.
Is Oud Noir Likable?
Lastly, mass appeal and likability are excellent. Oud fragrances tend to be decisive in general, but this is less so than most, hence why it’s such a superb beginner oud fragrance.
It is subtle, well-blended, and lacks a heavy animalic quality, as some authentic oud fragrances have. These are the same reasons it is so likable.
How Do The People Rate Versace Oud Noir?
Don’t just trust me; what do the masses think? This information is pulled from fragrantica.com. Providing a general estimate of what others think.
At the time of writing (March 2024), Oud Noir has 2,871 votes with a rating of 4.24 stars out of 5. Based on the cost-for-value metric, it is rated as neutral to good value.
Here are the top three pros and cons:
Pros
- Good for an introductory oud experience.
- Exquisite scent with woody oriental notes.
- Reasonably priced for a designer fragrance.
Cons
- Not mass-appealing or suitable for all occasions.
- Lacks any real oud note for more experienced oud users.
- Poor longevity and sillage compared to other EDPs.
FAQs
What is the Best Versace Oud Noir Alternative?
The most similar fragrance is Tom Ford Oud Wood. These are both simple fragrances. A heavy dose of Oud with warm spice nuances. There are no big differences between the fragrances other than the price point.
If you want a great beginner oud fragrance with a slightly higher quality aroma, Oud Wood is an excellent choice.
How Many Sprays of Versace Oud Noir Should I Apply?
I recommend two to three. This means one spray on each side of the neck. One on the back of the neck if you feel it is necessary. This is an intense and heavy fragrance.
You’ll spray less in warmer weather and close-quarter situations; the opposite applies to cold weather and more open settings.
If you want a complete guide on how to apply cologne, check out this article.
Is Versace Oud Noir Discontinued?
Oud Noir is not discontinued. The confusion may be coming from it no longer being listed on Versace’s official website. However, it is still available on Amazon, discounters, and other retailers.
The best tell-tale sign of any fragrance being discontinued is a price increase on the websites above and only being able to find it on eBay.
I am writing this as of March. 2024. If anything changes, I will update this article as soon as possible. You can subscribe to my newsletter, where I sometimes warn of popular fragrances being discontinued if I know before the prices skyrocket.
Where Should I Buy Versace Oud Noir?
Bottle Sizes: 100mL
Final Words
Versace Oud Noir is worth it. I even consider it as a must-have. Yes, the performance is average, and versatility is slightly lacking, but this is a great start for everyone into oud fragrances as it is both quality and affordable.
If you blind buy a 100mL bottle and don’t like it, you’ll be out $60-70, but at least it’s not $300 for an Oud Wood 50mL bottle (that’s the next step.)
Do you like Versace colognes? Well, don’t limit yourself to Oud Noir. Check out my review of the best Versace colognes for men; you might just find your signature scent.