Description
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Precious Oud – is a new fragrance in the collection that encompasses six editions so far:
It is one of the most precious fragrances that join this collection and it was created by perfumer Amandine Marie, whose teacher/tutor was perfumer Michel Almairac. Her wish was to accentuate oud as ingredient and to combine it with floral elements.
Top notes of this perfume is enriched with sparks of bergamot combined with insolent pink pepper. A heart abounds with jasmine and tuberose petals wrapped in intense incense on a base created of precious woody chords of patchouli, oud, vetiver and sandalwood along with warm amber trail.
Fragrance Van Cleef and Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Precious Oud arrives in a classic flacon, shaped like previous fragrances of the Extraordinaire collection, created of glass with a dark, cylindrical stopper.
The fragrance hits the shelves in September 2011, as 75ml EDP for about 130 EUR.
The nose behind this fragrance is Amandine Clerc-Marie.
Morkrutty – :
Stunningly gorgeous sweet powerhouse fragrance absolutely unisex.
Nastiushinka – :
At its very beginning, I get ginger – a spicy ginger ale with no sweetness. Next a musky powder settles in lower, followed by a flowery sweetness that lifts and rounds it out.
It reminds me of walking through a local boutique with hardwood floors and turning down the aisle of candles. A mix of smells comes upon you at once but as you stand there, you realize that each of the scents distinguished from the others is beautiful, rich and luxurious. And you are tempted to purchase one of each candle just to reproduce the scent experience.
As it softens with time, the notes blend together beautifully, with a spicy floral remaining as its main identity. It is both complex and vivid.
Pasha219 – :
On me, Precious Oud doesn’t have a drop of oud. It’s a chewy, sweet white floral mix – I assume tuberose and jasmine but honestly they’re smoothed and blended so much that they aren’t really themselves – no indole or anything. The white florals are joined by the mildly fruity piquancy of pink pepper, and laid on a blended woody base. The dry down is a sweet vanillic white floral. I realize that my scent descriptions sound super vague, but this is not a scent where the individual notes are really distinguishable. Everything is smoothed and “photoshopped” to give it an air of quality. I agree with the previous posters that say this doesn’t smell like Black Orchid – on my skin this is more similar to the smooth floral note from Shanghai Lily, but not close enough that they make each other redundant. Despite the lack of interesting notes, this scent just plain smells good. Good projection, average longevity. Solid like from me.
Lopixan – :
A rather striking and beautiful Floriental, this perfume sadly has one of the most unfortunate names I have ever seen in modern perfumery. This is not an Oud perfume but a lush sophisticated floral creation with a bit of Oud. The perfume begins with a very brief initial hint of citrusy pepper before moving to a dense floral heart of tuberose, jasmine and incense. It finally settles into a powdery animalic base of ambergris, oud, sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver with the florals prominently hovering in the background throughout the stay of the perfume. Female leaning and beautifully blended with moderate to strong projection and very good longevity, this is a really fine and sophisticated French Oriental. Enjoy!
damr16 – :
Now this is the creamy kind of tuberose. And a rather carnal one. It even develops to the sweeter side, but this is as far away from the well-known bubble gum impression as possible. Even though it’s rather foody, it is most certainly not dessert like. It is closer to a main dish reference with its thick, sauce-like structure. I can see clearly how this is compared to TFBO: Precious Oud also has that truffle funk, that weird, semi-edible, unmistakeable smell. Do not be alarmed, though: this is exquisitely well designed fragrance with incredible potency, infinite presence and expensive taste suggesting. It is indeed impressive, but I could even call it opressive. I love it dearly, appreciate it immensely, but wear it seldomly. One should go very light on the sprayer, if they don’t want to get themselves nauseated. Even with only two half-pressure sprays and one final walk-through, I was safely surounded by it all evening long, residing in the open space. I strongly suggest you never use more than that, otherwise it could get toxic and completely out of control.
I just adore the whole VC&A monothematic Extra collection! However, Precious Oud is very little about agarwood really. It is only a supportive player here, giving the whole composition the “nuit”, exotic vibe. But it plays its role masterfully.
To sum up for those who are curious about the popular (and accurate) comparison: if you love TF Black Orchid, you will certainly enjoy P. Oud. If you happen to dislike BO, you still have a chance to at least appreciate this execution of the idea.
bevage2011 – :
This is exactly what I hoped it would be. I found this perfume by looking for similar fragrances to Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. I really enjoyed aspects of Black Orchid, but found the composition as a whole to be too gaudy, brash, tacky and suffocating. I wanted a similar scent that was just more polished and sophisticated, and luckily this fragrance community is on the ball! Based on all the reviews, I ordered a sample from Luckyscent and am absolutely smitten! Precious Oud is all I loved about Black Orchid without what I hated, so it’s definitely not a copy, but a tropical floriental in the same family, just this girl went to college and knows how to use her inside voice. It’s refined decadence, if that makes sense. The quality of this fragrance is apparent too, there’s no throat scratching fumes in Precious Oud, it’s creamy smooth. I’ve just ordered a full bottle of this gorgeous little gem and will be enjoying it all summer (because another perk is that it’s light enough to wear year round)! Thanks for your great reviews!
Edit: after a few full wears, I notice incense and a very clean oud. It’s there, but it’s a supporting voice in this composition. Very beautiful.
Boutralvatoca – :
I ordered this perfume as a blind buy based on Fragrantica reviews. When I was little, my Mum used to wear First by Van Cleef&Arples and it always stayed with me as a signature for luxury.
This is truly an exquisite perfume-the notes are perfectly blended and I was a bit sceptical about the oud component, because it tends to be a bit suffocating for me in most perfumes. But as I said-I ordered this perfume because of great reviews, despite the oud note and because I wanted a niche perfume first time in my life.
This perfume is warm, cosy, not at all heavy and extremely well-blended. The oud note stays all the time, but it is not overwhelming. Floral and balsamic component add perfect balance. When you put it on, you just want to add more because you want to smell it all the time. And you really do feel luxurious.
The only downside for me, unfortunately, it lasts only for 2 hours on my skin. I thought it would be really long lasting, but it isn’t. I will use it up all for sure because it is truly beautiful, but due to my skin chemistry, I will not order it again. It really was a surprise because I live in the Mediterreanean and I have olive complexion so oud, spicy and balsamic perfumes tend to last very long on me.
I truly do recommend it, but be sure to try it on first.
svetoforswer – :
I can understand the comparisons to Tom Ford’s Black orchid. There are some similarities and it think it’s a natural comparison, but there are also differences. In fact, I can’t wear Black Orchid. I ended up giving TFBO to my husband as I found it not quite right for me, but I love it on him.
Precious Oud is much more wearable for me, and it doesn’t hit my nose too hard. It’s overall softer with tuberrose being the dominant note (and it surprises me that reviewers list oud high on the note list). Oud makes an entrance on the drydown, and it is the reason why this has lasting power. If you accidentally get this on your clothes it will last for a day or more, so beware!
This is a 7 out of 10 for me. And I like it and own a FB.
artemka74 – :
Way better than TF black orchid precious oud is on another level much more smoother refined and creamy. Ingredients are of a much higher quality. Black orchid is vomit inducing to me.
Anarxist14 – :
Very very attractive with monster sillage
Epidemy – :
The name of this is very misleading-the dominant note is tuberose. This is waxy, creamy, almost vanilla with a slight sweetness that makes it just a tiny bit sickly. It’s almost rice-puddingy, with vanilla cream tempered with a little spicy pepper. The tuberose is so dominant-not loud, its almost a skin scent, but I find it hard to pick out anything else. After about an hour there is some gentle musk, but the sickly tuberose is persistent.
Having seen other reviewers comparing this to TF Black Orchid, I dug out my tester of it. On me, they are absolutely nothing alike. Black Orchid was a nightmare on me-a muddy, musty, half-rotten tropical fruit nightmare. Precious Oud is better behaved and far more restrained, with a cleaner profile. But I don’t think its for me-tuberose always turns sour on my skin.
свн – :
Seriously in my opinion nothing like black orchid the TF is harsh strong and synthetic chemical mess. Precious oud is mellow refined and totally beautiful and unisex. I love it so much bought 2 bottles from notino when it was on special offer. Black orchid gives me headaches and makes me feel nautious.
Without a doubt guys can wear this with pride I’m addicted to this beauty managed to get 2 big bottles for a good price. They’ll last me years. 2 sprays max of this beauty.
denor – :
Yes, it’s exactly the copy of tom ford’s black orchid
grourgich – :
A very nice scent. The opening is a very pleasant oud, later a clean, luminous tuberose comes to join the show, making it a very feminine fragrance. Later the tuberose is almost gone and i can only smell the oud and the incense. Sillage is close to the skin and longevity is extraordinary. 10+ even after a shower. I don’t know exactly how long it lasts, because i went to sleep, but probably 14+.
Overall, i liked the perfume. It is classy but laid back and very well crafted, but I’m not in love with it.
karlobruni – :
scent : 10/10
sillage : 10/10
longevity :9/10
100% night fragrance
nice creamy and sweet scent
reminds me of tom ford black orchid
jfoekoroff – :
Love this fragrance although very sweet at times has anyone layered it with a oud fragrance??? It’s completely delicious when layered with a dark medicinal oud fragrance. I layered it with aramis calligraphy to tame the sweetness took on a completely different vibe totally unique never layered fragrances before but this combo is amazing.
Ps
Nothing like black orchid on me this fragrance is truly beautiful black orchid i find nauseous.
dimas6186 – :
Opens up very similar to Black Orchid, but dries down much nicer changing to a complex, multidimensional perfume.
Warm, comforting notes of incense and ambergris make it a perfect winter scent. At times, I can even get sweet notes of fresh baked cookies. Joy of the season. Absolutely love this perfume!
Avanvarydrord – :
as a person who hates black orchid and is made nauseous by it, i actually love precious oud. i am not sure how on some people it is similar but on me this is really really different. on a huge note it does not make me nauseous. it is a very pleasant white floral scent with a hint of oud which i do love.
elarieDaubake – :
It is, indeed, relatively similar to that other fragrance, which I also have (and love), but there are some distinct differences, especially during the drydown. This one is much creamer and somewhat brighter. I often layer this over ‘Encre Noire’ by Lalique to great effect – can be recommended as a way to add some darkness and depth.
recent – :
Getting past Black Orchid…Precious Oud is very much a high quality green tone with a mix of floral note Tuberose with a hint of woodsy notes barley noticeable. There’s also a hint of spicy notes to help the sandalwood with patchouli notes come alive. On a small note…I don’t understand why the note oud was used. The appropriate name should be Precious Tuberose!
Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting over 8hrs
In all this juice has more of a natural aroma which I find more pleasant instead of those synthetic aroma which I hope to see the end one day!! 8/10
Royarneirrink – :
creamy tuberose
and strong incense like burning wood
in addition of some salty smelly thing
I guess that would be the oud
what could be more horrible than this
but actually a high-class smell
not a cheap smell
just not my cup of tea
evro2020 – :
Tuberose, pink pepper and oud with sweet patchouli that holds them all together. The opening of Precious Oud is WOW but after a while it becomes a little too sweet for my tastes. Tuberose alongside patchouli stand out as the real protagonists; oud here is just ‘in disguise’…personally I prefer it when it’s more bitter and distinctive.
Stilian – :
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Most ouds make me think of chemistry experiments gone wrong. Sometimes a smoky edge in a perfume is quite pleasant, but more often they are done very badly.
This is a lovely, smooth, sensual and above all wearable oud, with a sweet floral note to balance the sharpness. I can see the comparison with Black Orchid – the combination of oud and tuberose has somehow produced a warm, chocolatey aroma. However, my skin eats Black Orchid alive and smells like mushrooms on me after half an hour. Precious Oud is much more appealing.
ant37on – :
Holy Black Orchid Batman. Which came first the orchid or the wood it grows on? Well….in this case I’m going to say Oud has a spy in Tom Ford’s house. How could this be SOOOOOOOOOO similar when nothing came close before Black Orchid. Ok soooo….as a black orchid fan, I was looking for “similar” fragrances so as not to burn myself out on such a masterpiece. I don’t typically buy into comparing black orchid to a prostitute or a mistress and you will see by the ratings on black orchid itself that it is truly beloved and a top seller of the house. It’s juices are complex and high quality. What I may say instead is that Van Cleef & Arpels is cheating on his wife, his wife being the first one, the one who worked her ass off to make him famous and then he dumped her for a younger copy of herself, skinnier bottle, bleach blond and a bit transparent. Now to be super fair, tomorrow I will don both fragrances, and not only on myself but on my husband and not just one application. I will apply a new swatch an hour later and do a comparison with both dry downs to the fresh ones, then I will get another woman to wear them and I will follow them on her. Then I will come back and give you guys the skinny on who wins. I might even throw in Sensuous whatever it is by Lauder and La vie est belle and get his other mistresses in on this game. And if it’s a toss up….I’m choosing the prettier bottle and it will be black. 😛
Edit: Okay here’s the stand off. PO and BO applied to wrist same time. Both dabbed not sprayed, i know this would change the game and i wish i had a spray for the PO. First impression, exact copies, BO stronger sillage. Within five minutes BO takes the lead with a darker, deep fruit, orchid while PO seems fairly linear a floral oud. I gave my wrists in a blind test to three people, husband, daughter and an employee…all chose BO. Fifteen minutes later, PO is catching up to the fruit in BO but BO is still leading. When i say fruit it’s not a cloying sweet or rotten fruit, it is a perfectly ripe dark fruit sitting in a bowl under some orchids. The wood is starting to come out of PO while BO is still evolving but quite similar to the start, florals appearing in orchid now. Twenty minutes in, I’m loosing PO, it takes a deep sniff to the wrist and it’s almost gone. BO has gone from loud at the start to mellow. AS is always the case when i spray BO, i have to walk fast to avoid the cloud that is BO, thank God I love it from start to finish b/c it is strong on application. Just wait. Give it time. Thirty minutes in, i can tell there was something applied where PO was, the dry down has lost it’s florals, fruits and even wood, not sure what is left here, it’s so faint, but there is a skin scent, hard to describe. Nice. But not BO. Thirty minutes in, Black orchid still evolving. Fruits are falling into the background, Orchids and woods remain. It’s starting to chill. I think on clothing…BO is a powerhouse but skin eats both of these fast. So my verdict and the three blind sniffers verdict, BO throughout. BO is cheaper and less linear, more silage (if you don’t like it use it on skin only and/or walk through one spray). I find myself loving BO so much that after the initial spray I walk through a second about 15 minutes later just to enjoy her top notes again. When i receive sensuous by lauder i’ll do another test with all three and try and post this same review under all three.
DilsliepNen43 – :
Smells like Black Orchid, but a summer version. Its musky, white-floral, and a little coconutty. I don’t detect a lot of the notes listed. Doesn’t smell like the title either. Perhaps to prevent Black Orchid comparisons. I think this is much better than black orchid.
znw471InsuffBooni – :
This was love at second sight… I was wearing this perfume on one hand and Ambre Imperial of the Collection Extraordinaire on the other one. I had already fallen in love with the opening of AI when 15 minutes later i sniffed the Precious Oud, just in case.
And then it blew my mind.
A perfume that is layered and complex, starts by being almost unbearable and becomes ever more refined and sophisticated, and yet very present, as time goes by.
RuuTeff – :
yesterday I bought it.. it’s an expensive one.. in the beginning it smelled exactly like TF BO.. but after a while it turns into unpleasent smell “rotten melon”kind of.. I wish I could return it back 🙁
Wahoo=) – :
breitlingsson congratulations on your description.I tried it in my hand,smelled up the other day in the morning,I tried to remember what parfume had put the store until I remembered Precious Oud Van Cleef perfect mix,comforting and mysterious
I look forward to go get a bottle have to tell you the experience later.
siam77 – :
Pleasant, warm oriental scent, rich and elegant. I can smell mostly oud, sandalwood, vetiver and incense. Flowers only make the background. If you love oriental scents, try it.
impaniscind – :
Who’s got some this to decant, i’d love to have 10ml.
clk222Negeltzex – :
A pleasant, suntan lotiony, white floral. I’m confused as to why it got compared to Black Orchid. It smells much closer to Tom Ford’s Shanghai Lily.
Semyonoff – :
This is such a sweet, luxurious, expensive-smelling and unique fragrance. I was surprised, because I thought that oud is not one of the nicest and smoothest notes, but in this composition, it’s brilliant.
Elegant complexity, delicious sweetness from patchouli and natural woody notes.
Great one! I need to try out other fragrances from that line!
Rocky1978 – :
Dear fragrantica readers :-), this is a so nice surprise for me, absolutely unisex, male kinda’, extremely pleasant and balsamic, not the TSAR like 80s powerhouse vibe, but vibe in the very good way, on the oud way, ….an evolution to broader mass of people (if I can say to a niche-like spelled variation of the house). really big thumbs up! worth to try gentlemen!
Blidaybrainna – :
“Precious Oud” by Van Cleef and Arpels / 08/07/2015
I belong to the type of people who fall in love hard and not often. This is a truly magnificent scent that I fell in love with.
It is so well blended and balanced that it is impossible to distinguish the notes. Additionally, it is so unique (in a beautifully quirky way) that I cannot describe it accurately.
It is not flowery; it is not powdery; it is not oriental; it is not soapy; it is not citrusy; it is not aquatic…
What or earth is it? I have no idea!
But, it is perfect!!
This is the beauty of this scent. I cannot categorize it, I cannot de-code it, I cannot translate it. There is so much cerebral intelligence and harmonious quality in this blend. It is beautiful, unclassifiable and not at all predictable.
Smelling it is an intense, long-lasting experience for those with an adult nose (so, to all those who like nicey-nicey sickly sweet gourmands, I suggest to stay away from this masterpiece.)
Silage and longevity are massive; the scent dominates the room.
I would not suggest for anyone interested to proceed in a blind buy. I also would not suggest to anyone to offer it as a gift. The reason is that this fragrance is so unique and peculiar that it becomes a very personal choice.
I enjoy it very much. I do recommend it, I find it mind-blowing!
Enjoy the perfume quest.
Regards
Josephine
alexladyg – :
This one is so luxuurious! I am so happy that is not similar to Tom Ford, because I can’t wear any of his fragrances. The scent is rich and fullbodied, it’s perfect for cold weather. If you want to smell mysterious, wear this perfume and I thiхk it’s suitable for men too.
MBluxury – :
I just got a bottle of this, thinking that it would satisfy my craving for Tom Ford’s Velvet Gardenia or Black Orchid, but it really didn’t. I shouldn’t have tried to find a less expensive alternative… because this one isn’t much less expensive, and, isn’t as great. I would have preferred to have saved the money up for the real deal!
Don’t get me wrong: it is really nice. I loved it for the first minute. All the notes appeared. The white floral, the heaviness, the incense, the soft, unlikely smooth yet tart layered behind the smoke. It definitely piqued my senses and stood out…as long lasting, unique, beautifully made… quality.
However, it then hit a sour note, where Black Orchid, Velvet Gardenia, Velvet Orchid… etc… did not!
A subtle rancid, fetid vanilla-gone-sour smell that at first lingered in the background. After a few minutes, when it dried, all I smelled was a weird smell… and when I focused, focused, focused, I was surrounded by some weird, nasty rottenness. Maybe it was the ambergris.
At any rate, this one seriously disagrees with me. And it is an expensive disagreement.
naemnik – :
There is nothing ‘oud’ about this. But it is sensual and very, very elegant.
It smells… expensive. With regard to those who says it smells like Tom Ford’s Black Orchid — Precious Oud is what your very expensively maintained trophy wife would wear; Black Orchid is for your equally expensive, but maybe more brash and less classy mistress. The former stays close to the skin and tantalizes; the latter almost harasses with its overt sexuality. You choose what you are going for.
There is some spice, some jasmine, some sweetness. It is not a ‘sweet’ smell, however. It is not truly oriental, either; there is not enough amber or sandalwood for that, and it’s not heavy, either. Tuberose is well-blended and does not have that cheap soap smell it has in some perfumes.
I also get a very distinct bergamot note. Maybe not outright in-your-face Earl Grey bergamot, but if you go to a very posh bar and order a Lady Grey martini, that note will be there.
Precious Oud’s sensual nature is barely contained by the perfumer’s touch. It is not provocative, but rather promising and inviting. What you make of it is up to you.
_Himera_ – :
Beautiful perfume, but I didn’t feel any oud in it. A lot of balsamic notes, a lot of tuberose, oriental spices all there… But not oud. Very long lasting with decent silage. I don’t think I can say van cleef is a replica of BO by Tom Ford, but the similarities between them are there. Anyway a good purchase for who likes to stand out from the crowd.
bokserKDA – :
This is to say a big thanks to all who have already voted on this one.Many times we have been led astray by votes on fragrances that purport to smell or bear some similar resemblance to the one under review.You hunt it down and realize you have been led on a fruitless search.
Precious Oud is expensive for what it is and to try and have a deja vu on it,come home and check here and get confirmation it smells like Black Orchid-which is true, gives me hope and confidence in this site and all who use it.
It will be utter snobbery to buy this when you can get Black Orchid for a fraction of the price and wind up with the same smell.
Thanks to all who have already voted here.Spot on and keep up the good work.
totoha – :
Excuse me, this is not oud at all!!
It does not remind me of tom ford as well, TF is much stronger.
On the other hand, to my nose it is a sister of one of the lancome collection perfumes, I don’t remember it’s name 🙁
If you like the scent, I can assure you it’s really long lasting
saubera – :
This is very similar to Black Orchid but the volume been turned considerably down and the dirty part has been greatly reduced. Still the closest I have smelled, much more similar to BO than Velvet Orchid.
Just like any other scent in the Collection Extraordinaire it has soft to moderate projection and lasts around six hours.
I like it a lot personally and would recommend to those who appreciate Black Orchid but find it hard to wear and don’t want to deal with two days commitment to its scent.
Edit: A few days ago I tried Black Orchid again, just to see if I feel the same about it. For me it is very impressive but ”too much of a good thing” at first and the drydown turned into dirt (read: potent patchouli and vetiver)
It sure is a scent made to grab attention, I also got a compliment from a stranger while buying bus tickets shortly after sampling. But that’s about it. It just sits there screaming, like a modern evolution of Angel’s complex chocolatey earthiness.
Precious Oud is very much of a similar scent just more well mannered and soulful, melts on the skin and compliments it in quiet way I find much more refined.
dmpavel – :
This is sublime, and I don’t think there are shed loads of fragrances I can say that about. I like TF Black Orchid, but this is an all round better fragrance in my opinion. It is literally smoother then silk, the tuberose adds that little bit of sweetness to counter the incense and woody notes. Lasted about 7 hours, very very classy fragrance, I love.
dega24 – :
Tried today, beautiful scent! It may be similar to TF Black Orchid but it’s not the same thing. While Black Orchid is quite of a brick, Precious Oud is more of a nuanced oriental, somptuous, warm, lingering, but not harsh nor thick. It keeps a lighthand and it smells almost gourmand. Wood is there and so is a feeling of dried fruit in an Eastern suk. Also the tuberose is dominant and luscious yet well managed.
I appreciate the top quality of this line. Notes smell real and they are full of nuances as it happens with natural raw material.
The longevity is very good but the sillage is tamed and quite close to the skin.
It’s a winner, pricey but not more pricey than most mainstream.
ivan-ko – :
I found it very pleasant. The oud is fresh and sweet and at first sniff I got something floral and fresh fruity, then fast come a hint of pink pepper that make this an enjoyable frag. Feminine in a happy, handsome but strong wat and at the same time masculine in a kind, positive way. 🙂
vapjencejew – :
Haven’t felt as excited about a perfume in a long time. I was in love with this at first whiff when I tried it on a weekend away, then when I got home none of my local stores in York had it so I couldn’t test it again as I like to before committing to buy. Noted it but forgot about it. So…John Lewis has just opened in York and I was browsing there today – hey presto – they stock it. Tested it again – heart stopping moment – it’s to – die – for. White flowers but a musky sultry spicy interpretation which smells to me like tuberose wrapped in amber, saffron and musk. It’s not in your face, it’s not masculine and it’s not sweet. It’s a creamy cloud of incense bliss. Beautiful evening scent but could wear anytime as it’s quite close to the skin. I found Black Orchid too brash, this is classy, elegant and expensive. It’s me :-).
marokassa – :
I used to own Black Orchid, and while I am a Tom Ford devotee, I had to get rid of it. I think it’s practically a modern masterpiece, but something about it didn’t jive quite right with me. The patch was too heavy. The tuber note made the scent interesting, but there was too much of it. THIS is Black Orchid redone in perfect balance, harmony, and perfection!
Precious Oud is so classy that it makes Black Orchid seem trashy in comparison. I never thought that of Black Orchid as trashy until I smelled this, as there was nothing to compare. Although this smells classy, I can’t get the image of a high class call girl out of my head, the kind of woman you would never know is really an escort because she makes five times the money you make. Black Orchid seems like a common prostitute now.
There is something light and clean (and addictive) floating above all of the richer notes, and I can’t figure out what it is. I also note abstract candied white florals and a smooth river of amber chocolateyness.
I was looking to purchase Orchidee Vanille, and while that was really pretty, this is immediately full bottle worthy. It’s stunning–and very, very sexy. I seriously think that any woman wearing this will instantly become more beautiful to those within range of her scent.
antonlesvdv – :
this is very pretty, i thought it was somebody elses perfume not mine when I was wearing it. It is very floral on me, I smell mainly the tuberose and jasmine
Pigissofe – :
This smells very natural and it is as if you are wearing a non scent, just in your own skin. Like the James Heeley fragrances in its wholesomeness. No chemical scent to endure. You could wear it at work and no one would complain. Not a sweet scent. Unisex. I don’t understand the negative reviews. I don’t like Black Orchid but I like this one.
kazanec – :
Smell this in a Dunedin Mall today and smell exactly like Black Orchid, I could not believe maybe Black Orchid has some oud in it but it is not listed. It’s a dupe anyway.
Iruko – :
the drydown smells very SIMILAR… this one is quite like the vintage m7, so if you cant get your hands on the m7 you can buy this one and experience what the m7 smelled like. im saying this cuz i own two bottles of m7 the vintage and reformulated one and did a side by side test.
23vs – :
This one was sweet, floral, spicy, and balmy. It is some what like “Tom Ford Black Orchid,” except not as strong. This would make a good scent for day time. More feminine than masculine. Quality. Try it.
kristima-ti – :
I can imagine this being a perfect scent for cold, winter months. Very comforting – while Black Orchid can get a little wild, loud sweet and screechy, Precious Oud is smooth, less loud, semi-sweet and woody, makes a little bit more sense to me. It’s like a cozy hug. A very, very long lasting hug! I can’t believe there is no rose in it…
It can also be a very sexy nighttime scent (grown-up sexy) in the fall/winter mostly because of jasmine, sandalwood and incense, the amount of spice is just right. When I close my eyes I imagine candlelight, expensive dinner for two and spicy wine. Very well done, great sillage and longevity.
konflikt – :
I find that smells like black orchid of tom ford,just slightly less overpowering.
Worthy copy.
paska – :
What determines the rating of a fragrance is how far distanced our expectations are from the perfumer’s standpoint. Whether this fragrance delivered the essence of raw oud or synthetic oud, many would have shared a certain disappointment. Precious Oud is simply Van Cleef & Arpel’s interpretation of agarwood and far from cheap. It evolves and enhances gradually on skin. Applying this perfume to paper does it no justice. Sure it may share common ground with Black Orchid, but it is not Black Orchid. Tom Ford’s fragrances stand on their own, requiring no comparison to be noticed. Semi-sweet, balmy and woody indeed. Although the oud is present, it is disciplined by the creamy tuberose, peppers and incense. This is a great fragrance and I am a proud owner of both Precious Oud and Black Orchid.
ARTUR300380 – :
Shameless cheap , but not bad reformulation of Black Orchid. If this would have costed at a fraction of BO, it could have been a deal, but niche pretentious is what we may call “mensonge”. Whoever authored this project, should go to jail…
Namagoroshi – :
personally I dont find that it smells like black orchid of Ford, since black orchid is way much sweeter, anyway in general I dislike tom ford’s perfumes.
to me this is the perfect oud representation, better than armani privé, better than kurkdjian’s oud, better than oud wood, even better than al oudh (artisan parfumeur).
it is very creamy and very round,soft, woody, sweet floral. comforting, while having a hint of oud which is pleasant, not medicinal.
my favorite oud
ameldplem – :
Unmistakeable resemblance (IMHO) to Tom Ford’s Black Or