Warm. Opulent. Sensual. Oriental fragrances are exotic and mysterious, designed for a man with confidence and a thirst for adventure. With woody accords and intense notes of amber, vanilla, musk, and spices; reclusive wallflowers, be warned: steer clear of an oriental cologne.
A perfect but unique blend of exotic flowers and precious woods, Oriental colognes are extremely rich, intoxicating, and, somehow, sweet and spicy at the same time. If you’re after a fragrance that’ll turn all heads your way, an Oriental fragrance is the way to go.
Oriental Cologne FAQs
What is an Oriental fragrance?
Oriental colognes usually have unusual and exotic notes, such as ambergris, vanilla, musk, amber, and patchouli, to create an intense, warm fragrance that is vividly and intensely pleasing.
How do I apply an Oriental fragrance?
You don’t want to spray an oriental cologne all over you, as a quality oriental fragrance will intensify over time. You just want a light spray on your neck and wrists; however, don’t spray one wrist and then rub your wrists together, as this will lessen the longevity of your cologne. Spray each wrist, extremely lightly.
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If you’re a bolder gentleman willing to give bewitching Oriental scents a go, we’ve rounded up the best Oriental colognes and fragrances for men.
Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot
1/5The Jo Malone Intense Collection took its inspiration from the fragrant traditions of the Middle East. Launched in 2010, in collaboration with perfumer Christine Nagel, Oud & Bergamot is a fresh take on a revered wood, and the fragrance is still widely popular today. The scent is a hypnotic and alluring combination of precious oud, crisp bergamot, lemon, cedar, and an orange granite accord.
Le Labo Labdanum 18
2/5Le Labo’s Labdanum 18 debuted in 2006, adding a much-needed enigmatic and sensual fragrance to the Le Labo line-up. Somehow, the scent manages to be surprisingly discreet, despite the fact that its ingredients pack a powerful punch. Spicy, musky notes are layered over animal undertones of civet and castoreum, and mixed with a delicate blend of leather and vanilla for a delightful oriental fragrance that’ll make you the best smelling man in the room.
Tom Ford F**king Fabulous
3/5One of the more recent fragrances by Tom Ford, F**cking Fabulous has a spicy, warm, and decadent scent. With notes of gourmand almond, iris heart, and rich luscious leather intensified by floral orris accord, the F**king Fabulous fragrance is so exquisite, that no other name would straightforwardly describe how wonderful the scent truly is.
Diptyque Eau Lente
4/5Diptyque’s Eau Lente (which means “slow water” in French) is an Oriental spicy fragrance that doesn’t fully reveal its character until it’s been warmed by contact with the skin. The primary ingredient is opopanax, one of the oldest perfumes in the world, once used by the Egyptians in their beauty formulas. Here, it’s mixed with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander and Indian spices, and the result is a fresh, extravagant scent.
Armani Privé Oud Royale
5/5A splendid Oriental dream, Armani’s Privé Oud Royal is inspired by a unique wood more tantalizing than gold: oud wood. The fragrance has top notes of amber accord, while oriental spices make up the middle. The base notes of myrrh and incense amplify Privé Oud Royal’s earthy Oriental fragrance, which overall is captivating and majestic.
