Hayati Arabian Oud 2012

As a confessed Oud fan, I was very pleased to receive this beautiful sample from the lovely Alegra. Throughout my young perfume career, I have encountered quite a few wonderful Oud fragrances. From very clean Ouds to barely noticeable ones, from very fecal to beautifully soft and well-integrated Oud notes.
Now I have an Oud fragrance in front of me that I had never heard or read about before, but that is the beauty of Parfomo, you never stop learning and are always pleasantly surprised. Whether it was the very beautiful Oud fragrances from E99-EsAns or Raghba by Lattafa, as well as Montale Aoud Melody and Piguet -Oud, they were always very harmonious scents that impressed me with their dry-down and complexity.

Hayati by AO already hints at a fragrant treasure behind this glass with its very exclusive and elegant-looking bottle.
Since "Hayati" translates to "LIFE" in German, I knew this fragrance had to be precious, as in the Arab world, the names of fragrances always carry a deeper meaning and thus also a greater appreciation.

To be honest, I partially expected a nice Oud but still a very typical slightly fecal note. Don’t ask me why, but that was the case. What came was a huge surprise; I did not expect that. It starts with a beautiful floral nuance with citrus fruits. Jasmine, tuberose, and rose paired with mandarin and bergamot give a very soft and balsamic floral top note, subtly blended with a sweet musk that is lightened by mandarin accords. Since the contained Oud can already be sensed in the very beautiful top note, I was very curious about the continuation of this fragrance. Velvety amber joins a slightly green vetiver undertone along with patchouli and warm sandalwood to the top note, opening the heart note that almost brings you to your knees. This is already "LIFE," warming wood in harmony with balsamic-vanilla nuances that accompany the floral bouquet in the background. It’s like a feeling of life that you often have, making you feel positively and comfortably at home.
Gradually, the base stealthily makes its way into this truly beautiful fragrance so far.
Cardamom, musk, and agarwood form the foundation of this masterpiece.
Clear Oud that does not come across as medicinal is the foundation, which is enclosed by slightly soapy cardamom and warm balsamic musk, thereby strengthening and underpinning the base.

Hayati Arabian Oud is a wonderfully warm, floral Oud bomb that does not weigh down its wearer but rather accompanies them snugly and very lightly.
Yes, one could even say it has something of a delicious shower gel that conveys a light freshness throughout the day while also providing a pleasant balsamic feeling.
It is 100% a unisex fragrance for me, so I cannot relate to the specified gender. Hayati is for me neither female nor male.
A fresh Oud even for the warmer days. It accompanies beautifully and unobtrusively and lasts a very long time on the skin. The dry-down becomes softer and more cuddly, making you inclined to smell your hand again and again.

Hayati Arabian Oud has enriched my "LIFE" and shown me the directions in which perfect Oud can go, and for that, I am grateful to the lovely Alegra. Thank you!