Armani Privé - Oud Royal Giorgio Armani 2010

Rarely have fragrances captivated me as much as those from Armani's Mille et une Nuits collection.
These are oriental, spicy scents in perfection and of outstanding quality that Armani presents to us. Whether it's Rose d'Arabie, Ambre Orient, Cuir Noir, or Oud Royal, I have been equally enchanted by all of them, and they represent true art to me.

Some may appreciate the exclusivity of the Armani Privé line, but I find it rather unfortunate that these brilliant creations do not reach a larger audience, as they are only sold in select stores at a rather hefty price. However, one can somewhat justify this due to the quality of the fragrances.

With this scent, an attempt has been made to create a perfect Oud fragrance, and in my opinion, it has succeeded. Oud Royal has a dark core of Oud and incense, enveloped by saffron, sandalwood, and rose, which perfectly cushions the harshness of this scent and makes it a wonderfully harmonious, perfectly balanced olfactory experience. It is clearly a dark, mysterious fragrance that, in my opinion, is more suitable for men. However, Armani has managed to round this scent off well enough that it can also be worn by women with a good dose of self-confidence.

For example, my girlfriend experiences a slightly different scent evolution than I do. While it seems to become softer over time on her, it changes little on me and continues to smell very masculine. She loves this fragrance, but it must be said clearly that it is not suitable for every woman, and I can well imagine that some may not appreciate it. Especially if they prefer sweet, "girly" scents.

If Oud Royal is too intense, one might want to try Cuir Noir from this line. In my opinion, this one is equally wearable for both men and women.

The longevity of Oud Royal is excellent for me. When I used it the other evening, I could still perceive remnants of it the next morning. The sillage is just right in my view. If it had any more, it would be a bit too much of a good thing. This way, you are surrounded by a mysterious aura, but it does not overwhelm your surroundings. Provided you do not use too much of it.

Oud Royal could be the perfect scent for all stylish film villains. Whether it's Michael Corleone or various Bond villains. I recently rewatched the second part of "The Godfather" and had Oud Royal still lingering on my wrist during it. I could easily imagine that Al Pacino or Robert De Niro would have worn it if the fragrance had existed back then.

Conclusion:
I have now tested numerous Oud creations, and for me, Oud Royal is the clear winner and sits right at the top of my must-have list.
A very fascinating scent with a dark soul, but much style and charisma. A clear recommendation from my side for all who enjoy spicy and mysterious fragrances. Those who prefer fresh, aquatic, and sporty scents should rather steer clear of it.