They contain spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove), musk, amber, incense, resin, and vanilla – ingredients that have been used since ancient times to create perfumes, particularly in India and the Arab countries. Oriental perfumes cannot be ignored. They are seductive. Voluptuous. Opulent. Somehow, mature. They are warm, sometimes dense, rich and most often suitable for evening. Their flavor lingers on the skin for a long time and it is not easy to forget. However, within the oriental fragrance family you’ll discover various subcategories: oriental-floral, oriental-woody, as well as the spicy or the vanilla based ones. I must confess that out of all of them, I found it really difficult to sketch a top 5. Nevertheless, below are those that must be tested:
1
Shalimar, Guerlain
An oriental-spicy eau de parfum, Shalimar was released in 1925, and was inspired by the love story between a king and an Indian princess. Initially, you’ll feel the citrus and bergamot notes, then the vanilla aromas, and, finally, the leather flavors.
2
Opium, Yves Saint Laurent
When it was launched, in 1977, Opium was the equivalent of a revolution. And that’s not just because it has a controversial name. It’s a scent with a strong personality that mysteriously combines mandarin, bergamot, lily of the valley, patchouli, vanilla, amber, myrrh and jasmine notes.
3
Black Orchid, Tom Ford
It’s sexy, it’s luxurious and it has some slight masculine notes. Black Orchid is a complex fragrance, with chocolate, vanilla, patchouli, amber, and orchid notes. A drop is just enough – it resists for a long time on the skin and it’s like a seductive and dangerous potion.
4
Guilty Intense, Gucci
It is classified as an oriental-floral perfume. Guilty Intense contains pink pepper and mandarin notes, which are mingled with the more persistent amber and lilac aromas. The mix gets its heavenly final touch with the violet, heliotrope and patchouli notes.
5
Angel, Thierry Mugler
It’s really delicious, so it’s easy to be framed: a gourmand oriental fragrance. Angel seduces you on the spot with its dark chocolate, caramel, cotton candy, honey, and coconut notes. All this, combined with the patchouli, for an unforgettable scent.
