The Verdict

Scent Profile: Woody, spicy, and slightly sweet with a citrusy opening.
Seasonality: Best suited for fall and winter evenings.
Sillage: Moderate, projecting up to 6 feet.
Longevity: 8+ hours.

Introduction

Initio Parfums Privés, a brand renowned for its luxurious and bold fragrances, has crafted Oud for Happiness, a scent that promises to elevate the mood while staying true to the opulence of oud. Initio has a reputation for creating complex, high-quality fragrances, and this one is no exception. Oud for Happiness balances the richness of oud with fresh and spicy elements, offering a fragrance that is both warm and uplifting. This review explores the nuances of this unique scent, from its composition to its performance.

Fragrance Notes

Bergamot, Ginger, Liquorice, Cedarwood, Oud, Vanilla, Musk

Fragrance Profile

Oud for Happiness opens with a vibrant burst of bergamot and ginger, creating a zesty, slightly spicy introduction that energizes the senses. The unexpected presence of liquorice adds a dark, aromatic twist—sweet yet edgy—blending seamlessly into the woody core. Cedarwood provides a dry, structured backbone, while oud introduces a deep, smoky richness that gives the fragrance its bold character. As it settles, creamy vanilla softens the intensity, and a smooth layer of musk rounds out the composition with warmth and sensuality. The overall profile is modern, mysterious, and intriguingly balanced between freshness and depth.

Occasion

This fragrance is ideal for formal events, romantic evenings, and intimate gatherings. Its warm and spicy nature makes it a great choice for occasions where you want to leave a lasting impression without being overpowering. It also works well for evening wear, where its depth and complexity can be fully appreciated.

Season

Oud for Happiness is best suited for the colder months of fall and winter. The warm, woody, and spicy notes are perfectly complemented by the crisp air of these seasons. While it can be worn in spring or summer evenings, it truly shines in cooler weather.

Performance

The performance of Oud for Happiness is solid, with a well-balanced composition that evolves gracefully over time. The transition from the fresh and spicy top notes to the rich, woody heart and warm base is seamless, maintaining the fragrance’s complexity without becoming overwhelming.

Longevity

8+ hours.

Sillage

Moderate, projecting up to 6 feet.

Conclusion

Initio’s Oud for Happiness is a masterful blend of fresh, spicy, and woody notes, anchored by the luxurious depth of Indian oud. It’s a fragrance that is both warm and uplifting, making it a perfect companion for cooler months and evening wear. With its impressive longevity and moderate sillage, Oud for Happiness is a worthy addition to any fragrance collection, embodying the luxury and craftsmanship that Initio is known for.