THE HOUSE OF OUD
Dear Karma

2024

incense
rose
neroli
absinthe

burnt sugar
saffron
patchouli
myrrh

leather
woody notes

‘In the aromatic-woody composition of Dear Karma subtle wisps of incense floating in the air are enveloped by rose petals, neroli flowers and intriguing notes of frosty absinthe. In the heart of the composition sweet burnt sugar harmoniously combines with energetic saffron rich patchouli and myrrh, while the velvety base is filled with leather and warm oriental woods.’ – Missala (translated)

To be honest, The House Of Oud has yet to impress me. There are some aspects of some of their fragrances that I found interesting, but overall, the quality isn’t there for me given what I’ve tested. Dear Karma, unfortunately is near the bottom of the pack, even given those low expectations.

Straight from the opening, I could tell that I wasn’t going to get along well with Dear Karma. It’s one of those fragrances where all the notes feel abstract and nondescript. I get a vague sense of something citrussy, but also sweet and the main theme seems to be a kind of leather. Nothing that smells natural to me & I was reminded of some of the (especially older) Montale fragrances. Another fragrance it sort of reminds me of style-wise, was Versace Oud Noir, but I would definitely prefer that over Dear Karma. It gave me the feeling of a hairspray.

As it dries down, I find more solace in the composition. Still mostly being a watery, sugary leather, that doesn’t smell unpleasant, but still a far cry from what I would enjoy picking as my scent of the day.