NICHOLAUS PAUL AUGUSTINE
GIPSY OUD

2020

PERFUMER
Nicholaus Paul Augustine

Oud
Tuberose
Coconut
Mandarin

I really had to adjust from my expectations for Gipsy Oud. I expected Gipsy Oud to be much darker, heavier and maybe indolic than it is.

The listed notes all take the brightest, most easy going direction. I would’ve never guessed this as an oud if it wasn’t for the name; it’s the freshest scent with oud in the name that I’ve come across. The tuberose is the main player and it’s floral and bright. The coconut seems to provide texture more than scent; lactonic and silky smooth. Even the mandarin in the opening is something I only picked up on sparingly, but it was a nice touch when I did.

What does that amount to? The opening is very floral, definitely feminine leaning and for a moment I didn’t think I could pull it off. After some time, I do get more of a woody base, though more on the ‘blond woods’ side. Some wafts I think I get a hint of smokiness, but like a cold, incense smokiness; I’m not sure yet if I’m imagining that or if it’s there. Milky is the name of the game; this kind of reminds me off a (non-sweet) nut-milk based handsoap or body lotion; very clean, very calming, refreshing. It’s neutral, but not in a boring way; just soothing.

I do think Gipsy Oud will suit most women better and it’s probably not a fragrance that I would wear often myself, but it is one that is perfect for a relaxing evening in or to apply after a shower in the morning. One of the more zen fragrances I’ve tried.