How Oud Scents Became My Everyday Confidence
In Manchester’s Cold, Oud Became My Warm Signature
Residing in Manchester means enduring the cold and rain, and sometimes not showering for day or two. Yes, the neglected side of self-care. Balancing a demanding full-time position as a sales assistant and a university degree made self-care a foreign concept. Worn out jackets or neglected showers were far from my thoughts—until I had that one moment that changed everything.
The Meeting That Changed It All
I recall intensely the team meeting. As the meeting came to a close, my boss jokingly said,
“Guy, if you’re not going to shower, at least wear some perfume.”
Of course, the whole team laughed- myself included. But that line really dented my self-esteem. That evening, I decided to purchase a long-lasting Arabic perfume that didn’t break the bank—but three hours of scrolling and seeing bottles priced at £90+ left me exhausted.
“Not in the budget” is something I kept telling myself for the next two years.
A Parcel from Birmingham: An Unexpected Surprise That Altered My Life Forever
1 year later, life had changed. I had gotten engaged. My fiancée’s family, who live in Birmingham, sent over a big engagement gift box. Among other things, one item stood out—the perfume. The moment I unboxed it, something struck.
I never thought a scent could feel so personal, but somehow, this one did. It wasn’t overpowering or trying too hard. It was gentle, warm, and quietly confident almost like it knew exactly who I was beneath all the layers I’d been carrying. This signature Oud scent for men didn’t just sit on my skin; it stayed with me, like a quiet kind of strength I didn’t know I needed. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen without even having to speak.
And when I finally checked the label, it read: The White Fakhar Al Oud.
Rediscovering Myself, One Fragrance at a Time
That single bottle made me realize how fragrances have gone unnoticed in our daily routines. A scent can elevate your confidence, which in turn can elevate every facet of your life. This time, I gave my fiancée a message thanking her for something. As expected, she replied, you like only perfume?
She was joking (kind of), but it sparked a thought. I had recently received a raise at work, so I set aside £200 and decided to explore more. This time, I went back to that website that once overwhelmed me—Hakeem Supplements—I was surprised.
Birmingham based Hakeem Supplements was not only showcasing perfumes, they also had herbal products for weight loss – beauty supplements – herbal tea blends for various health issues and more.
I ordered some stuff.
What is Oud – And Why Is Its Persistence Remarkable?
If you’ve attended gatherings before, you might have noticed someone whose profound, alluring aroma drew you to them. That inviting smell could have been Oud.
It is an exquisite and rare scent that is alluring and has a unique meaning.
More commonly referred to as Agarwood, Oud is derived from the resin of the Aquilaria tree. However, the most intriguing part is that the resin is produced only when the tree is infected or under stress. To protect itself, the tree produces dark resinous liquid, and that liquid is extracted to produce Oud.
So why does Oud last for a very long time?
Unlike light fragrances and synthetic perfumes, Oud has a rich, thick, and warm scent profile which clings onto garments and skin. It is especially rich in natural oils which is the reason behind why Oud has a lot of staying power. It is not uncommon for Oud perfumes to be effective for 8 to 24 hours and in some cases, even days on fabrics.
Be it Barakkat’s Satin Oud or The White Fakhar Al Oud, these perfumes do not only smell great but they also change the ambiance completely.
What Makes These Scents So Special? Let Me Tell You
You might be wondering: What’s so great about these types of fragrances anyway?
Well, let’s unpack it a bit.
1. A Heritage of Scents Warm and Refined
The tradition of these fragrances’ dates back centuries. They have a deep complexity to them that captures the senses. They tell a story and conjure vivid memories. They are warm. And in the chilly cities of UK, the warmth is especially appreciated in the forms of comforting scents.
2. Gentle Attention with Class
These fragrances don’t announce your arrival. Loud fragrances that do not demand an audience like these are subtle, and step closer fragrances. The charming scents are custom, which like custom-tailored suits, transforms your posture to straighter.
3. Deceivingly High Value
My assumption for these fragrances was that my bank account would not survive the perfumes. To my surprise, they are very accessible, especially when compared to mainstream designers. The rich and great quality was always expected for a fraction of the price.
A Personal Tip Before You Buy
I never intentionally tried to be a “perfume person.” However, a marking my scent, thoughtful gifts during meetings, and looking back at my life has brought change in my life. From ignoring my scent to now being in a position where my scent precedes my presence.
Here are the four that changed my game:
1. The White Fakhar Al Oud (the one that started it all)
4. Ajwa Oud
Perhaps this is your indicator to take the plunge when it comes to starting your aroma journey. Make sure not to think about it too much and just roam around. You could always come across a scent that could be a huge part of your life’s narrative as well.