Tom Ford

Tom Ford Noir Extreme vs. Parfum

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Noir Extreme has become an absolute classic fragrance from Tom Ford. It’s one of my own personal favorites, that I wear quite a lot of. So, the release of a Parfum version in 2022 was something that I looked forward too and I grabbed a bottle ASAP.

But, how does it stack up to the original? Which Noir Extreme smells better? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Noir Extreme vs Noir Extreme Parfum

Noir Extreme

Notes include: Cardamom, vanilla, saffron, amber, sandalwood, nutmeg, neroli, orange blossom, kulfi, rose

Click here to try: Tom Ford Noir Extreme Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Noir Extreme

Noir Extreme Parfum

Notes include: Shimoga ginger, cardamom, amber, tonka bean, guaiac wood, leather

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

My Full Review: Noir Extreme Parfum

noir extreme parfum review

Opening

The opening of Noir Extreme is to my nose, a floral spice blend. Neroli and orange blossom serve as the initial floral notes, with a light citrus juiciness.

But, the spice is a blend of nutmeg, saffron, and cardamom. The trio when paired together give Noir Extreme a very attractive intensity.

Yes, the spice is fairly strong at first, but it quickly moves into something that is much sweeter. Vanilla is the main culprit for that, with the overall Kulfi dessert accord. There is a pistachio note as a part of that and it really comes through with the vanilla about 10-15 minutes into the wear.

This opening act has a fantastic smell. It is a great gourmand aroma, with ambery warmth, and a nice balance of floral notes.

Noir Extreme Parfum starts off with the citrus and neroli notes, like the original. But, the overall floral aroma doesn’t have the same level of strength in the mix.

White florals outside of that opening neroli, aren’t a major factor in Parfum. Though, I get more citrus with this opening than its predecessor. Sparkling with a warm spice with ginger and cardamom.

You also get guaiac wood, which gives this one a rougher, drier, and somewhat smoky aroma versus what you get in Extreme.

Which is better? It’s pretty close to me. There is a lot that I like in Parfum, particularly the citrus notes. But, on the whole I enjoy the sweeter aspects, nutmeg and saffron gives Extreme a different smell than Parfum.

Edge: Noir Extreme

Projection

I came in expecting that the Parfum version would really step up the sillage when compared to the original. But, they’re kind of the same. Actually, the original has better projection than Parfum.

It’s not by much, but that’s been my experience so far.

Each of them has a strong start with a solid scent trail behind it. But, the original gives me a bit more.

Update: Every time I’ve tested this out or worn either of them, I still get the same experience. Noir Extreme Parfum may be denser, but it doesn’t project itself any further than my bottle of Noir Extreme. They may be about equal, but it still seems like Extreme has an edge.

Edge: Noir Extreme

noir extreme review

Longevity

Things actually flip in terms of longevity.

With Noir Extreme, I get between 6.5-8 hours of wear, on my skin. I’ve seen some people complain about poor performance, but it’s always been good in my experience. Not elite, just above average.

With Parfum, I can get up to 9 hours of wear. Again, these two are very close with the performance, but the greater concentration helps Parfum with the longevity.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

The versatility is about even. You might say that Noir Extreme is the more unisex option, but that’s probably the only real distinction.

Both are built for the autumn and winter months. Not necessarily for a formal occasion, but semi-formal is fine. Nights out. Some daily wear, etc.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances is better?

I like the additions in Noir Extreme Parfum. I like the spice, the smokiness, leather, and dirtier feel that you get with this newer formulation. It’s warmer and has a nice citrus touch in the opening.

Nonetheless, I don’t personally think that it exceeds the original. Noir Extreme is still one of my favorite scents and topping it wasn’t going to be easy.

The sweetness, the amber, and that pistachio and vanilla kulfi aroma are all selling points. It’s a delightful dessert fragrance with a masculine edge.

I even like the greater floral depth with Noir Extreme.

The performance is about even. So, Parfum doesn’t even blow the original away in that department.

You might go with Parfum if you want more of the vanilla/tonka bean blend, leather, and smokiness. It’s a nice scent, that I’ll be using, but it doesn’t do enough to elevate itself past Noir Extreme.

I actually have been using both of these together. 2 sprays of Noir Extreme for every 1 spray of Parfum. Creates a different experience.

Winner: Noir Extreme

9 Best Leather Scented Colognes for Men

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Leather is a common note in men’s fragrances which helps to give it a masculine air that is both smooth and crisp. Not everyone is a fan of this kind of scent but when it is done well, the result can be incredibly amazing.

In this post, I want to explore some options for guys who enjoy a good leather note being featured prominently in their colognes. This is by no means an exhaustive list but one which can definitely help point one in the right direction searching for the best leather fragrance.

Favorite Smelling Leather Colognes for Men

The Classic Tom Ford

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce
I’ll start things off with this higher priced option from Tom Ford. This one is bold, heavy, and quite leathery in its presentation.

This one isn’t for everybody, but for those who enjoy leather notes in their fragrances, Tuscan Leather (review here) shines, with amazing performance and longevity.

Tuscan Leather grows darker, warmer, and deeper with amber and a bit of smokiness. Overall, this is a fabulous fragrance, with a great smell and performance.

Vanilla Infusion

Vanille Leather by BDK– This one has a lot of facets and the leather note shares the space with a rich and creamy vanilla note.

Still, the leather accord playing off of that vanilla and a somewhat buttery yet powdery orris note actually works extremely well.

It’s not too sweet, has a smokiness, and a floral heart with some prominent orange blossom and slight tuberose, at times. This is very much a unisex scent, so, if you want a pure motor cycle jacket leather, this isn’t it.

The performance is also very good, not going to choke out a room, but Vanille Leather will stick around for longer than a typical work day. 

 

 

Absolu Boss

Boss Bottled Absolu by Hugo Boss– Boss Bottled Absolu is one that was released by the brand in 2024 and it’s really established itself as a favorite already, both for the general public and fans of this note.

Here we get leather joined by incense, some early sweetness, and a nice blend of spice and woods. That davana, gives it the sweetness, maybe with some other unlisted note.

But, myrrh and incense together create a warm balsamic, resinous, and smoky accord here in Boss Bottled Absolu. Sort of earthy and blended beyond just being a pure leather cologne, but one well worth checking out.

Great, long-lasting performance, with enough power while not being obnoxious about it. 

 

Smooth, Dry Leather

John Varvatos FOR MEN by John Varvatos – 2.5 oz EDT Spray– Adding this one to the mix, as another affordable cologne option for those who are looking for our target note. 

Fresh leather with a bit of fruit thrown in such as dates and lime, at the beginning . Smooth, fresh, and inviting.

The leather is put together with a warm and enveloping amber note, which sits on top of a woody base.

Very nice development over the life of this cologne. At times, it is sweet, then it becomes dry, and finally a crispy spice. A great go to scent for daily wear.

varvatos

 

The Moon Above

The Moon by Frederic Malle– Just to get it out of the way, this both hyper expensive, and fairly niche as to its target audience. Like $500+ for a small bottle, expensive.

Moving on to the fragrance itself, this is a rose and oud tinged leather perfume. Usually, something that I personally don’t enjoy very much. In this blend? The oud is tame and the rose is more of a hint.

Now, the dry down is wear that beautiful leather note comes out in its full glory. Before you get there, you have a berry based fruity accord, the raspberry note being the most prominent. It’s fruity, it’s floral, woody, and then dries down into that leather centered scent.

For some, this will be their favorite from this entire list, and one that they want to save up for. If you can try it, do so. Though, you also may not vibe with it at all. 

 

 

Red Prive

Habit Rouge Rouge Prive by Guerlain– This Guerlain cologne is tougher to find nowadays, but this edition of Habit Rouge is a really good leather fragrance.

(If you can’t find this one, you can try these Guerlain’s also: Ideal Parfum and Ideal L’Intense)

What sets this one apart is the use of a bergamot citrus note that is the main pairing with our target ingredient.  Very juicy and sour up top.

Ginger and patchouli add to the mix early on, while the middle act has powdery hints from the floral notes.

The back end? Leather, the remaining bergamot, and some vanilla coming through as well. Personally, this one gets somewhat annoying to wear after a number of hours, but that opening act really is great. Rouge Prive review

 

My Favorite Tom Ford Leather Fragrance

Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.–Ombre Leather is unisex scent but leans more masculine, in my mind. This fragrance is very dry and warm, with leather being the main star.

I still prefer this one to the newer editions like Ombre Parfum.

However, it is joined by amber and moss, that play the background. The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

Jasmine is another important part of Ombre Leather and it is shockingly good when put together with the leather in this fragrance. The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket.

The dry down period is mostly about the jasmine and leather notes, being at the forefront. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background. Ombre Leather review

Grassy Floral Leather 

Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.
A classic from the 1980s that has as many fans as it does people who dislike it, it seems. Leather plays a major role in this manly scent.

Leather is prominent here, along with violet leaf, which brings about the famous ‘gasoline’ smell. Well, with honeysuckle and the violet leaf, being so heavy in the opening that’s what you get with this composition.

Nonetheless, it does settle down thereafter, and you get a floral accord consisting mostly of jasmine. This one still packs a punch, but isn’t the exact same, as it was back 30+ years ago. Another dry, grassy, and interesting use of leather. My Fahrenheit Review

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Sweet with Saffron

Parfums de Marly Godolphin Men’s Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce–Godolphin is a very enjoyable fragrance to my nose.  It opens with a blend of herbal notes and a hint of fruit. I mainly get a sense of saffron poking through.

However, the main note that comes into play is a smooth and beautiful leather that mixes with a woody base.

The leather note with the saffron is remarkably great. I was surprised when trying Godolphin out, how much I actually dug the scent. It’s invigorating to smell and has a layer of floral notes which allows the scent to have complexity and balance. Godolpin Review

Tuscan Leather vs Ombre Leather Comparison

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In this head to head comparison, we are going to take a look at two of the Tom Ford leather laden scents, Tuscan Leather vs. Ombre Leather 18. Ombre Leather was released in 2018 and is a variant of a 2016 release with the same name. Which of these unisex fragrances smells best? Which has the better performance? Which is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Tuscan vs. Ombre Leather

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens up with a fantastic and rich leather note plus saffron. It reminds me a lot of Godolphin by Parfums de Marly. Also, Tuscan features a smooth and familiar black suede note and a bit of juicy raspberry to change things up a bit.

Update: Coming back to this one, years later. That raspberry note feels really potent this time around. It’s sweeter and really different. It almost makes me want to change my opinion on the openings here, but still would go with Ombre.

Ombre Leather, is actually closer to Godolphin than is Tuscan Leather. It shares notes of jasmine, leather, moss, and amber with that fragrance. The leather is just like that in Tuscan and better than the Parfums de Marly fragrance.

It is a dark, dry, warm, and supple scent. Much more like a leather jacket and earthier than is Tuscan Leather.

Which do a I prefer? I think that Ombre is the more interesting opening, it doesn’t have that hint of raspberry, but it does have a dry rugged quality that isn’t found in Tuscan Leather. I just like that opening better.

Edge: Ombre

Projection

Both fragrances start out strong and then move into a more moderate scent. However, Ombre Leather, reaches a higher peak in its sillage before moving into the moderate and feels more intense when I have it on than does Tuscan Leather.

Neither of these is a sillage bomb. However, they do both have a good amount of power, and Ombre is the better of them.

Edge: Ombre

Longevity

With the latest batch of Tuscan Leather that I tried, I got about 8-9 hours of wear from it. While Ombre Leather has a bit better sillage, it lasts on my skin from 6-8 hours, and doesn’t quite keep up with its predecessor.

Tuscan is marginally better, but it definitely has the edge on my skin.

I’ve seen some people say that they get a really long wear out of Tuscan Leather, at least more than I do. It seems to be the consensus that it is the longer-lasting perfume from Tom Ford.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are mostly for the autumn and winter months. Both can be unisex. Both can be worn casually or dressed up without problem. I don’t see a real edge in this category. They pretty much assume the same role.

The leather foundation pretty much sets things up that way. They are pretty similar fragrances in a lot of ways.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I will start off by saying, that I enjoy both of these scents a lot. They are fantastic examples of leather used in fragrances, both have good performance, and smell great. They have a whole lot in common.

However, I am going to give the edge to Ombre Leather 18, over Tuscan Leather. For me, the newer scent has more going on and isn’t a linear as Tuscan Leather. Yes, they both start close to what Godolphin smells like, but Ombre Leather,

Ombre has a light addition of warm amber, dry moss, and earthy/slightly spicy patchouli. Add to that, a wonderful dry down in which jasmine gets paired with the leather to add a floral element to an already great fragrance.

Tuscan is great, but Ombre Leather has won me over versus that scent, and I’m going to give it the win in the head to head match up.

Update: I still like Ombre Leather more than Tuscan years later. I also personally prefer it to the later Ombre Leather Parfum release. That’s a good one, if you are a fan of violet leaf, as a note. I’m not too keen on it, but some other people like the Parfum version more

Winner: Ombre Leather

11 Best Tom Ford Colognes for Men

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With over a decade as a solo brand in the fragrance business, Tom Ford has really established a reputation of quality and refined scents for the stylish gentleman. The brand can go from releasing scents with mass appeal, to the very niche, and plenty of unisex options. The Private Blend line is also another aspect here.

Sure, they’re not all hits, but the brand really helped to bring about some different styles from the norm in the men’s and unisex fragrance game. Other brands have followed suit and we now have more niche lines than ever to choose from.

For this list, I have selected what I consider to be the 11 best smelling colognes for men by Tom Ford, after extensively testing over the years. I have included many unisex scents, but here is the women’s list if you’d like to see some other options.

 

Favorite Tom Ford Fragrances for Men

Amazing Vetiver

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Grey Vetiver is of course one for those who love the main note, but also, it can be a stylish addition to any man’s fragrance collection.

It is of course a woodsy sort of scent, with greenish and fresh highlights, with underlying citrus ingredients and a smoky quality to boot.

The grapefruit note adds a bright cleanliness to the already awesome vetiver note and creates a modern twist on this popular men’s ingredient. It opens up with that citrus note, along with orange blossom, and a touch of herbal spice.

The dry down really does, dry the scent of Grey Vetiver, with notes such as oak moss and fresh cedar. It all comes together as super clean and refined.

Grey Vetiver is most of all a mature woodsy scent, with that clean professional aroma. This is much more suited for the older gentleman.

grey

Another Highly Popular Fragrance

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce–Tuscan Leather is one of the most popular scents that features a leather note, it is also a best seller in the Tom Ford lineup.

You not only get the main note, but also, a nice juicy raspberry, and an amazing saffron. Tuscan Leather has got a very similar smell to, Godolphin by Parfums de Marly, which is another awesome cologne.

The focus is on the leather, which is rich and smooth, and a near perfect use of the note. Tuscan moves into a warmer feeling scent with a depth and darkness. Amber gives the leather a nice partner later on, there’s a dash of smokiness, and the sweetness of raspberry.

The sillage starts off, quite powerfully, but ends up a moderate overall. The longevity on the newer bottles, seems to hit the 8 hour mark of longevity, for me. It used to be a few hours better, but still very good. Tuscan Leather Review

Classic Fresh Tom Ford Cologne

Tom Ford for Men by Tom Ford 100ml 3.4oz EDT Spray– The original Tom Ford for Men is really a great smelling and fresh fragrance. If features ginger, tobacco, amber, patchouli, and a citrus opening.

The lemon and ginger are the strongest up top, but you do get a blend of citrus, and some extra herbal spice from basil. Base notes are dry and woody, some sweet tobacco, and a moderate amber note.

Really quite refreshing and a well-blended daily wear for men. One of the best aspects of Tom Ford for Men, is that it can be worn when it is warmer outside. It doesn’t have the same level of performance, as others here.

Nonetheless, its smell alone even with moderate performance, is enough to propel it onto the list.

tomford

My Favorite TF Leather Fragrance

Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.— Ombre Leather was released in 2018, quickly gets compared to Tuscan Leather. Honestly, I like this one even better. They are a bit different. This is drier and warmer, with additional moss and amber.

The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background. A good deal of jasmine here, also.

A moderate wear, with an overall clean aroma, but with an earthy dirtiness underneath. Patchouli and dry moss, only add to the rugged outdoorsy smell of the dry down.

Not a monster in terms of sillage, but I get 6-8 hours of wear from it. After that, Ombre is a skin scent.  Ombre Leather Review

Top Performer

Tom Ford Noir for Men Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounce– The start of Noir by Tom Ford, isn’t my favorite. I really don’t much care for a huge dose of patchouli and pepper. But, sticking with this cologne, has its rewards.

As it dries down, the floral notes of iris and violet, make this one have a powdery quality. There is also a very nice sweetness from vanilla and bergamot citrus. Noir is of course a darker fragrance, but it’s more of a thick resinous quality.

It’s all about the iris and violet pairing, the underlying earthy notes, with just a bit of vanilla holding on until the end.

This one is a sillage and longevity beast. Seriously, limit the sprays or put it on an hour or so before you head out, it is quite monstrous at first.

Then, it settles into much more of a moderate. Over 12 hours of wear, is not unheard of with Noir, as it has a top notch performance. Noir Full Review

noir

Most Popular Tom Ford Scent

TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum 50 ML(1.7 OZ)– Tobacco Vanille opens up as a very sweet fragrance, but sitting on top of a somewhat spicy layer, headed up by what I think is cinnamon.

Tobacco Vanille’s aroma is a warm envelopment of the tobacco and the gourmand fruits and cacao. The cacao, reminds me of chocolate drink powder, and it pairs nicely with the sweet creaminess of the vanilla.

As it dries down, this one lightens up a bit on the sweetness, but has an overall darker and heavier scent. There is a resinous sap note here, which thickens up the whole experience. Which is why, this cologne is best worn when it’s cold out.

Tobacco Vanille is another beast performer by Tom Ford. It will last all day and doesn’t take much to have it be noticed. It can be too sweet for some folks, but that’s mostly at the beginning of the wear, before the greenish tobacco note really comes into its own.  Tobacco Vanille Review

Great Sophisticated Daily Wear

Tom Ford Extreme By Tom Ford For Men Edt Spray 1.7 Oz– A uniquely powerful fragrance for guys with an air of sophistication. This one definitely has the potential to become a signature scent for the right guy with notes of cedar wood, black truffles, lemon, and Italian fig.

Tom Ford Extreme very attractive and long lasting scent. It is at times smooth and other times spicy, but always a unique fragrance, while being utterly simple in its ingredients. Lots of patchouli before getting down to the cedar base, later in the wear.

tomfordex

Most Unique Tom Ford Scent

Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml– Noir de Noir opens up with a sweet rose note, that is paired with some earthier notes such as patchouli, with oud and dry moss sitting at the base.

With those notes, I shouldn’t like this. However, I really enjoy Noir de Noir, as it just has a uniquely awesome aroma.

This is a fragrance that can hit you in many different ways and completely be a joy to wear. The truffle note, is great, and holds the entire thing together during the dry down along with vanilla.

The oud sits at the heart, but doesn’t overwhelm the composition, and is so balanced it heightens the whole experience of wear.

It has a moderate sillage but can last for 9 hours or so, something to wear when dressed up. Quite unisex, maybe a slight lean feminine. By all expectations that I had, Noir de Noir shouldn’t be good, but it most certainly is and one of the best Tom Ford scents bar none. Noir de Noir Review

Summer Citrus Floral

Tom Ford Sole di Positano Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 oz– There are a lot of these sorts of scents from Tom Ford. Mandarino, the Acqua version of this, the Acqua version of Mandarino, etc.

Out of the bunch, this is my favorite and will be the better bet for most men versus Positano Acqua.

Sole di Positano opens up with a zesty citrus blend of lemon, mandarin orange, and bergamot. Underneath that, are shiso and neroli which give this an herbal spiciness.

The citrus stays dominant in the blend, but the floral notes of orange flower, jasmine, and neroli do give this a different aroma later on.

Very clean and fresh. Less soapy than some of the other perfumes of this type, but still has a nice greenish floral finish and a nice jasmine note.

6 or 7 hours of wear. A nice addition during the warmer days of the year. Sole di Positano Review

My Personal Go To

Noir Extreme by Tom Ford– I came back to Noir Extreme after not using it for years. My word, I fell in love with this fragrance once again. It is utterly great.

Sweet, warm, and spicy. Built around the aroma of kulfi dessert. This one features saffron, vanilla, amber, nutmeg, and much more. It’s deep and perfect for the colder months of the year. 

Very sexy and has a mass appealing scent. One that can easily fit in for the nightlife and is stylish enough to go other places. I do prefer the original in the black bottle.

But, the new Parfum version is also nice, and I bought a bottle of it to supplement my Noir Extreme stash. Really, I’ve been using both at the same time, giving each a few sprays and it works rather well. I still slightly prefer the original, but Parfum is also amazing. Noir Extreme review

Cypress Freshness

Costa Azzurra EDP by Tom Ford– The performance is moderate and this isn’t going to fit everyone’s style, but Costa Azzurra Eau de Parfum, is actually a great smelling fragrance.

That cypress note is going to be the lead throughout, including a bold start to the wear. It is joined by a smoky incense note and a fizzy effervescent citrus accord. 

The aroma is basically a coastal woods. There is a marine seaweed note here, but it doesn’t strike me as being a photorealistic version of the ingredient. More of a blue-ish impression of the sea itself.

Costa Azzurra becomes woodier in the dry down. Very dry with added oak, driftwood, and vetiver making their presence felt. A cologne like this isn’t usually my style, but this is a Tom Ford offering that I did enjoy. Costa Azzurra EDP Review

Comparing Santal 33 vs. Oud Wood

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Santal 33 from Le Labo and Oud Wood from Tom Ford are two very popular releases that people seem to have a tough time deciding between. I have never been a mega fan of either of these fragrances, but have tested each out repeatedly over the years.

So, today I am going to try and provide my own personal in depth takes while comparing these two perfumes, to see if I can help you get some clarity in this head to head matchup.

Tale of the Tape: Santal 33 vs. Oud Wood

Santal 33

Notes include: sandalwood, violet, iris, amber, cardamom, leather, papyrus, cedar

Click here to try: Santal 33 on Amazon

Read my original review: Santal 33

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Oud Wood on Amazon

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

Santal also has the cardamom and dry woods. Just without the oud. It’s not remotely as spicy as Oud Wood is either. This notes are joined by leather and violet. Papyrus is a wood which distinguishes itself from the oud used in the Tom Ford scent.

Which is better? The opening act of Oud Wood is a great array of the various wood notes and spices. It’s not completely amazing, but it captures my attention.

I like the leather facets, the use of the papyrus in Santal. Though, even with that I feel the opening act is the weakest of the perfume.

Not a huge win, but I’ll give this category to Oud.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

Both of these are perfumes with a moderate sillage which then turn into lighter fragrances. I don’t think either is weak and both of them are detectable for most of their wear.

That being said, the Tom Ford perfume feels heavier and like it has a further reach at its peak. Yes, Santal 33 is more sustained on my skin, but I think Oud Wood is technically the stronger of the two.

Edge: Oud Wood

Longevity

Oud Wood has always been a strange one for me. Anytime that I’ve tried this fragrance out, I’ve gotten 4-5 hours of wear from it. The Intense version, lasted over 10 hours for me, however.

The Le Labo perfume will hit the 7-8 hour range, on my skin.

Neither of these is an absolute beast with their performance, but Santal 33 takes this category fairly easily in my experience.

Edge: Santal 33

Versatility

Seasonally, Oud Wood always struck me as being built more for the autumn and winter months. Santal can do that too, but it also extends well into springtime. Honestly, outside of the height of summer, I think the Le Labo works.

Both of these are unisex, of course. But, I think Santal has a wider range of use cases as a signature scent or a daily wear. Neither is a nightlife beast, but Santal also just has a wider appeal than you’re going to get with the oud based scent.

Edge: Santal 33

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I like more? I’d go with Santal versus Oud Wood. Which, I think that Oud Wood Intense was the better of the two anyway. Of course, it’s the one that got discontinued.

Oud Wood starts out nice, but never really interests me much beyond that. Sure, it has similar vibes at times to Santal, but I just think that the Le Labo smells better.

Santal has a weaker start. It’s never been bad to me, just kind of meh, who cares? Though, it really gets going as it transitions into the heart of the wear.

Along with the scent itself, Santal has better performance and will fit the style of a wider range of people. Plus, a more extensive use case. Santal checks more boxes and gets the win here.

Winner: Santal 33