Top Notes 
Heart Notes 
Base Notes 
05/13/2022
GeorgeReid
37 Reviews
GeorgeReid
2
An Affordable Hidden Jewel
I am on the record for saying that I dislike oud fragrances, as it usually smells horrible on my skin. That said, I formed that opinion years ago.
I did a test run on a synthetic oud, and see how it would work on me. While looking around, I stumbled upon Nu Parfums’ Black is Black: Modern Oud.
With a price tag lower than 20.00 USD (and sometimes, less than 10.00 USD), and based on reviewers' recommendations on Parfumo and retail websites, I did a blind buy. I already wrote an initial impression, but now that I have a few usages, I can write a complete review.
----
The overall scent profile of Modern Oud is a combination of three factors. A combination of oud and patchouli is the first factor. The second factor is a spicy touch of cinnamon. The third factor is the strongest; a familiar powdery combination of lavender, musk, and amber.
That last factor normally makes a fragrance lean towards unisex usage, but this fragrance is masculine. A woman without confidence would struggle to wear this. However, a woman with confidence can absolutely make this fragrance shine to her benefit.
Also, I will say that if someone adds the correct amounts of vanilla, tonka bean, and mint to Modern Oud (and take away the oud), this fragrance would become a very close clone of a mid-1990s classic—Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle. People who like Le Mâle, but want an option without the sweetness, may enjoy this fragrance.
That said big critique I have about Modern Oud is that the fragrance is linear. Outside of the light citrus top note (which disappears quickly), the scent is the same for the entire duration. People who want a consistent smell will appreciate that, but a fragrance enthusiast or an artisan would be disappointed.
Another critique, albeit a minor one, is that this feels like a fragrance for middle age and older gentlemen. The lack of sweetness and freshness notable in modern fragrances may turn much of the younger crowd (i.e.: teens and college students) away.
However, despite my critiques, the smell is fantastic. I normally dislike oud and musk as fragrance notes; heavy amounts make the smell unbearable. However, Modern Oud gets the right amounts of both for my nose. Both are noticeable, but they do not overpower my nose.
----
I have mixed opinions about the bottle of Modern Oud (most aspects will probably include the entire Black is Black line because of the similarities.)
On one hand, the shape of the bottle is horizontal with a slight curve, giving it an uncommon style and looks like it belongs in a collection. The translucent dark bottle also adds some decadence, and the labeling looks like metal plating (despite its plastic feel).
However, I am a hard believer in function over style, and this is where Modern Oud flops.
Sometimes when pulling the cap off the bottle, I notice the base keeping the atomizer in place moves around. I am afraid of the base coming off and the scent juice flying over the place if I pull off the cap too hard.
I normally do not recommend leaving the cap off a fragrance (and loathe it when I must switch between atomizers and a cap on a bottle), but I am making an exception here.
The bottle looks like something I would not expect from an affordable fragrance. However, the bottle functionality confirms why the fragrance is affordable.
----
In terms of performance, Modern Oud puts in a solid effort for an eau de toilette.
Modern Oud lasts about eight hours on my skin at room temperature, which is a solid performance that can last an entire workday, or get through a full night. Like most eau de toilettes, it will not last through the day and night.
In terms of performance and sillage, Modern Oud will get attention as you walk by a person, or if you stay in the same spot long enough. (With the sillage trail being stronger than projection.) However, do not expect the fragrance to fill up the room and announce your presence.
----
In terms of social scenarios, Modern Oud lacks versatility and is a situational fragrance. Using it in the right situation will do wonders.
However, let's first talk about how NOT to use Modern Oud.
Rule #1: Do not use Modern Oud in the gym before or during a workout. The combination of oud, musk, and body odor is a crime against humanity, and you will almost certainly smell disgusting.
Rule #2: Modern Oud is not a daytime summer or a tropical weather fragrance because of the musk. It will become cloying and nauseating in high heat.
Rule #3: Do not spray this heavily under any circumstances. An overdose of Oud and Musk is asking for someone to get nauseated.
If you keep rules #2 and #3 in mind, the fragrance will work fine in an office or school environment, as someone can do far worse. Also, thanks to its performance in cooler weather, it is also a solid option as a mild or cold weather fragrance.
However, Modern Oud is like a star—it shines the brightest at night. Relaxing at home and meditating to wind down the day? Going to a restaurant with a date, or a party with a group of friends? Getting ready to heat the night with an intimate moment? Modern Oud would be a fantastic choice in those scenarios.
----
Nu Parfums Modern Oud is an easy introduction to oud as part of a fragrance if you are on a budget and do not live in an area where fragrance sampling comes easy.
That said, like any fragrance, it is not for everyone. If you are someone who likes complexity in fragrances or needs something for the summer, Modern Oud is not for you.
However, if you are looking for a simple evening fragrance that will last through the evening, and something that stands out from the trend of masculine yet sweet fragrances, Modern Oud may be a surprise treasure at an affordable price. (Just be careful with the bottle.)
I did a test run on a synthetic oud, and see how it would work on me. While looking around, I stumbled upon Nu Parfums’ Black is Black: Modern Oud.
With a price tag lower than 20.00 USD (and sometimes, less than 10.00 USD), and based on reviewers' recommendations on Parfumo and retail websites, I did a blind buy. I already wrote an initial impression, but now that I have a few usages, I can write a complete review.
----
The overall scent profile of Modern Oud is a combination of three factors. A combination of oud and patchouli is the first factor. The second factor is a spicy touch of cinnamon. The third factor is the strongest; a familiar powdery combination of lavender, musk, and amber.
That last factor normally makes a fragrance lean towards unisex usage, but this fragrance is masculine. A woman without confidence would struggle to wear this. However, a woman with confidence can absolutely make this fragrance shine to her benefit.
Also, I will say that if someone adds the correct amounts of vanilla, tonka bean, and mint to Modern Oud (and take away the oud), this fragrance would become a very close clone of a mid-1990s classic—Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle. People who like Le Mâle, but want an option without the sweetness, may enjoy this fragrance.
That said big critique I have about Modern Oud is that the fragrance is linear. Outside of the light citrus top note (which disappears quickly), the scent is the same for the entire duration. People who want a consistent smell will appreciate that, but a fragrance enthusiast or an artisan would be disappointed.
Another critique, albeit a minor one, is that this feels like a fragrance for middle age and older gentlemen. The lack of sweetness and freshness notable in modern fragrances may turn much of the younger crowd (i.e.: teens and college students) away.
However, despite my critiques, the smell is fantastic. I normally dislike oud and musk as fragrance notes; heavy amounts make the smell unbearable. However, Modern Oud gets the right amounts of both for my nose. Both are noticeable, but they do not overpower my nose.
----
I have mixed opinions about the bottle of Modern Oud (most aspects will probably include the entire Black is Black line because of the similarities.)
On one hand, the shape of the bottle is horizontal with a slight curve, giving it an uncommon style and looks like it belongs in a collection. The translucent dark bottle also adds some decadence, and the labeling looks like metal plating (despite its plastic feel).
However, I am a hard believer in function over style, and this is where Modern Oud flops.
Sometimes when pulling the cap off the bottle, I notice the base keeping the atomizer in place moves around. I am afraid of the base coming off and the scent juice flying over the place if I pull off the cap too hard.
I normally do not recommend leaving the cap off a fragrance (and loathe it when I must switch between atomizers and a cap on a bottle), but I am making an exception here.
The bottle looks like something I would not expect from an affordable fragrance. However, the bottle functionality confirms why the fragrance is affordable.
----
In terms of performance, Modern Oud puts in a solid effort for an eau de toilette.
Modern Oud lasts about eight hours on my skin at room temperature, which is a solid performance that can last an entire workday, or get through a full night. Like most eau de toilettes, it will not last through the day and night.
In terms of performance and sillage, Modern Oud will get attention as you walk by a person, or if you stay in the same spot long enough. (With the sillage trail being stronger than projection.) However, do not expect the fragrance to fill up the room and announce your presence.
----
In terms of social scenarios, Modern Oud lacks versatility and is a situational fragrance. Using it in the right situation will do wonders.
However, let's first talk about how NOT to use Modern Oud.
Rule #1: Do not use Modern Oud in the gym before or during a workout. The combination of oud, musk, and body odor is a crime against humanity, and you will almost certainly smell disgusting.
Rule #2: Modern Oud is not a daytime summer or a tropical weather fragrance because of the musk. It will become cloying and nauseating in high heat.
Rule #3: Do not spray this heavily under any circumstances. An overdose of Oud and Musk is asking for someone to get nauseated.
If you keep rules #2 and #3 in mind, the fragrance will work fine in an office or school environment, as someone can do far worse. Also, thanks to its performance in cooler weather, it is also a solid option as a mild or cold weather fragrance.
However, Modern Oud is like a star—it shines the brightest at night. Relaxing at home and meditating to wind down the day? Going to a restaurant with a date, or a party with a group of friends? Getting ready to heat the night with an intimate moment? Modern Oud would be a fantastic choice in those scenarios.
----
Nu Parfums Modern Oud is an easy introduction to oud as part of a fragrance if you are on a budget and do not live in an area where fragrance sampling comes easy.
That said, like any fragrance, it is not for everyone. If you are someone who likes complexity in fragrances or needs something for the summer, Modern Oud is not for you.
However, if you are looking for a simple evening fragrance that will last through the evening, and something that stands out from the trend of masculine yet sweet fragrances, Modern Oud may be a surprise treasure at an affordable price. (Just be careful with the bottle.)
1 Comment
GeorgeReid
Elysium
