Universal Oud
“Universal Oud by Zara is a Woody Spicy fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a oud, fresh spicy composition with a patchouli undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2021 and crafted by perfumer Jo Malone CBE, Universal Oud is a Woody Spicy fragrance for both women and men. The composition opens with the sharp bite of black pepper before giving way to the rich, smoky aroma of oud. The patchouli base adds an earthy depth that ties the entire scent together, creating a complex interplay of warmth and spice.
Malone's vision is clear: Universal Oud captures the essence of the desert, where every moment is imbued with its stunning presence from dawn to twilight. This fragrance is a proof of Malone’s ability to evoke specific atmospheres through her compositions.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply two sprays to your pulse points for a balanced wear. The black pepper top note fades quickly, but the warm and smoky base notes remain close to the skin throughout the day.
Jo Malone
Founding perfumer · 94 fragrances · b. 1963 · British
“I couldn't afford to go to perfumery school. So I taught myself. Sometimes not knowing the rules is the greatest advantage.”
Jo Malone is a self-taught perfumer and entrepreneur who fundamentally changed how people think about wearing fragrance. With no formal training — she learned by mixing bath oils in her kitchen — she built Jo Malone London into a global luxury brand defined by its elegant simplicity and innovative layering concept. Her fragrances, including Lime Basil & Mandarin and English Pear & Freesia, are designed to be combined, creating a personal scent wardrobe rather than a single signature. After selling her brand to Estée Lauder, she returned to perfumery with Jo Loves, proving that her creative vision remains as vital as ever.
Also created
Designer Zara
More from Zara
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The quiet intensity of an early morning in the desert, where the air is filled with the rich aroma of oud and the earthy scent of patchouli.
Fig. 01 — Universal Oud, Zara
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