Oud Minérale

Oud Minérale by Tom Ford is an intensely evocative, mineral-rich aquatic scent that captures the essence of a windswept, rocky shore. It opens with a potent, salty, marine accord that feels both earthy and icy—like sea spray hitting warm rocks after a storm. The initial impact is bold and polarizing, often described as sharp, medicinal, or even petrochemical, but it settles into a complex, wearable balance of seaweed, salt, resinous wood, and the faintest hint of peppery oud. This fragrance performs exceptionally well, with longevity stretching well over 12 hours on skin and lasting for days on clothing. It's not a traditional fresh aquatic scent; instead, it conjures a cold, overcast day on a remote northern coast, evoking strong imagery of cliffs, driftwood, and sea mist. The dry down is quiet, subtle, and never cloying, but it remains naturally complex—felt more than smelled by many. Despite its unique personality, it's unwearable for some due to its challenging nose—it can become overwhelming and heavy on a sensitive nose. It's best suited for daytime in spring or summer, especially in warmer weather, though some find it compelling enough to wear in cooler seasons. Overall, it's a signature-worthy, artistically crafted fragrance that demands attention, ideal for lovers of bold, conceptual scents who appreciate depth and daring over mainstream pleasantness.