Midnight Oud

Midnight Oud by Ard Al Zaafaran is a powerful, smoky, incense-laden fragrance that closely resembles Amouage Interlude Man, making it a highly regarded dupe in the budget fragrance community. The opening bursts with sharp, herbal oregano and spicy pimento, followed by a dense, resinous core of frankincense, labdanum, and amber that evolves into a sweet, smoky, woody dry down. It delivers remarkable longevity and strong projection, lasting well beyond 8 hours and projecting noticeably in the air. The scent is most impactful in cold, intimate settings—ideal for evening wear in winter or autumn. It carries a dark, mysterious aura that lingers on skin and clothing, making it suitable for bold, theatrical occasions rather than formal or crowded environments. Though priced incredibly low, it performs consistently close to the original, earning praise for its quality-to-price ratio. Its intense, synthetic-smoky base can feel overwhelming if over-sprayed, but most users suggest limiting application to two to three sprays. While undeniably polarizing—some describe it as resembling a church incense, burnt wood, or even a McDonald’s a day later—many find it deeply captivating and transformative, particularly for those drawn to niche, smoky, gourmand-intense perfumes. As a statement-maker, it isn’t for subtle or casual wear, but for those seeking a memorable, unforgettable scent with oceanic value for less than £15.