Roja Parfums
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
Bright bergamot and lemon slice through what's to come, the vervain adding a green, almost bitter herbal quality that prevents the citrus from reading as purely decorative. Within minutes, saffron begins its metallic bloom whilst rose petals start to unfurl, hinting at the floral richness beneath.
The full force of the Grasse florals emerges—jasmine's creamy indoles intertwining with geranium's rosy-green sharpness and ylang ylang's banana-custard sweetness. The oud weaves through this bouquet like incense smoke through silk, whilst nutmeg and cinnamon dust the edges with spice, and patchouli adds its earthy, chocolate-tinged depth.
Sandalwood and cedarwood form a creamy, pencil-shaving base whilst ambergris lends its saline mineral warmth. Vanilla softens everything without sweetening excessively, the leather facets become more apparent, and the musk adds skin-like intimacy. The oud persists as a quiet, resinous hum rather than dominating—dignified rather than demanding.
Roja Dove's Aoud is an exercise in controlled opulence, where traditional Middle Eastern perfumery meets the refinement of Grasse florals. The oud here isn't the abrasive, barnyard screech you'll find in lesser compositions—it's been softened and civilised by a substantial floral heart that genuinely earns its place rather than merely gilding the lily. The May rose and jasmine de Grasse form a luxurious cushion beneath the woody resinous core, their indolic richness playing beautifully against the medicinal, almost camphoraceous qualities of the oud. Saffron adds its leathery, metallic tang whilst cinnamon and nutmeg provide a dusty warmth that never tips into mulled wine territory. The amber accord—built on sandalwood, vanilla, and what must be a generous hand of ambergris—gives the composition its golden, radiating quality. This is a fragrance for those who've moved beyond simple oud curiosity into appreciation of how the note can be orchestrated within a complex symphonic structure. The citrus opening is brief but necessary, cutting through the richness like a shaft of light through stained glass. Wear this when you want to smell expensively woody without announcing your presence three streets away. It's the scent of someone who owns first editions and understands the difference between ostentation and true luxury. Suited to cooler weather and evening wear, though those with confidence could carry it anywhere.
Add fragrances to your collection and unlock your personalised scent DNA, note map, and shareable identity card.
3.6/5 (101)