Lavender Thorne
←
+
+
+
+
−
−
−
−
← Back to discovery
Gardenia & Oud Absolu
by Jo Malone London
Gardenia & Oud Absolu by Jo Malone London delivers a bold, unapologetic fusion of gardenia and agarwood (oud), creating a rich, exotic, and heavily textured fragrance. Most wearers describe it as lush and opulent, with an immediate impact of gardenia balanced by deep, earthy oud notes. The scent is notably intense and long-lasting, persisting for hours without fading quickly—many report it lingers well into the night and leaves a moderate to strong sillage. Despite some critiques calling it metallic, musky, or slightly synthetic in the dry-down, the dominant impression remains that of a glamorous, fashion-forward white floral with oud, evoking a luxurious, gender-neutral aura. It's especially admired for its ability to balance floral softness with masculine depth, making it appealing to those who enjoy niche, powerful scents.
Pros
- +Strong, long-lasting sillage with moderate to robust projection
- +Perfect balance of gardenia and oud makes it rich and exotic without being cloying
- +Highly gender-neutral with a masculine-leaning dry-down that appeals to both men and women
Cons
- −Can become sharp, metallic, or musky in the dry-down, which some find unpleasant
- −The projection and intensity may overwhelm those sensitive to strong scents
- −The synthetic or medicinal note reported by a few may distract even fans of oud-heavy fragrances