Shopping writer Lauren got her hands on the latest launch from the viral fragrance brand – here’s what she thought
When most fragrance fans think of Kayali, they likely picture indulgent, mouth-watering scents – from its viral Yum Boujee Marshmallow perfume to the playful Vacay in a Bottle collection. But alongside the gourmands, the brand has explored a more opulent side of perfumery: oud, the note loved for its smoky depth and luxurious edge.
So, to my delight, Kayali has expanded its Oudgasm Collection this week with two new launches: Chocolate Oud and Milky Musk Oud (both £119). The moment they landed on my desk, I was excited to put them to the test – spritzing both liberally over the weekend, and even roping my mum in for her verdict, too.
The big question: would we both fall for these decadent new ouds, or retreat to Kayali’s sugar-dusted gourmands that it’s best known for? Let’s find out.
What are the new Kayali scents?
As mentioned, there are two perfumes to explore. First up, we have the Chocolate Oud perfume, which Kayali founder Mona Kattan has described as ‘decadent, addictive, and deeply sensual.’
Fans will enjoy the following notes:
- Caramel Apple
- Spiced Rum
- Velvet Orris
- Incense
- Dark Cocoa
- Chocolate Oud
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£119
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Kayali claims the Oudgasm range is designed to ‘take indulgence beyond the ordinary’
The other scent is Milky Musk Oud, which adds a soft, creamy twist to the smoky oud. On the fragrance, Mona said: “The milky notes wrap around the oud in a clean, cocooning way, elevated with the mystery and depth that oud brings.”
The notes include:
- Pink Pepper
- Strawberry Cream
- Incense
- Suede Santal
- White Musk
- Silver Oud
My honest review of Kayali’s new Oudgasm perfumes
The new perfumes come in a glossy black finish that look sleek and feel heavy in the hand. They feel every bit as luxe as the oud fragrances inside – rich, bold and a little mysterious.
As for the scents themselves, I was hooked straight away, though I still can’t pick a clear favourite. Milky Musk Oud leans softer, with strawberry cream notes that smooth out the darker pull of silver oud, making it feel velvety and approachable.
On the other hand, Chocolate Oud nods back to Kayali’s gourmand roots, layering caramel apple with rich dark cocoa. I couldn’t pick up on the chocolate notes too much, but it’s a grown-up take on sweetness that still feels decadent.
Since I’m a recently converted smoky perfume gal, both worked beautifully on my skin – luxurious, complex and expensive-smelling in the best way. I noticed Milky Musk lingered more on me throughout the day, while Chocolate Oud faded a little faster, though both carried impressive staying power. That said, I still found myself craving a top-up after a few hours to revive that initial punch.
My mum, however, wasn’t quite as enamoured. She found Milky Must ‘too smoky’ and wasn’t much fonder of Chocolate Oud either.
But that really is the beauty of perfume – it’s deeply personal. For those who prefer light, fresh scents, Kayali’s gourmand or summertime collections are a better fit. I tested Maui in a Bottle (£79) earlier this year, which is light, airy, and effortlessly tropical.
Otherwise, my mum is a big fan of Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay (£122). The iconic scent is described as a ‘burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods’, making it ideal for anyone who prefers a nature-inspired vibe.
I also like Phlur’s Rose Whip (£79.20), a floral-forward blend laced with black currant and osmanthus and grounded by a musky base for a modern twist. It’s sweet and feminine without being saccharine, with a warm depth that gives it a flirty, alluring edge.
For me, though, these new ouds are a grown-up side of Kayali I’m thrilled to add to my collection. The scents are available to shop via Cult Beauty here.