L’Autre Oud Eau de Parfum Lancôme 2012 unisex 62

The Verdict

L'Autre Oud Eau de Parfum by Lancome is an overlooked treasure from the house's exclusive Maison Lancome collection. Launched in 2012 and crafted by perfumer Christophe Raynaud, this unisex oriental woody fragrance offers a deeply layered experience that punches well above its weight class. Reviewers consistently note that it smells expensive, which is particularly impressive given that discounted 75ml bottles can be found for under $100.

The fragrance has earned a loyal following among those who have discovered it, though its placement in an exclusive collection limits its visibility. Community sentiment is firmly positive, with the primary debate centering on whether the oud note is sufficiently prominent to justify the name.

What It Smells Like

L'Autre Oud opens with a spicy, exotic burst of saffron, cypriol from India, labdanum absolute, and aromatic clary sage. This opening immediately establishes a rich, resinous character that signals depth and complexity. The saffron is clearly detectable and works in harmony with the sage to create a spicy-aromatic introduction.

The heart transitions into Turkey rose and Bulgaria rose absolute, adding a refined floral dimension that softens the spicy opening without diminishing its potency. The rose here is deep and velvety rather than fresh or bright, contributing to the overall sense of opulence.

The base is where the composition truly reveals its ambitions. Guaiac wood, green and wet patchouli, vetiver, amyris wood, moss, gurjun balm, and myrrh absolute combine to create an extremely deep and woody foundation. Some wearers clearly detect the oud alongside the sage and saffron, while others find it wearing as mostly saffron over a generic woody amber base with smoky and leathery undertones.

When to Wear It

L'Autre Oud is a cold-weather fragrance through and through. Its deep, resinous character and powerful projection make it ideal for fall and winter evenings, formal occasions, and date nights. The complexity of the composition rewards close attention, making it well-suited for intimate settings where the fragrance can be appreciated in its full evolution.

The unisex profile works equally well on men and women, with the rose-saffron-wood combination reading as refined and sophisticated regardless of the wearer. However, its intensity makes it less appropriate for casual daytime wear or office environments.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of L'Autre Oud's standout qualities. The compound of oud and resinous notes guarantees that it stays prominent on the skin for 8 to 10 hours, with some wearers reporting even longer wear times of 6 to 12 hours depending on skin chemistry. This longevity is above average for the price point and competitive with far more expensive niche offerings.

Projection is also noteworthy, with the fragrance projecting well without being cloying. It creates a noticeable scent trail that is rich and inviting rather than aggressive, a balance that speaks to the skill of the composition.

The Community Says

Reviewers on both Fragrantica and Basenotes praise L'Autre Oud as a lovely woody perfume with humid, nobly mouldy, earthy, gently boozy, and spicy notes that perform in unison. The quality-to-price ratio is a frequent highlight, with multiple reviewers expressing surprise at how luxurious the fragrance smells relative to its market price.

The most common criticism concerns the oud note itself. Some wearers find no oud in sight, perceiving instead a smoky, leathery composition dominated by saffron and generic woody amber. However, others clearly detect oud as a key component, suggesting that skin chemistry plays a significant role in how the fragrance expresses itself.

Who Should Buy This

L'Autre Oud is an excellent choice for fragrance enthusiasts who appreciate deep, woody oriental compositions and want high-quality ingredients at a relatively accessible price. If you enjoy saffron-forward fragrances with complex woody bases, or if you are looking for an underappreciated gem from a major house, this deserves serious consideration.

Those who specifically want a raw, animalic oud experience or a clearly oud-dominant composition should look elsewhere. Similarly, anyone who prefers light, fresh, or sporty fragrances will find L'Autre Oud too heavy and resinous for their preferences.

The Bottom Line

L'Autre Oud is a deeply satisfying oriental woody fragrance that delivers luxury-level quality at a surprisingly approachable price. Its blend of saffron, rose, and complex woody notes creates a rich, enveloping experience with excellent longevity and projection, making it one of Lancome's most underrated creations for those willing to seek it out.