Seriously divisive. Some adore this 'gourmand oud' for its unique cakey-rose vibe, while others are put off by a medicinal opening or a cheap, potpourri drydown. If you like your oud on the sweeter side, give it a go, but buyer beware: some find it overwhelmingly feminine or synthetic.

Populated Wood recreates Dueto Parfums City Oud, the rose-dominant, oud-supported Eastern-Western blend. It captures the saffron-cinnamon opening and that rich rose-incense heart with a soft oud base, but the dupe softens the original's strong projection and wears closer, trading its long sillage for a skin-near budget version.