This isn't a shy scent, so if you're not into big, bold rose-ouds, steer clear. Some find it a chemical mess, others hail it a masterpiece. For the price, it's a stellar entry into traditional Middle Eastern perfumery, but it's divisive and definitely not a safe blind buy.

Perfume Parlour's budget version of Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Aswad, the sweet 'burning wood and rose' oud. Owners say it lands the smoky oud-and-amber base around 90% close, though the rose-saffron top reads a touch sweeter and simpler and it can tip sugary sooner than the bold original.