Elie Saab 2014 EDP

U ££ Acquired

Essence No. 4 Oud

by Francis Kurkdjian

Share
Card A shareable image of this fragrance - its verdict, notes and profile. Save or copy it to post anywhere.

Elie Saab Essence No. 4 Oud is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2014, created by Francis Kurkdjian. Essence No. 4 Oud opens with Pepper, and dries down to a base of Oud and Benzoin. Elie Saab's Essence No. 4 Oud carries an Acquired verdict, a spicy-led wear.

This one sparks strong opinions. For some, it's a refined, approachable oud that introduces the note with class. For others, it's a harsh, medicinal beast that repels all within five feet. Definitely not a blind buy.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Warm
  • Sophisticated
  • Elegant
  • Confident
£39.89 at Amazon 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Essence No. 4 Oud Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Pepper100%
Baseas listed
Benzoin50%
Oud50%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

ScentArt Explorer What is ScentArt?

Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

While some find this wearable everywhere, its strong oud and spicy character make it better suited for evening wear and formal events. Its projection means it might be too much for close-quarters office environments, but it shines on a date or at a sophisticated gathering.

About

Essence No. 4 Oud opens with a distinct, slightly medicinal oud, often compared to vetiver, quickly tempered by a bold pepper kick. As it settles, benzoin sweeps in, lending a balsamic warmth and a subtle, almost leather-like sweetness. It's a clean, dry take on oud, smoky and woody without venturing into barnyard territory, maintaining a sophisticated edge throughout.

Similar

Alternatives

1 alternative from £11.00

Perfumes that capture a similar essence to Essence No. 4 Oud Eau de Parfum

→

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Essence No. 4 Oud Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Essence No. 4 Oud Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.