Al Shomoukh Attar by Amouage
 By MarianAlthough I’m not generally fond of smoky fragrances, I am enthralled by Al Shomukh’s smoldering sensuality. The note of pitch tar is a sultry foil to the fruity sumptuousness of davana, and the balsamic freshness of resinous woods beautifully contrasts with the ripe, honeyed rosiness that pervades this voluptuous composition. Vetiver adds an herbal earthiness to the scent, and there are even hints of citrus and cinnamon that keep the sweet, glowing warmth of this lush attar from becoming cloying. Are you a fan of musk? Entwined with the animalic sensuality of oud, musk abyadh, though lacking in true smut, adds a lustiness to the scent that puts it in the sexy, rather than beautiful, category. Al Shomoukh is not a scent for the timid or feint of heart- it is a wild, alluring, and provocatively mysterious blend that is as complex as it is unusual. Slide beneath some satin sheets, change your white light bulb for a pink one, allow Al Shomoukh to penetrate your skin, and see what happens! Notes: Silver Oudh, vetiver, musk abyadh, Taifi rose, davana Available at Selfridges, London $350.00 for 12 ml. Image source, unknown, please let us know if you know the author. |
posted by Marina |
12:00 AM
31 Comments:
Okay, now I really might be in deep kimchi with this one, HA freak that I am. Is it an oil, like Homage? How do they compare?
I love Homage so my guess is that I'd like Al Shomukh as well. Oud and taif rose sounds just heavenly! I wish this were available in the States. As tempting as it is, I'm not about to hop on a plane to London just for a whiff.
Oh my - I feel as if I have been transported to another time , another place in the Middle East.
This review beckons my inner sensuality.
Luscious Satin sheets, pink light shimmering over a velvet couch - made intixicating by this potion called Al Shomoukh.
I am fascinated with your concept of sexy versus beautiful in the realmof fragrance,
There is a difference , it is true.
Rose, Musk , that hint of earthy darkness - creates an ambiance akin to romance and more.
For me this review paints an vivid olfactory image of seduction.
Popcarts: Yup- this is another dreamy Amouage oil. Homage is a golden floral, shining with rose and hints of buoyant citrus above an oud-laden, woodsy base. Al Shomoukh is more herbal- darker, dirtier and more complex. Where Homage glows, Al Shomoukh smoulders. If Homage is brilliant light, Al Shomoukh is a bed of embers glowing in the moonlight. I love them both, but if I had to choose one, Al Shomoukh would be the one on my bedside table ;-)
Madelyn- your comment really captures the essence of this scent. I'm not going to tell you what goes through my mind every time I smell my wrist ! ;-)
Your description is so evocative- if a whiff of any scent were worth a trip to to London, this might be the one!
Anonymous: I really hope they release more of their attars in the States. Perhaps an expression of interest by US customers would be an incentive?
Trina: I agree! Think I'll grab my wellies and check out the flight schedule ;-)
Al Shomukh? The name would make me recoil, because of the Sh and the Kh, too much. I wish they'd had given it a more promising sound. Does anybody know what Shomukh means in Arabic?
This review definitely makes me want to try this perfume. The description of the sensuality of the fragrance is itself alluring, and the clarity of Marian's description encourages me to trust her judgment about it. The evocation of the mood of the scent by the description of sheets and lighting enables me to imagine the effect of this attar--thanks, Marian! N.
Eleven European Mystics- I've been trying to get a translation of the name, so far without success. I'll post it if find out.
N- thanks for your trust ;-) I appreciate it!
Eleven European Mystics- A kind woman at the Jordan Mission to the UN said that Al Shomoukh means "The Very Good One". It implies having an elevated status. I'm glad you asked ;-)
Great review as always Marian, you've given us a good idea of how the shomoukh smells, that combination of notes sounds very interesting.
Thank you Marian. What a lovely name indeed. Your article, Amouage treasures, and now the name, make me prey for a try. :->
Ahmed, do you know what is the word for perfume in Arabic?
Ahmed- Since you enjoy mukhallats I think you might consider giving this one a try on your next trip to London.
Eleven European Mystics- I'm glad the name is no longer a turn off! I think it does live up to its appellation!
Eleven European Mystics:
I was told that in Arab-speaking countries one says "parfum" (using the French) or "attar" or "itr". But, as far as I know, "attar" refers to a perfume oil- not an alcohol-based scent.
Extraordinarily compelling review. I hope the reviewer uses her wonderful writing talent for something else as well!
All I can say is: uh-oh, I think I am in trouble! Amouage, another attar, birch tar, davana.......wonderful review, perfectly calculated to create the mood of this perfume!
Yeah, this is terrible news.
This is a beautiful review, Marian. Is this oil available in the US?
Wow! The description alone puts me there! I can smell it already, the scenery , the atmosphere. Excellent, thanks
I loved the descriptiveness of this review. I would like to see more perfume reviews by this writer!
Anna Mae- no, it's not available in the US, and Selfridge's shipping charges are pretty hefty. Homage was so so successful here- I hope Amouage makes more of their attars available to the US market in the future.
thank you for this sensual and evocative critique of al shomoukh. it is sublime to delve into this review. it brings this luscious fragrance into the evening air. now! to have it on my skin! ......divine!
After reading this enticing review, how could one not want to experience for themselves the sensual pleasures of Al Shomoukh. The reviewer definitely has an uncanny ability to capture the embodiment of a scent and transform its essence into words!!
The review is such that is incurs a wonderful string of reactions: Lovely.
I'm definitely trying a whiff of this next time I'm in London. But the price... ouch!
There is a website that sells decanted samples of elite perfumes (they have this one) called
theperfumedcourt.com
If you can not obtain Amouage or other Arabic Perfumes, contact the largest offering on the Internet:
http://perfume.zahras.com
info@zahras.com
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