M7 Oud Absolu (2011)
by Yves Saint Laurent

Sorry, but to me this is in no way a fragrance for men. Way, way too sweet and syrupy. Strong cherry cough syrup note. Very unpleasant to my nose. Smells better on a woman or I should say more appropriate for a woman.

I like M7 Oud Absolu. This is a very classy, elegant, incensey scent. It does not have great longevity on my skin, but its sillage on clothing seems to last for weeks. I go in stages wearing this, sometimes taking a break and then coming back. Each time I wear it, I'm glad I did. The one strange thing for me about M7 Oud Absolu, is I don't necessarily think of it as an oud scent. There is oud there, I guess, but not in the way you'd necessarily expect. I get more cherry cola than what I'd call oud. It's like opening a copy of "Sports Illustrated" and finding an article on chess, or dressage, or contract bridge--all of which are great games or sports, but not exactly what you were expecting. But good stuff from YSL and definitely worth a try.

Hollowed out version of the original, but still pleasant enough. Much easier on your wallet than the original...

This product is an insult! I got a bottle thinking it was M7 Original, only to get this chemical trash. M7 Original is the finest oud frag I've ever tried, while Oud Absolu smells like dirt. I always need to research each and every scent to see if it's been ruined by corporate morons who only care about sales, not quality. I gave this away to a friend and found a vintage bottle of M7 on ebay.

This is light on me. I have to go heavy with it and then it gives a soft incense cloud that wafts gently round me. I must admit I prefer my perfume a tad more ballsy. And as a lover of oud, I like the patchouli in this! The vague hint of Agar wood here merely adds a little to the myrrh and labdanum to give the quiet temple fug.
That said, the effect is a good one when I catch it. The combination of orange, patch, and incense is sexy and refined. I have similar performance issues with my skin-chemistry and Jubilation XXV and have learnt I have to hammer these particular scents and/or manage my expectations.
Smooth warm and sensual if an ethereal tease, YSL Oud Absolu is classy and understated. Nice.