A La Rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Floral Francis Kurkdjian
A La Rose is a fresh citrusy romantic rose aroma reminiscent of a bouquet of beautiful youthful pink roses. The ultimate wedding scent for a young bride but be prepared to top up during your special day. A La Rose does not have the stamina to last and project all day. Expect cologne-like concentration.
Simplistic and linear yet absolutely stunning. It is a naturally-smelling rose. If you like roses the same way Dior does them, you are going to like this rose too. Femenine gentle clean rose but do not be fooled. You can clearly tell that there is rose absolute. The queen of flowers is dominant and pure.
Simplistic and linear yet absolutely stunning. It is a naturally-smelling rose. If you like roses the same way Dior does them, you are going to like this rose too. Femenine gentle clean rose but do not be fooled. You can clearly tell that there is rose absolute. The queen of flowers is dominant and pure.
If you like fresh modern roses in your fragrance, you are going to love this. Would I pay a retail price for this? Probably not. It is a beautiful rose but a flanker has come out. Let’s wait for a discount.
I am a big cheerleader of And Just Like That TV series and I think it would be fun to match perfumes to the main characters: Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. I know that Samantha is not on the show anymore but let’s keep her here for the sake of this post. There is not much said about perfumes on the show so I presume that the Sex and the City characters are not fragrance fanatics and simply wear what is available and trendy. Sit back and enjoy my fragrance choices.
The main character Carrie represents endless romanticism, elegance and big city vibrations. Therefore, I think lively perfumes like Burberry Her or L’Imperatrice 3 by Dolce & Gabanna private line would do it for her. She is also confident and womanly and that could be covered by the one and only Delina by Parfums de Marly.
The next character Charlotte is ultra-feminine and cute hence I have Pour Femme by Dolce & Gabanna in store for her. In addition, she brings happiness to people around her and takes part in healthy activities like running thus Light Blue by Dolce & Gabanna could be also a hit. Due to her affiliation to an upper class, I suggest she could also wear Gabrielle by Chanel.
Samantha is a woman with balls who enjoys attention from the opposite sex. Very Sexy by Victoria’s Secret ticks the box. Moreover, she is independent as hell which she can express by wearing Jil by Jil Sander. And lastly, she likes to spend her money and indulge in luxury. I cannot think of anything better than Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian for her.
Miranda is smart and practical. She is not going to enjoy anything too sweet or floral. Stella Tocca would be a good “pick me up” casual fragrance for her. She can also wear Chance by Chanel daily to work and White Patchouli by Tom Ford for lunches with the girls.
I have chosen three perfumes for each character based on their personality traits and I also wanted to have a price variety – from cheapies to luxury goods. Please note that by any means I do not claim that the characters wear these perfumes on the show, it is just for your entertainment.
The extrait is similar to Baccarat Rough 540 yet I see a few nuances that differ. In my eyes, the extrait is more rounded, less glamorous, and sits on the skin very nicely. I do not want to say by any means that BR 540 is bad, I am just looking for small differences.)
The extrait is grounded with woodsy notes, and musk as opposed to fir resin and cedar which can turn out a bit more aromatic. It is arguably a more intense version of Baccarat Rouge 540. I find it creamier, warmer and surprisingly, easier to wear. So, for those who like BR 540 but it is too much, the extrait can be a reasonable compromise.
The scent is at its best when it warms up on your skin and settles down which happens approximately after three hours. The lasting power cannot be better in both cases.
A wiser brother of Baccarat Rouge 540 – calmer, comfortable and not as glorious.
Amyris Femme is my first experience with the own maison of Mr. Francis Kurkdjian. In my opinion, it is quite a linear scent. What you sniff at the beginning is what you get at the end. It is true that the citrus notes fade away, but just a little bit. It must be the courtesy of the note amyris (citrus like smelling) in the middle of the composition.
I appreciate it. The scent is full of joy, yet feminine and sophisticated. You can wear Amyris for a job interview. You give an impression that you are serious about the job but at the same time, you have a creative personality and kind mind. If you want some comparisons, I can give you My Way Armani, Coco Mademoiselle Chanel, Darcy Parfums De Marly. If I have to choose one , I pick Amyris. It is woodier than My Way, more unique than Coco at this point, and more playful than Darcy.
Although the price is “extreme”, it is the type of aroma you want to smell again and again. Amyris Femme is in my DNA. There is no ONE note I do not like. I especially enjoy the trio of orange, iris and vetiver.
Amyris is a playful elegance. When you want a serious scent but with an edge. 90/100
Aqua Universalis
Aromatic
Aqua Universalis is a unisex caress. I am blown away. It is an extremely pleasant and comfortable scent for a man and woman. It is citrus but not overly aggressive, even during the opening.
There is much more to it yet it is done in a very soft and intimate way. It is beautiful and airy lily of the valley and lemon together with musk and woodsy notes. Aqua Universalis can be compared to well known Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana or the 90’s classic O D’Azur by Lancôme; however, Aqua is more refined and smooth. Ideal for hotter climates all year round. Great for work, lunch with friends, family picnic etc.
It is the final touch before you leave the house. It is a gentle stroke you get from your significant other. 100/100
Baccarat Rouge 540
Amber Floral
I can honestly say that I have not smelled anything like that before. Baccarat Rouge 540 has an undoubtedly unique aroma. It is a masterpiece combination of floral and wood, natural and artificial.
It is saffron, jasmine and artificially made animal ambergris that make the scent sexy and attractive. Fresh resin adds the sweetness and warmth to it. The longevity is eternal – it surpasses Creed and Kilian. I sprayed this in a room and I could not get rid of Baccarat for a month. I am not kidding! The projection is strong, you are going to leave a powerful trail behind. Although it has been advertised as a signature scent, I think it is TOO MUCH for everyday. Too loud, too exclusive, too expensive.
It is an occasion scent when you want to be seen. Is it your day? Do you have a birthday, wedding, promotion party? Then go for Baccarat Rouge 540 and you are going to shine.
Inviting woody amber. Olfactory pleasure when you are starring the show. 90/100
Oud Silk Mood
Woody Floral
Oud Silk Mood is my first experience with oud. It is a rare Middle-Eastern wood, recreated synthetically in most cases; used especially in male fragrances. I was quite skeptical about it, and my gut feeling was right.
The actual perfume Oud Silk Mood reminds me off Narciso Rodriguez for Him which I used to wear in my twenties. It is maybe shocking for some of you that I wore a male scent when I barely came off age; however, I liked it back then and I still think Narciso Rodriquez is magnificent. And even better! In a way, I find Narciso for Him more straight forward and less cloying than this. Oud Silk Mood sits quite dark and heavy on my skin – headache inducing.
Thinking of the unisex character of this aroma, I wound not fancy Oud Silk Mood on a man either. I am sorry, but this will be a pass for me.
One must like oud and strong woodsy scents to have a passion for Oud Silk Mood. 30/100
alexaperfumes 