Aqua Universalis (2009)
by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

I agree with most of the other reviews, even the thumbs up by L’Aventurier! From the first application I am not happy with what I smell on my skin. The fact that I still smell it after 3-4 hours could be a plus of I had liked it. Alas, I haven’t, I don’t. I am sorry to say. When I tried Aqua Universalis in Liberty London I thought it was interesting. Then I sprayed the intensified version and that for me had the WOW factor at that particular moment. When back home I couldn’t order a sample of the forte concoction I purchased a 2ml vial of Aqua Universalis. Unfortunately, it is too much of a goody-goody floral for me. Certainly a feel-good EdT available in a big enough bottle to actually use as a home fragrance ... again if you like lilly of the valley which for me dominates more than anything else this creation. If you wish to try a floral with an edge (and a bit soapiness I am afraid), try Clean Ultimate.

28th November, 2011. (Last Edited: 30th November, 2011.)

A citrus accord so clean and safe as to be almost insipid, probably because it falls into the trap of equating 'universal' with 'lowest common denominator'. Uninspiring.

1st May, 2011.

I'm getting tired about "non perfumes", "anti perfumes", "aquas", "dry clean", "just Showered", "fresh sheets", "just breathe" kind of things. It seems every brand needs something like this in their collection. Aqua Universalis is an ok scent, fresh and floral that can be used on body, sheets, clothes and even on your puppies....come on, stop! Great lasting power (2-3 seconds) LOL!

I have much respect for Francis Kurdjian, and totally love most of his creations, but this one is really too much for me! Sorry!

6th March, 2011. (Last Edited: 4th April, 2011.)

No, despite its name this is not another aquatic. Anyone who is familiar with Kurkdjian's work would probably know by now that when it comes to translucent floral compositions, few could come close to his level of mastery. As he had shown in MDCI Enlèvement au Sérail, the marriage of citrus and muguet is again proven to be the winning combination in AQUA UNIVERSALIS, imbueing it with just the right level of floralcy and a perceptible sense of laundered freshness. Unfortunately, longevity is not its strong suit.

28th December, 2010.

wearing a sample @ the moment - was drawn to the freshness - but the lemon gives way quickly to a sweetish musk and and slightly powdery / lily of the valley which is not for me . don't know as i'd go so far as to call it detergent though....

21st February, 2010.

To my nose, this scent should primarily be used as a laundry detergent and linen spray, however it also works remarkably well as an EdT. Lemon, lily of the valley, ylang ylang (?) and a touch of iris over very light woods and musk. Quite simply the most natural-smelling laundry detergent in existence. Clean, crisp and breezy.

9/10

17th November, 2009.