Cologne pour le Matin (2009)
by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

The minute I sprayed Cologne on my skin I got a blast of freshness ... but contrary to all the other reviewers and to the official site, I got strong IRIS that is not listed at all. Five hours since application and on my skin I can still smell a soothing, powdery, herbal, orange blossom. I think that this creation by Kurkdjian, while it is not my cup of tea, it is certainly distinct, remarkably well-made and long lasting. Alas the richness and sharpness of the opening was for me a bit offensive. I actually had to wonder if this is truly pour le Matin!

I think I ought it to the readers of Basenotes as well as to MFK to say that I was delighted by Absolue pour le Matin. Maybe the concentration, the violet flower or the "woody dry amber" did the trick for me and I thoroughly enjoyed Absolue. Since Absolue pour le Matin is not listed in Basenotes I thought to make the addition here. Two thumbs up! A word of caution though as I personally think that Absolue is overpowering pour le Matin even more so than the Cologne.

24th November, 2011. (Last Edited: 26th November, 2011.)

Spraying this on brings such a delight with its gorgeously soft, slightly powdery orange blossoms that draw well-deserved comparisons to L'Eau d'Hiver and Cologne Blanche. In fact, I think it even surpasses those two, particularly for Kurkdjian's astute inclusion of thyme and lavender to infuse it with a mildly soapy/herbal element of interest. A real charmer!

28th December, 2010.

Bergamot, Lemon, White Thyme, Lavender and Orange Flower join to create a beautiful composition full of transparency and luminosity. Perfect for the day, with enough complexity for the person that wears it, but subtle enough to avoid offending anyone surrounding the scent. It's a beautiful scent directly in line with Kurkdjian's minimalist approach to composition. Truly refined and polished. 5/5.

24th May, 2010.

Another masterpiece by Kurkdjian. A charming cologne that opens with a smooth citrus note, where you can detect a beautiful bergamot.Then comes an unusual herbal note incredibly soft and gentle, enhanced by lavander. The fragrance ends in a lovely musk note (very similar to white musk) which stays very close to the skin. It's a day fragrance, with moderate sillage but quite long lasting, more like eau de toilette rather than eau de cologne. This fragrance is really unlike any other: there's some sophitstication, understated luxury and it makes it an absolute pleasure to wear. Plus, it is beautifully packed and reasonably priced. Only shortcoming (minor one): it only comes into 200ml version, which makes it difficult to travel with, as this would be the perfect travel scent. Five stars, thumbs up, 10 out of 10, pick one!

5th May, 2010. (Last Edited: 8th April, 2011.)

Kinda reminds me of L'eau D'Hiver, but more citrus, base however,very soft and powdery, like Hiver...come to think of it, it also reminds me of a more abstrac Cologne Blanche. Very well executed.

20th December, 2009.

Fresh oranges and lemon over an airy lavender and orange flower, supported by a powdery musk reminiscent of bed sheets. The smell of a loved one who wakes up after an afternoon nap. Soft and soothing, yet refreshing.

9.5/10

17th November, 2009.