Aqua Universalis (2009)
by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Slightly gourmand from the bergamot lily combo.

That's probably only the case if you're familiar with a central European candy called guimauve bergamote. That's also true for Petit Matin by the way and others in the MFK line.

I mean come on Francis, you're selling at double sometimes over triple the price of non-niche designer retail products and then make multiple products smell like guimauves bergamotes? Really?

What else to say about this one... Musky woods base yes, gives the wearer a clean and pleasant smell. If that smell is worth 155 USD/70ml though... No it's not!

Solid citrus, musk, and florals. The Lily of the Valley accord is similar to how Jasmine affects fragrances. It reminds me of Dior Homme Cologne, and smells more expensive with the woods in the base. For a clean inoffensive smell, it can be used regularly, and in any occasion. Dress up or down, it's versatile. You just have to decide on the price point in making that choice. Dior or MFK? I'm liking MFK's use of musk, which I normally avoid.

This is a floral/citrus with soapy elements. It smells really nice. In fact quite uplifting if just a tad boring.

My issue is that this is far too feminine for me to wear. It really does smell like a Woman's perfume. Not bad but one I would rather smell one my wife.

Light, pleasant, and versatile

Very pleasant laundry-fresh fragrance. It smells like a fabric conditioner or washing powder, but costs rather more. Ideally it could, as the name suggests, be sprayed liberally in linen cupboards and around the house, as well as for personal use.

I have purchased a sample or two as I like the fragrance, provided I ignore its slight resemblance to Cool Water Woman. Actually it is closer to Lily from Comme des Garcons.