Francis Kurkdjian selected this concept as he is deeply inspired by city life and the richness it can bring to one's life. Cultural differences, curiosity, and exciting energy running through the city veins started the 724 ideas. By releasing this scent, the French perfumer hopes to open people's minds to the universe surrounding them.

The Notes

The unisex ‘Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum' is a floral fragrance that has a modern take on the musky accord. Using a bouquet of various flowers, Maison Kurkdjian can capture unseen elements within each note.

• White Sandalwood: From India, sandalwood has long been considered sacred in Asia. This long-lasting woody base note can take on multiple characters ranging from milky to slightly spicy.
• Aldehydes: Created from synthetic compounds, Aldehydes also have a range of scents. In this scent, it brings a sophisticated freshness.
• Bergamot from Calabria: This Italian zesty top note sparkles in many of Kurkdjian fragrances. In 724, the Bergamot plays a floral and aromatic role. Helping to bring freshness to the scent.

• Fresh white flowers: Imagine yourself holding a just-picked bouquet of orange blossom, fresh jasmine freesia, and lily of the valley. This trio of potent and brightening flowers creates an airy floral sensation.
• Jasmine from Egypt: With its oriental influence, this potent and multi-faceted flower is used for the orangey-floral and spicy facet it shows.
• Musks: Besides adding great longevity to the perfume, Musks are known for their clean and fluffy scent. The 724 fragrance is bonded thanks to this skin-tight note.

How To Make Your Perfume Last Longer?

Perfumes are a pleasure of the moment that can not be eternally captured. That said, there are ways to prolong your perfume smell!

• If you are a regular body lotion or creams user, you can purchase complimentary ranges in particular scents or create them yourself from home. Adding a couple of sprays of perfume to your lotion in hand works!
• Not a big fan of body products? Try spraying your hairbrush with your perfume just before brushing your hair. Our hair has an excellent capacity for holding scents! You can also purchase hair perfumes that have a softer formula.

My Review

I am becoming a huge fan of Francis Kurkdjian's scents! When discovering Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum, I was unsure what to expect, but yet again, the fragrance is a true olfactive adventure.

Overall, I love how he created a modern floral perfume from notes we thought we knew well. Also, the Eau de perfume has a good hold throughout the day and got me many compliments from my friends!

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The Holiday Specials Collection

This Christmas, Francis Kurkdijan has released a trio of scented candles that will awaken your Christmas spirit. Let's take a look at the three beautiful scents:

• My beautiful Christmas tree (green): A woody, green scent that fills the room with the traditional pine tree scent.
• Toffee apple (red): Take a step back into childhood with caramelized apples' sweet and juicy scent.
• Gingerbread (orange): A trio of orange, honey, and cinnamon fill the air with a sweet yet spicy touch.

My Choice

I could have taken the three home, but a choice had to be made! This year I wanted to change up from the very common scents of cinnamon and spice. I decided to select the toffee apple fragrance. As the French call it, “pomme d'amour” translates to the apple of love. I found this fit ideally because Christmas is all about sharing love.

The Candle

Francis Kurkdijan released the limited edition scent in a beautiful bright red shade. The candle is preserved with its frosted glass case to light up your winter evenings. The holiday collection has a minimal design of sparkles on both the case and packaging. Moreover, every detail has been crafted to make it the perfect gift for you or your loved ones.

The Scent

Highly addictive, the candle gives off a great scent that lasts for hours on end. The fragrance isn't overpowering but sets a cozy and fun mood in the space it is set in. I light my candle for 2/ 3h each time and let the wax fully melt on the candle's surface. With this size candle, you can easily perfume a medium-sized room (dining room, living area).

Also, the candles weigh 180g with an average of around 40 hours of burn. Therefore, it is ideal for placing on a table or shelf; the candles softly decorate your space.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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The Cologne Forte Collection

Made up of 3 fragrances, this collection invites you to travel toward destinations covered in light, colours and freshness. Inside is a well-known scent of bergamot, traditionally used to form eau de Cologne.

Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte

Unique in its style, this perfume celebrates the joy of whiteness. When we think of the colour white it sparks a feeling/ vision of radiant notes, a breath of fresh air. Composed of fresh citrus notes underlined by woody & musky hints. The fragrance is available in 3 sizes: 35ml, 70ml and 200ml. Dressed in a clear, modern glass bottle, light beams through it. Revealing just as much light as its fragrance.

The Notes

The essence of Bergamot from Italy, Essence of Rose from Bulgaria, White Floral accord(Mock Orange, Sweet Peas), White Musk Accord

Musks

Natural musk has been forbidden in perfumery since 1973. This is as it originally comes from animals. Modern parfumerie replaced it with synthetic molecules. Musks are very persistent and relatively non-volatile base notes. This means they add longevity to your perfume. They usually remind us of the scent of soft, fluffy clean linen and deeply comfort us.

Damascena Rose

This fragrance contains Rosa Damascena and is used for its honeyed accents and a slightly spicy scent. They use a rose absolute which has generous rosy floral notes and is used mainly in the heart and base of a fragrance.

Bergamot from Calabria

The fresh, sparkling fragrance is most often used in the top notes, meaning it is the first thing you smell. It brings a kind of “smile” to the perfume. Overall, keeping it fresh, floral and aromatic.

My Review

This brand has a special place in my heart. I have been using the Aqua universally cologne forte for a couple of days now.

First, let's talk about the fragrance. This is a perfume for floral lovers. From the first spray, I could smell white flowers' smooth, fresh scent. Indeed inside are multiple flowers: musk, mock orange and sweet pea. I was happy that the brand didn't create the usual over-powdered effect in this type of fragrance. Also, it is important to understand that although it is named “forte” it is not stronger than the original Aqua Universalis. Not only does it smell like clean, comfortable bed sheets. It also lasts a long time. Meaning I sprayed it on in the morning and in the evening I could still smell it. The only note that disappeared is the citrus note. But I was expecting that. It has a light wake, meaning it won't disturb your work partners. With this type of fragrance, I would advise applying a neutral body lotion or adding a couple of sprays to your hairbrush for a more impacting scent.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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1 Musc Noir Rose For Her Narciso Rodriguez

Who said that musk-based scents were just for winter? If you’re a fan of oud or musk, this is the perfect summer offering for you. Super feminine and ultra-expensive smelling, this fragrance is packed with Italian bergamot and pink peppercorn which bring out its sweeter side, along with oriental vanilla to give it that perfect creamy finish. Not to mention, the luscious plum extract that creates a sense of mystery – a perfect go-to for hot summer evenings.

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2 Parfums De Marly Haltane

A unisex scent from the brand that oozes sheer luxury, this fragrance is a sensuous woody aroma with a subtle floral finish. With notes such as saffron, cedarwood, praline and elderwood, along with top notes of bergamot, lavender and clary sage – the only way I can describe it, is that this smells like a forest during the peak of summer. Delicious.

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3 Amouage Overture Woman and Man

Ever considered trying a ‘his & hers’ scent with your partner? This Amouage combination is the best way to give it a shot. They both have a spicy twist, but the women’s version has a beautiful floral and fruity finish, thanks to top notes like bergamot, rose and apple.

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4 Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil

It’s not often that a scent can transport you straight to a sizzling hot Tuscan vacation, but this one certainly can! With notes like green mango, lotus and sycamore wood, along with a subtle hint of incense, this fruity fragrance will leave the lasting scent of summer on your skin – even after the sun has set! 

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5 Sisley Izia La Nuit

Fresh yet impactful, the Izia La Nuit fragrance epitomizes luxury perfume. With blackcurrant and mandarin for a summer zest, mixed with cardamom for a hint of spice and rose and freesia for a floral twist, therefore this scent awakens the senses in the most beautiful way.

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6 Veronique Gabai Ready for Rose

I can only refer to this scent as ‘a French summer in a bottle’. The perfect fragrance for a dinner date, this sexy scent is full of feminine notes such as magnolia, jasmine and rose, along with cedarwood and musk for a serious dose of sensuality.

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7 Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee

One for the rose lovers – this super floral but summery scent gives real ‘grown up’ vibes. With Turkish rose and peony as top notes, along with lychee, pear and bergamot middle notes, this powerful perfume will be sure to turn heads at any elegant summer event. 

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8 Chantecaille Le Wild

For something floral and not too overpowering, Chantecaille Le Wild is your best bet. With notes like gardenia basil, Casablanca lily, tuberose, jasmine, amber and musk, this floral concoction is a flirty fragrance that settles down to a light musk on the skin.

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9 Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte

Bergamot is a beautiful ingredient for summer scents, and this fragrance has it as its sweet top note. It’s the perfect scent to take on vacation; after settling on the skin for a few hours, it has a beautiful and addictive musky citrus dry-down.

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10 The Harmonist Yin Transformation Eau de Parfum

Floral and powerful, The Harmonist has totally nailed it when it comes to floral fragrances with a slight hint of spice.  The star of the fragrance is an extremely rare scent used in fragrances called Calypso Orchid. Full of mid notes such as bergamot, matte tea, mandarin and orchid, all topped by white musk and pink peppercorn – this is the best offering for summer florals.

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11 Krigler Villa America 220

A classic and classy scent, first introduced in the 1920s. It’s brimming with notes that stand the test of time in the perfume world – like magnolia, lemon and amber, but also has aquatic notes for a modern vibe.

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12 Ostens Rose Oil Isparta

If you tend to steer clear of roses for fear of them being too floral, let this one change your mind. The rose in this scent is combined with blackcurrant bud and pink peppercorn, thus giving it a lovely fruity uplift and peppery finish.

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13 Roja Elixir Pour Femme Essence De Parfum

If you just can’t put your finger on which type of fragrance you like most, this Roja offering is a safe option. It’s the most beautiful combination of notes such as lily, geranium, rose and jasmine, with fruity flavours such as raspberry and peach. As it dries down, the smell of cinnamon, sandalwood, vanilla and musk starts to emerge. Stunning!

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*Pictures – courtesy of the brand.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post 13 Niche Fragrances To Try This Summer appeared first on The Velvet Life.

The Fragrance Wardrobe, The Discovery Collection For Her

A whole new universe is waiting for you inside this simple white box. Discover eight 11ml perfume refills. Overall, this wardrobe gives you the luxury of adapting your fragrance to your mood and dressing the skin with an elegant scent.

Let's take a peek inside and discover the perfumes:

Aqua Universalis Cologne (Floral, fresh)

Below are the keynotes of Aqua Universalis Cologne:

• Bergamot from Calabria
• White musk accord
• White flowers: mock orange, sweet pea

Aqua Celestia Cologne forte (Fruity, floral)

Below are the keynotes of Aqua Celestia Cologne forte:

• Bergamot, Jasmine as well as Mimosa
• Blackcurrant
• Fruity musky accord

Aqua Vitae Cologne forte (Sunny, floral)

Below are the keynotes of Aqua Vitae Cologne forte:

• Mandarin from Italy
• Bergamot
• Also, Sandalwood

Amyris Femme (Fruity, floral)

Below are the keynotes of Amyris Femme:

• Jamaican Amyris
• Iris
• Also, Lemon tree flowers and sweet peas
• Musky amber chord

Gentle Fluidity Gold (Spicy, floral)

Below are the keynotes of Gentle Fluidity Gold:

• Essence of coriander seeds
• Musk as well as vanilla
• Amber wood

Oud Satin Mood (Woody, oriental)

Below are the keynotes of Oud Satin Mood:

• Violet accord
• Oud wood
• Bulgarian as well as Turkish rose
• Vanilla, amber accord

Baccarat Rouge 540 (Woody, floral)

Below are the keynotes of Baccarat Rouge 540:

• Jasmine facets
• Saffron
• Ambergris mineral notes
• lastly, Cedar

Lastly, Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de parfum (Woody)

Below are the keynotes of Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de parfum:

• Grandiflorum jasmine from Egypt
• Bitter almonds
• Also, Ambergris: musky, woody accord

What Do I like About It?

Here are a few points that I like about the discovery wardrobe:

-The diversity of the fragrances inside: They all have different characters and intensity, so I was able to switch perfumes every day.

-A good option for those of us that get bored of one “big” bottle of perfume: Inside the wardrobe is a total of 88ml of fragrances, this is bigger than an average middle-sized bottle ( 50ml).

-How long the scent lasted: Having tried many perfumes I was charmed by the long-lasting scent they have. Also, applying it once in the morning is enough to last all day.

– Also, it is perfect for travellers: Easy to slip into a bag and accepted in the cabin.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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‘À la rose is an ode to femininity, a declaration of love translated into a fragrance. Two hundred and fifty freshly bloomed roses from Grasse offer their unequaled richness to every bottle.' The olfactory description of the fragrance is below:

Damascena rose from Bulgaria 
Centifolia rose from Grasse
Bergamot from Calabria 
Orange from California 
Violet flower accord
Magnolia blossom 
Woody cedar musky accord

Two varieties of rose have bestowed the radiance and richness of their petals on this Eau de Parfum: two hundred and fifty Centifolia roses from Grasse (May Rose) in the form of an absolute produce a very floral base note with sweet honeyed and carnal accents. One hundred and fifty Damascena roses from Bulgaria in the form of an essential oil create a top note with a playful blend of pear and lychee.

On me, the fragrance is a gentle, bright, soft, and airy rose with suble hints of orange fruity which becomes a little richer with time, keep in mind the word richer, it does not means stronger. With the high quality raw materials, the scent stands out in a positive way. To me it is more like a real, effortless, close to yourself rose scent which stays with you, reminds you of something very caressing and gentle. It reminds of the dewy rose on a morning. It does not gives the impressions of the hundreds of sweet rose fragrances in the market. I can imagine freshly plucked petals of the rose lightly crushed in the fingers. There is a slight whiff of woodiness that I can smell. The longevity on my skin is over 4-5 hours and after that it does not dissipates but becomes a skin scent for me, I can smell it when I have my wrist near my nose. With the discreetness and sheerness of this scent, it is perfect for everyday use, even at work – very elegant and classy.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris fragrances are available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and online at franciskurkdjian.com . 

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