Our take
What does Aqua Universalis smell like?
Francis Kurkdjian launched Aqua Universalis in 2009, shortly after founding his house. The name is Latin for universal water and the brief is just as plain: a scent anyone can wear at any time. Sicilian lemon and Calabrian bergamot open crisp and bright. Lily of the valley sharpens the citrus instead of softening it. Mock orange adds a light white flower and aldehydes bring an almost soapy cleanliness. White musks and pale woods form the base. Nothing sticks out. CK One was also designed for everyone, but Aqua Universalis is crisper and more floral, with no tea note. The house also sells it as a candle and a laundry detergent, which tells you a lot. It is expensive for something this quiet. After the first hour it stays close to the skin.
When to wear it
An ideal office scent that bothers nobody. Also good sprayed on bed linen or a fresh shirt.
It belongs to the Citrus family. Aqua Universalis is one of 7 creations by Maison Francis Kurkdjian in our encyclopedia.
