No.05 Kandilli

I have an entire collection of teeny tiny little bottles of perfume oils from Maison Louis Marie, I think nine in all, and No. 05 Kandili is far and away my favorite, though it’s 04 Bois du Balincourt that usually gets all the attention. First of all, the oil is very concentrated for this one and a little goes a long way. It’s a very big scent, heady and thick with a sweet, almost candied mix of yellow and white flowers and a whiff of warm spiciness similar to carnation or cloves. When I first tried Kandili, I found it a bit overpowering and I found myself uncertain about whether or not I liked it. I put it away for a little while and tried it again and it was then that I began to not just like it, but love it. I enjoy wearing Kandili on its own but I also love layering it and I find that sweet, floral, spicy, creamy profile is just what I need a dab of with some of my other fragrances. Often, a little dab is just enough to take another scent in the right direction. It’s a personal favorite and I would now give it a 9.8 out of 10.

I REALLY like this fragrance. It reminds me of French Flower by Premier Matiere and of Hove's ginger blanc. I prefer perfume to oils because I like to spray my clothes. It's a gorgeous tuberose forward fragrance with white ginger lillies. It's definitely nice to layer with French flower. It's very nicely done. Nothing groundbreaking but a lovely springy white floral. Leans typically 'feminine', but anyone could wear it. I personally wouldn't wear it in the winter unless I was in need of a spring lift. Scent is great, but I don't think the longevity is there for me. If you like oils I would highly recommend it. (The oil is super convenient to slip into a pocket or purse) 10/10 scent 6/10 bc projection is what you'd expect with oil. But that can be a plus, too.

I’ve have the Kandilli perfume oil since my mother offered hers to me in 2021. I only wear it in the summer and it has become inextricably associated with my time in Charleston SC. The heady scent of the jasmine that (while the rest of the year looks like a scrubby vine) climbs the historic buildings spilling it’s delicate white blooms from the gardens of its residents, floats around the city in the late spring. The ylang-ylang reminds me of the tasteful banana scent of my favorite Sun Bum sunscreen which I have to wear while I walk the city in the heat of the day. Humid and dense, the sandalwood grounds this perfume and keeps it juuuust on the edge of cloying which is where I think it should be. The oil packs a wallop and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Re: the perfume oil Rich, ripe, overflowing white floral. Not too loud past the places of application but perfect combo of jasmine, tuberose and white lily. Almost indolic/over-ripe (which I adore). Heavy colourful silk robes, an overflowing garden of heady, heavenly aroma and a warm breeze. A gentle caress, a deep kiss, sandalwood incense, temples and a sky turning to dusk. An offering. I love this sent by itself and layered with Death and Decay by Lush (I am a fiend for lily scents), I am sure most would say this is a summer-y scent, but I plan on wearing this most of if not all of the year (White florals are forever). - joan

Love this stuff , it is just a sweeter version of Robert Piguet Fracas .