Crystal Saffron Extrait

Crystal Saffron Extrait from the French House of Haute Luxury Niche Perfumery Matiere Premiere is a Unisex Oriental Amber Spicy Metallic Leather perfume. This fragrance was launched in 2024; and the perfumer who signs this creation is Aurélien Guichard, founder and owner of the brand. Created around one of the world's finest turmeric oils, of the highest quality sourced from the Kozani region of Greece, Crystal Saffron is a complete representation of this expensive and complex spice, from its penetrating spice aroma to its dark finish, reminiscent of sunburned leather. It opens with a very present metallic feel, but a cold and smooth metallic like stainless steel, nothing reminiscent of rust, blood or cleaning materials fortunately. This sensation quickly eases [but never completely disappears] mixing with a beautiful multifaceted saffron: sweet, spicy, leathery; really here this ingredient is differentiated by adding a rich and aromatic depth. A very tasty amber already shows up, bringing a fruity sweetness to the fragrance. An opulent elegant and delicious start! This higher concentration of saffron intensified its brightness. The composition deepens over time, revealing a spicy amber accord, underpinned by great incense and bright musky nuances through the habanolide. The union of the sweet warmth of saffron with the dark sweet resinous depth of myrrh creates a vibrant and sensual fragrance, with a strong leathery personality. At the base, the base notes of ambroxan, myrrh and frankincense give a warm, balsamic, resinous and smoky finish. This fragrance is a masterpiece of contrasts, where the cold silvery metallic glow combines perfectly with the golden warmth of the saffron that radiates with intensity, intertwining with the oriental balsamic amber accords.

Myrrh adds an ambery depth not found in the EDP. The amber makes this extrait more unisex-leaning-feminine, but it also dries down to a stronger suede/leather. Closer to BR540 EDP than its more metallic, dry, spiky cousin. The EDP is basically just saffron, musk, and ambroxan, while in the extrait the saffron is more integrated with the myrrh and frankincense. Consequently, it feels more luxurious with its added layers of leather and sweetness. Worth trying if you like the original. Fortunately for my wallet, I prefer the EDP. Edit: After a few more wears of the extrait, I have to conclude that it's not so much an improvement on the original as it is another perfume entirely. As others have pointed out, after the first twenty seconds, the saffron is overwhelmed by a hefty does of sweet, ambery, resinous myrrh. It reminds me of Serge Lutens' Ambre Sultan minus the oregano more than Crystal Saffron EDP. In a recent Fragrantica article, Matvey Yudov described the difference thusly: "In Crystal Saffron Extrait, the balance shifts noticeably. A damascone-driven accord — rose, dried fruit, honey — is brought forward, along with a nuance reminiscent of quince jam. This requires a rebalancing: the fresh facets retreat and now serve mainly as contrast to a more developed resinous-incense core." A fantastic (if pricey) perfume overall, but if you're looking for that big metallic blast of rubbery saffron, you might be disappointed.

Richer, rounder, red-der, spicier, fuller. This fragrance is just more than the EdP, Such a great update, I think Guichard has really nailed the formula now. This new extrait has just got soo much saffron, And wonderful quality too: Soo crunchy and spicy it makes you almost salivate, Really I found this fragrance so exhilarating and mouth watering, Makes me smile and wanna laugh out loud, Just makes me also wanna go to the kitchen and cook a risotto like my Italian nonna! The overdose of saffron is just poignant and borderline culinary in the best possible way, literally smells like that precious packet you just opened to cook. I don’t remember the EdP super well but it felt much more thin and streamlined, leaner and colder. Here this extrait is just pure tasty! (; Still Maintans a great elegance, edge and sexiness. Performance is outstanding too. The myrrh on the base rounds and enrichens everything up and the fresh touch of the incense is almost imperceptible since it just blends perfectly, Keeps a modern Ambery sexiness from the Ambroxan and synthetic musk on top. Probably the fragrance with most saffron oil ever made, from what I can speculate based on my nose. Gorgeous Saffron overdose. Red amber rounded fullness. Sexy edges from light synth-musk and ambroxan. The most elegant way to go beast mode, ever. Just delicious!

After thoroughly testing all the extrait fragrances from this brutal niche perfume house, I came across the giant and king of the house — Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron Extrait. All Matiere Premiere creations are truly at the highest level (I would place Matiere Premiere Encens Suave Extrait in second place), but one has to be the best — and that is Crystal Saffron Extrait. Scent-wise, it is very similar to the “original,” except that the Extrait concentration is slightly sweeter, but at the same time much more potent, stronger, and more brutal. I sprayed just one spray of this perfume on my forearm, and the next day at the same time (after 24 hours), I could still smell it very clearly. The performance is insane. A radioactive cloud in a bottle... I can confidently say that this is the strongest fragrance from this outstanding house, and at the same time among the top 5 best-performing perfumes on the market. Now, is it worth such a huge price difference compared to the EDP? Hmm, not really — but it definitely is better. In every aspect, it’s better. Truly a top-tier fragrance... It has that metallic vibe reminiscent of Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede, but this is... this is 100 times better, higher quality, and more attractive. Respect to Matiere Premiere. Scent: 10/10 Performance: 10/10

I tried it in a perfume shop the other day and bought it because it was very close to my dream scent. I have been using it in different environments for one week in spring conditions. If you are going to wear such an expensive scent, you should pay attention to the details. First of all, this is a saffron perfume, if you are not someone who loves saffron, stay away. Secondly, it has chemicals in it, but the blend is very high quality. If you do not like perfumes like Sauvage, Ganymede, stay away from this one as well. I have not tried the edp version, but I think this version is sweeter due to the resins. So it is also close to women's use. Longevity: As someone with fair skin, I can say that it lasts for about 10 hours on my skin. You should know that it lasts forever on clothes :) While its sillage is intense enough to fill the entire environment at the beginning, it starts to stay closer to the skin or clothes after two hours. As a result, I can make my personal evaluation of this expensive scent as follows. Scent Quality: 10 Longevity: 9 Sillage: 7

Heat held under pressure, something ancient restrained by a modern structure. This is saffron seen through fire and steel. Petrol and leather collide, like an electrical fault in a vast industrial facility where something expensive and irreversible has just burned. There’s a scorched, almost chemical edge to it, not sweet, not polite, more like heated metal, rubber, and incense hanging in the air long after the alarm stopped screaming. The extrait concentration makes it denser, slower, more tactile. The saffron is dry and blazing, rubbed straight into the skin, staining everything it touches. A resinous darkness seeps in underneath, ambery and slightly medicinal, giving the scent that vanta-black glow, luminous yet oppressive, as if the light itself is contaminated. This is the scent of conviction and consequence. A pristine crime scene after the flames are out. Crisp saffron glare up top, leathered heat in the core, then smoke and resin settling into the skin like a confession you carry in silence. Dangerous, controlled, and quietly unforgiving.

Something weird about the extrait version. I own the EDP version and it's already super strong and lasts long time. The extrait is said to be stronger and last longer but to my surprise, it's the exact opposite. The extrait does indeed smell smoother, sweeter and more rouded, however, it is not as nuclear as others are saying. When I first spray it it is very strong and impactful and then 1-2 hours into it it's really faint and weak, I can smell it but it's very weak. 3-4 hours into it and the scent is almost not there.. not sure if something is wrong with the perfume or if i got a bad batch.. currenlty letting in macerate in the fridge and will see what happens. will update if anything changes.

Dream saffron scent, powdery and less leathery than the non-extrait perfume. Slightly sweet and powdery. A little oversynthetic as well. Horribly strong and long performance though, I sprayed ONCE and I still smell of it two showers later, I can't scrub my single spray off. Clothes also smell after a wash. Sprayed it on a paper that I kept in my bag for a day a month ago, and my bag still smells of it. Literally a scent that will NOT go away. Extremely bad value because it comes in 100ml and you'll never need more than 2ml of it for the rest of your life. Overall, mixed feelings about it: really like the scent, hate how strong and long it is.

I purchased a sample of the EDP a while ago and finally finished it so decided to purchase a 50ml. Much to my dismay, the newer 50ml bottle was much more harsh than my sample. I was wondering if the formulation had changed. Well then here comes Little Miss Crystal Saffron Extrait, so very exquisite in everyway. Sigh. The sharp cold edginess of the original has been smoothed and rounded off. It's sweet, it's warm, it's spicy, and makes a bold statement without being overpowering. Saffron perfection in a bottle. Overall 9/10 because I can't with that price point :(

So I just put this on and I went out to a bar that smelled like musty humans, smoke, liquor, irresponsible decisions and some shame. None of those were as strong as this. I got 4 compliments in 15 minutes. This stuff is good and its perfectly named. Fresh but strongly spiced and unique. I get the Ganymede comparisons but the spiciness in this one makes it different. 9.5/10 easily. It might be a little bit hard to pull this off for every occasion. Thats the only reason why its not a 10/10.

I just bought this and it's one of my favorite fragrances. I gifted Radical Rose Extrait to my significant other and it got my eyes up for the brand. This is so great. It's darker than the EDP and has a larger spectrum of fragrance. So much more pleasing where the EDP is perhaps a bit top-heavy. I think it leans a bit male, but could probably be worn by anyone. I think that silage is great and longevity is also good. Especially on clothes it can last for days.

I didn’t like the first version in the EDP format as much as I adore the extrait version🥰 The fragrance in the extrait is softer and rounder! The saffron in it is very pleasant and smooth. There's a note that adds a delicate sweetness to the scent, which I assume is the resins. To me this fragrance leans more to feminine side . I can easily imagine it being worn daily👌🏻 Absolutely beautiful fragrance for autumn 🍂 and winter!

Opening of the original is a bit more bright and electric, but there was something that did not quite vibe with me on the drydown. However, the drydown of this is an absolute 10/10 (probably because I enjoy dusty powdery resinous ambroxan drydowns). The extrait is definitely a bit smoother, darker, and less scratchy.

This fragrance made me fall in love with Saffron; it is not for everyone please don't blind buy it. It has this very mettalic feel but gosh is it addictive. I've been wearing it as my daily for a month now. It lasts really long 10-12 hours at least for me. Definitely try worthy!

bought it today after months of wanting it, absolutely phenomenal scent. Already had 2 people stop me to ask me what i’m wearing. Bold, extremely strong and elegant smell. wouldn’t say it’s a safe blind buy but if you love saffron and frankincense you’ll love this.

It's a pity that the Extrait version inevitably lost the Crystal side. I chose the Extrait version for it's less sweet. If I want some sweet Safran, it would be Affinessence's Safran-Neroli.

This is amazing. This is really amazing. Truly niche. Unique smelling. I just love it and I'm so happy for having it in my collection.

Love it more then EDP. Maybe because I find it more round and less sharp/edgy. Deffinetly more feminine then EDP. 50ml pls.

I loved the original, this is even better. I get more sweetness from this one which makes it better for me.

I love this. A solid 10/10. But please change the bottle. It doesn't do justice to how good this smells! :(

This is at least 2x stronger than the EDP version. Crazy performance!

It opens up a bit harsh but once it settles on my skin it does smell like an overdose of saffron that gives a slightly leather accord. To describe the perfume it does smell like a combination of BR540 extrait and Prada l’homme intense imo. It takes that synthetic, musky, metallic, and saffron of BR540 and the leathery and dark facet of Prada l’homme intense. VERY sharp and a beastmode performer. Could be classified into that “BR540 DNA”. Can be a bit cloying and definitely not blind buy safe. It is a night/winter fragrance. A bit overpriced for what it offers but I’ll give it 8.5/10 for the scent itself.

One of the fragrances that truly earns its price in terms of performance and wearability. Many high-performing perfumes are usually oud-based, which I personally find off-putting. But here, there’s a very versatile scent that works day and night, is suitable for general taste, and stands out with its performance. In my opinion, there’s nothing challenging or particularly unique here. I liked it, but since I already have similar fragrances, it didn’t give me a ‘wow’ effect

95% similar to the original Crystal Saffron, except somehow even stronger and highly reminiscent of Ganymede. I prefer this one to the original as it has a slight touch of sweetness to make it less dry. I still prefer Ganymede to this one though as it's just that bit fresher and I feel this is a little redundant because I don't see why I'd need 2 frags like this that have the same cold, powerful and futuristic vibe. Good frag though but of course, polarising!

Huge disappointment on the projection front, I couldn’t smell it even from my clothes after 3-4 hours unless I put my nose onto the right spot. Scent-wise it’s decent but there are better saffron-centered scents in the market imo. I was very hyped up about this but def not worth to buy a full bottle.

The warm, creamy amber totally took over after the first half hour. So much that I could barely smell the saffron anymore. This is like a weaker, amber version of the EdP, which I greatly prefer.

Compared to the original Crystal Saffron, I found this deeper and less airy. More sophisticated and less fruity. and probably leans a touch more feminine.

My review is for the Extrait version - because i could not secure the regular one, though - based on my memory at least - they are quite similar. this is a "cleaner/fresher" version of Ganymede or Bois Imperial. Very saffron forward. But if Ganymede is a bit unnatural / "otherwordly" / mineral / metallic - the Crystal Saffron has of a more recognizable signature of cleanliness - inching toward floral (but without being so). Verging on sweetness. but the same thing which makes it more familiar and recognizable also makes it slightly more generic and boring. And of course, this is also similar to Bois Imperial (even more than Ganymede), but whereas Bois is greener/ more-natural / vegetative / garden - Crystal remains more artificial and sterile. Which is why i like Bois more. anyway, what kills it for me is the abysmal performance, lasting less than 1-2 hours on my skin before disappearing completely (objectively verified using someone else's nose). Strange that others have had such differing experiences. i wonder if it's because i was using the 2ml sample i got?

A metallic saffron herbal smell that sits relatively close to the skin. Like with all other extraits from this house, longevity is good, but projection is lacking. It's rather one-dimensional, so definitely not full bottle worthy.

It's better, but the myrrh makes it a bit dusty and bitter.

smells like saffron myrrh and other spices in general

When I want a strong headache in seconds I put this one. I have it and I cannot use it on me. Too strong.

Matiere Premiere and the Pursuit of Potency: Has Perfumery Lost Its Art? In recent years, Matiere Premiere has solidified its reputation with potent fragrances, each boasting remarkable sillage and longevity. However, the brand's decision to release extraits of these already powerful scents raises questions about the direction in which modern perfumery is heading. Once celebrated for its nuanced and complex compositions, Matiere Premiere now seems to be shifting towards a one-dimensional focus on sheer potency. The original fragrances, with their intricate layers and evolving notes, invited a close and appreciative examination. They were akin to a fine piece of art that revealed its beauty slowly, rewarding the wearer with subtle shifts in character throughout the day. Now, with the introduction of extraits, the brand appears to prioritize impact over artistry. These new versions are louder, bolder, and, some might argue, excessive. The nuanced balance that once defined Matiere Premiere’s fragrances seems lost in the pursuit of extreme concentration. What was once a carefully crafted composition now feels like an over-saturated canvas, where the colors no longer blend harmoniously but instead clash in a cacophony of intensity. This trend is not unique to Matiere Premiere. Across the industry, there is a growing emphasis on performance above all else. Fragrance houses are increasingly catering to consumers who equate strength with quality, leading to a proliferation of scents that are more about volume than value. The result is a market flooded with perfumes that shout rather than speak, offering little in the way of subtlety or sophistication. The move towards maximalist scents reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences. There is an insatiable demand for fragrances that announce their presence and linger for hours, but in satisfying this demand, something precious is being lost. Perfumery, at its best, is an art form—one that requires a balance of strength and subtlety, of boldness and restraint. In the rush to cater to consumer desires for ever-stronger scents, fragrance houses risk losing the very qualities that make their creations truly special. Matiere Premiere's extraits, like many of their contemporaries, communicate in broad strokes, leaving little room for the quiet moments of discovery that once defined the brand. The fragrances have become statements rather than stories, and in this transformation, the art of perfumery is at risk of being drowned out by its own desire to be noticed. As the industry continues to evolve, it is worth considering what is being sacrificed in the pursuit of potency. Is the art of perfumery being diluted in favor of intensity? And if so, what does that mean for the future of an industry that has long been defined by its ability to create beauty in the smallest of details? Matiere Premiere’s latest offerings might satisfy those seeking strength, but for those who appreciate the artistry of fragrance, there is a lingering sense of loss. The question remains: can the brand—and the industry as a whole—find a way to balance the demands of the market with the integrity of the craft? Or has the art of perfumery been irrevocably altered in the pursuit of potency?

I have yet to find a fragrance from Matiere Premiere that I do not like and most of them I genuinely love. Crystal Saffron Extrait definitely comes under the latter classification, although as with everything they've done, I need to be in the mood for it to wear it. If you haven't got your nose on it, it is this shining monolith of the richest saffron note you can imagine, that reaches up above your head and into the rarified strata. Everything around the towering central core is there to smooth and facilitate. If we acknowledge that Aurelien Guichard set up this house to focus on individual accords to "overdose" levels, to see how far you can push and extend each one, then this is as good and lofty an example as you could wish to find. The saffron is a million miles away from cloying or medicinal. It feels regal. The ambroxin is there to assist with the delivery not the scent. The addition of frankincense and myrrh in the base feels like a playful biblical reference nod to the golden magnificence of the saffron in this. You know when you smell saffron and it smells like the way a sunset feels? Golden, timeless, unrushed; painting everything it touches in that in that rich, languid gold? Drenching a grateful horizon as far as the eye can see in a way no human hand could ever recreate? That is how the saffron smells in this fragrance. It is a little more amber-y in the drydown but there is no doubt what is the central linear focus here and it stays in for the duration. The brilliance here is not just how that is captured and bottled in that quite unassuming black extrait glass. The saffron does that effortlessly. The real genius here is how it is actually incredibly wearable. It should be a special occasion evening thing only, an "every few months" sort of reach and it isn't. It is as unisex as saffron is, but is at home in day as it is at night. You can take this as formal as you want to, but you can also wear it in sweats around the house. Well. I can. It has crazy performance as well and will last for an eternity on clothes. Projection is rock solid for those moments when you need everyone in the room/lift/bar/board room to know you are basically royalty. God this is magnificent. There comes a point where words aren't adding anything to a review. I have nothing else to add here. Three Word Summary: Wonderful Gold Sunset Scent - 10/10 Sillage - 9/10 Drydown - 8/10 Bottle/packaging - 8/10 Performance - 10/10 45/50

✨Follow https://www.instagram.com/ep_frags/ for more reviews ✨ Instagram: ep_frags I have fond #memories from my childhood of playing outside while my #mother cooked #desserts infused with #saffron. The #aroma was so strong and delicious, it would always make my mouth water. That scent instantly brings me back to those #nostalgic days. *Crystal Saffron Extrait* by Matière Première is my favorite release from their extrait line, out of all five fragrances. While I loved the original, this one feels truly #divine. It’s spicy, crunchy, #sweet, and smooth all at once. It is like EDP ODed on #cocaine. Compared to the EDP, the extrait is richer and smoother—its saffron feels more refined. Side by side, the EDP has a sharper, more screechy saffron note. I find *Crystal Saffron* very similar to PDM #Haltane, but without the woodiness in the opening. The drydown is strikingly similar after 5 hours on skin. The myrrh #accord gives a glowing warmth in drydown, adding depth and sensuality to the overall scent. The result is a well-balanced, #elegant fragrance that combines #spicy richness with #creamy warmth, offering a #complex, #luxurious #experience. Two sprays of this #beast-mode juice is more than enough—it’s long-lasting, and the scent trail lingers for hours. I can still smell it on my skin ten hours later. The quality is rich and absolutely mouthwatering—truly a captivating fragrance. This is definitely going to be my to go perfume in #winter- it is completely #unisex and you can where it anywhere. It’s a #scent that’s both daring and approachable, making it ideal for fragrance #lovers who enjoy #rich, complex #perfumes without going into overly heavy or oriental territory.

Wow. The saffron facet is so excellent, by far is this the most high-quality saffron note I have smelt. Usually saffron is used to compliment and introduce oud or some sort of woody backbone, and I suppose when I smelt this I was ready to be hit with the blast of warmth and spiciness. But I was instead met with an almost aquatic-like emptiness where I can only best liken it to 'plain-smelling', this is that metallic facet but isn't exactly typically metallic-smelling. It is so unique, it is very hard to describe. It is like you get all that sensual warmth and floral goodness from the saffron + a fresh plain-ness , yes you can detect the frankincense and myrrh used to uplift the metallic accord, but maybe it is my skin chemistry, it wasn't something I smelt and identified until I looked at the notes, and even so I still find it hard to say 'Ah yes that's frankincense'. That extrait performance is something , just received so no maceration and it survived all day and the shower at night. This is 100% a fragrance where it will last and you will notice, but it won't scream or shout in people's faces or drown their nostrils. It is there and it will be noticed. Personally to me, because I am so used to saffron + oud. It is so weird but refreshing to smell this saffron + metallic combo. It is so unique , that's all I can say.

I love this so much.Saffron is my favorite spice and that’s why I don’t even mind if this is rather linear or simple,that’s where it’s beauty lies in to me.This is so warm,intoxicating and confidence inducing to me:give you a pep in your step type.I fear I might have to get this...I didn’t try the edp yet though,I went straight into the extrait as I personally know I like saffron,so I’ll have to try the edp also to compare properly.However,I can say that this lasted forever on paper and projected.

The myrrh really works magic with this. The original is quite bombastic and jarring, perfect for those looking for the BR540 style of persistent extrovertism. I thought the original was bills and interesting, but too acute for my liking. This is rounded and slightly sweetened by the myrrh and it creates a really nice composition. Has personality strength and balance. Probably my favourite from the extrait series.

After owning 500+ fragrances, I would definitely say this is probably my most complimented fragrance. Anywhere I go I usually get a compliment whenever I wear this fragrance. My partner doesn't like it for the first 20-30 minutes because he claims it comes off as "astringent' or "medicinal" which I can understand. After that phase he can't praise it enough. Get a sample and give it a try.

As if the original isn't strong enough 😂 I guarantee some people will still complain about performance. This brand is heavily counterfeitted, and I see people buying fakes on mercari all the time. These fakes have poor performance, and are dangerous to put on skin. Get a genuine sample first, and pay attention to the details on the bottle, particularly the sticker on the bottom.

To me this is way better than the original. This one is plateable. Its smoother, rounder, and has a little sweetness that complements it well. Only a few hours in but this is strong! but not as overbearing as the EDP. I will update the performance later. Overall, it's a strong like for now. If I could get a 10ml of this that's all I would ever need.

The projection on this is overwhelming. The EDP is already very strong. It’s smoother, rounder but otherwise the same. I appreciate the artistry and if you’re into this scent profile it’s a win but the whole wear was just too overwhelming for me

Love love love love Definietly an attention magnet. Do not overspray With 4 spray I was way oversprayed 2 is more than enough Lesst and projects forever! Unique and one of the best saffron scent I ve ever had.

got a sample of this,, do NOT overspray this its been atleast 10 hours since i have applied this and my head hurts like crazy due to me being able to smell myself the entire time.

This is one of the longest lasting fragrances in the game. I am a performance nut, and let me just say that this thing performs so well that it’s almost scary! Enjoy

I absolutely hated the OG. It had such a scratchy saffron note this is way better smoother darker sexier. It is now a like. For the price definitely a pass for me.

The thought of a version even stronger and denser than the original fills me with dread. Please, no more than one soft spray, people!

I really surprised nobody gets br540 vibes. The opening is too much like acetone. Dry down is good

😱 if there is a Vanilla Powder Extrait is going blow up everything around😱😱😱

BR540 and Ganymeade sitting in a tree, k I s s I n g !