Crystal Saffron

This is absolutely amazing! It is one of those scents that I imagined exactly right before testing it. Because I already have Asabi No. 2 which is also similar and very good but Crystal Saffron is much stronger and lasts longer. For those who don't like the strength and loudness (and possibly leather) may try that Asabi No. 2. I don't know what is the most special element in Crystal Saffron, maybe ambroxan? I don't smell any incense here and I find it unnecessary anyway. For comparison, I have a few incense or incense-like scents and I like those exactly because incense is strong and nice there. They are totally different from CS. Here, instead of incense there is serene crystalline clarity which is so captivating. Some call it the essence of BR540. Edit: now having a full bottle of it I haven't even sprayed it yet but I'm just smelling the nozzle and am constantly surprised: how is it possible that a scent like that exists? This scent became immediately one of my best scents. Edit2, 3 months later: having used it a few times and more, I've learned that this is The Most "Nuclear" thing I've ever smelt and had (well, besides that Lattafa's Thouq which was so unbearable and nuclear too that I had to get it out of my apartment even). I used it carefully, at least I thought so, and on the clothes only, but when visiting a few events and having it on, some people looked at me with a question on their face and I had to admit after a while that it was this nuclear thing that had somehow escaped too much and this in the situation where I had sprayed it on my shirt under a sweater only. Dear oh dear! And I've never been fond of suffocating people around me, I don't think that's something I'd enjoy doing (I prefer elusive kind of Another 13 effect). Now I am very careful and write this to warn others. BUT: I just love this smell anyway, it is one of the best ever and I just keep it listed as my signature scent even though I don't use it often when outside.

I heard great things about this house, so I decided to try this one and Bois d'Ebene. And wow... Crystal Saffron really blew me away. I had high expectations because I love saffron as a fragrance note, and wanted something that was wearable for me as a guy and suited my taste. Right off of the bat, this immediately reminded me of Slow Explosions by Imaginary Authors. The sexy, strong, slightly rubbery/abrasive combination of saffron and leather they share is beautiful. I find that fragrance to be overall a little too much for my taste though, and not something practical for me to own. This however, is honestly amazing. A true saffron bomb. I can kind of see the comparisons to BR540, but I wouldn't say they're alike. This is absolutely nowhere near as sweet, which I consider to be a good thing. I also really appreciate the simplicity, as this is fairly linear, and once it dries down it's just a masterful and elegant blend of saffron, suede, and ambroxan. It has the perfect alluring mix of sexiness and sophistication, but with a touch of sweet playfulness that makes for a really enjoyable scent bubble. Additionally, I could see why people say this is good for layering. The first time I sampled this I sprayed it over where I earlier tested Toy Boy without realizing it, and this profile with a backdrop of spicy, musky rose? Literally one of the best layering combos I have ever tried. And yes, this stuff really is as nuclear as people say. Recently I wore a sweater to work that I was wearing when I sprayed it on my neck days before, and it took me off guard because it was projecting faintly the whole day when I never even sprayed it directly on the sweater. I'm tempted to just buy a smaller decant instead of a bottle because I don't see how anyone can go through 100ml of this in a single lifetime.

I think this fragrance is a showcase on saffron. But first, I'll start with what I don't like, which keeps this from being a perfect 10/10 for me. It's the ambroxan. After the saffron has run its course (4-6 hours), you're left with a base of ambroxan, which can be found in many fragrances. Now let's talk about the good: Saffron.The saffron is displayed so well here that you get to experience every nook and cranny of this wonderful and expensive material. The musk, incense, and even the ambroxan, act as spotlights, shining brightly on the saffron exposing every angle, nuance, and facet of the flower pistil and stamen. Easily my favorite from the house (although I liked most of them to varying degrees) and the only one I felt was worthy of purchasing. This is, in my opinion, THE reference fragrance on saffron. Sent 9/10 Performance 9/10 P. S. No no resemblance to the sickly sweet BR540. The atmospheric saffron/leathery vibe is closer to Ganymede

I think I may just be be a fangirl of Mattiere Premiere, so read this with a grain of salt if you aren't :) I have heard from a lover of saffron in perfumery that this particular one (and other MP fragrances) was "just too much" - suffocating, unbalanced, too loud For me it's exactly what the names suggests - saffron spice in a crystal glass - it's pure, clean, airy... I think I am lacking adjectives... I don't find it synthetic although I do get what the reviewers below mean - it's STRONG, but to me it smells pure I think it will feel fresh on a hot summary day, but I shall see, now it's just lukewarm spring outside To be sure, this is not a crowd pleaser and not a safe blind buy - you do need to like musk and saffron, and incense, because you clearly feel all of those But I do think this house knows what they are doing, because I do not like white florals and I did enjoy French Flower a lot as well

This is a dry, metallic, cool toned, molecular, saffron bomb. I can see how some people would dislike this but I find it quite intoxicating and addicting. In order to like this you must enjoy ambroxan. It is very synthetic so those who are sensitive to those aroma chemical notes will likely dislike this. My husband said it reminded him of Initio’s Side Effect, which I personally can’t quite understand. As a woman I would gladly wear this but I believe it to be unisex leaning masculine. The performance is strong! Edit: My husband has redacted his previous comparison with Side Effect and noted it's similarity to Rosendo Mateu 5. This I can understand, I think CS is harsher and cooler toned. Rosendo 5 is a warmer, sweeter airier version. Though I still adore Crystal Saffron, I think it would be redundant in my collection being that I own and love Rosendo 5.

I’m trying to edit my old review but it’s stuck. I was demolished by this perfume a year or so ago. I absolutely adore it, I’m wearing it again. I love saffron, the smell and taste. Saffron Troublant from Les Artisan, is a desert island perfume for me. It smells like (but too weak) saffron and rose. Two weeks ago, I sent away for five grams of saffron stamens. Iranian saffron stamens, to make rice and things with. I went to the village PO, then I could smell it in the car. A mad dictator started raining bombs on Iran. There’s always some mad dictator from anywhere, doesn’t matter what variety, raining bombs, for us old boomers. My Iranian saffron stamens are ruling the old kitchen in the farmhouse that I’m getting to old to renovate. The scent is simply divine. This perfume smells like saffron.

I'm wondering if the formulation has changed because I purchased a sample of this last year and it was a much sweeter/warmer saffron and ambroxan bomb, but not as sweet at TK4/10 or BR540. I finished my sample and picked up a 50ml of Crystal Saffron and to my slight disappointment, it seems to be more clean and fresh while the new Extrait version smells more like the sample I picked up. The musk isn't as smooth or well blended here, but nonetheless this is still my signature scent. A little dab will do yah, as it is VERY STRONG and will last on your clothes for days. I'm a bit bummed that the Extrait now smells better to me; the price point on the EDP is already high enough. However this bottle will probably last me for years. Overall 8/10.

Firstly crystal saffron is great it’s clean and can be chic in its on minimalistic way, it’s musky sweet and slightly incensey. There is this note in the perfume I don’t know if it’s a mix of Ambroxan and incense but it is so specific and lovely and unique, it smells like something I have smelled before but I’m not sure what. I don’t know if this is necessarily me but it is so beautiful don’t get me wrong. GIVE THIS A TRY! Matiere has slowly but surely has won my respect I have tried 3 from this house (crystal saffron, Encens suave, and neroli oranger) all of which I have enjoyed which I will admit this is rare normally I only like less than half of a house. But all of these have been great. 7/10

Two words can be used to describe this, strange and addicting. I have never smelt anything like this before and I was incredibly lucky to even get a chance to test this. To my nose it smells like cold metal the entire way through but the scent was strangely and beautifully addicting; I could not stop smelling my wrist the moment I put this on. I felt very poor smelling this as it also has a mysterious and seductive CEO vibe to it. If I had the money to buy this I would buy it no questions asked, definitely one of the best fragrances I’ve smelt in a VERY long time. I am curious how close Armaf’s Ombré D’or is because that’s more so in my price range.

People have to stop comparing everything to BR540. It's like saying that every dish that contains beans is inspired by the chili con carne. I doubt that the people even know what real saffron smells like, being one of the most expensive spice on the market, it is not very common to find it in basic food. There were perfumes with saffron before Baccarat rouge and they will be lots after... To me this perfume is amazing, it is deep, warm, round, and dry at the same time. Straight to the point but not culinary like. It is elegant but not austere, its spicy facet makes it daring and sexy, and super long lasting...I love it, period...

Initial spray can be quite dizzying, chemical-y sweetness. But after 30 mins or so, the dry-down is delicious, the saffron blends really nicely into a musky ambroxan dream—I didn’t smell any incense at all, which is a bit disappointing. I can understand how other people find this intoxicating, but to me, it is addicting; it is a little like how the fizzing of sherbet on your tongue feels (but without the tooth-rotting sugar). This lasts forever. I can often smell it still in the shower, which is great if you like the scent. If not, well, good luck. I think it’s a fairly versatile scent, not too obnoxious, good for layering.

Ooooooo yes ok I really like this. Totally get that it's not going to be everyone's bag but the more time I spend with it the more I'm addicted. Lovely suede accord to open then dries down to a very clean floral saffron. Intriguing scent but definitely pleasant. Unique, but not challenging. I get the comparisons to rubber or band aids. It reminds me of the smell of silly putty a little at first before it dries down. Not sure why ppl are saying synthetic it's very natural for me and the perfume is almost entirely natural ingredients. Also people are not lying, this thing is a nuke! Very strong performer and projection.

I completely agree with the comment above! For a linear fragrance that doesn’t evolve much, it stirs up so many emotions for me. It makes me think of shiny, delicate sheets of silver metal , sleek and futuristic. It also reminds me of a crisp morning when the sun is shining and there’s a cool breeze, yet at the same time, it evokes the warmth of paper fresh off a printing press. I picture a sophisticated woman at a street café, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a silk blouse, borrowing her husband’s perfume ,effortlessly elegant. 😅 It’s absolutely stunning, and I’m obsessed! I can’t imagine being without it.

So this perfume taught me that I shouldn't focus on the reviews on fragrantica.com too much (I do this a lot). I received a sample of this perfume and I am just overwhelmingly amazed. It's not perfume, it's art. I think about it when I don't wear it. I almost felt reluctant to write this here because I would hate it if it would become more mainstream, but felt like I needed to provide a sound about how amazing it can be. It smells like magic. Best scent I have ever smelled (a lot!!!). Absolutely my new signature scent and DEFINITELY not a safe blind buy. You'll love it or you'll hate it.

In my culture, saffron is a very commonly used ingredient in food and other cultural activities so I have very good understanding of the smell and low key liked it second only to sandalwood but this perfume blow my mind in ways I could not believe was possible . Paired with musk this combination is the best I have smelled in years of my frag journey. But keep in mind, this isn’t for the faint hearted, the sillage and longevity is off the charts on this one. Debating with myslef if I should get the Extrait as well or will it be redundant.

This one left me heartbroken because I adore it so much but it’s far too mature for me. If you’re a fan of saffron scents (BR540 being a famous one) this is everything and more — it’s a saffron and ambroxan punch to the face. Super, super addictive and I kept going back to the store to spray it on myself day after day. The drydown is gorgeous and leathery with a sharply crystalline edge to it. Definitely for someone more sophisticated though, I wouldn’t suggest this for a broke college student (me).

A fragrance that is very powerful at the opening and maintains its scent throughout the day, capable of impressing even those around you. The first thing I noticed when I used it was that it felt like a stronger and more masculine version of Ganymede by Marc-Antoine Barrois. It can attract attention on summer nights, but in extremely hot weather, people might want to keep their distance. One should be a bit careful in that regard—other than that, I can say it's a perfect perfume in every way.

It opened up with Safrron then after 30 min it's just iso & super/ambroxan. At the end, it's a iso & super/ambroxan kind of bomb. Happy to only have bought a sample. Not worth a full bottle. You can have Excentric Molecules 01 or 02 for that. Up-date: l keep smelling the scent on my shirt for days... started to miss it. Bought a 50ml bottle and now l am in love. I layer with incens suave (l head that MP are made to be mixed with each other). Have great potential for layering lMO

This is a unique one. At first, I wasn't completely sure but after wearing it a few times I fell in love. It's clean, synthetic, metallic and spicy, kind of like the smell of a dry erase marker or the feeling of sparks on clean metal in the best way possible. It makes me think of robots and space. It's what I wanted ELDO's A Ghost In the Shell to be. The longevity/sillage is immense as well, so this is a 3-4 spray max for me even as someone with a tendency to over spray.

really interesting and was the scent that i had been looking for. This is an hospital smell, really crisp, sharp and metallic. When you get a big sniff of this for the first time you’ll feel like the smell has gotten into your brain and cut it to two pieces, it’s that sharp. As it dries down i get more leather and it gets smoother. Definitely not a scent for everyone, you’ll either really love or hate this. 8.7/10 (not a ten bc it may get unbearable after a while)

Top Note: Dry BR540 without the sweetness + ambroxan Middle note: being alike Ganymede + ambroxan Base Note: Saffron + Incense + slight musk I’m not a saffron’s fan but i like this as the saffron is not so loud. I like incense but this seems not having enough of it. Overall i’m satisfied and walked out from the store with full bottle 100ml. Update: Longevity on skin up 8 hours. 3 days on clothes. Outdoor performs good. Indoor performs excellent Overall: 8.5/10

In terms of longevity and sillage its intensity is similar to Vanilla Powder, I just love it sooo much. I think Matiere Premiere is under loved by many. At the same time I don’t want many people to know about either like I want this to be my little secret... I think strolling around Milan really made me realize the number of perfume brands that exist. Would I buy this again? Again and again. This would be a hit amongst middle easterners.

This is fresh in a sharp, crystal clear, almost sterile way, but in the absolute best way possible, this smells so dang good. There is also a touch of a fresh metalic leathery-ness and a touch of muskiness in here too. A really interesting unique fragrance that's like nothing else I own in my collection. The more i wear this I would describe it as musk done in a sterile and clinical way, doesn't sound appealing but it absolutely is

this perfume's longevity is very good, it has a great sillage with people always asking me about it. i do agree that its opening could be unsuitable for many people especially that it hits with saffron very quickly, but honestly when it sits down it just smells amazing. in my opinion could be compared to MFK's Baccarat Rouge, in the sense that both rely heavily on saffron, but i prefer this one to look and sound more "niche"

Have you ever tried the “hajabdol...” pismaniye candies with saffron? It feels so similar! But Crystal Saffron is definitely less sweet and more pure. Tried it on a cold rainy day, high humidity opens a leathery note, so it smells like a brand new luxury bag. I really like it, the perfume sits so well like a second skin, cozy and intimate, dry and warm I wish it could stay with me longer:( Disappears completely after 2 hours

opening has a quite raw feeling to the saffron and slight blend of must but after 1 hr it becomes a smooth blend of saffron and musk with a decent hint of ambroxin, one of my favorite. Longetivity: 12+ hrs Sillage: 8+ hrs Projection: 8+ hrs ( goes really well with my skin chemistry) The longetivity is enormous, became a skin scent at the 18hr mark, at 14hr mark, it was still there with decent sillage and projection.

This is a perfect example of how the perception of scent is an individual experience. To my nose this comes across as an airy floral with sweet almond and a clean suede accord. Crystal saffron feels extremely modern and cold but not necessarily “fresh”. Personally, I love this profile but I can see how others might not be into the “industrial” or “un-natural” aspects of this scent. 10/10 my new signature smell.

Relentless, brutal, migraine-inducing. I love the first few seconds but over time I'm worn down until I can't bear it anymore. I get a headache every time, and so have to ask myself why I keep doing it. Well, I'm out for good this time, luckily I only bought a decant. Everything I've tried from MP has been beyond beast mode, and makes clothing smell for months on end. That's not a good thing in my book.

It is a true saffron scent. Absolutely gorgeous and perfect to layer with other fragrances. So fun to play around with. The perfect special occasion December fragrance. Smells like Swedish saffron buns. Will wear this a lot this advent. Very simple but gorgeous fragrance. Extremely straight forward and lasts all day. I feel like you have to be a very specific type of person to pull it off though.

Blind bought this the other day in 50ml, it arrived today and I’m not disappointed at all! It’s beautiful, I would say masculine leaning but I like that sometimes. It does remind me a little of S&X by Azzi which I also love but this is slightly less spenny. I’ve only sprayed my wrist to see how it wears this evening. This is my second frag from this house as I’m a vanilla powder lover

Cold, definitely deserving of the crystal title as this isn't a harder metallic like opening but a softer somewhat ethereal like one. Fragrant saffron and piercing ambroxan all throughout. Reminds me of the interior of an airport during the cool dark morning hours, the polished white floors and all white paint with the fluorescent lights beaming on skin, feels bright and uplifting.

If cyborgs had a scent—this is exactly what they would smell like. This fragrance smells like AI. I love wearing it whenever I want to distance myself from humanity. It’s totally out of this world, and watch out—it’s an absolute beast when it comes to performance. It marks its territory, walks into a room, sets the curtains on fire, and says: 'Finally, some fresh air to breathe.

“Imagine a saffron flower inside a square block of ice. Square because its very edgy. You are taking out this ice block out of a leather pouch.” I have been wearing this for 8+ hours now and the above the stages that it has projected like. Have been eyeing this for last 2years. I am still in love and glad to have this in my collection.

The only perfume I really like from Matiere-Premiere. It smells clean and spicy, fresh and sexy at the same time; Basically my skin, but better. To me this has the vibe of Animalique, a perfume I love but doesn't project much; CS however is stronger and lasts for more. I think I'll buy this one when my bottle of Animalique ends.

Another great fragrance from Matiere Premiere. To me this smells like a fresh from the boutique Hermes suede jacket or pair of boots. The is a super luxe and refined new suede. Beast mode so go lightly. CS is a fragrance that turns into an all-day wrist or neck (on hubby) sniffing event. I simply cannot control myself.

@RamsesII This is the problem with Fragrantica. People come here to read comments and decide is it worth trying or even blind buying maybe but what do they get? Opinions without any sense or worse - being misguided by them. Maybe you'll be interested to know that Matiere Premiere fragrances are 85/92% all natural.

THIS IS IT! I have been looking for something like this for quite a bit, I love it. It definitely feels luxurious, makes you feel confident, it is very strong, which is great, it lasts the whole day. Someone said, if Apple made a perfume it would smell like Crystal Saffron - that is very accurate in my opinion.

Soooo strong perfume. This stuff is nuclear. I have to spray it on my stomach or my lower back in order to be able to breathe without suffocating. And it lasts and last!!! I can smell all the notes listed in the piramide:metalic,musky,smoky,clean saffron. Very clean perfume. And absolutely worth the price.

Such a clean,elegant,gentlemanly,sophisticated saffron musk scent with a little rubberish touch in the opening. This could be signature scent easily. Longevity and projection as it should be! Can be worn through all weather seasons. Note: Crystal Saffron have NOTHING compared to Ganymede.

Nice and clean incense-saffron combo. Sharp and strong. I can not spray it around the face becaus it will suffocate me,so I take one spray on my belly and one on my back and that is my 24h dosage. I also like to mix it with Balenciaga paris. Gorgeous! Both for layering and on its own.

This perfume smells brutally powerful, with top performance. It reminds me quite a bit of Ganymede, that kind of clean/metallic direction, with Crystal Saffron also having some additional sweetness that I really like, and in general it's nicer and better than M.A.B Ganymede.

Pungent, enveloping, and crystalline. A memorable scent, with a trail...very intense and penetrating. I've never smelled anything like it, a modern, artistic work that leaves its mark everywhere...wonderful!!! Sillage: 9/10 Longevity: 9.5/10 Scent: 9/10 Overall: 9/10

This is a very nice and clean Saffron. Very versatile, well blended, dry, masculine yet versatile enough for all weather. It seems like it has great potential to be layered with other fragrances, as well as to be worn alone. Very very nice, FB worthy.

Dry, warm, hyper-realistic skin-like saffron. Smells like a sweet saffron bun with almond filling without smelling like a gourmand. Great sillage, can be overpowering at first but compensates with good lasting-power and guaranteed compliments.

sharp, bold, and unusual. reminds me of the subway. by that, i don't mean the scents you'll notice while wading through the crowd: an unfortunate food smell, sweat, urine, or mildew. it's concrete, hot metal, and electricity. cool as hell.

It lasts about 16 hours on my skin and it still projected well after the first 8-10. One of my fav scents, a nice cozy warm saffron that isnt sweet at all and perfect for people looking in matiere premiere and saffron fragrances

My favorite fragrance from MP , truly it s beyond this world . i knew it that Saffron and Incense would attract me the most and it didnt disappoint at the end . the extrait is super heavy though i still prefer the EDP .

I strangely smell mint at the opening. Something very cold yet comfortable. I already have Falcon Leather and Safran Secret, still CS makes me hesitate whether or not I should give another saffron a try.

Absolutely stunning- this saffron suede fragrance is rich, opulent, and unapologetically bold. It dares to wander into that addictive, band-aid-like territory, which makes it utterly irresistible.

This perfume is definitely will liked by me as an Arab specially with essence it’s one of kind and it’s not like baccarat or even close to it ,performance is excellent and worth buying it