“Carbonated citrus sunshine — the scent equivalent of a cold sparkling water on a hot day.”
Francis Kurkdjian's 2013 launch for Maison Francis Kurkdjian — part of MFK's clean-citrus daytime tier alongside Aqua Universalis. A citrus-soft-woody unisex composition with lemon, Sicilian mandarin, guaiac wood, tonka bean, vanilla, jasmine, and hedione. Performs strongest in summer, leans daytime, with moderate projection.
The take
What works
- ●Yuzu-mandarin freshness that's effervescent and joyful
- ●Perfectly calibrated for summer skin wear
- ●Unisex with effortless appeal — works on anyone
Trade-offs
- ●Very short-lived — practically a travel-spray fragrance
- ●Disappears in anything below 15°C
More from Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Notes
Performance
Fit
Best in summer, during the day. Spring works too. Unisex.
When
- Spring, 75%, works
- Summer, 99%, best
- Fall, 30%
- Winter, 10%
- Day, 100%, best
- Night, 18%
Occasions
Gender
Smells like
Similar scent DNA — if you own one, you may not need the other
You might also like
Popular with fans of Aqua Vitae
MFK
Aqua Universalis
Creed
Virgin Island Water
MFK
Aqua Universalis Forte
Hermès
Un Jardin sur le Nil
Creed
Aventus
Tom Ford
Oud Wood EDP
Tom Ford
Black Orchid EDP
Byredo
Bal d'Afrique
Tom Ford
Tobacco Vanille
MFK
Grand Soir
Jo Malone
Wood Sage & Sea Salt
MFK
Baccarat Rouge 540
Casamorati
Lira
Lalique
Encre Noire
F. Malle
Portrait of a Lady
MFK
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum
Tom Ford
Noir de Noir
MFK
Oud Satin Mood
Tom Ford
Tuscan Leather
Featured in
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aqua Vitae smell similar to?
Closest matches in our database: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte (53%), Giorgio Armani Armani Code EDT (67%), Giorgio Armani She (100%). Share scent family rather than DNA — not identical, but neighbors.
How long does Aqua Vitae last?
3–5 hours on most skin (moderate longevity) with noticeable sillage.
When should you wear Aqua Vitae?
Aqua Vitae is best in summer, during the day. Spring works too. It suits everyday wear, the office, and active days.
Is Aqua Vitae worth it?
At $165–$230, fine — with caveats. Yuzu-mandarin freshness that's effervescent and joyful. Perfectly calibrated for summer skin wear.