The Best Extrait Perfumes For a Long-Lasting Scent

Dior Sauvage

Woody, leathery and oozing Vietnamese oud, Sauvage extrait is a brooding beast of a fragrance that sees perfumer Francis Kurkdjian push each accent to the very limits of concentration. Powerful as it is, there is an unexpected, and welcome, lightness thanks to creamy vetiver and cedarwood. Plus, the final burst of freshness from bergamot and lavender punctuates the intensity for a scent that is powerful but utterly wearable.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

For dedicated wearers of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s jasmine masterpiece, Baccarat Rouge 540, consider switching your EDP flacon for the extrait edition come autumn. The ambergris opening is deeper and more immediate, before drying down to a warm amber cocoon that feels richer and more resinous, a comforting – yet, luxurious – blanket of familiarity.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Hotel Portofino

If you needed further proof that extraits are having a big moment this year, then look no further than Victoria Beckham Beauty’s first extrait launch, Hotel Portofino. Inspired by a trip to Italy that David and Victoria Beckham took when they were first falling in love, Hotel Portofino is a dialled-up version of the much-loved holiday-in-a-bottle scent Portofino ’97. Expect the same bergamot and smoky incense, but with deliciously seductive layers of wild fig, saffron and even pinot noir. If you were looking for the perfect date night fragrance, you’ve found it.

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Maison Crivelli Tobacco Carnaval

There is truly no better name for this firecracker of a scent. Smoky tobacco leaf basks in the warm glow of rum for a fragrance that demands to be worn to a party; one where heels are high, glasses are full and conversations are as vibrant as the dance floor. It’s glamorous, a little bit on the edge but entirely sophistcated.

Nishane Thorns Become Roses

“Through love, thorns become roses,” was the line from poet Rumi that was given to perfumer Julien Rasquinet to translate into a fragrance. He rose to the challenge, and masterminded Thorns Become Roses, a spiky floral that unfolds like a love story, becoming smooth the longer it goes on. Lychee is added to Bulgarian rose essential oil for a juicy, syrupy effect which clashes with the smoky, animalistic qualities of aetoxylon (a cousin of oud) for a fragrance that, just like any good love story, leaves an imprint in your memory long after it’s gone.

Matiere Premiere Black Currant

Creating Black Currant exclusively for Harrods was a unique project for Guichard because “unlike most extraits, there is no existing eau de parfum version”. For Guichard using Black Currant was a nod to English culture; given that the dark fruit is synonymous with late summer hedgerows, pastries and drinks, it felt fitting to use it in a fragrance. Combined with a leathery note and an Assam oud, the result is a deliciously jammy juice that veers away from sweetness into something altogether darker and more sensual.

Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75

The story behind the elusive number 75 in this extrait’s name goes like this: sourced from the sarrapia tree, the tonka bean used by Guerlain has a natural coumarin content of 75 per cent and it is this which gives this intoxicating fragrance its distinctively almondy profile. Sitting at 30 per cent concentration, this long-lasting fragrance has a hint of spice, a bite of cherry and is utterly addictive, matched in decadence only by the gold jewel-style bottle in which it is housed.

BDK Parfums Gris Charnel

Of course, you can wear your extrait whenever and wherever you choose; night, day, any season. However, if we were to suggest pairing your fragrance to a season, we’d be inclined to spritz Gris Charnel as the nights grow shorter and the days grow colder. The creamy, woody blend of cardamom, fig and black tea is the perfect accoutrement to a cosy, cashmere jumper.

Ex Nihilo Lust in Paradise

Just because it’s an extrait doesn’t mean it’s got to be deep and dark. Case in point: Ex Nihilo Lust in Paradise, which is a zingy cocktail of peony, lychee, pink pepper, cedarwood and musk. This is the scent to plump for if you’re looking for an extrait that can be worn all day long. Just be warned that one spritz will have you dreaming of sunny days spent floating about the Mediterranean.

Boadicea The Victorious The House Blend Pure Perfume

What springs to mind when you’re thinking of spending an afternoon at Harrods? Afternoon tea, of course. Created exclusively for Harrods, Boadicea The Victorious The House Blend Pure Perfume has taken tea, a Harrods signature, as it’s central facet to create a fragrance that is at once as comforting as it is intriguing. Lapsang Souchong tea is the star of the scent before making way for warm tobacco, ginger and mate – a truly aromatic experience.

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