Aqua Universalis Eau de Toilette

I decided to purchase this perfume from Nordstrom rather than other retailers of perfume online because I trust Nordstrom and expect that I will receive a high quality, NEW product. Unfortunately, I made the wrong decision. This perfume arrived with the protective plastic around the box cut off from the top. The bottle was not completely full as clearly this perfume had been opened and used several times. It was a huge disappointment as this was a gift and arrived the day before it was needed. When I contacted customer service, they apologized and agreed it could be returned. (I knew that of course!). Because it's considered a hazardous product, there's a little arts and crafts required to package up the product, ensuring it is completely snug and has appropriate labels warning it is hazardous. And apparently USPS is the only option for return. So in addition to 1) getting a USED and OPENED product 2) completely ruining the birthday gift 3) arts and crafts work needed, I would also have 4) stand in line for about a half hour at the worst of all shipping options: USPS. DO BETTER NORDSTROM! Don't disappoint customers and you really need to make it up to them when you do!!! An apology just doesn't suffice. We're not friends. I am (was?) a loyal customer.

This is even better than Baccarat Rouge 540. The Forte felt too strong, but the toilette is perfect. My husband hates perfume and even likes this. It’s a great everyday perfume.

If you've ever had a sniff of Demeter's 'Pure Soap', you're over halfway to discovering what 'Aqua Universalis' smells like! When I spritzed this on the inside of the card sample holder it came in, I literally had to move across the room from it to escape the scent. For some reason on contact with paper or card it morphs into a very 'shrill' fragrance, very pungent like pine needles. On my wrist however it loses the shrill note and just becomes some kind of Lemon meets Lilly detergent soap, albeit a very upscale bar of it! And yes like other MFK scents it has longevity...I spritzed almost 11 hours ago and it has only just started to wear off. I can appreciate there are many who will like or love this but there's absolutely no way I could wear it. I'm guessing it just doesn't work with my body chemistry. From what I've tried out so far I highly recommend Baccarat Rouge 540 and also Satin Mood which is fairly similar to 540 in that it's sweet, but with a prominent 'oud' note mixed with Rose. -> My ‘Nordstrom Beauty Top 7 must-have list’ (My 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Nordstrom) <- < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Mascara: ‘Lancome’ – Cilis Booster XL < 5. Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Mask: ‘Eve Lom’ – Radiance Transforming Mask < 7. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream

This lovely, but expensive fragrance smells just like CLINIQUE HAPPY. Save your money and buy that. Not unique at all. At all.