TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2024
Aurélien Guichard
Extrait de Parfum
Fall, Winter
OLFACTORY ARCHITECTURE
Matiere Premiere
Santal Austral Extrait
Unisex 2024 Extrait de Parfum
Santal Austral Extrait Santal Austral Extrait by Matiere Premiere is a profound 2024 evolution of the original Eau de Parfum, reimagined by master perfumer Aurélien Guichard. This unisex fragrance features an increased perfume concentration and a higher dosage of organic Australian sandalwood. It opens with a delicate, powdery blend of iris absolute and creamy almond milk, which is immediately intensified by a new guest ingredient, Nepalese black cardamom. This unique addition introduces a vibrant, smoky, and spicy dimension to the scent.
The fragrance transitions into a rich, velvety heart of sandalwood before settling into a warm, addictive base of tonka bean and Siam benzoin. Known for its exceptional longevity and powerful sillage, the Extrait offers a more sensual and inky interpretation of the original's white wood DNA. The meticulous blending of high-quality natural materials ensures a smooth, polished finish that remains perceptible for days. This sophisticated composition is a luxurious choice for those seeking a deep, comforting, and resinous sandalwood experience.
Santal Austral Extrait delivers exceptional performance, characterized by eternal longevity that often lasts for days on both skin and clothing. As an intensified version of the original, its high oil concentration ensures a powerful and long-lasting presence.
The sillage is equally impressive, described as enormous and capable of filling a room. It leaves a bold, spicy, and creamy trail that is more intense and vibrant than the Eau de Parfum, making it a statement fragrance that commands attention.
Launched in 2024, Santal Austral Extrait was developed by master perfumer Aurélien Guichard as an intensified evolution of the original Eau de Parfum. This version marks a significant milestone for Matiere Premiere, forming part of their prestigious Extrait Collection. Guichard’s vision was to transcend the typical flanker by dramatically increasing the concentration of the core natural ingredient, Organic Australian Sandalwood, ensuring a more powerful and long-lasting olfactory experience that honors the brand's commitment to high-quality raw materials.
The fragrance is distinguished by the inclusion of a unique guest ingredient, Black Cardamom Absolute from Nepal, which was developed exclusively for the house. This addition introduces a smoky, spicy dimension that takes the original’s creamy profile into more vibrant territory. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Santal Austral Extrait has quickly established itself as a standout niche release, celebrated for its complex sensory depth and its status as a more daring, sensual interpretation of a classic sandalwood.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- - Features a high 46% oil concentration that delivers exceptional longevity and powerful performance
- - Enhanced with a unique guest ingredient of Nepalese Black Cardamom for added spicy and vibrant intensity
- - Utilizes high-dosage, high-quality organic Australian sandalwood for a rich, creamy, and authentic woody profile
- - Offers a more refined, smoother, and complex evolution of the original Santal Austral DNA
- - Transitions perfectly across seasons, particularly excelling in fall and winter with its warm, balsamic texture
POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS
- - Prohibitively high price point at approximately $420 to $480 USD makes it a substantial financial investment compared to the original EDP.
- - Intimate sillage and limited projection that may not satisfy users seeking a more noticeable or room-filling fragrance presence.
- - Polarizing opening described by some as harsh, bitter, or synthetic before it eventually transitions into the creamier dry down.
- - Risk of redundancy for collectors as the scent profile is noted to be very similar to the original Santal Austral and other fragrances like YSL 6 Place Lalla Hasna.
- - Potentially challenging "sour" or "pickle-like" quality that can develop on some skin types as the sandalwood note evolves over time.
Designer Biography
Born into a seven-generation lineage of perfumers in Grasse, Aurélien Guichard trained at the Givaudan Perfumery School. He built a distinguished career at Givaudan and Takasago, creating over 150 iconic fragrances for global luxury houses like Gucci, Versace, and Burberry.
In 2019, Guichard co-founded Matiere Premiere, a brand centered on natural raw materials used in high dosages. Today, he is the only perfumer in the world to grow his own organic ingredients, such as Rose Centifolia and tuberose, on his family's farm in Grasse.
Global User Sentiment
| SOURCE | RATING | SENTIMENT CLUSTER |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrantica | 4.1 / 5 | WOODYPOWDERYAMBERBALSAMICVANILLAIRISWARM SPICYNUTTYSWEET |
| Sephora | I do not have enough information to provide a Sephora rating for Santal Austral Extrait. The provided search data includes information for the original Santal Austral Eau de Parfum and other products, but does not contain a specific Sephora rating for the Extrait version. / 5 | WOODYEARTHYWARM WOODSSPICY |
