Well I feel privileged to be the first reviewer of this scent because it exudes a confident charm. The fact that Francis Kurkdjian is a collaborator is not surprising at all because this has the mark of MFK style perfumes like APOM or Amyris. I'm very suprised there's no white florals listed in the notes here because after a gorgeously fresh opening of citruses and a hint of ginger there's a core of pure orange blossom/neroli. These elements are tempered very well indeed because usually not my cup of tea I find them elegant and respectfully handled. I can see how the soapy spice of cardamom could be a big player in the overall sensation the fragrance gives. Additionally the boost of that waxy floral core serves to prolong the bitter citrus top note of grapefruit making the freshness not a brief flirtation but a more lasting affair. The drydown is warmer too, compared to something in a similar vein...let's say Mugler Cologne and that is perhaps some of that amber coming through? I really can't say for sure but it definitely behaves better on my skin that many seemingly similar fragrances. I'm wearing it today and find it massively enjoyable even more so than the occasional dip into MFK samples. Carven L'eau Intense strikes up a really good balance and that to me is what makes a good fragrance, even when it contains less of my favourite notes. Longevity I can tell already is going to be fairly good for such a delicate scent, especially when it gets on clothes. (I suppose that's not really saying much as most things last on clothing but you know what I mean.) I'm singing L'eau Intense's praises then and about time because I wasn't that keen on the last two revamped releases. This one is a must try and (I'm assuming?) a cheaper alternative for MFK fans.