BDK Parfums

Collection Matieres

Eau de Parfum · Unisex · 2019

Cozy fig-and-black-tea woody, soft skin-warm sophistication

Main accords

woody · creamy · warm spicy · vanilla · fruity · earthy

The note pyramid

Top (first impression): Cardamom · Fig · Black Tea

Heart (the character): Iris · Vetiver · Cistus

Base (the dry-down): Sandalwood · Vanilla · Tonka Bean · Patchouli

When to wear it

Season: fall, winter, spring · Occasion: everyday, office, date night

Performance

Longevity: long (8-10h) · Sillage: moderate

The story

Gris Charnel was released in 2019 by Parisian house BDK Parfums, founded by David Benedek, and composed by perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui. The name translates loosely to 'carnal grey,' evoking a soft, skin-close sensuality. It quickly became BDK's most talked-about release and a darling of fragrance communities, praised for delivering a luxurious cardamom-fig-tea woody at a relatively accessible niche price. The success of the EDP led BDK to release a richer Extrait concentration in 2022. It is widely regarded as one of the standout niche launches of its era and a frequent gateway into the BDK lineup.

Our take

A creamy, slightly spicy blend of fig, black tea and cardamom over sandalwood, tonka and vanilla that smells expensive without shouting. It is the comfortable, refined kind of scent that draws quiet compliments rather than turning heads.

Nose: Mathilde Bijaoui

If you love this, try

Le Labo Santal 33 · Hermessence Vetiver Tonka · Maison Margiela By the Fireplace · Diptyque Tam Dao

Smell it for less

Lattafa Liam — Closely tracks the fig, black tea and cardamom opening of Gris Charnel at a fraction of the price.

Check price on Amazon