Belgian Bouzouk is a versatile artist, excelling in makeup, painting, literature, and perfumery. His collaborations with brands like Lancôme and Tom Ford have shaped his creative journey, leading to ‘Bouzouk Brussels a unique fragrance inspired by his global experiences.
After studying medicine for two years, Bouzouk met Olivier Échaudemaison, a renowned makeup artist from Paris, who ignited his passion for the craft. From that moment on, Bouzouk embarked on a remarkable career that took him around the world.
At a young age, Bouzouk began his career as a makeup artist in Milan, working at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and later in Paris, London, Geneva, Tokyo, and Beijing. His growing fame brought him opportunities to work with top models and royals, making appearances at prestigious events, theme parties, and lavish weddings worldwide. When not traveling, he works in his own studio in Brussels. Bouzouk is also a beauty journalist, TV presenter, and stylist. His collaborations include big names such as Lancôme, Tom Ford, La Mer, and Jane Iredale. In addition to his makeup artistry, Bouzouk also showcases his paintings individually and collectively in various galleries. Furthermore, he is the author of the books Les Ailes du Silence, La Nuit de Cassandre, La Nuit Émeraude, and Le A d’Aimer.
How did creating a perfume fit into your career path?
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by vivid colors, drawing, and scents. I traveled across Europe at a young age, exploring different cultures and drawing inspiration from everything around me. At the age of twenty-four, I was appointed artistic director of a cosmetic brand in Milan. I then traveled the world with a famous fashion photographer and worked as the master makeup artist for Asia for a prominent French brand. My wife, who has always been my source of inspiration, shared the beauty, colors, and scents of the islands—the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, the North Pole, and the Mediterranean—with me. I was captivated by the spices in India and the markets of Provence.
I was also inspired by the countless encounters I had with people—women, men, and children—from all over the world. The specific images, sounds, and smells that I associate with these individuals. A woman passing by, or one standing up from my makeup chair, leaving a trail of perfume behind her. The scents that remind me of particular moments, events, and actions—they stir up a sense of discovery and curiosity within me.
Whether it’s a landscape, a family photo, a bouquet of flowers, a smile, or flickering light, these are the moments that inspire me. The diversity of skin tones across continents, encounters in front of a mirror, at a bar, or at an exhibition. All these impressions motivated me to start experimenting with blends. For me, it’s pure pleasure to combine colors, aromas, and scents.
A breeze rustling in the mimosa bushes, laundry blowing on the line, or the sand on the dunes. These delicate, sensual scents stand in stark contrast to the overpowering fragrances you sometimes encounter today. I traveled the world in search of a universal, soothing scent with a calming effect on both body and mind—a gentle, clear vibration, a reassuring presence, a fragrance that felt like me. And so, it could only carry my name. A name that reflects simplicity, which has already brought me much happiness.
“A gentle and luminous vibration, a reassuring presence, a fragrance that is just like me…”, Bouzouk.
Top Notes
Winter lemon – Peruvian pepper – Saffron cinnamon
Joy, confidence, happiness, relaxation.
Middle Notes
Mimosa breeze – Sea jasmine – Salt crystals
Mental recovery, regular heartbeat, relaxation, calm.
Base Notes
Cypress resin and frankincense – Ambergris – Driftwood
Mental flexibility, comfort, protection against harmful external influences, light aphrodisiac note.
Charles Kerangoff is the owner and master perfumer of Parfumerie Guy Delforge, located in the Citadel of Namur.
