The fleshiness of musk has been softened and refined into something as sparkling as it is effervescent with these new perfumes.
Strangely, no one is able to pinpoint the exact time when we as a human species decided that the usage of musks as an aromatic substance was delightful. Some sources claim that the Tamang of Nepal — an ethnic group that constitutes 5.6% of the population — could have been the first as they were pioneers in musk deers hunting. In modern times however, brands have been marketing musks as sensual and seductive (and Chanel Edimbourg sure is with its smoky and earthy accords): one single spritz to connote something carnal.
It boils down to science and science has indicated that men and women are able to send and receive subconscious odour signals (the easiest way to know if one is attracted to someone would be changes in mood, heart rate, breathing or body temperature), a personalised form of pheromones that is unique to one’s diet, genetics and the bath products he uses. While this act of attraction dates back to prehistoric times when the first species of animal roamed the land lifting their tails to attract mates, we have evolved slightly differently.Firstly, we do not have a functioning “vomeronasal” organ located in the nasal cavity above the roof of our mouths like animals. Instead, we sense smells via our olfactory system. Secondly, we are better equipped than our bipedal counterparts: we have the act of slipping into DMs or opposable thumbs to swipe left or right. What then is the point of these musk fragrances?
They can be considered to be the “lighter” end of the spectrum when it comes to musk fragrances, the pendulum that swings between subtle and powdery (Histoiries de Parfum 1969 at Amaris uses it to amplify its peach and rose coffee notes) as opposed to heavy-handed and aggressive. If one is a ballet fanatic, the Odette to the Odile.
Cartier La Panthere uses musk as a balancing base note to give depth to gardenia and pink rhubarb just like how the one used in Loewe Agua Mar de Coral (available at escentials) creates some colour in the fragrance: a soft white that forms a backdrop against pink and red. Le Labo AnOther 13 too is another example of the modernity of musks, a synthetic animal one — of which there are the usual suspects of four ranging from syrupy galaxolide to soapy ambrettolide — to give one peace of mind upon purchase.
Though one might not realise it, the fragrance he is using now might even contain a very small trace of musk for tenacity (or in frag-speak, projection) or as something “solid” to structure a fragrance. Most importantly however would be for one to take a closer whiff before encouraging someone else to do so. The seduction is in the sniff, best done in the crook of one’s neck.
Photography Ching l GreenPlasticSoldiers
Styling Tok Wei Lun
Once you’re done with this story about these new musk perfumes, click here to catch up with our March 2022 cover stars, BTS!
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