NARCISO RODRIGUEZ.
PURE MUSC FOR HER 2019
Perfumer
Sonia Constant
Key notes
Orange Blossom · Heart of Musc · Ylang Ylang · Jasmine · Cashmeran Wood
This is one of the most unique perfumes I've met to date, and it nails it's assignment which was to capture the house's signature Musc.
I started wearing this in the dead of winter (maybe inspired by the snowy bottle?) on dark morning walks into work. I'd bundle up and spritz this onto my scarf before heading out. It was during a time in my perfume exploration when I had no idea what I liked. If I'd known that jasmine, ylang-ylang AND orange blossom are up there with my most challenging notes, I would never have dared to try this - it's surely a ticket to a headache, right?
Thankfully it doesn't smell anything like the notes to me. It just smells like snow.
Pure Musc is much more of a feeling than a collection of distinct notes I can pick out. To me, it smells like a cashmere scarf and warming your hands on a radiator. It smells safe and calm.
After I left that job, I had such a strong (not all unpleasant, just strong) association with that particular workplace that I had to take a break from this perfume. About a year later, I dug it back out and fell in love again. It just makes me smile, and while I said it reminds me of snow, less sensitive noses could definitely enjoy this in warmer weather with its creamy florals.
It's the perfect all-rounder. Excellent for yourself, great for the office, and the scent you reach for when you just want to smell put together. Side note: just make sure you shower before wearing it (generally solid advice), as musks can come off like BO if you're not your freshest.
I'd also strongly recommend trying it on your skin before buying. Narciso perfumes really come alive on skin, and that's not always a good thing. Looking at you, Poudrée EDP... But if you're lucky enough that Pure Musc likes your skin, it's a guaranteed compliment-getter - turns out most people just love soft, clean smells.
A quick moment for the bottle, *chef's kiss*. The classic Narciso shape (I totally buy that they're supposedly inspired by the New York skyline) housing a mysterious and impossibly modern-looking juice is so chic.
I was gutted when I found out the juice isn't actually this blurry white colour. The bottle is painted. That was like learning Father Christmas doesn't exist. Just depressing.
It doesn't matter though. The presentation is top tier and I can't recommend this fragrance enough.
EXTRAIT NOTES:
Mood
Polished.
Wear when you want to feel
Effortless.
Last thought
Cashmere.