FRAGRANCE | Mandarin Musk EDP by ScentSmith Perfumery: A nice and inoffensive musky floral

Marketed as a women's fragrance, Mandarin Musk was part of ScentSmith Perfumery's second batch of releases introduced during the brand's grand launch back in November 2018. I didn't realize it's been that long already. The general scent structure does fit the feminine stereotype although to me it leans a little unisex, which could explain why I don't have a problem wearing it at all.

The citrus is a little sweet although it's momentarily marred by the strong alcohol in the opening. Once it has burned off, though, the citrus can be appreciated more. It's indistinct but pleasant, effectively rounded by the sweetness. A mix of florals is introduced almost immediately, their individual characters indistinguishable to my nose. They strike me as predominantly white, however; not heavy but not entirely transparent either.

There's also something faintly herbal in the opening but it's too far in the background to be noticeable. It's still the combination of citrus, florals, and ambery sweetness that waft around before the citrus fades and a soft musk cradles the remaining notes, which takes its time in covering ground. Between 1 to 2 hours later, the musk takes on a sort of sweaty turn on my skin. The resulting mix with the florals reminds me of Cabotine de Grès, which is odd because that one isn't particularly musky and is more of a green floral. The scent stays this way until it fades.

The name can be confusing but Mandarin Musk is an overall nice, contemporary, sweet, musky floral that's wearable all year round. Projection teeters between moderate and soft, with the scent lasting several hours. It's not exactly a must-try but I see it appealing to people who just want something pleasant and not loud, either as a matter of preference or simply to satisfy a mood.