10-Musk, Musk, Musk by Rosendo Mateu: A Soft and Creamy Musk Fantasy
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Earlier this year, Rosendo Mateu introduced 10-Musk, Musk, Musk, a fragrance dedicated to the beauty of musk. And while the name may be straightforward, the perfume itself is surprisingly dreamy.
Photo credit: Instagram / @kristinakii.scents
At perfume fairs this year, I’ve noticed musk having its moment, appearing in increasingly unexpected ways. From the floral, incensy interpretation of Musc Nurāsana by Maison Crivelli to the cold, skin-like musk of Salty Skin by Le Persona, the ingredient shows its different sides, yet unified by sensuality if offers.
And now, there is another direction to explore: a sweet, soft, enveloping musk fantasy from one of Spain’s best-known niche perfume houses.
Rosendo Mateu is a house, built around the expertise and legacy of its founder, Rosendo Mateu. After 45 years dedicated to the world of fragrances, he was appointed Master Perfumer in 2010, cementing his reputation as one of Spain's most respected perfumers.
His legacy continues to live on through the brand even after his passing in 2022. In 2023, Olfactory Journeys Collection was introduced as a tribute to his career and mastery.
And now, 10-Musk, Musk, Musk comes as an addition to the brand’s first, Main Collection. The fragrance was created to explore how clean and sensual musk can be. Despite the current popularity of musk, this interpretation doesn't feel redundant to me. Instead, it takes the material in yet another direction.
The official notes mention aldehydes, but I don't get the typical soapy quality that aldehydes can sometimes bring, nor do I find the scent sharp or headachy. Here, their clean effect feels much more discreet, almost hidden underneath.
My first impression was, surprisingly, vanilla ice cream. But don't mistake this for a gourmand fragrance. It isn't particularly edible or sugary. What I sense instead is the creamy, dreamy softness of vanilla ice cream – the feeling of something smooth, fluffy and comforting. Like falling into a soft white cloud.
As the fragrance develops, the initial sweetness gradually fades, giving more space to the ambery musk underneath. The perfume becomes even warmer, cozier and more enveloping. On the skin, it feels silky smooth, with no sharp edges or sudden turns.
There is something very comforting about its texture. It is warm without becoming heavy, sensual without being overtly seductive, and clean without becoming sterile.
The evolution is relatively linear, too. 10-Musk, Musk, Musk doesn't dramatically transform itself over the hours. Instead, it stays close to its original idea.
Its projection follows the same intimate approach. This is not a fragrance that demands attention from across the room. It stays relatively close to the skin, creating more of a personal scent bubble than a statement-making trail.
In a moment when musk perfumes are on the rise, Rosendo Mateu 10-Musk, Musk, Musk doesn't try to compete by being louder or more unusual. Instead, it offers a comforting musk fantasy, that feels less like freshly washed laundry and more like daydreaming beneath the summery clouds.
[the bottle kindly gifted, opinions my own]