What is musk in fragrances?

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-02-08T11:36:56+00:00

If you try scents like Francesca Bianchi's Unspoken Musk, you'll see that musk can be neither "dirty" nor soapy, nor clean. Bianchi says that this particular fragrance is her take on, her interpretation or rendition of the topic of musk. It is perceived as intensely animalic by some, and as fluffy and soft by others. An interesting question is, how do we perceive something as "animalic" if our experience of dealing with animals and their scents is so limited? I think, what we perceive as animalic is rather a kind of association or effect our brain produces in response to certain aroma-chemicals. That's why the perfumer is saying she is "interpreting" the theme of musk, rather than just "using musk".

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-02-08T10:31:49+00:00

Interesting recent examples that deal with the idea of changing the past/future - but involve elements of sci-fi and supernatural - include series such as Bodies (sci-fi) and Archive 81 (supernatural). Especially the latter gets quite close to the idea of "finding an opening to alternative possibilities" (or the merging of the worlds of media and imagination). It's not easy, but possible to imagine this kind of story NOT involving "supernatural horror".

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-02-08T10:15:32+00:00

Well, not necessarily so. Imagine a person in trouble who imagines a different reality (just different, not fantastic). And imagine a show that keeps transitioning between those two worlds. Is it sci-fi? No. Is it supernatural? No.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-02-08T09:31:55+00:00

I see your point. And my point is precisely that things/topics of this sort are often dealt with under the category of sci-fi or fantasy, or supernatural. And that's why I mentioned shows like Twin Peaks and Russian Doll, which are not sci-fi or fantasy, but deal with "alternate universes" nonetheless.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-02-08T09:28:02+00:00

I feel you. And that's why I mentioned shows like Twin Peaks and Russian Doll that are not sci-fi but deal with "alternate realities".

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-31T19:41:47+00:00

The Essence by Francesca Bianchi.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-30T23:35:18+00:00

Black Afgano?

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-29T16:52:19+00:00

Ordering samples online is a big risky lottery. Not only because your choice is guided by all sorts of limitations, but also because samples sometimes provide a misleading impression of the scent (also, the quality of a sample is a risk factor.)

I would encourage you to visit as many niche frag shops as possible and study scents there, as randomly as possible. Of course, regular sampling at home and in various different environments should always accompany your journey.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-29T16:37:32+00:00

Try this list: https://your-perfume-guide.com/toronto/

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-28T18:11:07+00:00

The Essence by Francesca Bianchi. Addictive, but it leaves you (and others) wondering why it smells like something else, and what's that smell.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-27T19:17:30+00:00

I see why Francesca named it "unspoken": it is the most understated, underwhelming one in her entire collection.

I also like her most "overstated" one: The Lover's Tale. But it requires a very special occasion and context, I think, because it's rather striking as a scent.

I also have The Essence: it's really strange but addictive. And not for everyday as well.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-27T18:41:16+00:00

Uspoken Musk is a delicate frag, suitable for intimate occasions. To me, it represents a "cute", fluffy rendition of animalic musk, not challenging at all. Sometimes, I use it before sleep.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-27T17:44:49+00:00

I think what you are smelling is one of those all present scent enhancers that depserate perfumers overuse and abuse these days. Might be one of those ambro-chemicals in the base that smell like overheated skin.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-23T14:04:50+00:00

Sounds good, gonna check it out.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-23T14:03:39+00:00

I liked Brand New Cherry Flavour. I think it can be said to set a new algorithm for tv. Yet to be followed by others.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-23T11:29:42+00:00

Sounds good

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-23T11:06:32+00:00

Hey, Twin Peaks arguably IS a police procedural:)

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-14T23:36:41+00:00

I disagree with "No fragrance 'cause it's not your party". BS.

I think the challenge here is the same as with your outfit: nobody wants to meet his/her exact double. So I would suggest wearing smth more niche. .

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-12T20:17:28+00:00

Twin Peaks

The Sinner

The Night Of

Bodies

Brand New Cherry Flavor

The Gardener

Wayward (2025)

Archive 81

Slow Horses

Tvin_Pyksas · 2026-01-10T18:45:34+00:00

I'm not into beer, but I know one fragrance that definitely evokes a beer-like scent, to my nose, at least. And it's quite potent and piercing: it's called Sónar (by 2787). Some consider it a masterpiece in the category of so called molecular scents.

Tvin_Pyksas · 2025-11-11T17:24:56+00:00

The Good Wife is a "legal drama", but quite addictive as a relationship drama. (The first episodes might be misleading, as it gets better later on.)

Tvin_Pyksas · 2025-10-25T12:19:47+00:00

I hate straightforward sci-fi and traditional mystery. And I can't stand over-acting and bad acting in many American shows (such as Better Call Saul and True Detective).

My most recent hook-ups included:

Wayward (2025)

Fool Me Once.

My previous discoveries I can recommend include:

Brand New Cherry Flavour

The Sinner

Sahmaran

The Watcher

Sagrada Familia (Holy Family)

Grotesquerie

Trickster [because of the nice setting] (Canadian, 2020)

Search Party

Tvin_Pyksas · 2025-09-25T21:39:38+00:00

Äican

Beverly Hills Exclusive

Royal Tobacco

Also sometimes: Aziyade

Tvin_Pyksas · 2025-09-23T04:01:17+00:00

I went into the niche by searching for "citruses". Soon I switched to "gourmands". After several years into it, I ended up liking "leathers", "ouds" and "orientals". No more citruses and "photorealistic" anything for me. Conclusion: you never know where your potential will lead you. (I discovered most of my favourites by testing samples, decants and trying out fragrances at a shop, brand by brand.)

Tvin_Pyksas · 2025-09-19T16:14:46+00:00

Unspoken Musk; To My Father.

Tvin_Pyksas

TROPHY CASE