MSK 004/NTL

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance would suit someone seeking a boozy, sweet aroma with a slightly challenging edge, perfect for close encounters in dimly lit spaces - like a dive bar on a cold night. It lends itself to a character who enjoys a little drama and wants to project an aura of confident mystery. Best suited for colder months, and only when boldness is the intention.

The Scent Profile

MSK 004/NTL throws you into an immediate sensory collision. The opening is a burst of candied grapefruit peel, less about zesty brightness and more like a sugary shellac. A prickly pink peppercorn note cuts through the initial sweetness, hinting at a more sophisticated journey, though it struggles against a synthetic mandarin note. The heart attempts to blend incense with a syrupy tobacco accord – envision a humidor filled with cherry cough drops – plus a saffron note that reads slightly metallic. The base reveals the cracks: a muted oud, far from the barnyard funk of the real deal, blended with a pleather note that lacks depth, and an amber that leans toward a vanillin sweetness rather than a rich resinous warmth. The original 'I' possesses a smoother blend and richer natural ingredients; here, a certain shrillness persists.

Longevity & Projection

On my skin, MSK 004/NTL lasts about five hours. The projection is moderate, extending roughly an arm's length for the first two hours before settling into a skin scent. I wore it during a brisk autumn walk and found it evaporated quickly in the open air. Similarly, in a heated office environment, it became faint and generic after a few hours.