Masaki Matsushima mat ; Homme – Pine-Infused Onsen (Jerome De Marino, 2020)

 Scentrack: Ryuichi Sakamoto - Opus

 

As an enthusiast for Japanese aesthetics, I could not miss this peculiar Masaki Matsushima bottle design and its Wabi Sabi coloring. It was hypnotizing attracted to buy a piece of serenity in this crazy world. I confess, the fragrance itself and notes were not crucial this time.

Source: https://www.theluxurysignature.com/2019/09/17/niseko-onsens-etiquettes-health-facts-and-the-best-places-to-experience-it/

Luckily, I was not let down. Mat; Homme, created by Jerome de Marino, was the peace I was looking for. Like entering a warm Japanese onsen surrounded by pine trees under the clothing of snow. A touch of citrus fruits as an overture to the wet pine accompanied by a cedar-like fragrant body. There is a pinch of sweetness in the opening as well, probably due to the small dose of ethyl maltol, creating a short-lived Baccarat Rouge effect. The elemi by its citrus-resin combo provides a soft transition to the more resinous part of the creation. The resins are soft and accompanied by even softer florals. Lavender and saffron are well hidden, and even cinnamon is pale and soft. The base is polished and almost unidentifiable. I guess an Iso E Super cedar sparkled with a touch of ambroxane and musk. The whole composition is soft and introspective.

Taken all together, mat; home is a nice soft creation with a distinct Japanese character. A bottle of serenity in a mad world we are living in. Still, I hope this wise quote will not fulfill: “Serenity now, insanity later”.   

 

Longevity / Projection

Good (7-8 hours) / Average

 

Suggested wearing

Fall and Winter / Daytime

 

Alternatives

 

Pros

Serene and balanced

Easy to wear

Beautiful bottle

Not a part of fragrance mainstream

 

Cons

Not a part of fragrance mainstream

 

 

Rating

7/10