Masquerade.

Masquerade emerged from Corey Newcombe’s fascination with juxtaposing bright fruit and dark, dry elements. In 2024, the Australian perfumer set out to capture the intrigue of a masquerade ball, where guests hide behind elegant masks before revealing hidden depths. He chose peach as the opening mask, vivid, inviting, then layered black tea and smoke to suggest the concealed, smoky whispers behind the façade. The base of amber, resins and vanilla grounds the composition, echoing the house’s laboratory‑like precision and love for contrast.

The combination of stone‑fruit and smoky tea is unusual for a feminine scent, making Masquerade stand out in Criminal Elements’ catalogue. Peach provides a juicy, almost edible sparkle, while the tea‑smoke duo adds a dry, slightly bitter edge that prevents the fragrance from slipping into saccharine territory. Amber and resinous notes then melt the contrast into a warm, powdery finish, showcasing Newcombe’s skill at turning disparate materials into a cohesive, mysterious waltz.

At first spray, peach erupts like a freshly‑picked orchard slice, bright and slightly tart, drawing immediate attention. Within ten minutes, the black tea unfurls, its tannic bite softened by a veil of smoke that curls like a lingering ember, shifting the mood from playful to contemplative. As the fragrance settles around the half‑hour mark, amber begins to glow, resinous accords add a powdery depth, and vanilla whispers a creamy, caramel‑kissed sigh. By the two‑hour point, the smoky edge recedes, leaving a warm, amber‑rich trail that clings gently to skin for the remaining three to four hours, offering a lingering mystery that feels both bright and brooding.

Since its 2024 debut, Masquerade has sparked conversation among niche enthusiasts for its daring contrast of stone‑fruit sweetness and smoky tea. Reviewers note its playful yet mysterious character, describing it as “spilled peach ice tea” turned into a “mysterious waltz.” The scent has found a niche among those who enjoy bright openings that quickly evolve into deeper, brooding dry‑downs, positioning it as a modern, contrast‑driven statement piece.