The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Rajiv Sheth composed Musk for All Good Scents, a fragrance launched in 2016 for men. Its note list pairs mandarin orange with musk, rum, ylang-ylang, amber, oud, patchouli, and tonka bean. The combination gives the scent a clear contrast between bright citrus and a darker, warmer base. Mandarin orange supplies an energetic opening, while rum adds a rounded sweetness beneath the fruit. Musk gives the composition a soft center, and ylang-ylang brings a floral note that bridges the brighter top and richer materials below. Amber, oud, patchouli, and tonka bean complete the structure with depth, warmth, and a subtle sweetness. Musk is a compact study in contrasts: citrus against spice, floral nuance against woods, and freshness against a close, resonant base.
Mandarin orange gives Musk a crisp, bright entry, with the clean snap of citrus sitting against the warmer suggestion of rum. The fruit accord feels lively rather than overly sweet, while rum introduces a rounder, more expressive character underneath. Musk provides a continuous thread through the composition, smoothing the sharper citrus and connecting it to the darker base notes. Ylang-ylang adds a floral dimension that complements the fruit without becoming the sole focus. Amber lends warmth and sweetness, while oud brings a woody, slightly smoky depth.
The evolution
Musk begins with the bright character of mandarin orange, which gives the fragrance its clearest sense of energy. The citrus note is joined by rum, adding a warmer and more rounded layer beneath the fresh opening. As the scent develops, musk becomes more apparent, softening the composition and linking the brighter citrus with the deeper notes. Ylang-ylang contributes a floral accent that works alongside the fruit and musk rather than defining the scent on its own. The base is built around amber, oud, patchouli, and tonka bean. Amber and tonka bean bring warmth and sweetness, while oud and patchouli introduce depth, texture, and an earthy quality. The overall progression moves from a fresh citrus impression toward a warmer, more layered fragrance with a clear woody foundation.
Cultural impact
Musk can be understood through the contrast at the center of its listed composition. Mandarin orange brings brightness, rum adds warmth, musk supplies softness, and ylang-ylang introduces a floral accent. Amber, oud, patchouli, and tonka bean then give the fragrance a darker and more textured foundation. That combination places it between fresh and warm registers, making the scent appealing to those who enjoy citrus openings followed by deeper woods, earthy notes, and sweet base materials. The composition also reflects a contemporary approach to fragrance through its use of familiar note families in a layered arrangement.
The House
CelioCelio (sometimes stylized Celuí) is a Los Angeles-based niche fragrance house built on a curious premise: scent as something felt, not just smelled. Founded in 2020 by Nicole Townend and Veronica Hu, the brand leans into pheromone-infused perfumery with the goal of creating an almost magnetic pull between wearer and admirer.
The Creator
Frank JammesFrank builds his compositions with a minimalist mindset. He layers a bright top of Sicilian bergamot, a heart of Tunisian jasmine absolute, and a base of aged cedarwood from the Atlas mountains.
