The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Eilish No. 2 arrived in 2022 as Billie Eilish's second fragrance, marking a departure from familiar fragrance territory. Working with perfumer Catherine Selig, the composition pushed toward something more complex: a woody-floral built on contrast. Fresh bergamot meets earthy depth. Delicate apple blossom alongside black pepper's bite. The result is a fragrance that balances brightness with something more grounded, creating tension between the citrus top notes and the deeper elements that emerge as the scent develops.
The tension between papyrus and black pepper is where this fragrance lives. Papyrus brings a mineral, dry quality to the composition. Black pepper adds a sharp, warm element. Corn rose introduces a slightly wild floral quality that softens what might otherwise read as entirely woody. Together, these three notes create a woody, earthy spiciness. Palo Santo and ebony in the base take the smoke further, creating depth and warmth that lingers on the skin. The overall effect is a fragrance with more complexity than typical celebrity releases might suggest.
The evolution
The bergamot opens with citrus notes, apple blossom alongside it. Then the papyrus arrives, shifting the mood toward something more mineral and dry. Black pepper adds warmth that complements the papyrus. Corn rose lingers in the background, floral and slightly wild. The drydown takes over as the top notes fade. Palo Santo and ebony form a woody base with smoky undertones. Musk keeps everything close to the skin. The smoke quality varies depending on skin chemistry, reading differently on different people. The fragrance lasts through several hours of wear time.
Cultural impact
Rosendo Mateu No 2 arrives at a moment when consumers seek authenticity over spectacle. The combination of Italian bergamot with apple blossom and papyrus creates an intriguing olfactory profile. This fragrance offers a nuanced approach to scent design, emphasizing subtle complexity over overt presence. The bergamot provides a fresh citrus quality that pairs with the delicate floral notes of apple blossom, while papyrus adds an unexpected mineral and dry dimension that grounds the composition. Those looking for something beyond typical powerhouse releases will find this scent rewards close attention.
The House
Rosendo MateuRosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions is an independent fragrance house rooted in Barcelona. Founded by master perfumer Rosendo Mateu (1945-2021), the brand crafts scents built around three signature ingredients per composition. His son Joan Mateu now carries forward the family legacy. The house maintains a collection of 22 fragrances spanning two numbered lines, with new editions released through 2026.
The Creator
Catherine SeligCatherine’s signature technique blends crisp citrus top notes with a heart of soft florals, anchored by a warm, mineral base. She frequently reaches for bergamot, yuzu, and pink pepper to add brightness, then layers in jasmine, peony, or lily of the valley for depth.
