Mat; Male (2002)
by Masakï Matsushïma

Malt;Male is a very casual fragrance in my opinion, suitable for the warmer spring and summer day wear and not much else. It has this strange quality that my inexperienced nose just can't pinpoint. It's most likely the parsley, but either way, it seems incredibly herbal and almost medicinal in the opening, with a little mint and citrus to give an intriguing fresh opening.

As it develops, it becomes more mellow and sweet, and you start to get a bit of that tea and the melon. Unfortunately I don't get much after that, which is a shame because I actually really enjoy the middle notes, but after this is just dissipates into nothing.

Which takes me on to the longevity. I get absolutely awful longevity. I think possibly the worst of anything I've tried on my skin. It lasts for about 2-3 hours before fading into the background, with you having to put your nose right up against the skin to smell the faintest of smells.

Linearity - 3/5
Longevity - 2/5
Projection - 3/5
Versatility - 2/5
Smell - 3/5
Overall rating - 2/5

A somewhat unique hot day fragrance, but the incredibly poor longevity and not many situations to wear this make me pass on a full bottle.

2nd May, 2010.

Minimalist herbs. It's cool but warms up after a while. Lightly salted and mint. The drydown is good. It's a very clean, herbal feel to it. That's the part I like. Very hesitant thumbs up as the opening really distracts me from the rest of the fragrance.

16th August, 2009.

flowery and green.very cheap . good scent but i am not a fan of the earthy,fresh,floral types. plus paul smith the original does it better.

29th July, 2009.

I have to agree with a previous reviewer... After a couple of hours, the base of green, sappy wood - bamboo, I suppose - with some dusty, fruity florals hanging on in there, is really, really good.

But the shrill opening, like an animated, brightly coloured confectionery counter, commandeered by some frightening ninja lychees and a samurai watermelon, attacking your olfactory organ with lots of sharp little citrus swords and badly-aimed berry nunchucks, is enjoyably strange but not particularly pleasant.

3rd July, 2009.

It's a fresh, sensual and vibrant scent. There is little competition out there, Versace Eau Fraiche having a similar scent but with a younger appeal. It's not strong but does strike that great accord between green, floral and musky without being too feminine.

21st December, 2007.

I am a fan of mat;male, but only felt it pungent when I first wore it. After a few more tries, however, I began to appreciate its concept of contradiction. While its flowery sweetness is warm, inviting, and really feminine sometimes, sharp lines are drawn by the spicy notes of juniper berry and white leather, which make the scent tender and stern at the same time. A very unique blend indeed.

27th October, 2007.