Our take
What does Moustache smell like?
Moustache came out at Rochas in 1949, though the perfumer’s son Michel Roudnitska dates its creation to 1948. Edmond Roudnitska composed it, and the idea is said to have come from his wife Thérèse. He saw it as a benchmark among men’s scents. The opening is very citrusy. Lime, bergamot and lemon verbena, with basil adding a green note. The heart turns floral without saying so, with carnation, geranium and a little jasmine and rose that read like hay powder. The base is the real surprise. Oakmoss, vetiver and musk draw a slightly animal suede that is almost dirty. Recent versions have softened it. Dry cedar keeps it upright. Compared with Eau Sauvage, the same perfumer’s masterpiece, Moustache is rougher and muskier. Interparfums relaunched it in 2018 as Moustache Original 1949 with a different formula.
When to wear it
A spring cologne to spray generously in the morning, for work or weekends. Women who like citrus and suede should try it too.
It belongs to the Citrus, Aromatic family. Moustache is one of 21 creations by Rochas in our encyclopedia.
