Behind Moodeaux's Gender Inclusive Scent PunkStar Scent

The February issue explored the genderless fragrance boom, tapping analysts to discuss what was driving consumer purchases.

Perfumer & Flavorist+ (P&F+) tapped fragrance curator and former SVP of product innovation at Victoria’s Secret Beauty for his perspective on the growth of the genderless fragrance market.

"The trends have a broader reach that isn’t gender-based as floral and fresh notes have more appeal across genders that may not have been open to them previously. As importantly it is all about how the fragrance is balanced/created, the connection, and the emotions it provokes in the users. This will continue as the taste for fragrances continue to widen," Knitowski shared.

One of the latest launches within the genderless fragrance sector is PunkStar by Moodeaux. P&F+ connected with founder Brianna Arps to explain the inspiration and formulation behind the scent.

What inspired this fragrance? 

Inspired by overlapping music genres of past and present, PunkStar channels big “main character energy” while carrying out our mission to empower scent-crazed beauty fanatics as they accessorize their mood and practice the best form of self-care: self-expression.

On a personal note, I'm a real extrovert. No doubt about it. But deep down inside, I'm also a proud loner. A free spirit out to "rock my own world" before ever, ever settling just to exist in someone else's. Shedding societal pressure has helped me realize I already have everything inside of me needed to live a well-qualified life—minus the outside validation I once sought after at my own detriment. I would be remiss to ignore the role this played in ideating PunkStar. There's true power in reclaiming a word such as "punk," which has long been used to talk down on those misunderstood the most. I want people to recognize that, plus the star within themselves, as they navigate through life challenging every status quo.

How does PunkStar align with Moodeaux’s line of fragrances/brand?

Made for the unapologetically outspoken rebel inside us all, we at Moodeaux believe self-expression is the best self-care. This sentiment drives everything our vegan, cruelty-free fragrance label puts out, including PunkStar. Like Moodeaux's first scent Worthy, it too was named and designed with intention at every angle. There's true power in reclaiming a word such as "punk," which has long been used to talk down on those society misunderstands the most. We wanted people to recognize that, plus the star within themselves, as they navigate through life challenging every status quo.According to founder Brianna Arps, "PunkStar invokes an inner fearlessness to rebel against the status quo and rock your own world."courtesy of Moodeaux

Can you discuss how PunkStar’s ingredients coexist with one another? 

PunkStar invokes an inner fearlessness to rebel against the status quo and rock your own world. Juicy dark fruit tinged with a hint of saffron smolders alongside incense, rose and peppery cedar leaves wrapped in leather — combining both feminine and masculine auras for supreme depth and richness. It's truly a perfectly balanced, unisex eau de parfum with distinct notes that linger wherever applied, solving the most-common pain points associated with today's fragrances. When layered with Moodeaux's award-winning, dry-oil perfume spray — which forms a moisturizing barrier that helps skin retain scent — wearers can adapt PunkStar's strength for an even greater personalized experience. 

• Top notes: Apple, black currant, raspberry, incense and saffron 
• Middle notes: Rose, honeysuckle, cedar leaves and moss 
• Bottom notes: Vanilla, tonka bean, leather, birch wood and patchouli

From your perspective, what are some of the current trends driving innovative fine fragrance launches?

I love seeing how labels are experimenting with decadent gourmands and adding sophistication to fruit-forward juices. I also think it's fun that younger consumers remain eager to try just about anything — "the stranger, the better" rings true as they seek fragrances that surprise and delight. In turn, this challenges perfumer's to deviate from the norm, expand their palette and find new inspiration in uncommon sources. While Moodeaux doesn't necessarily follow or adhere to trends, these playful approaches are integral to our briefing process.