There is an undeniable sensual quality to musk, a note that is as soft as it is human. Wrapping the senses in intimacy and warmth, it often evokes memories and nostalgia when smelled. Comforting yet magnetic, clean yet carnal, it is a note of pure, primal elegance. Here are 5 musk fragrances that take the note in this direction.
Rolling in Love by Kilian is part of their Narcotics collection, and for good reason. This is a luscious blend of almond milk, iris, and musk, and I am currently addicted to it. A bit milky, a tad sweet, and ultra-creamy, it smells just like its namesake: love. Dubbed a musc de peau (skin musk) by the brand, it’s a scent that smells like the color white. One of my favorite fragrances is Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau, and I like to think of this one as a sweeter, denser version of that.
Initio’s Musk Therapy is an obvious pick for this list; its notes venture from clean to comforting as bergamot, blackcurrant, and two types of musks unfold. This fragrance feels like a hug from a loved one – there is no gender or age behind its soothing sillage. Despite its wholesome aura, there is an undercurrent of shocking sensuality. The musks play on skin in a way that just might make you blush (ever smelled Delina?). For these reasons, Musk Therapy is one of my all-time favorites.
If you want to make a statement, try Rosendo Mateu’s No. 5, a powerful punch of saffron, amber, spicy carnation, and, of course, musk. I find that certain amber-musk combinations morph into something so potent and alluring, the compliments never end. This will create a bubble around your person that exudes sophistication and seduction, all the while complementing your own skin scent. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Mr. Rosendo Mateu was a Master Perfumer from Spain, working for Puig in Barcelona as an apprentice at only 15 years old.
Bouquet de Hongrie is a BDK Parfums fragrance that pays homage to founder David Benedek’s grandmother, Edith. Characterized as a musky floral, it’s one of those scents that seems to melt into skin, rather than sitting atop it. Refreshing notes of pear, strawberry, and rose greet the nose at the opening, but the base takes over with its allure of lorenox, cedar, and musk. It reminds me of a fresh rose, wet from dewdrops, laid on white silk.
Yawahada by J-Scent is a fragrance as sensual as its name; it means “soft skin” in Japanese. Inspired by Yasunari Kawabata’s novel The House of the Sleeping Beauties, it’s a true your-skin-but-better scent, with notes of pear, milk, rice powder, rose, and musk. This a sly one; at first sniff, it’s a subtle waft of airy cleanliness, but as it sits on skin and warms, its scent bubble grows. This smells like that one person you know who smells absolutely gorgeous, but not in a perfumey way. A smidge lactonic, with just the right amount of powder, Yawahada is utterly enchanting.
This article is part of my series on the note of musk. Explore the series:
