20 Musky Fragrances to Suit Any Scent Preference
Courtesy of Byredo
Medically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MD
Unlike more palpable notes of robust florals or warm ambers, musky scents have a somewhat mutable quality to them. They can come across as clean and crisp in one iteration, earthy and woody in another, and dark and spicy in others. It's that intoxicating mystery that makes musks so alluring, the transformative scent settling into everyone's skin differently. And it's that very nature that makes narrowing down a winning circle of musky fragrances so difficult. But that won't stop us from culling a list of the top musky staples for every fragrance-lover's collection.
Keep scrolling for some of our all-time favorite musky perfumes.
Prada Paradoxe
Prada Paradoxe ($125)
A relative newcomer to the fragrance sphere, Prada's Paradoxe perfume was launched in 2022. The floral-forward scent highlights the multifaceted essence of womanhood, celebrating the very contradictions to which its name alludes to. The composition achieves this balance through the addition of heady notes of musk, amber, and neroli for a more grounded finish.
Henry Rose Jake's House
Henry Rose Jake's House ($120)
Created with an androgynous ethos, this unisex scent presents a slightly more masculine iteration of musk without sacrificing freshness. The crisp, aquatic fragrance has a noticeably clean presence courtesy of the marine and citrus notes that accompany the musk.
Kayali Musk | 12
Kayali Musk | 12 ($25)
This soft, powdery floral with a heavy dose of musk was, as the name suggests, formulated 12 times before the brand settled on the perfect blend. You won't be disappointed. The scent is layered with breezy florals such as lotus flower, freesia, and jasmine, balanced out by warm vanilla and sandalwood.
Bastide Rose Olivier
Bastide Rose Olivier Eau de Toilette ($130)
With strong notes of musk, bergamot, juicy tangerine, and lychee, this is not your average floral fragrance. Found in the south of France, this scent is inspired by the olive tree, which is grounded in an intoxicating balance of sweetness and spice. This is ideal for anyone who likes floral scents but hates how cloyingly sweet they can be.
Diptyque Do Son
Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum ($220)
With the white flower tuberose as its core, this white musky scent is strong yet not overpowering. Accompanying notes of amber wood, jasmine, and orange blossom complement this scent that smells like a bouquet. In short, a spicy, summer fragrance with a current of sea breeze running through it.
D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic
D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic Eau de Parfum ($210)
Imagine the perfect unisex fragrance that's an alluring mix of the summer wind, grass, and rose. Sounds like heaven, no? We'd say this D.S. & Durga fragrance comes close to that mix, with top notes of bergamot, petals, and lemon oil, and heart notes of linden, rose accord, and dune grass. At the base, you'll find saltwater, white moss, and muscone.
Glossier You
Glossier You ($68)
Described by the brand as "smooth, salty, and animalistic," the best way to explain the scent of this millennial-favorite fragrance is that it smells like you. Its hint of musk makes the addictive smell linger for hours on end, meaning you don't have to worry about reapplying throughout the day.
Le Labo Rose 31
Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum ($99)
An eco-conscious, ambiguous scent that smells amazing on just about everyone is Rose 31. With a ladylike note of centifolia rose partnered with masculine notes of cumin, olibanum, cedar, musk, and amber, this is the best of both worlds.
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning ($160)
Name something that sounds better than Lazy Sunday Morning? We'll wait. Experience peak relaxation with strong, soothing notes of lily of the valley, iris, and white musk.
Byredo Mojave Ghost
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum ($290)
Be transported to the Mojave Desert with this woody scent, which is perfect if you're jaded by the hustle and bustle of city life. The ghost flower combines Chantilly musk, amber, cedarwood, sandalwood, magnolia, and Jamaican naseberry to create a calming, soothing fragrance.
Tom Ford White Suede
Tom Ford White Suede Eau de Parfum Decanter ($295)
A "musky medley" that's meant to smell like the highest form of leather? Sounds expensive and worth it, so we'll take it. Sure, this fragrance is not cheap, but it will have you smelling like a million bucks.
Aerin Amber Musk
Aerin Amber Musk ($89)
A velvety scent that is immediately entrancing is the best way to describe this (which happens to be one of our favorite bedtime scents). It's a calming blend of amber and creamy musk, relaxing florals, and a surprising dash of coconut water.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly
Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly Eau de Parfum ($175)
This one has a sweet story behind it—the founder of Vilhelm Parfumerie based the Dear Polly scent on his wife's daily cup of tea. How cute is that? And the fragrance is nothing to sniff at, either. A crisp blend of bergamot and apple mixes with musk, oakmoss, and ceylon black tea.
Clean Reserve Acqua Neroli
Clean Reserve Acqua Neroli ($110)
Fans of crisp, clean scents will love this musky, citrusy mix of neroli, amber, and mandarin orange. The brand focuses on creating environmentally-friendly fragrances, so this is a great option if sustainability is a top concern. With recyclable packaging and green manufacturing practices, this is a perfume purchase you can feel good about.
Ariana Grande Cloud
Ariana Grande Cloud ($65)
Celebrity perfumes have a pretty bad reputation. Mostly, that reputation is earned. But don't let it scare you away from Cloud by Ariana Grande. Rather than cloying and sweet, Cloud blends playful florals like lavender and jasmine with warm cashmere and musk, plus sweet vanilla, orchid, and praline.
The Body Shop White Musk
The Body Shop White Musk ($33)
Many of the fragrances on this list are pricey, but budget-conscious vegan perfume lovers can certainly get their musk fix for less. The Body Shop White Musk is a crisp blend of musk, vanilla, and florals. Best of all, the two-ounce bottle is $33.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Eau de Parfum ($138)
Inspired by Narciso Rodriguez's signature fragrance, heart of music, this Eau de Parfum is a deeper and more intense play on the original composition. On the top, you'll find notes of juicy plum, but deeper, you'll smell rich leather suede accords. According to the product description, Narciso Rodriguez says this scent "pays homage to the dual nature of all women," and that is found in the blend of light and dark notes.
Ouai Rue St. Honoré
Ouai Rue St. Honoré Eau de Parfum ($64)
Ouai is best known for its stellar hair products, but they also carry a range of fragrances inspired by cities around the world. This fresh, floral scent, harking back to the streets of Paris, features notes of violet, gardenia, ylang-ylang, and white musk.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum ($95)
It's likely you're already familiar with this popular fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent, but if you're not, allow us to introduce you. This boldly floral scent blends notes of lavender, Morrocan orange blossom, and musk accord.
724 Maison Francis Kurkdijan
Maison Francis Kurkdijan 724 Eau de Parfum ($170)
This lively fragrance is a mix of musky floral notes that feels clean and energizing. Top notes include Bergamot from Calabria and aldehydes, while fresh florals and jasmine absolute from Egypt are at the heart of the scent. The white musk and sandalwood add a comforting element to the fragrance.
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Read the original article on Byrdie.