When you describe something as ‘musky’, it’s normally met with a raised eyebrow and flared nostrils. Musky is a word that conjures up the negative, but in the world of perfumes, it’s far from how it sounds. Musk used in scent isn’t moth-balls-in-the-wardrobe musk, it’s warm, and endearing, and creates a layer of intrigue to a fragrance profile. It also adds an element of long-lasting staying power, because when all the jazzy notes leave the stage, it’s musk that’s left carrying the encore.
We’re giving musky perfumes the spotlight they truly deserve with our top ten picks that are loved by you and our in-house experts.
Velvet Orchid, Tom Ford
There is nothing subtle about this scent. So, if you want someone to notice you when you walk on by or make a lasting impression on your date, this bold bottle of Tom Ford decadence is the antidote. Blending bouquets of Turkish rose, black orchid and orange blossom with pops of honey, myrrh, bergamot and rum, it’s a fragrance note lesson in more is more.
Fronted by pop sensation Dua Lipa and following on from the success of the signature scent, Yves Saint Lauren’s latest Libre Eau de Toilette drop was a winner from the word go. Adding a fresher spin on things this time around, it throws together pops of lavender, orange blossom, white tea over a musk-meets-vanilla base.
Libre Eau de Toilette for her by Yves Saint Laurent
Thought musk perfumes were all dark, brooding and mysterious? Think again. Dior’s Miss Absolutely Blooming rewrites the stereotype by layering zingy notes of pomegranate, pink peppercorn, raspberry and peony accord over its musk base.
Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming Eau de Parfum for her by Dior
As memorable as Carrie Bradshaw and as lovely as well, the name lets on. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely Youhas stood the test of time thanks to its love letter (or should that be column?) to musk.
Lovely Eau de Parfum for her by Sarah Jessica Parker
Not one to do things by half measures, Ariana Grande’s Cloud is a stand-out addition to our musky favourites. Starting with lavender blossom, juicy pear and bergamot that’s as melodic as her signature riffs, before moving on to a deliciously sweet heart (think creme de coconut, praline AND vanilla), it’s a blend of joy-inducing notes for pop princesses in the making.
Unlike other musk perfumes that use the note as a grounding base, Pure Musc by Narciso Rodriguez puts it at the heart for a scent with an ‘addictive’ touch. Designed to be worn solo for musk at its purist, or combined with the brand’s signature eponymous scents for bolder hit of florals, how will you wear yours?
For Her Pure Musc Eau de Parfum for her by Narciso Rodriguez
Want to dip your toe in the world of musky perfumes? Discover the signature fragrance Prada Paradoxe. A floral, amber fragrance that embraces iconic ingredients to re-invent feminine classics. At the base, to bring a subtly intense, long-lasting, and unforgettable depth to Paradoxe, a new musk molecule has been developed, light enough to notice right from the first spritz.
Illicit Flower Eau de Toilette for her by Jimmy Choo
Captivating. Provocative. Deliberately seductive. Yves Saint Laurent unveils Black Opium, re-inventing desire in a new, contemporary light. The signature black coffee accord is paired with sensual vanilla, enriched by the softness of white flowers and orange blossom, set against a base of patchouli and comforting white musk. A daring contrast of light and dark for today’s boldest women.
Black Opium Vinyl Jacket Eau de Parfum for her by Yves Saint Laurent
There’s not a lot of top 10 lists that Kenzo Flower doesn’t top thanks to its timeless, powdery floral appeal. But, flower power aside, it’s the distinct white musk heart that keeps us coming back to this classic time and time again.
This rendition of Armani’s cult Sielevates the floral factor to mimic fresh sheets that have dried outside in the summer air. Once your senses have plucked the stems of rose de mai and blackcurrant buds, it will pick up the lingering remnants of – you guessed it – musky Patchouli.
Top 10 musky perfumes
When you describe something as ‘musky’, it’s normally met with a raised eyebrow and flared nostrils. Musky is a word that conjures up the negative, but in the world of perfumes, it’s far from how it sounds. Musk used in scent isn’t moth-balls-in-the-wardrobe musk, it’s warm, and endearing, and creates a layer of intrigue to a fragrance profile. It also adds an element of long-lasting staying power, because when all the jazzy notes leave the stage, it’s musk that’s left carrying the encore.
We’re giving musky perfumes the spotlight they truly deserve with our top ten picks that are loved by you and our in-house experts.
Velvet Orchid, Tom Ford
There is nothing subtle about this scent. So, if you want someone to notice you when you walk on by or make a lasting impression on your date, this bold bottle of Tom Ford decadence is the antidote. Blending bouquets of Turkish rose, black orchid and orange blossom with pops of honey, myrrh, bergamot and rum, it’s a fragrance note lesson in more is more.
–
LIBRE, YSL
Fronted by pop sensation Dua Lipa and following on from the success of the signature scent, Yves Saint Lauren’s latest Libre Eau de Toilette drop was a winner from the word go. Adding a fresher spin on things this time around, it throws together pops of lavender, orange blossom, white tea over a musk-meets-vanilla base.
Yves Saint Laurent
Libre
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £85.00
Miss Absolutely Blooming, Dior
Thought musk perfumes were all dark, brooding and mysterious? Think again. Dior’s Miss Absolutely Blooming rewrites the stereotype by layering zingy notes of pomegranate, pink peppercorn, raspberry and peony accord over its musk base.
–
Lovely You, Sarah Jessica Parker
As memorable as Carrie Bradshaw and as lovely as well, the name lets on. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely You has stood the test of time thanks to its love letter (or should that be column?) to musk.
–
Cloud, Ariana Grande
Not one to do things by half measures, Ariana Grande’s Cloud is a stand-out addition to our musky favourites. Starting with lavender blossom, juicy pear and bergamot that’s as melodic as her signature riffs, before moving on to a deliciously sweet heart (think creme de coconut, praline AND vanilla), it’s a blend of joy-inducing notes for pop princesses in the making.
Ariana Grande
Cloud
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £35.00
Pure Musc, Narciso Rodriguez
Unlike other musk perfumes that use the note as a grounding base, Pure Musc by Narciso Rodriguez puts it at the heart for a scent with an ‘addictive’ touch. Designed to be worn solo for musk at its purist, or combined with the brand’s signature eponymous scents for bolder hit of florals, how will you wear yours?
Narciso Rodriguez
For Her Pure Musc
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £63.00
Prada Paradoxe, Prada
Want to dip your toe in the world of musky perfumes? Discover the signature fragrance Prada Paradoxe. A floral, amber fragrance that embraces iconic ingredients to re-invent feminine classics. At the base, to bring a subtly intense, long-lasting, and unforgettable depth to Paradoxe, a new musk molecule has been developed, light enough to notice right from the first spritz.
Prada
Paradoxe
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
30ML – £69.00
Prada
Paradoxe
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
50ML – £97.00
Black Opium, YSL
Captivating. Provocative. Deliberately seductive. Yves Saint Laurent unveils Black Opium, re-inventing desire in a new, contemporary light. The signature black coffee accord is paired with sensual vanilla, enriched by the softness of white flowers and orange blossom, set against a base of patchouli and comforting white musk. A daring contrast of light and dark for today’s boldest women.
Yves Saint Laurent
Black Opium
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £86.99
Kenzo Flower, Kenzo
There’s not a lot of top 10 lists that Kenzo Flower doesn’t top thanks to its timeless, powdery floral appeal. But, flower power aside, it’s the distinct white musk heart that keeps us coming back to this classic time and time again.
KENZO
Kenzo Flower
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £56.00
Si, Armani
This rendition of Armani’s cult Si elevates the floral factor to mimic fresh sheets that have dried outside in the summer air. Once your senses have plucked the stems of rose de mai and blackcurrant buds, it will pick up the lingering remnants of – you guessed it – musky Patchouli.
Armani
Si
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £67.00
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