Of course, there are different types of smells that are associated with perfumes, and one of the most mysterious and intoxicating scents is a musky fragrance.
Where was musk derived from?
Musk is a heavy base note scent that is usually compared with woodsy and earthy smells — originally, musk came from the name of the odor that existed in a male musk deer, from which it was harvested. Back before perfumes were made through a synthetic chemical engineering process, the glandular sack would be taken from the musk deer. The sack was about the size of a golf ball and would contain a liquid that was sprayed by the deer in order to attract a mate. When harvested, the sack would be taken and dried to produce something called a “musk pod.” Once that was broken open, you’d find the fragrant musk grain, which would then be soaked in alcohol, producing the scent we would refer to as “musk.” Thankfully, musk deer are now protected from hunting in many countries and the majority of musk in perfumes on the shelves today is synthetic and no longer derived from animals. RELATED: 13 Best Baccarat Rouge 540 Dupes That Smell Like The Viral Perfume
What does musk smell like?
Musk is typically described as a fragrance that smells earthy, woody, sweet, intoxicating — some even describe the smell as animalistic. Musk has long been thought to be an aphrodisiac with it’s heavy, sensual fragrance. It usually sticks to your skin and lasts for a longer time than other types of fragrances. While the musk fragrance is often used for men’s cologne, there are many women’s perfumes that have an earthy, spicy, musky smell in them as well. Here are 20 of the best musk perfumes for women that will leave you smelling amazing all day long:
The Body Shop White Musk Perfume Oil
This perfume will leave you with a long-lasting smell, and is perfect for all skin types. The hint of the soft, floral, and sensual scent will definitely have people stopping you on the street to ask where you got your perfume from.
Heretic Florgasm Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Sephora This perfume is like an afternoon frolic that will leave you smelling and feeling fresh, especially with the hints of jasmine in the fragrance. Where to buy: Sephora, $165.00
Glossier You
This perfume is probably the most famous and talked about product of all time. This classic scent actually smells different on everyone, but still keeps that musky, sophisticated, and warm scent that will have people gravitating towards you all day.
Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Eau De Parfum Spray
This perfume is an addicted blend of violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that toes the line between masculine and feminine. This fragrance will leave you smelling sophisticated without losing the sensual touch of femininity.
Aerin Amber Musk
Photo Credit: Sephora This fragrance is mixed with sensual florals, distinctive amber, and creamy musk. It will definitely leave the best first impression on whoever you meet while wearing it. Where to buy: Sephora, $135.00
Clean Sueded Oud Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Walmart This unisex perfume contains a woody floral musk with a blend of incense, cypress, and birch. It will leave you smelling fresh and intoxicating. Where to buy: Walmart, $53.53
Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Lazy Sunday Morning
Photo Credit: Sephora This classic scent and is a rather popular perfume. The fragrance blends iris and lily with white musk to imitate waking up to the sun’s morning rays. It’s a breath of fresh air, and will definitely leave you smelling like a crisp morning. Where to buy: Sephora, $72.00 RELATED: The Perfume Power Scent For Your Zodiac Sign, According To Astrology
D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This perfume will leave you smelling like a summer day by the ocean. The scent contains smells similar to that sea breeze on a cool day, with hints of honeysuckle and raspberry. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $72.00-$260.00
Byredo Mojave Ghost
This oriental floral fragrance has a blend of violet, sandalwood, magnolia, and cedar notes. It will definitely leave people intoxicated with your smell.
Do Son Eau de Toilette
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This perfume has hints of Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, and marine accord. It’s a purely clean and fresh scent, that will definitely leave you hooked and wanting more. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $105.00-$154.00
Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Nordstrom Le Labo is definitely a popular brand for perfume and lives up to the hype. This fragrance is worn by both men and women and contains hints of cumin, cedar, and amber. If you want to leave an unforgettable impression on those you meet while also giving off a sense of mystery, this perfume is perfect for you! Where to buy: Nordstrom, $86.00-$285.00
Byredo Velvet Haze Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This classic scent opens with the sweetness of coconut water, while still having those earthy elements of a classic musk perfume. The perfect fragrance that will have people gravitating towards you and not getting enough. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $190.00-$270.00
Tom Ford Tubéreuse Nue
Photo Credit: Sephora Who doesn’t love the sophisticated smell of a Tom Ford fragrance? This scent contains hints of a classic floral fragrances and is perfect for that night out or a first date where you definitely want to leave an impression. Where to buy: Sephora, $368.00
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Sephora This popular and overall classic scent is definitely a must-have. With hints of grapefruit, quince, rose accord, and white musk, it’s definitely the kind of perfume you need on your dresser. Where to buy: Sephora, $82.00
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray
Photo Credit: Target Even though celebrity perfumes sometimes are a bit lackluster, Ariana Grande’s fragrance is definitely the exception. This perfume blends florals like lavender and jasmine with cashmere and musk to create the perfect experience and will definitely leave you smelling amazing all day long. Where to buy: Target, $45.00
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This perfume captures an exceptional and darker facet of musk. The fragrance transitions effortlessly from leathery suede accords, white cedar, rose, to luscious plum that creates the perfect feminine scent. The bottle will also look effortlessly chic on your vanity, while also adding an extra flare when getting ready. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $108.80
Cinnabar Estee Lauder Spray
This classic and affordable perfume is definitely a more subtle and refined smell but still makes it mark. You can’t go wrong with a signature scent, and what better perfume to use than this one that has hints of flowers, spice, and amber.
Gucci Bloom Profumo di Fiori Eau de Parfum
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This perfume stays true to the original Gucci Bloom with hints of fresh, natural greenness, and a rich floral quality with hints of tuberose. This fragrance will give you a hint of sophistication and is the perfect scent to wear if you want to make an entrance. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $91.80-$117.30
YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Spray Fragrance
Photo Credit: Nordstrom This perfume is infused with lavender essence and Moroccan orange blossom. This fragrance will definitely garner compliments from men and women alike. Where to buy: Nordstrom, $25.50-$144.50
Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
This Kiehl’s perfume is said to be a modern update of their original signature scent. This fragrance contains citrus top notes of bergamot nectar and orange blossom, and can quickly become your everyday perfume. RELATED: 10 Scents That Drive Men Wild Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram. YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.
