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On an average day, I layer not one, not two, but four perfumes. First, I dab a perfume oil onto my wrists and behind my ear. Then, I spritz myself all over with a regular eau de parfum and finish off my fragrant routine with a round of hair perfume. My daily scents share one note in common: musk.
Musks tend to linger so close to the skin that there is no such thing as too much musk. When combined, the various skin scents bestow an olfactory aura of warmth, comfort, and sensuality that’s undeniably addicting. I wasn’t always a musk person. Just last year, I was waxed poetic about my lifelong love for rose perfumes, which I still adore. However, I noticed that musks were the only perfumes that wouldn’t give me headaches or worsen my carsickness, no matter how much I applied. Plus, musky scents make me feel the most like myself—it truly is the no-makeup makeup of fragrance. For example, when I put on an undetectable concealer, people will compliment my skin instead of my makeup. It’s the same with musk perfumes—the number of times I’ve walked past someone or hugged a friend and heard my favorite compliment, “You smell so good,” (not “Your perfume smells so good”) while wearing my signature blend is astonishing.
Our top picks for the best musk perfumes of 2025
I’ve been gatekeeping my favorite perfumes for so long, but I’ve begrudgingly decided enough is enough, and they deserve to be shared with the world. Below, I reveal my picks for the 10 best musk perfumes I’ve ever tried, including some of the ones I reach for on a daily basis, as well as the scents customers rave about.
Pros
Lightweight scent- Satisfying packaging
Cons
- Some may have to reapply throughout the day
What can I say about this scent that I haven’t said already? Chriselle Lim, Phlur’s creative director, developed this scent while she was going through a divorce. She wanted something that felt comforting, kind of like the intimate smell of a loved one. The scent itself feels like a hug or a well-worn cashmere sweater, and reminds me of a time in my childhood when I felt cozy, warm, and taken care of. I’ve already gone through a bottle of this and am halfway through my second one.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot, nectar, sheer jasmine, cyclamen, neroli blossom, orange flower, Australian sandalwood, blonde wood, white musk
Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “After a year plus of waiting on this smell, I finally caved in and went to test it in-store. I’d read all the reviews and heard all the hype, but I wasn’t ready! It was love at first sniff. I sprayed one spritz on my right hand (dominant) while shopping around about 6 pm—here it is, 11 pm, and it’s still on my hand, strong enough to be present but maybe about half-strength after one handwashing with unscented soap when I got home. This stuff lasts! I’m not sure how to describe it—it’s not youthful but also not old. I’m in my early- to mid-30s, and it feels just right. I want to wear this to work or date night—somewhere I want to ‘impress.’ I can see this being a daily or signature scent. There’s a slight sexiness to it, but in a cozy way where I want to nestle up to the person wearing this (I’m a woman but would’'t be confused if this were on a man).”
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Can be hard to smell on yourself (even if others can smell it)
Remember the aforementioned perfume oil that I can’t leave the house without applying? It’s this bad boy from Maya. This small business is hands-down one of my favorite beauty discoveries ever. I have multiple Base rollerballs stashed in different places, including my everyday purse and my perfume shelf. The combination of warm amber, soft musk, and creamy sandalwood sparkles on the skin and soothes me like no other. As it sits on your skin, it works with your body chemistry to enhance your natural scent, and smells even better when you’re feeling warm and maybe even a little sweaty. Since I use up the mini size so quickly, investing in the bigger one makes sense, and the larger rollerball cuts down on application time.
Size: 0.35 fl. oz.
Key notes: Lily petals, sandalwood, amber, musk
Maya rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Maya reviewer says: “I’m on my fourth purchase of Maya Base and finally popped for the large size. It’s amazing—I’ve never found a scent I like as much or that I get so many compliments on! I can’t always smell it on myself, but other people constantly ask what I’m wearing and say how fantastic I smell. I’ve gotten so that I’ll put some on before bedtime, just because the scent is so great I want to smell it all the time!”
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Pros
- Fine mist
- Hydrates hair
Cons
- May need to be reapplied throughout the day
Each morning, Emi Jay’s new hair mist is the last step of my elaborate fragrance routine. The formula features Angel Wings, the brand’s signature fragrance and a symphony of amber and musk that I can’t get enough of. I experienced an uptick in compliments as soon as I began wearing it, which I don’t think is a coincidence. The fact that people think my hair smells good (thanks to this mist) and that the product nourishes my strands with glycerin and aloe leaf juice (without weighing them down) makes me so happy.
Size: 1.8 fl. oz.
Key notes: Ambrette, musk, ambrox
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Smells great. Great packaging. Got many compliments the very first time I used it. So easy to use, and you don’t have to use a ton. Made my hair so pretty and shiny.”
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Has an oily texture
ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn turned me on to this classic skin scent, and I’ve never looked back. Despite its name, there’s nothing dairy-esque about Xtra Milk. Instead, the delicate blend of bergamot, white, musk, and amber simply amplify the warm scent of your skin. The formula is slightly oily, so you might need to rub it into your skin, but I feel like the texture helps with its longevity and sillage. I’m also a huge fan of the laundry detergent and can’t wait to try the other body products in the Xtra Milk line.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Key notes: Bergamot, white musk, amber
Dedcool rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Dedcool reviewer says: “I am a person that loves perfumes, oils, scents of all types. Unfortunately, most perfumes or scents don’t last on me, even if I layer. This is a scent that lasts all day. And I love it! Very impressed. I get lots of compliments when I wear it.”
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Best Musk Perfume with a Hint of Rose
By/ Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Lightweight, non-cloying scent
Cons
- May be difficult for some to smell
This is another “nude” scent that’s supposed to smell clean and fresh, like your skin after a pre-bedtime shower. If you love rose, you’ll appreciate the hint of the flower in this scent; even if you don't, it's so subtle and sophisticated you’ll barely notice it. My sister and I have similar tastes in fragrance, and she broke out into a huge smile when I had her smell it for the first time.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Key notes: Musk, rose, vanilla
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Amazing scent that is unique, yet a universal scent for most people. It smells like your favorite cotton or cashmere sweater. It has a warm, cozy smell that is subtle but has lasting power. Love it!”
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Suitable for those sensitive to scent
Cons
- Some may need to reapply throughout the day
As the alcohol evaporates from your skin, Another 13 transforms into a musky, woody scent that conjures up images of well-loved, dog-earned novels and century-old wooden shelves filled to the brim with books and vintage knick-knacks. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and worthy of being someone’s signature scent. I can’t think of a single setting in which I wouldn’t wear this, including the office, a dinner party, or a cozy jazz club.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Key notes: Ambrox, musk, woody amber, jasmine petals, moss, ambrette seeds
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “A subtle skin scent that is what I imagine a paper mill or printing press warehouse would smell like. Upon first spray, you can catch a hint of jasmine and pear, then it quickly settles into clean, crisp white woods and an almost metallic sharpness. I suspect this smells a little different on everyone as it mixes with your own skin musk. Its sillage is soft enough to not overwhelm—I almost forget I’m wearing it. However, it clearly lingers, since I’ve received compliments and inquiries on what fragrance I'm wearing.”
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Pros
- Adjusts to your personal body chemistry
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Cap takes a little effort to fasten back on
ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose and I could go on and on about our love for Narciso Rodriguez’s scents. The brand truly has some of the most beautiful floral musks out there, and Pure Musc is Penrose’s favorite one, thanks to its powderiness and sensuality. On my skin, the florals (jasmine and orange blossom) shine at first, but the earthiness of the patchouli note lingers for far longer.
Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
Key notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, musk, cashmeran, amber, patchouli
Nordstrom rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This fragrance is gorgeous. To me, this is a clean scent—slightly floral with a little bit of musk, but not heady. This perfume is not offensive nor in your face. I get compliments on this by people whom I walk by or that walk by me. It’s like the scent gets “picked up.” This was such an amazing find. I’m an ER Nurse, and while everyone is masked up nowadays, I still like knowing I smell good and am not wearing anything sharp or offensive to my patients.”
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be strong enough for some
The bottle itself is a work of art that deserves a dedicated spot on my perfume shelf, but I wouldn’t keep it around if I didn’t also adore the juice inside. Musc Outreblanc is meant to evoke The Kiss by Auguste Rodin, a masterful sculpture that captures the sweet embrace of two lovers. The trio of velvety white musks and slightly fruity ambrette indeed create an intimate scent that smells as luxe and comforting as a hand-woven alpaca sweater from Bergdorf’s feels.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Key notes: White musks, ambrette
Guerlain rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Guerlain reviewer says: “When I made a previous purchase, I received it as a sample and placed it on the side. Today, I decided to try my samples and grabbed this perfume. To my surprise, the scent was out of this world! I have never smelled such gentle, soft, subtle, feminine, yet sensual perfume, I’m in love! I have requested a full size for Christmas from my husband.”
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Pros
- Lasts on the skin
- Potent without causing a headache
Cons
- May smell too much like baby powder to some
Musc de Soie translates into “silk musk,” which is an apt name for a fragrance inspired by the softness and luminosity of silk. The powderiness of the scent combined with the aldehyde and musk notes evokes the sensation of silky fibers gliding across the skin. It’s like a grown-up version of how a baby smells—gentle, soapy, and a little sweet.
Size: 2.5 fl. oz.
Key notes: Aldehydes, neroli, iris, white musks, cashmeran, sandalwood, benzoin
Fragrantica rating: 4/5 stars
A Fragrantica reviewer says: “The aldehydes are smooth, and the benzion gives it a vanilla-like sweetness, but this is not an overly sweet or juvenile sweet fragrance. This is sophisticated. It’s airy, slightly sweet, clean, a little citrusy, and very musky. Keep in mind, I’ve only worn this twice, so I’m still getting to know all of its facets. What I do know for sure is that it’s gorgeous and that you must love musk, white musk to be exact, to enjoy this. I love musk, so I adore it. Easy reach for me and is powerful and present, but its clean, soft, and airy nature keeps it from being overwhelming.”
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- May be too strong for some
I’ve saved the most decadent, rich musk for last. It’s truly unlike any of the other lighter, more skin-like scents on this list. Musc Ravageur is here to make a statement straight out of the gate. The scent starts by hitting you with bergamot and tangerine before revealing its spicy and warm base, courtesy of vanilla, cinnamon, and musk.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Key notes: Bergamot, tangerine, cinnamon, vanilla, musk, amber
Fragrantica rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Fragrantica reviewer says: “This is absolutely gorgeous. Deep dark and warm. This to me reminds me much of the cabin lodge I stayed in during my stay in Lapland. It smells like the wood of the lodge that gave off this sweet woody scent mixed with something resinous. It’s a scent that grows on you.”
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee tested dozens of musk perfumes and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations to find the best ones.
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