Why musk is a fragrance must-have
Read on for everything you need to know about musk, one of the fragrance industry’s favourite and most recognisable scents.
Since ancient times, it has been one of the most loved and used ingredients in perfumes for both men and women. It’s even said that Cleopatra won Mark Anthony over by wearing it. But what exactly gives musk its magic scent?
Classic choice
There’s hardly a perfume counter in the world where you won’t pick up the heady scent of musk. It takes centre stage in many iconic perfumes – especially men’s varieties. Known for its earthy, sensual flavour, perfumers love it because of its ability to balance other notes and for its fragrant longevity.
Animal instincts
Musk was originally harvested from the Himalayan male musk deer, but that practice was outlawed decades ago and since replaced by plant-based sources that mimic the smell. The X factor? Musk is said to mimic powerful pheromones that women are particularly sensitive and reactive to – hence its reputation as a much-prized aphrodisiac.
Men’s club
Thanks to its supposed arousing qualities, musk has long been favoured in the design of masculine scents, but it is also used in women’s perfumes. Traditionally musk is paired with woody, leathery flavours along with the likes of patchouli and bergamot for men. Modern musk scents for women balance out its primal scent with citrus and floral notes.
White musk
The noughties saw the introduction and success of a new generation of female-focused, white musk-based perfumes. The synthetic scent is a much lighter counterpart to the original and is characterised by its clean and floral high notes.
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