Musk is one of the most expensive animal parts in the world, and it has been used for years as a aromatic fixative in fragrance and perfumery. It was once obtained naturally, but perfumers generally only use synthetic versions now.
Because of its popularity in the fragrance industry, the topic of top smelling musk colognes often comes up in perfume circles due to this incredible fragrance note.
It is widely considered a note that attracts women, so hopefully, we bring attention to some fragrances that may spark some love for men.
Some of the best musk fragrances for men are Kilian Musk Oud, Musc Ravageur, and Musc Nomade. For the full list, just keep reading. While the note is present in many fragrances, we tried to focus on ones where the scent is a main component of the perfume.
What Does Musk Smell Like?
Most people think that musk smells heavy like leather, but the musk that is used in perfumery actually smells like baby skin that is soft and powdery.
Natural musk comes from the musk deer or from a cat with musk civet. These animals will secrete a strong and unpleasant secretion from their glands, and it is then soaked in ethanol. This gives the secretion a more pleasant smell, but perfumers generally do not use natural musk anymore.
Most musk in colognes now comes from synthetic molecules. There are several synthetic molecules that are considered musk, and they all have a unique scent which can impact the overall smell of each cologne.
Quick List Of Best Musk Fragrances
- Royall Muske
- Monsieur Musk
- Musc Ravageur Perfume
- Jovan Musk
- Narciso Rodriguez Musc For Him
- Kilian Musk Oud
- Royal Copenhagen Musk
- Musk Nomade
- Nasomatto Silver Musk
Top 9 Best Musky Fragrances For Men Reviews
1. Royall Muske by Royall
Royall Muske is one of the best musk colognes on the market It smells like a barbershop in a bottle. This is a nice, classy, manly scent that any musk enthusiast would enjoy.
It has notes of musk and aromatics, and it falls in line with scents like Old Spice and Brut.
It is definitely not a powerhouse, and it only seems to last around 4-5 hours, but that makes it perfect for something to wear around the office.
It is generally well received, and it will not overpower those around you. Most women seem to find it as a nice pleasing smell which makes it a very wearable fragrance.
You can take a look at the reviews on amazon and you will be convinced to give this a try.
If you are looking for a wearable barbershop style musk fragrance, then you should grab a bottle of Royall Muske Cologne.
Check the current price on Amazon
2. Monsieur Musk
Monsieur Musk Cologne by Dana is a great smelling musky fragrance for men.
This has a simple note profile, but once you spray it on your skin, you will know what you are smelling. The notes are musk, tobacco, and spices, and it smells fantastic. This fragrance has great longevity and sillage, and it is one of the best musky colognes that you can purchase.
The great news is it has a low cost, so it will not set you back. This is a great blind buy if you love musk fragrances because it is not complex, and you will not be out much money if it is not your favorite.
Fragrance Notes: musk, spice, tobacco
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3. Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle
Many describe Musc Ravageur as sex in a bottle. It has notes of Lavender, Bergamot, Clove, Woods, Tonka, and Musk. This top smelling fragrance is great, and it was an easy pick to add to our list.
While being commonly referred to as a “panty dropper” fragrance, you need to be careful with that term. I would not recommend wearing this on a first date, nor would I recommend this to someone that you have been dating for a short time.
While some women find this very sexy and seductive, a lot are turned off by this scent. So, it is definitely a risk on a first date. Your date may not even want to kiss you if she is repulsed by the animalic scent of musk, clove, and vanilla.
On the flip side, this scent may drive her wild, and she will love this scent on you.
The bottom line is this musk scent smells incredible to a lot of men and women. While it may not be suitable for a blind date, it is a great fragrance to wear around a woman that you are comfortable with.
I would describe this musk fragrance smell as a mature, gourmand musk.
Now, if you know your lady loves Musc Ravageur, this is definitely a must wear on special occasions.
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4. Jovan Musk
Best Cheap Musk Cologne
This budget musk fragrance is a classic, and it has been around since the 70’s.
Jovan Musk cologne is a citrus, spicy, musk with a little bit of mint. It is not expensive, and if you are just looking to try a classic scent of the 70’s and early 80’s, grab a bottle.
Picture a guy rocking a thick mustache, stepping out of a 1975 Camaro, full tilt acid washed bell bottom jeans and jacket. That is Jovan Musk. For a movie reference, think of Wooderson played by Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.
Don’t let the movie reference turn you off for this one, as it is truly a classic, and with its low cost, it should be in every Musk lovers cabinet. This cologne costs less than 2 drinks from Starbucks. Seriously, this stuff is great and inexpensive.
This cologne is one of the best from the 70’s.
The fragrance notes:
Top notes: carnation, lemon, lime
Middle notes: lavender, amber
base notes: musk, woods
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5. Narciso Rodriguez Musc for Him
Musc for Him is a fruity, musky scent with notes of berries, iris, white musk, coumarin, and vanilla. This Eau de Parfum smells incredible. This could easily be one of the best vanilla musk colognes.
This cologne has a nice iris note that is very noticeable during the opening like a fresh, powdery floral, and then it moves toward a slightly fruity musk with amber.
Some people may reference grandma’s perfume when they first get a whiff of it. Now, this may be a good thing or not, depending on what you like.
Overall, it is a nice, classy, confident scent, and it is one of the best musky colognes on the market today.
Check the current price on FragranceX
6. Kilian Musk Oud
Kilian Musk Oud is a combination of musk, rose, and oud. If you are looking for a floral musk fragrance, then you should go try this one. This unisex musk perfume has a great smell to it with its floral notes.
This cologne seems to have a well blended mix, and neither the musk or oud overtake the scent. Citrus and mild spices make up the opening, and then it moves toward a dark, earthy rose, but not in a feminine way.
If you are looking for a seductive, elegant scent that works well for autumn or a date night, try Kilian Musk Oud.
Key Notes: Davana, Oud, Geranium, Musk
7. Royal Copenhagen Musk
Royal Copenhagen Musk is a 70’s barbershop fragrance with musk. It features a lavender, basil, moss, bergamot style fragrance, with clove, nutmeg, musk, and woods.
What you get with this fragrance is clean, soapy, and powdery, with a floral musk.
If you are looking for a budget barbershop fragrance featuring musk, you should be able to pick this up on amazon for pretty cheap because it is one of the best.
This is a nice classic scent, and if you are a collector of musk fragrances, you should have this in your collection, as it is worth a try especially considering the low cost.
Check the current price on Amazon
8. Musc Nomade by Annick Goutal
Musc Nomade is a musk forward scent that has notes of musk, ambrette, angelica, resins, and woods.
This is a very clean, soft, and subtle musky fragrance that wears close to the skin, which may or may not be a bad thing.
If you want to make a statement when you walk in the room, this is probably not the best choice for you. But, if you are looking for a soft, fruity, ambery musk, then this should be on your radar.
9. Nasomatto Silver Musk
Nasomatto Silver Musk is best described by its name. It is a metallic, soapy, white musk fragrance.
This cologne smells very clean and fresh with metallic, musky undertones.
It is a little bit different than anything else on our list as this one falls into more of the soapy and clean styles of fragrance.
If you are looking for a subtle and inoffensive fragrance that is not musk forward, but you still want that note to be present, then Silver Musk is something that you should try.
The only obstacle for some may be the price as it is not inexpensive.
