In a world where solid colognes are starting to see a resurgence and woodsy base notes are the norms, there still holds a special place in many men’s hearts, both old and young, for the traditional musk scent.
In the pantheon of cologne notes, musk is undoubtedly the cornerstone of the fragrance world.
Once collected hundreds of years ago from the glands of deers, musk was (and still is to some extent) a polarizing fragrance.
However, if the thought of rubbing deer gland secretions to your pulse points just doesn’t do it for you, don’t fret; musk today is now derived synthetically.
If you ask any man to describe the scent of musk, you are likely to get a different answer…
…every
…single
…time.
But why?
Part of this complex base note has to do with the very synthetic nature of musk itself. Given that there is no formal definition of what constitutes ‘musk,’ companies can take liberty on what they feel it should be.
But when it comes to musk (and this isn’t an exact science either), color often correlates pretty strongly with the scent.
Therefore, the best musk colognes that tend to be clear or in a lighter color spectrum often will be akin to a fresh spring day and deliver a nice clean and crisp scent.
Green-colored musks tend to have slightly more earthy or plant-based fragrances. This is evident in the Clubman Pinaud Citrus Musk we outlined below.
Lastly, those in a deep amber color (not to be confused with the amber base note) will have a much sexier and bold scent.
Therefore we rounded up some of the most sought after colognes that feature a musk base:
Musk Colognes Compared
| Product | Scent Profile | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burberry ‘Touch’ Eau de Toilette Spray for Men | Citrus, spice, musk | $$ | Long-lasting, ideal for all day |
| Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray | Citrus, floral, musk | $$$ | Versatile for daytime and nighttime wear |
| Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette Set | Citrus, wood, musk | $$$ | Set includes regular and travel-sized bottles |
| Cartier ‘L’Envol de Cartier’ Eau de Parfum | Honey, musk, wood, patchouli | $$$$ | Unique scent profile, musk as a midtone |
| Clubman Pinaud Citrus Musk Cologne | Citrus, musk, tonka bean | $ | Affordable, refreshing scent |
| Jo Malone London Basil and Neroli Cologne | Basil, neroli, musk | $$$ | Unique scent, appealing to all genders |
| Narciso Rodriguez ‘For Him Bleu Noir’ Eau de Toilette | Musk, wood, spice | $$ | Crisp, clean scent, ideal for refined tastes |
| Royal Copenhagen Musk Cologne Spray for Men | Floral, musk, earthy | $$ | Refreshing scent, suitable for daily wear |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street, Mr. Taylor’s Cologne | Citrus, floral, wood, musk | $$ | Long-lasting, classic barbershop scent |
1. Burberry ‘Touch’ Eau de Toilette Spray for Men
This fragrance features strong citrus top notes, moderately spicy midtones, and subtle base notes that all play together very well in a cool but sophisticated cologne. It is smooth and musky, an exceptionally masculine scent that is ideal for all day.
The top notes of this fragrance include mandarin and violet, two complementary fragrances that give this cologne some spice. For the midtones, nutmeg, cedarwood, and white pepper bring down the fruit and floral scent, but also add some more zest to the cologne as a whole.
Finally, musk and tonka bean round out this fragrance and turn it into a very refreshing, very masculine scent.
This cologne is invigorating, the fragrances playing in this product creating a diverse arrangement of music that you can wear. Great for a day or night scent thanks to how subtle this scent stays on.
What customers are saying: Many customers love the scent of this cologne, calling it a “chick magnet” and appreciating the clean, fresh, and sexy aroma. However, some concerns were raised about possible counterfeit products with different packaging and reduced lasting power, as well as reports of a leaky bottle.
2. Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
Kiehl’s original colognes have become somewhat of a staple in the market because of their simple ingredients and long-lasting scent.
This particular bottle of eau de toilette features Kiehl’s classic and signature scent, perfect for daytime and nighttime wear.
This musk features top notes of citrus and bergamot, with a hint of orange blossom for that floral punch. The midtones include rose and neroli, floral scents that help balance out the sweet citrus. Finally, the lingering low notes such as musk, tonka bean, and patchouli ensure that this masculine scent lingers all day long.
Reviews of this product are mostly positive, with people saying that the original Kiehl’s scent is exactly what they’re after. It’s not too strong, but it doesn’t fade away immediately either. This fragrance will quickly become a fast favorite because of how versatile it is. Whether you want it for the office or for a date, the classic musky scent is music for your nostrils.
3. Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette Set
This fragrance starts out with citrus and floral notes, subtle, yet enticing to the wearer. There is just enough time to appreciate this light scent before the midtones make an appearance. Vetiver, patchouli, and cedarwood are strong, masculine scents that tone down the sweet citrus into something much more masculine.
Finally, musk and moss round out the lower notes, giving it a full and complete scent profile.
This is a set in that it comes with the regular Eau de Toilette spray and a travel-sized version for bringing with you on an airplane. The fragrance is best suited for the casual man and works as both a daytime and nighttime fragrance.
Jimmy Choo is a coveted brand of fragrance, boasting quality ingredients and long-lasting scents to get you through any occasion. While the price is a bit expensive, you only need a little spray to get you through the day.
4. Cartier ‘L’Envol de Cartier’ Eau de Parfum
Interestingly enough, this Eau de parfum doesn’t feature musk as a bottom note, but rather as a midtone. This means you get that sensual musk fragrance sooner, and it stays for longer. The lower notes of this cologne include guaiac wood and patchouli, both subtle – yet pronounced – scents that play a big part in this fragrance.
The highlighting top not for this fragrance is the honey accord. It creates a sweet, sensual fragrance that lingers playfully wherever you apply the scent, and fades into a less prominent profile once the musk and patchouli take over.
Overall, what you are looking at is a fantastic combination of sweet and sultry, a silky combination of masculine scents that is sure to please the senses. This works well as a daytime or nighttime fragrance, perfect for the office or out in town. Reviewers love this scent, but it is a little more expensive than your run-of-the-mill bathroom colognes.
5. Clubman Pinaud Citrus Musk Cologne
This citrus cologne has a nice, refreshing smell that works well with any man. It has distinct scents that complement each other perfectly and is perfect for sensitive or tender skin. This product is incredibly affordable at under $15, and there is enough product there to last for a long time.
Related: Best Cheap Colognes
This cologne has notes of musk and tonka bean, both of which play very well with the citrus notes in this fragrance.
The product is not incredibly fruity, but it is also not extremely musky either. There is a nice balance between the two ends of this scent spectrum, which makes for an incredibly appealing cologne.
Reviewers enjoy the cool, clean scent and the way it feels on their skin. There are some customers that say that it doesn’t last as long as they would like, but overall, the scent does linger for a good while before needing to be reapplied.
What customers are saying: Many customers enjoy the scent of this musky cologne and appreciate the affordable price. However, others report that the fragrance is weak, doesn’t last long, or may not meet their expectations.
6. Jo Malone London Basil and Neroli Cologne
This fragrance has an interesting and unique scent profile, starting with basil grand vert for a fresh and inviting fragrance.
The middle tones feature neroli, or orange blossom extract, provide a gentle bitter scent that balances out the sweet floral tones. Finally, this fragrance is held aloft by white musk to create a tantalizing experience unlike any other.
Jo Malone is known for being exceptionally simple with its fragrances. For them, less is more, and that could not be more true for their basil and neroli cologne. This fantastic cologne is beautifully crafted to have the best of all three tiers of scent, perfect for day or night.
Buyers of this fragrance enjoy the neroli fragrance; the floral musk is appealing to all genders, and it lasts throughout the day as a casual or dressy scent. It’s also reasonably priced, which makes this fragrance all the more appealing.
What customers are saying: Customers enjoy the scent of this cologne and describe it as a favorite, though some find it expensive. However, there are concerns about the authenticity of the product, including differences in packaging, color, and smell compared to in-store samples.
7. Narciso Rodriguez ‘For Him Bleu Noir’ Eau de Toilette
Bleu Noir has a very crisp, clean scent, ideal for men of more refined tastes. It pairs well with a suit and tie, but if you are more of a casual man, it would work as a slightly dressier cologne for you as well.
Notes in this cologne include musk, cardamom, ebony wood, nutmeg, blue cedar, and black vetiver. The end result is a clean and fresh scent that is both invigorating and seductive. It creates an air of allure that many colognes simply don’t have.
For a cologne of this caliber, the price is fantastic. It is around the right price for a high-end cologne, but it still won’t break the bank. Reviewers describe the scent as almost addictive, fresh, and clean with the underlying scent of masculinity in every layer of scent.
What customers are saying: Many customers love the scent of this cologne, calling it a “chick magnet” and appreciating the clean, fresh, and sexy aroma. However, some concerns were raised about possible counterfeit products with different packaging and reduced lasting power, as well as reports of a leaky bottle.
8. Royal Copenhagen Musk Cologne Spray for Men
This is a handsome fragrance with sweet and sultry top notes, followed by powerful midtones, and completed with deep, expressive base notes to give you a completely well-rounded experience. This is an ideal fragrance for daily wear due to the refreshing scent of this cologne.
Top notes include lavender, basil, and sage; these three ingredients create a light, almost minty launching point for the fragrance.
For the middle notes, jasmine and neroli make an appearance, alongside lily-of-the-valley to round out the floral scents and create a pleasant spring scent. On the bottom, patchouli, amber, musk, and moss give a very earthy feel to the lightness of this scent. What you get is a refreshing scent that smells like fresh rainfall.
Reviewers say that it is not a strong scent, but it does have good staying power for all-day activities.
What customers are saying: Many customers enjoy the musky cologne for its pleasant scent and long-lasting ability, with some even stating positive sentimental value associated with it. However, a few customers experienced dissatisfaction due to changes in the scent or negative reactions to the fragrance.
9. Taylor of Old Bond Street, Mr. Taylor’s Cologne
This product is exactly what cologne should be; a simple glass bottle containing a strong, lasting scent that can be worn throughout the day and into the evening. This fragrance is suitable for all occasions and wears well on all men. Simple splash some on your fingers and apply to the desired areas.
This fragrance opens with citrus notes tangling with scents of tarragon, lavender, and incense.
Green galbanum adds a bitter scent to the sweet floral notes, and the fragrance is further toned down with notes of cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli. This cologne also incorporates musk for that intensely masculine scent.
Reviewers rave about this exceptional fragrance, commending its long-lasting scent and musky vigor. The scent is strong right from the moment you put it on, but some customers do say it doesn’t last as long as they would like.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the fresh, clean scent of this cologne, with some comparing it to a classic barbershop smell. However, many customers note that the fragrance doesn’t last long, dissipating within a few hours or less.
Required Reading
How to Apply Cologne: If it’s your first time buying cologne, check out our step-by-step guide on how to apply it properly. After reading the article, you’ll be a cologne pro!