Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Musk Gold ($205)
- Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur ($185-270)
You’ve probably heard of musk when shopping for a new cologne or grooming product, but while it can be found in almost every perfume and cologne made today, most people don’t know much, if anything, about it, or why it’s said to have aphrodisiac-like powers (yes, that’s right), so we thought we’d educate you on one of the most commonly used raw materials in some of today’s most popular fragrances.
Musk was originally harvested from the male musk deer, a small tusked mammal native to the Asian Himalayas. Every male has a large gland sac containing a rather pungent smelling liquid that some say even resembles the smell of urine. Most believe the sac and it’s strong scent are used to attract female mates, which makes sense considering women’s sensitivity to musk is said to be almost 1,000 times greater than that of men’s—hence the claim that musk can act as an aphrodisiac of sorts. So how does this foul smelling scent get turned into a magical women magnet?
Well, once the deer is killed, the sac, typically the size of a golf ball, is removed and dried to produce what perfumers call a musk pod. While the unpleasant smell remains, the pod powder is mixed with alcohol and bam! The grossly unpleasant smell is turned into the strong, sexually-inviting aroma of musk.
Unfortunately, these highly coveted musk pods have become one of the most expensive animal products on the planet, and as a result, the deer has been hunted to practical extinction. But fret not, as today the deer is protected by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), an international treaty between governments to ensure the trade of wild animals and plants doesn’t threaten their survival. Because of this, the musk used in today’s fragrances is typically a mixture of synthetic and plant-sourced materials, one of those being angelica, a genus of about 60 different species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the Apiaceae family, which is a group of plants native to the temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Interesting facts, huh?
So what does all this mean for you? Well, while scientists still argue as to whether sex pheromones actually exist, let alone are present in musk, many believe the power of musk’s female appeal lies in the fact that the smell of musk closely resembles that of testosterone, which is the real reason it may act as a pheromone in humans. In other words, your chances of attracting a female mate are technically increased when the scent is on you. Whether you can seal the deal or not is another story, but that’s what we’re here for, and in that spirit, we’ve recommended a few of our favorite musk-scented fragrances to start with below.
Just keep in mind that musk isn’t for everyone, so don’t force it upon yourself if you’re not a fan. There are plenty of other ways to attract the opposite sex, including that cannabis-filled vaporizer you’ve got in your pocket. And if you don’t have it, well, The Shop is always a great place to start.
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Musk Gold ($205)
Accents of Black Pepper and Coriander are heightened by wild brushstrokes of Saffron, textured Moroccan Cedarwood, warm Carrot Seed Heart LMR, and magnetic Myrrh. The sensual power of Musk is unveiled as it cascades over a powerful finish of dark Patchouli, rugged Leather and opulent Oud.
- Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur ($185-$270)
Launched in 2000, this composition was a turning point in the history of amber orientals. A sensual perfume, powerful yet perfectly controlled, dramatic and mysterious. Composed by Maurice Roucel as an “act of seduction and generosity”, Musc Ravageur is an uncompromising Oriental, which runs against current fads. Its explosive departure of bergamot, tangerine, and cinnamon is set against a backdrop of vanilla, musk, and amber. A sexy, turbulent perfume, in a word: ravageur.
Kiel’s Original Musk Blend No. 1 ($43)
A modern version of their signature scent, Kiehl’s “special musk recipe” initially begins with a creamy, fresh citrus burst of bergamot nectar and orange blossom followed by a soft floral bouquet of rose, lily, ylang-ylang, and neroli, then finally drying down to a warm, sensual oriental finish of tonka nut, white patchouli, and of course, musk.
- Odin 03 Century ($165)
Inspired by ancient Cypress, this modern interpretation of the Chypre family is complex in structure but simple in character, captivating the senses with silver birch, cypress and forest mint, and liquid myrrh with vetiver, patchouli, and moss all combining for a warm, mysterious alchemy of black musk and true amber.
Penhaligon’s Castile ($132)
Created in 1998, Castile is a classic citrus shot through with the intoxicating thrill of neroli. Fresh and bursting with the dusky sensuality of warm Mediterranean nights, the neroli marries perfectly with the aromatic tang of bergamot and delicate rose. The citrus notes flood the senses, uplifting and soothing. Woods and musk round off Castile, smoothing everything into a warm lick of marmalade and sunshine, perfect for summer, yet piquant enough to warm you through in the winter months.
Creed Tabarome Millesime ($325-$780)
With the essence of success in every drop, Tabarome Millesime is a fragrance for men who aspire to be leaders. In the aristocratic British tradition of fine brandy and high-quality cigars, this blend is an avant-garde take on a classic favorite. The name “Tabarome” honors the pinch of finest tobacco aroma that gives this fragrance its English club luxury. Warm ginger, sandalwood, and seductive musk are rendered robust with the addition of leather to the masculine mix. Modern and assertive, this woody-fresh scent is also enjoyed by women who love the men who swear by it.
Narciso Rodriguez For Him ($52-$75)
Refined and pure, For Him is warm and sexy. The distinctive musk at the core is intensified with hints of violet leaves and a touch of amber. A seductively smart, timeless scent.
