Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The 10 Best Musk Perfumes for a Sexy, Skin-Like Scent
Fragrances that smell like you, but better
While we often think of musk as one's natural body scent (so primal!), the meaning has transformed, at least in the world of fragrance, to be more specific. Often found as a base or heart of a perfume, the note is now cultivated from plant sources such as the musk flower or wood. Many of your favorite scents, particularly powdery perfumes, likely feature musk in some shape or form, but some are also musk-forward, thanks to the note's sexy, warm, skin-like quality. Ahead, we've chosen 10 of the best musk perfumes, whether you're looking for something on the gourmand end, something fresh, or something more classic.
Featured in this article:
"This is the perfect musky scent for amber-obsessives like myself," says Bazaar Beauty Director Jenna Rosenstein of this perfume. "It’s shockingly light and so easy to wear—you can even wear it in the summer heat and it won’t overwhelm. The addition of rose helps bring a freshness and brightness to the amber and musk notes, but overall, it smells sheer and so skin-like that it’s almost like wearing an invisible perfume." In short, she says it's a "You—but better, kind of thing."
Notes: rose centifolia, amber, musk
Customer Review:
"This is one of those perfumes in my collection that I ALWAYS get compliments on. It’s so good! I think it lasts pretty long. I love turning people on to this brand and especially this scent" —Kaylala9
#PerfumeTok loves this scent from Phlur. It's a true musk, dusted with white florals—and the scent lingers in the best way for hours. The kind of scent that will remind you of a relative or friend, even if you can't figure out which.
Notes:
- Top: skin musk, bergamot nectar, sheer jasmine
- Heart: fresh cyclamen, neroli blossom, orange flower
- Base: sandalwood Australia oil, blonde wood, white musk
Customer Review:
"Missing person is my go to, everyday fragrance! It’s so clean and cozy! It reminds me of my grandmother in the best way possible! Not like an older person scent, but that clean, dried on the line, cozy laundry scent! It’s amazing and I’ll never be without it!" —chabrelle
The Maker leans into musk's skin-like quality with Naked, describing it as evoking a "love affair." We don't know about all that, but reviewers love how "expensive" it smells.
Notes: passiflora, white musk, wild orris
Customer Review:
"The perfect skin scent. Sophisticated and sheer
enough to wear to work, but still packs a punch to make you feel like you’re wearing something. Smells expensive." —Minalexia
A little fruity, a little floral, and, of course, musky, this best-selling perfume from Lancôme has something for everyone. Best of all, it has staying power, with wearers raving about how they can still smell it hours after the first spritz.
Notes:
- Top: bergamot, juicy pear, pink peppercorn
- Middle: rose, jasmine
- Base: white musks, vanilla, patchouli, cedarwood
Customer Review:
"I get so many compliments when I wear this perfume, the scent is strong at first but as time goes by it becomes a very soft and sweet smell that stays with you the whole day! It's a clean scent overall I adore this perfume. Definitely worth the try!" —Abby
This fresh floral perfume doesn't lean too masculine or feminine but rather somewhere in the middle—thanks to a lily of the valley accord, ambrette seeds, and white musk. It's clean, light, and soft—the perfect wear-anywhere scent for warmer months.
Notes: lily of the Valley, iris, white Musk
Customer Review: "My most complimented perfume! Perfect for every occasion- work, on the go, and going out." —Cocoisloco
One of three Musc scents in the Narsciso Rodriguez portfolio, this fragrance leans into the scent with warm cashmere and sweet orange blossom.
Notes:
- Top: jasmine, orange blossom
- Middle: musk
- Base: cashmeran, amber, patchouli
Customer Review:
"This scent is like a summer night. It is so fresh and clean, I have many perfumes, but have never received so many compliments as when I use Pure Musc for her." —sqeakyclean
We've been saying that Ariana Grande knows her stuff when it comes to perfume, and that very much applies to R.E.M. It's gourmand forward with salted caramel and marshmallow notes before settling into a soft, sophisticated musk.
Notes:
- Top: quince, fig, salted caramel, marshmallow
- Middle: pear blossom, lavender blossom
- Base: tonka bean, white musk, sandalwood
Customer Review:
"I absolutely love it! I have bought this one for years it's my all time favorite… not over powering, I can't handle anything strong due to migraine the smell last all day and it's absolutely amazing get tons of compliments I definitely recommend this ! It's absolutely amazing." —Tam
Light and airy, this cult-favorite perfume feels like slipping into clean cotton sheets. You can also get hand soap, candles, and reed diffusers in the same scent for true devotees.
Notes:
- Top: ozonic accord
- Middle: amberwood
- Base: white musk
Customer Review:
"If you love musks, this one should be in your collection!!!! The scent is fresh meets musk! The scent is long lasting, so you don’t have to use a lot! It lasts all day on me, but I’m sure others say differently. We all have different body chemistry, so keep that in mind!" —JustJen
fine'ry. I'm a Musk Fragrance
If you want to see what the musk fuss is all about without spending too much, try this $30 scent from Fine'ry. A soft, subtle blend with cotton blossom and sandalwood, it's earned rave reviews from fans who say it's long-lasting and "cozy."
Notes: musk, cotton blossom, sandalwood
Customer Review:
"This is the best musk perfume I've purchased in a long time and it is a great price for the smell!!! Last all day on me and I like to layer it with other fragrances." —ak
Citrus, florals, warm amber, and musk—this under-the-radar favorite has everything. Even better, it's safe for sensitive skin if perfumes tend to bother you.
Notes:
- Top: dewy lemon, grapefruit, sage leaves
- Middle: magnolia, lily of the valley, tiare petals
- Base: sheer amber, pink salt, cedar, musk
Customer Review:
"This is my favorite Skylar scent! It combines the clean woody scent of cedar and the bright fruity freshness of citrus. It’s perfect, a touch sweet but only just enough to take the edge off the cedar. I hope they never quit making this!" —Valerie F.
Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women of every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
The 15 Best K-Beauty Moisturizers of All Time
Hailey Bieber's 10 Best Manicure Looks of All Time
11 Blushes That Are Perfect for Mature Skin
Shop the Best Valentine's Day 2025 Beauty Gifts
