In short: musk smells soft, warm and clean, like skin, fresh laundry or a cashmere sweater. It is more of a feeling than a sharp smell, and it makes other notes last longer.
What musk smells like
Modern musk comes in shades. "White" or "light" musk smells like clean cotton and soap. "Dark" musk is warmer and deeper, closer to skin and suede. Either way, musk is soft and close rather than loud. It gives a blend a smooth, finished quality and helps it linger in a room.
Some people can barely smell certain musks. That's normal: musk molecules are large, and many people have a natural blind spot for one type or another.
Where it comes from
Musk originally came from a gland of the male musk deer, native to the mountains of Asia. It was one of the most precious materials in perfume for centuries. Musk deer are now protected, and natural musk has essentially disappeared from perfumery.
Today all musk in perfume and candles is made in a lab, and modern musks are designed to be clean and gentle rather than animal-like. Our candles use fragrance oils with musk notes.
How it is used
Musk is a base note. It is used in a huge share of fragrances, often in the background, to soften, round out and extend the other notes.
What it pairs with
- Soft florals like lily of the valley and cherry blossom, for a clean scent
- Sandalwood and amber, for warmth
- Sea salt and ozone, for a fresh coastal scent
- Vanilla, for something cozy
Our candles with musk
- Santal: musk with sandalwood, cardamom, cedar and amber.
- Dark Mister Darcy: musk with amber, cedar, sandalwood and ginger.
- Poseidon: dark musk with sea salt, ozone and sandalwood.
- Good-Natured Jane: light musk under lily, hydrangea and cherry blossom.
Common questions
Is musk still made from deer? No. The musk in modern perfume and candles is made in a lab.
Why can't I smell musk in some candles? Many people can't detect one kind of musk or another. It still helps carry the other notes even if you don't notice it.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Woody & Earthy candles.