Musky Colognes for Men

While the scent of musk in men’s cologne is desirable, the roots of musk are not as pleasant. Original musky colognes were created using a strong smelling substance that was secreted by the musk deer to exhibit his dominance and power. The odor began to be applied to other animals such as skunks that produce a persistent odor from their sexual glands at the base of their tail in order to mark their territory. The fragrance of musk is still popular among colognes, but many have swapped the natural secretion for synthetic products or earthy essential oils that are without being overbearing.

Modern Musk

The use of musk in colognes is popular because of its properties. Because musk is a long lasting scent, it provides the base notes in cologne and perfume. Base notes are the scents that are evaporate the slowest; top notes evaporate first followed by heart notes. The base notes are present during the entire wear of the scent. In addition to the longevity of musk, it also acts as a balance for the top and heart notes. It prevents floral, herbal, or citrus scents from overpowering the cologne.

While the scent of the secretion from the musk deer can be recreated in a laboratory, many colognes utilize other earthy scents that also provide longevity and balance to a cologne. Here are a few examples:

• Bergamot
• Patchouli
• Cedar
• Vetiver
• Amber
• Sandalwood

These fragrances make up only part of all the earthy scents found in musk colognes. (Good information to know if you want to learn how to make your own cologne.)

Popular Musky Colognes

Fleur du Male by Gaultier

Fleur du Male by Gaultier is a simple blend of fragrances that utilizes the musk of earth scents to balance the cologne. The top notes are orange blossom with a hint of petit grain. The heart note that follows is fougere, a blend of oak moss and lavender. The base note of bergamot balances out the leading citrus with floral heart note.

The final result of Fleur du Male by Gaultier is a sparkling fragrance that is innocent, sweet, and refreshing. This simple and subtle cologne compliments warm weather, but it is accommodating enough to wear year round.

White Musk for Men by The Body Shop

White Musk was first released by The Body Shop as a women’s fragrance in 2007, but was rereleased with a male counterpart in 2008, White Musk for Men. The men’s version contained more of the musk scents typical of men’s cologne. Top notes of lavender and orchid give it a floral appeal. The vetiver and tonka that comprise the heart notes add musk and spice to counter act the top scents. White Musk ends with pure earthy base notes of sandalwood, cedar, and amber.

The creation becomes a classic perfume with a masculine twist to transform it into an appropriate cologne. It is provocative with its daring floral fragrances, but the musk in both the heart and base notes turn the tone of the cologne from feminine to sensual. White Musk for Men by The Body Shop compliments a romantic date with a new love or a renewal of an established one.

Fahrenheit 32 by Dior

The name of this cologne, Fahrenheit 32, symbolizes an odd temperature between freezing and melting. The cologne lives up to its name with an equal amount of peculiarity in its fragrance blend. Fahrenheit 32 is an adaptation of an original Dior cologne by the name of Fahrenheit. The original was released in 1988 and had a classic earthy floral scent. Fahrenheit 32, created in 2007, swapped the floral fragrances for some exotic combinations to create an oriental and woody cologne.

The blend of notes is anything but classic and traditional. The tops notes begin the cologne with an exotic mix of mint and coconut. The heart notes are made of orange blossom and veviter, a citrus fragrance to enhance the top notes and a musky earth fragrance to keep the balance. Lush vanilla, an additional veviter, and amber create the base notes of Fahrenheit 32.

The finished product is a fresh and awakening scent due to the mint and orange blossom, yet kept in line with the unique addition of vanilla. While the fragrance is crisp and clear, the musk scents add warmth and comfort. Fahrenheit 32 by Dior adds spunk and excitement on cold winter days.

CK Be by Calvin Klein

Unlike other musk colognes that are designed for men, CK Be by Calvin Klein offers a unisex fragrance. The inspiration was the idea of bonding and sharing to bridge the gender gap between men and women. The top notes consist of bergamot, lavender, blackberry, and peppermint. Jasmine, orchid, juniper, and freesia make up the heart notes. CK Be creates base notes of cedar, vanilla, and amber.

CK Be works as a cologne for both men and women because of the complimentary yet contrasting fragrances. The heavy musk scents that provide the base tone down the spicy juniper, floral lavender, jasmine, and orchid, and the refreshing and invigorating blackberry, peppermint, and freesia. Scents that are considered masculine or feminine are blended to create a warm and gentle musky cologne. The characteristic fragrance of CK Be can be worn by any one at any time in any situation.

When used properly, musky colognes are ideal for almost every man and many women. It is vital to examine the other scents that are combined with the desired musk. However, when looking for a classic cologne with potential to accommodate mundane day-to-day routines or the most extravagant engagements, look no further than musk colognes.