EDP
Women
Elizabeth and James
Musky
About Musky perfumes
Musky perfumes are soft, clean and skin like, built on white musks that smell like warm, freshly washed skin. They are quiet, intimate and very wearable. Perfume World lists 1 fragrance in this collection. You will find notes, hands on longevity scores and retailer links on every perfume page.
The houses you will see most often are Elizabeth and James. The overall rating here sits at 7.8 out of 10 on average, based on hands on testing. The notes that come up most often are lily of the valley, musk and peony. Expect to pay from $20 to $300, with the final price set by bottle size and the seller.
They work everywhere, from the office to bedtime, and they are a good choice when you want to smell nice without announcing yourself. Musk is also the quiet hero in many other perfumes. If you like it on its own, look at the musk notes listed in the perfumes you already love.
- Perfumes
- 1
- Average rating
- 7.8/10
- Price range
- From $20 to $300
- Average longevity
- 6/10
- Top house
- Elizabeth and James
- Released
- 2013
Top rated musky perfumes
How to choose musky perfumes
If you are unsure where to begin, Elizabeth and James Nirvana White is the highest rated of our musky perfumes, which makes it a sensible first sample.
Pick two or three musky perfumes that sound right, then compare them side by side. The Compare tool lines up notes and scores so the differences are easy to see.
How musky perfumes perform
In our wear tests, musky perfumes score 6 out of 10 for longevity on average, which means moderate staying power, so a midday refresh helps.
Sillage, the trail a perfume leaves behind you, averages 5 out of 10, which points to moderate projection that stays fairly close.
In hot and humid conditions, the same perfumes average 5 out of 10 for longevity. Heat speeds up evaporation, so expect scents to feel stronger at first and fade sooner than in cool, dry air.
If staying power is your priority, start with Elizabeth and James Nirvana White (6/10).
Our shortlist of musky perfumes
Elizabeth and James Nirvana White has the best overall rating here at 7.8 out of 10, and it comes as EDP.
Buying tips for musky perfumes
Check the concentration. Most of the perfumes here are EDP. Eau de parfum and parfum usually last longer and cost more than eau de toilette, and each perfume page lists the exact concentration.
Consider a decant or a travel size if the full bottle is expensive. It lets you live with the scent for a week before spending real money.
Moisturise before you spray. Perfume holds far better on hydrated skin, and an unscented lotion can add hours to a scent that otherwise fades quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What do musky perfumes smell like?
Musky perfumes are soft, clean and skin like, built on white musks that smell like warm, freshly washed skin. They are quiet, intimate and very wearable.
Which notes are common in musky perfumes?
The notes we see most in musky perfumes are lily of the valley, musk and peony. Open a perfume page for the full opening, heart and base.
When should I wear musky perfumes?
They work everywhere, from the office to bedtime, and they are a good choice when you want to smell nice without announcing yourself.
Are musky perfumes a good choice for beginners?
Musk is also the quiet hero in many other perfumes. If you like it on its own, look at the musk notes listed in the perfumes you already love.
Which brands make the best musky perfumes?
The houses with the most musky perfumes here are Elizabeth and James. Browse each one to compare styles and prices.
How much do musky perfumes cost?
Prices for musky perfumes on our list run from $20 to $300. The final price depends on bottle size, concentration and the retailer, so compare the sellers listed on each perfume page.
Which musky perfumes have the best staying power?
Based on our longevity scores, the longest lasting are Elizabeth and James Nirvana White (6/10). Longevity also depends on skin type, weather and how you apply, so use these as a guide.
Are musky perfumes good for hot and humid weather?
It depends on the perfume, but on average musky perfumes score 5 out of 10 for longevity in hot and humid conditions. Check the hot and humid score on each page, and use a lighter hand with sweet or heavy styles.
Can men and women both wear musky perfumes?
Yes. Perfume has no rules, and many fragrances are worn by everyone. Pick the scent you love and the setting it suits. On Perfume World, the labels here break down as for her (1).
Which musky perfumes are the best value?
The best value picks, judged on quality, performance and price together, are Elizabeth and James Nirvana White (6.5/10).
Not sure which one fits you? Answer a few questions and get matched, or browse our buying guides.