CaFleureBon Musk in Perfumery: Of Skin and Skank + 11 Great Musk Perfumes Draw

Mahlon Blaine  erotic musk perfumesEgon_Schiele_022cafleurebonalphamusk

 

Left Mahlon Blaine Right Egon Shiele The Embrace

Sacred and profane, scent of skin and skank, fragrance of royalty and rebels, musk can be transforming in a perfume with the power to refine, extend and balance or it can be the essence of sex.  Musk is the odor of attraction, of sensuality, of wealth, and is the base upon which most perfumes are constructed.

 The word musk probably derives from the Sanskrit word for testicle, muska, and there is no simple description for its odor.  Overpowering, urinous, fecal, floral, milky, leathery, earthy, sweaty, spicy, woody, and sweet are some of the descriptors of the various natural musks, especially in a pure state.  It is a smell that cannot be tolerated for long up close and personal and yet ……. diluted, aged, blended, added to a fragrance, its value is beyond compare. The product of randy mammals, courting alligators, territorial beavers, ducks, snakes, plants and even beetles, musk communicates through the air with its various nuances.

Naomi Campbell by Herb Ritts 1991

Naomi Campbell by Herb Ritts 1991

Animal musks, with their complicated and pheromonal fragrance, extend to aphrodisiacs and magickal spells. Whether to attract a mate, provide a sensual aspect to fragrance, engender courage or dominance, humans reflect the original animal intent , using musk to say “here I am, desire me.” Or, in the case of Japanese Samurai who carried it into battle for protection from evil and for spiritual strength, “Evil fear me for my spirit is strong.”

kama sutra movie musk perfumes

Kama Sutra (1996) starring Naveen Andrews

In humans, the sex hormone testosterone is said to be related to musk and to convey hidden messages of sex and power. In its original source, musk is all about communication—sending a definite message—and the message is usually erotic. Strangely enough, musk is one of the most common molecules that people are unable to smell. Called partial or musk anosmia, this inability to smell various large musk molecules may be why musk odors are described in so many ways and elicit such varied responses.

William_Daniell_-_Musk_Deer,_And_Birds_Of_Paradise

William Daniell-Musk Deer,And Birds Of Paradise

The primary and historic source of musk was the musk deer – especially Tonkin or Tonquin musk – which comes from a small deer that lives in the mountains of China and Tibet. The kanji (Chinese character) for "musk," , consists of two elements, "deer" and "shoot (an arrow)," indicating that the scent emitted by the deer travels far like an arrow shot from a bow Musk deer have overgrown incisors giving them a tusked look and they are solitary, communicating through scent when a territorial male is ready to find his females. The message is “come to me, I am here.” The musk is carried in a round gland about the size of a small egg that is located on the abdomen of the deer.   Deer are nearly always killed to obtain the musk which is at its best during the breeding season in the winter. Traditionally, the glands, containing a reddish-brown paste that dries to dark grains, were shipped for sale in small boxes called caddies. After drying, the fragrant material is extracted with alcohol. When it is highly diluted the ethereal, pure musk, with its warm and sweet scent is apparent; the molecule muscone provides the primary olfactory effect.

musk deer illustration (wiki)

musk deer illustration

According to legend, musk deer hunters would play a haunting melody on a flute to attract the curious deer from dense brush. Often all deer in a herd were killed, including females and young animals; this is still true today where hunting and snaring takes place.  Musk deer populations are declining rapidly due to over-hunting and are in danger of declining to catastrophic numbers.In spite of efforts to regulate hunting, poaching is rampant in some parts of their range. According to a study as many as 60,000 musk deer could be killed each year in Russia to produce about 400 to 450 kilograms of musk that is smuggled out of the country. In parts of their range musk deer are farmed and the pod removed without killing the deer but the living conditions on the farms are generally very poor and mortality of deer high.

chinese apothecary musk

Chinese Apothecary

Deer musk was unknown in antiquity and its first reference dates back to the  5th century B.C. in the Talmud (Berachoth 43: "R. Hisda said in the name of Ze'iri: Over all incense-perfumes the blessing is 'who createst fragrant woods', except over musk, which comes from a living creature and the blessing is, 'who createst various kinds of spices').  Musk is very important in traditional Chinese medicine (accounting for much of current use) and has been used in China and its neighbors for at least 5,000 years. Even today it is mentioned and used in as many as 400 Chinese and Korean traditional medicines for nervous, circulatory and lung problems. In AD 1189 it was mentioned as part of a tribute to Saladin from the Holy Roman Emperor and deer musk was said to have been incorporated into the mortar of Arab mosques to impart a scent that would last for decades. The use of musk as an aphrodisiac in perfumes was perfected as an art by Byzantine and Arab perfume makers.

Portrait of the Empress Josephine - Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, 1805

Portrait of the Empress Josephine – Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, 1805

In Europe, people quickly realized that musk consolidated and strengthened all the nuances of the components of perfume.   Henry VIII used rosewater accented with grains of musk, ambergris, civet, and cloves.  Musk was highly revered in Russia in the court of Catherine II. Grigory Rasputin constantly used natural musk which explains why he had such legendary masculine  charisma.  The Empress Josephine loved musk and used it abundantly—so much so that the walls of her boudoir retained the smell for decades.  

musk perfumes Gérard Dubois

Musk…unwashed skin

Natural musks, especially those from animal sources, often embody an unwashed skin note. This is especially apparent when they are used in amounts other than the very tiny doses required for fixative and exalting effects. Deer musk is often used in concert with other musk notes such as ambergris from whales, civet (a cat-looking mammal that produces a musky smell), muskrats, and castoreum from beavers.

angelica botanical drawingAbelmoschus_moschatus_Blanco ambrette

Angelica root and Ambrette seeds are used to create botanical musks

Ambrette seed and angelica root are the only botanicals that contain macrocyclic musk, like the musk deer.There are a few vegetal musks, the most valuable being ambrette seed and angelica.  Ambrette comes from a plant that is in the hibiscus family and produces an edible fruit that is much like okra. The seeds pop out of the dried husk and are shaped like tiny kidney beans.  Soft and buttery, purely musky with a slightly oily skin note, ambrette seed extract adds skin tone and warmth to a perfume.  The seeds are used in food to flavor coffee or in the spice blend Ras El Hanout. The unripe fruit may be eaten along with the new shoots and it is used in treating various urinary tract diseases. The musky molecule in ambrette is ambrettolide.

Angelica, also called the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit root, is another musky plant with scented plant parts and roots. An essential oil is made from the roots that has a strong herbaceous fragrance and has long been used in traditional medicine for stomach problems and hiccups. In China it is known as the female ginseng for women’s troubles and may act to combat stress. The type of musk in this plant is called exaltolide. Under the peppery, green and woody fragrance of angelica lies a definite hint of musk, especially in the drydown,that adds interest, longevity, and sensuality.  Angelica is also used in spells for warding off evil, protection of family, and repelling negative spirits.

jovan musk 1972

Jovan Musk (1972) advertisement

As with floral notes, there are very few perfumes without musk and its exalting yet earthy and erotic effects.  Perfumer Kevin Verspoor notes,  "In classical perfumery of the 1800s and 1900s, musk was used with other animal notes like civet, ambergris and castoreum. According to the world renowned Fragrance Expert and Evaluator Michael Edwards, "Caswell Massey's MUSK OIL (1950) was the first fragrance that used the note in a starring role, but it was JOVAN MUSK (1972) that influenced a generation.  Galaxolide a polycyclic organic synthetic musk  was the key, combined with a Chanel No 5 base. Galaxolide was first synthesized in 1965, and used in the late 1960s in some fabric softeners & detergents." (Editor's Note: Galaxolide is used in common household products such as Tide and  Glade and  is controversial amongst environmental groups. Its use in fragrance caused a "stink" when  the Susan G. Komen Foundation endorsed Promise Me, a perfume for the Cause. Some studies show that Galaxolide interferes with hormones ).

musk in perfume vintage

Galaxolide possesses a clean sweet musky flowery woody odor. It is one of the musk components perfume and cologne manufacturers use to add a musk smell to perfume along with Muscone. According to Kevin Verspoor, " Real musk tincture contains Muscone. It's olfactive profile is urine like, warm and animalic and the dry down is soft and sensual smelling."   Nitro musks and polycyclic musks were some of the early versions but have been banned in some countries and are not as widely used due to environmental  and health concerns.

Musk on skin provides the ultimate experience of scent. While the Empress Josephine loved musk everywhere and on everything, Napoleon loved the scent of her musky skin. In a message from one of his many campaigns he is said have written “Returning to Paris in three days, don’t bathe!”

Elise Pearlstine, Monthly Contributor  (with contributions from Kevin Verspoor, Michael Edwards, and Michelyn Camen)

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen

michael-edwardsKevin-Verspoor

Michael Edwards of Fragrances of the World, Fragrance Expert and  Independent perfumer Kevin Vanspoor of Perfumekev LLC.

Editor's Note: Thank you to Michael Edwards of Fragrances of The World and Kevin Verspoor (the nose behind such fragrances as Odin New York 03 Century and 06 Amanu, The Indie Fifi Award winner in 2012) for their insights. I asked a number of  respected Perfumers  (including Geza Schoen) who work with synthetic musk molecules what makes a dirty musk  vs. clean and each had a different answer. To quote Anya McCoy President of the Natural Perfumers Guild ( author and perfumer for Anya's Garden) in her 2010 letter to bloggers participating inThe Mystery of Musk Internet Project:  "If there is one thing I’ve observed … musk is the Number One subject of interest among those who love all kinds of perfume, both natural and synthetic".

musk perfumes romance

Skin  and Skank… we have chosen musk perfumes that use the note in memorable ways.

musc koublai khan serge lutens

Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan Available at Parfum1.com, the sponsor for this draw USA  and Canada Perfumer Christopher Sheldrake ( ambrette seeds, vegetal musk )

montale roses musk

 50 ml Montale Roses Musk USA sponsored by EuroParfums USA

Musc_Botanique strange invisible perfumes

1.7 ounces Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique Perfume review by Michelyn here ALL NATURAL USA Perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis (botanical musk accord and white amber)

alpha-musc-liz-zorn

 11 ml Soivohle Alpha Musc Mark's Perfume Review here (White Musk, Castoreum, Muscone and Civet) USA Perfumer Liz Zorn

royal muska parfums micallef

3.3 oz M.Micallef Royal Muska  International Perfumer Jean Claude Astier

cashmere musk 40notes

40Notes Cashmere Musk  Mark's review here USA  woody/sensual musk Perfumer Miriam Vareldzis

trish McEvoy 9 blackberry and vanilla musk

Trish Mcevoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk sponsored by Fragrance.net  USA

mata hari perfume 1 dram  mini flasj

 5 ml perfume mini flask DSH Perfumes Mata Hari ALL NATURAL USA  ( early twentieth century style fruity-chypre-animalic ambrette seeds) Perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz

15mlPan musk perfume botanical anyas garden

Anya's Garden 15ml Pan ALL NATURAL  International Perfumer Anya McCoy (Agrestic Musky Floral  ambrette seed (vegetative musk and goat hair tincture (animalic musk)

coco_blanc christi meshell house of matriarch

House of Matriarch Coco Blanc (special reserve vintage musk)  ALL NATURAL USA Perfuner Christi Meshell

Dev2 olympic orchids musk perfume

Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2  International Perfumer Dr.Ellen Covey (synthetic deer musk, ambrettolide, castoreum, and civet)

johnny depp between the sheets

Gratuitous Photo: Johnny Depp between the sheets MMMM MUSK OF DEPP

To be eligible for the Best Musk Perfumes draw, please leave a comment with what you learned about Musk in perfumery and list all the fragrances you would like to win (country restrictions) AT LEAST ONE MUST BE ALL NATURAL. It would also be fun to learn if you like skin or skank in your musk. Draw ends October 9, 2013.

The draw is random but we will try to match winners with their choices.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

 

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112 comments

  • Wonderful article about a category of fragrance I know very little about. I has no idea the scent gland of the musk deer was in the abdomen! I always thought it was “back there.”

    Thank you for the generous draw and informative post! Would love to try:

    SIP Musc Botanique, 40Notes Cashmere Musk, DSH Mata Hari, or HoM Coco Blanc.

    I am in the US
    Ramona-)

  • I learned that musk was referred to in the talmud and worn by Rasputin. I would like to win Royal Muska, 40notes cashmere musk, Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique and House of Matriarch Coco Blanc. I am all about skin!

  • Interesting that musk is the scent that most attracts people in perfume but at the same time the one that people are most often anosmic to. The musk deer is a beautiful animal and I didn’t know the gland was in it’s abdomen, I just assumed it was an anal gland. I’m a huge fan of musk and prefer skanky. I would like Muscs Koublai Khan, Royal Muska, Roses Musk, Cashmere Musk or Coco Blanc. Thanks so much, this was a great read!

  • I love musc so much but-I didn’t know that-“as many as 60,000 musk deer could be killed each year in Russia to produce about 400 to 450 kilograms of musk that is smuggled out of the country” Oh how sad! I will cherish musk fragrances from now on. I would love to try,M.Micallef Royal Muska ,40Notes Cashmere Musk,Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan and House of Matriarch Coco Blanc,Montale Roses Musk. I love skin in my musc. They all sound so heavenly accually.I live in the US-thanks for the drawing!

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    I am quite familiar with the natural musks and the botanical musks. I found it interesting to learn about the synthetic galaxolide and it’s usage not only in perfumes but in other household products.

    I would be happy to receive any of the perfumes, however, my favorites would include; SIP Musc Botanique, Christi’s Coco Blanc, Soivohle Alpha Musc, and Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfume Dev # 2. I have Anya’s Pan and it is delightful. I also have been fortunate enough to experience Mata Hari.

    I am in the US

  • I was intrigued to learn about the potential link between testosterone and the musk scent molecule. I’d love to win MKK or DSH’s Mata Hari. Thanks as ever for the amazing draw! (I am in the US)

  • Another wonderful article, Elise. I learn so much reading your articles! I had previously read that synthetic musks are ubiquitous in laundry detergent, to the point that we now equate the smell of clean laundry with what is actually musk(!), and after reading this article I wonder if it’s galaxolide in particular. Whatever it is, it really doesn’t agree with me! I do enjoy some of the natural musks, and I *love* the natural stank of (some) human skin. I’d love to win SIP Musc Botanique or DSH Mata Hari. Thank you for the draw!

  • (I forgot to mention that I can’t seem to wear anything other than all natural perfumes, so if I happen to win, please pair me with an all natural perfume2! Thank you.)

  • I am in the US. I learned that you can get some musk molecules from vegetable sources. I would love to win Musc Kublai Khan, SIP Musc Botanique, or House of Matriarch Coco Blanc. Thanks!

  • I am in the US and I learned that apparently angelica and ambrette (something about a’s) have a similar type of chemical to them as the musk deer’s glands do! I also thought it was cool how musk is awful in it’s pure form, but well loved dilluted.

    I’d love to win:
    SIP Musc Botanique, Mata Hari, or HOM Coco Blanc. Especially the later sounds my style, though they all sound gorgeous.

  • I did not know that ambrette comes from the hibiscus family.
    I’d like to win the Cashmere Musk, or Coco Blanc, or Dev #2. 🙂
    USA

  • I never knew there were botanical masks! I like that there are non-animal sources of musk-like scents. Anya’s Garden, Strange Invisible and Coco Blanc sound amazing! Skin is best, I think.

    I’m in the U.S.

  • I am in the US, and I learned that Caswell MAssey was first to do musk oil.

    Would love to win Montale, or the Micaleff, or the Trish Mc Evoy. On the naturals, Coco Banc or Dev 32

    Thanks for the draw.

  • I didn’t know that both Ambrette seed and angelica root contain the same musks compound as the musk from the deer. Strangely, I like the smell of Ambrette seed and Angelica root and dislike most perfumes with a strong musk note.

    I would like to win M.Micallef Royal Muska or Anya’s Garden Pan.

  • Top marks for the graphics-I like skin and would adore to win House of Matriarch Coco Blanc (special reserve vintage musk) SIP Musc Botanique, 40Notes Cashmere Musk by Perfumer Miriam Vareldzis or DSH Mata Hari. I learnt something that I never knew, that Musk Oil by Caswell Massey was the first fragrance using the note in a starring role! I have a US address. Great draw!

  • I didn’t know that Anjelica root would give the scent effect of musk. This was an interesting article, but sad about the deers.
    I would love to win the DSH Mata Hari. I would also love SI Musc Botanique, Micallef Royal Muska, Trisha McEvoy No. 9, 40 Notes Cashmere Musk, Coco Blanc. I am in the US

  • I was intrigued by the botanical components used to create “musk” notes (especially Angelica, which I have smelled both fresh and dried and would classify as a “clean, earthy” musk, as it is definitely not “skanky” to my nose), amused by the role of animal and skin musks in Napoleon and Josephine’s lives, and appalled that “an entire herd” of musk deer–including the young ones–would be killed at once for their glands.

    I think I would enjoy Musc Botanique, Canhmere Musk, No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, Coco Blanc, Mata Hari, or Dev 32. I am in the US.

  • I’d read about some things before but did not know that Caswell Massey was first to do musk oil, and I also loved the Napoleon quote.
    I’d like to win Anya’s Garden Pan, M.Micallef Royal Muska and Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2.
    I’m in the EU,
    ty

  • These note specific articles are always my favorite- so informative!
    I had no idea that deer musk was mixed into the mortar when building Arab mosques.
    I would like to win Pan or Mata Hari. THANK YOU!!

  • Dubaiscents says:

    Wonderful article, I love musk scents, the skankier the better! I didn’t know ambrette seed and angelica root are the only botanicals that contain macrocyclic musk.
    I would love to win any of these scents but, my favorites would be the Anya’s Garden Pan or Olympic Orchid Dev #2, or Royal Muska. (US)

  • Chapeau Clack says:

    Great article and imagery as always, thanks for a delightful and informative read.
    I had no idea that angelica actually imparts a musky scent, my nose registers it as purely herbal.
    I do love animalic musks though. A bit of skank is always welcome.
    I’d love to win M.Micallef Royal Muska or Anya’s Garden Pan (I’m int’l).

  • I have a US address. I knew that real musk came from deer, but I never knew that they had to all the way and kill the whole pack! 🙁 I also wondered why no one was doing farming, when it could be done, butbI didn’t realize that their living conditions could be rather poor. I also wondered where botanical musk came from. Now I know!

    I’d love to win Sl’s MMK, DSH’s Mata Hari (been dying to try it), and Olympic Orchid’s Dev #2. Thanks a lot for the giveaway!!

  • Thanks for interesting article – it was for the first time that I ve read details about musk – this description of musk odor is very variable “Overpowering, urinous, fecal, floral, milky, leathery, earthy, sweaty, spicy, woody, unwashed skin note and sweet are some of the descriptors of the various natural musks, especially in a pure state. ” So I understand why it is diluted in scents to avoid of those “negative” sensations. I ve learned about its fixative role in fragrance composition. I woul like to win M.Micallef Royal Muska, Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2 and Anya’s Garden Pan. (Slovakia, EU)

  • You are correct, musk is one hot topic of discussion! I love that you covered both animal and botanical sources and it was a great getting to know a little about the chemical compounds that exist within each. If I said pretty please can I have Anya’s Pan, M. Mucallef Royal Muska, andOlympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2 ?! (Taiwan)

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    too many interesting facts in the article such as the name coming from Sanskrit and that Arab perfumers were one of the first to master the art of using musk in perfumery…i also now understand why Perfum D’EMpire came up with Musk Tonkin and it seems they have hit the nail because the smell does remind one of musky unbathed skin…

    My choices are Micallef Royal Muska, Montale Roses Musk, Lutens Musc Koublai Khan, and Strange Invisible Perfumes Musk Botanique. I am in the U.S.

  • I certainly learned a lot from this interesting article, butI did not know that musk was used in Chinese medicine. I have such a fondness for musk and civet, as I wore these scents in high school!(Alyssa Ashley)…I live in the US. I would choose M.Micallef Royal Muska, Montale Roses Musk and DSH Perfumes Mata Hari. Thanks for the draw!

  • I never knew Angelica root was used as a musk element in perfume. That was very interesting to learn from your article ! I would love to win the following perfumes Musc Bontique by Strange Perfumes or Soivohle Alpha Musc. I love a little skank in my musk perfumes. My favorite is Bal á Versailles edp vintage. Skankolicious! I tell you.

  • Chapeau Clack says:

    An informative and delightful read as always, and the imagery is just delicious!
    I had no idea that angelica had musky notes in its fragrant profile, my nose registers it as purely herbal/anisic.
    I do love animal musks though. Too bad no one seems to care enough to farm those deer in an ethical manner. I wonder why. On paper it seems so… doable (is this a word even?)
    I like both skin and skank, as long as it’s not the horrendous nostril-singeing laundry grade musk which seems ubiquitous in mass market and luxury brands alike these days, and I’d be thrilled to win M.Micaleff Royal Muska and Olympic Orchids Dev#2 (I’m int’l)
    Thanks.

  • I learned a lot! Knew about Josephine and Napolean, but didn’t know about the differences between angelica and ambrette, or that samurai carried musk to ward off evil, or that the first mention was in the Talmud! Rasputin’s charisma must have been enhanced by musk, but I don’t know that any fragrance could create a cult of personality… unless it was really awesome.

    Thanks for the article and draw
    I always enjoy these informative articles!
    I would love to try *any* of these, am in the US.
    My top choice would be Pan!
    after that:
    Musc Botanique
    Coco Blanc
    Alpha Musc
    Musc Koublai Khan
    Dev #2
    Montale Roses Musk
    DSH Mata Hari
    Cashmere Musk
    Royal Muska

  • Such an impressive article on musk perfumes
    I learned so much that I don’t know where to begin
    How about that galoxinide is potentially harmful ( disrupt hormones!) and that there is a species musk Tonkin that are from china and Tibet I learned that Musk deer have tusks and the gland is in their abdomen So cool that Michael Edwards and Kevin Verspoor ( Love Odin 6) gave their expertise as I enjoyed reading their quotes. I like my musk dirty so Musc Kublai khan , Pan, Mata Hari. But will add Montale roses musk because I have never smelled it and trish McEvoy 9 because I wore it years ago and loved it

  • Doreen Stelton says:

    Hi- thanks for the great article. very interesting to learn about the use of musk in chinese and korean medicines. also enjoyed learning about non-animal, natural sources of the musk note. and loved the art. i’d really enjoy any of the following – Pan, Coco Blanc, Mata Hari, Musc Botanique, and Kubla Khan. thanks so much!

  • julesinrose says:

    I feel like an idiot, but I didn’t quite put together that we humans exude musk, too (of course!!!) and I love that smell. I’ve always liked the Napoleon quote “Returning to Paris in three days, don’t bathe!” though I prefer the scent of clean sweat.

    My top picks are (in order of preference): Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2, Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique, Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan, DSH Perfumes Mata Hari.

    Thanks for the great article, and the photo of Johnny Depp!

  • Really interesting article but to find that as many as 60000 deers are killed each year for just 450 kilos?makes it sound horrible. They should switch to botanical musks.
    But excellent article, I live in the US and would love to win Musc Botanique or Lutens MKK.

  • I liked to know that there is the not natural musk, I think that this is very important.
    Royal muska and Anya’s guarden

  • I never knew musk was used in Chinese and Korean medicine for lung, nervous, and circulatory problems. I thought it was all about the fragrance!
    I am anosmic to some musks but would love to try the famous
    SL Musc Kublai Khan, SIP Musc Botanique, 40 Notes Cashmere Musc, DSH Mata Hari, House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, or Olympic Orchids Dev #2. I am in the US.

  • This was a great article and i love musk perfumes all types. Angelica root used to treat women’s problems and that musk was used in China for 5000 yrs. I was the most interested in learning about its first use as a star ingredient in Caswell Massey musk oil and that many people cannot smell certain musk molecules. johnny Depp nice touch 😉
    I would like to win SL Musc Kublai Khan, SIP Musc Botanique, 40 Notes Cashmere Musc, DSH Mata Hari, House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, roses musk by montale , or Royal Muska.

  • I’m a big fan of musk. My first purchase as a perfumista was MH’s L’Air de Rien. I was interested to read about ambrette and angelica, because, although I knew about vegetal musk in perfume and can usually discriminate between it and non-vegetal musks, I had no idea how these scents were created.
    I’m in the US and am interested in Roses Musk, Royal Muska, or Musc Botanique.

  • FASCINATING natural history of the multiple uses of musk! I had no idea that it’s botanical substitutes – such as angelica root – is also used for women’s problems. Makes me want to dig into aromatherapy more …

    Thank you so much! Great info – my fave thing learned is that musk comes from the Sanskrit work for testicle. 🙂

    And my top three perfumes I’d love to try are:

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    40Notes Cashmere Musk
    Anya’s Pan

  • Musk love! Even though I think I know some things when I start one of these articles it’s always so much fun to learn new things and then to share them!

  • I was not at all familiarized with musc to be honest so this whole article was more than informative, it made me curious. I enjoyed learning about ambrette seeds and angelica root because every time I read about a perfume I like it seems to have ambrette. I guess I like botanical muscs although I have no idea what a skanky musc may smell like.
    I am ging to say without really knowing that I feel I may like clean muscs better than skanky.
    I am in the US and I’d love to try Musc Botanique, Royal muska, coco blanc
    Thanks!

  • wefadetogray says:

    I did know just a little bit about the deer musc and the vegetables musc but somehow now I am sad about the deer depleted population. Killing baby deer, really? Sad.
    What I didnt know and found interesting is the use of angelica in Chinese medicine for both stress and women’s issues so I think I have tried this.
    I am in the US in case any restrictions apply. I would just love to smell Coco Blanc!! also Royal Muska, and Musc Botanique.
    Thanks for this wonderful post and draw

  • FeralJasmine says:

    I never realized that Angelica was a source of vegetable musk. Ambrette seed was the only one I knew about. I would love to win any of the indie perfumers’ musks, with Pan from Anya’s Garden way up at the head of the list! Thanks for the draw

  • helical gnome says:

    I didnt know that musc has pheromonal and aphrodisiac properties and although I love the smell of sex I am not sure I will get attracted to someone smelling like well, sweaty testicles so I guess I prefer skin muscs to the sex gods of skank.
    I’d like to win Royal Musca, Coco Blanc, Cashmere Muskc, Mata Hari, and Musc Botanique

  • This was an interesting article. I didn’t realize that there was still such a trade in real musk, which is sad to me. It was good to learn about the ambrette and angelica for the natural musks.

    I am one of those anosmic folks – I don;t wear Muscs Kublai Kahn because I can barely smell it and don;t want to gas everyone out.

    I would like to win:
    SIP Musc Botanique (natural)
    McEvoy No 9 Blackberry & Musk
    DSH Mata Hari (natural)

  • Chapeau Clack says:

    Oops, sorry for the double entry, it just didn´t show up the first time over, must be some glitch.

  • Interesting to learn more about ambrette seeds — I didn’t know they had an edible fruit and were used in flavorings. Also the pan flute to call the musk deer!

    I would love to win the MKK, Royal Muska or Dev #2. I live in the US.

  • I had to warm up to musk in perfume but got there eventually. Most interesting to me was learning just how many different animals have their own musks compared to how few of those animal musks are traditionally used in perfumery. Alligator musk!

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    McEvoy No 9 Blackberry & Musk

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the generous draw!

  • I did not know that angelica imparts a musk odour. The candied angelica that my grandmother decorated her iced cakes with, had no odour at all! I live in Ireland and would love to win M.Micallef Royal Muska, Pan, or Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2. Thanks for the draw!

  • I was always intrigued by the connection of musk with aphrodisiacs. Very interesting to read more about this facet of musk.

    I would like to win any of the following: Royal Muska, Dev#2 or Pan.

    Thank you very much!

  • It’s very simple but I can’t believe I didn’t know that the word musk has its origins in the Sanskrit word for testicle. Amazing! I did feel really sad reading about the poor musk deer. 🙁 I hope we are able to save them.

    Oh, and I definitely love skank in my musk. I’m in the US. The fragrances I’d be interested in winning, in order of preference, are:

    1. House of Matriarch Coco Blanc
    2. Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    3. M.Micallef Royal Muska
    4. Montale Roses Musk
    5.Soivohle Alpha Musc
    6. Anya’s Garden Pan
    7. Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • I never knew Rasputin was a perfumista. Also, this is very immature of me, but I have to admit that the picture of the butt wearing a Zorro mask gave me a good chuckle.

    I live in the US, and my choices would be Trish McEvoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, and House of Matriarch Coco Blanc. Thank you!

  • This was fascinating According to legend, musk deer hunters would play a haunting melody on a flute to attract the curious deer from dense brush. Often all deer in a herd were killed, including females and young animals; this is still true today where hunting and snaring takes place. So sad and cruel.
    I would be happy with any of the perfumes they all sound great

  • Nancy Brach says:

    It’s quite fascinating that so many people are scent blind to something so prevalent in perfumes. I would never have guessed it to be a common scent blindness. I live in the US and I would love some:Royal Muska or Coco Blanc,

  • I am always amazed and humbled to discover the many health uses for a material. In this case that there are over 400 Chinese and Korean traditional medicines for nervous, circulatory and lung problems. And continuing with the botanical Ambrette Seed that it is used for Urinary Tract pathology. Awesome article. I’d love to be entered into the draw to win Royal Muska, Pan (I just bought some but you can never have enough of this powerful potion), and Dev #2. Thanks so much. Suzy

  • Best draw yet!
    I didn’t realize, although I should have, that there was such a huge poaching problem for musk still. Sad when killing the poor things is not necessary.
    I live in the US and I would be pleased with any of the offerings but especially

    DSH Mata Hari
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Soivohle Alpha Musc
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    Lutens MKK
    Musc Kublai Khan

  • I learned that musc can come from both plans and animals.
    I live in Seattle, WA, USA and would be interested in :
    DSH Mata Hari
    Lutens MKK
    M.Micallef Royal Muska
    and Olympic Orchids Dev 2

  • I didn’t know musk is used in Chinese medicine and healing. Great article. If I was lucky enough to wine, I would like Micallef Royal muska! Olympic orchids Dev 2, SIP Musc Botanique, or DSH Mata Hari. I live in the US.

  • The entire article was a learning experience. I didn’t realize how many different varieties there are and from different sources. Also, the many different smells from musk. I so loved the article. I recently started getting into the musks.

    I do live in the US and would enjoy Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan, Soivohle Alpha Musc, M.Micallef Royal Muska, House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, Soivohle Alpha Musc and DSH Perfumes Mata Hari.

  • I like both skin and skank in my musk; it just depends on how it is executed in a fragrance. For example, I enjoy chocolate notes but some perfumes just know how to make it work and others don’t.

    I didn’t know that musk derives from the Sanskrit word muska, meaning testicles. 🙂 I also did not know musk comes from so many sources; from ducks to plants.

    I am in the US. Please consider me for the following:
    1. House of Matriarch Coco Blanc (Thanks to Joe Anthony for the awesome review)
    2. Royal Muska by M. Micallef
    3. 40Notes Cashmere Musk
    4. Muscs Koublai Khan by Serge Lutens
    5. Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • I love learning the origins of words. Musk being derived from the Sanskrit for testicles is very interesting! Also, I would love to smell both vegetal versions of musk. Especially Ambrette seed. Angelica seems to be a bit harder to smell from your description. I would love any of the musk perfumes on your list but the ones that sound the most attractive are: Solvohle Alpha Musc, Pan and house of Matriarch Coco Blanc.

  • Quite interesting reading about the ambrette seeds. Very cool. Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan, M.Micallef Royal Muska, DSH Perfumes Mata Hari

  • Wow. Musk being derived from Sanskrit for testicles… Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan, M.Micallef Royal Muska, DSH Perfumes Mata Hari

  • I learned that real musk can last for years, as in Empress Josephine’s boudoir, and that Angelica seed can approximate the animal scent. I would love to win Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan and House of Matriarch Cocoa Blanc.

    Thanks for doing this draw!

  • I did not know the word for musk was derived from the Sanskrit word for testicle….that explains everything! 😉 I love musk…the skankier the better.One of my favorite perfumes is Miller Harris L’air de Rien….definitely some furry skanky musk in there.Another favorite is Malle’s Musc Ravageur.I also realize now why I like Angelica so much as a note.Thanks for the great informative article!.I would love to win the Serge Lutens,the Montale,the Micallef,the Soivohle,Mata Hari,Coco Blanc or the Blackberry and Vanilla musk.Thanks for the draw!

  • Someotherspring says:

    Thank you for this great article and the lovely draw. I knew about musk sillage, but reading this taught me so much about so about musk longevity! And I never knew there were vegetal musk-this makes me very happy, and I’d like to experience them. I’d be thrilled to win:

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    DSH Perfumes Mata Hari
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

    For me, when it comes to musk, skin’s The Thing!

  • I had always wanted to know more about what was used to make vegetal/ non-animal musks and learned that Angelica root or Ambrette seeds are used. I love the images that you’ve posted along with the article, too.
    I live in the US. I think I prefer skin over skank!

    I would love to win
    Olympic Orchids Dev #2
    Matriarch Coco Blanc
    40 Notes Cashmere Musk
    Trish Mcevoy #9 Blackberry & Vanilla

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Ruby Silvestrini says:

    What an informative and well illustrated article! That nude with a mask on her bum is an excellent visual reference to the smell of musk and the evocative nature of perfume. I love perfume, but didn’t wear it for many years because I am sensitive to synthetics and concerned about the sourcing of animal products. I didn’t know there were such a wealth of perfumers working in natural botanicals until I came across ÇaFleureBon, and I am so lucky I did. I did not know that musk was sign of strength for Japanese Samurai, or that it was an element in Henry VIII’s scent. I actually thought that the musk deer was already extinct, and am glad to find that I was wrong. I am a fan of musk, and embrace the skin or skank smell of it.

    I live in the US and would love to be considered for :
    1) Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique,
    2) DSH Perfumes Mata Hari,
    3) Anya’s Garden Pan

    Thank you so much for this draw and for writing this article!

  • I found out why I like Tide detergent so much, galaxolide.
    Cashmere Musk, Musc Botanique, Coco Blance, Dev #2or Musc Kublai Khan. Thank you.

  • Playing the flute to lure unsuspecting musk deer to death is just cruel
    And the Russian black market for musk how horrible
    Its good that botanical perfumery offers alternative and that there are some synthetic molecules not associated with toxicity Ha ha too bad Odin 6 is not up as that is pretty muskyMusc Kublai khan , royal Muska , Dsh Mata Hari 40 notes cashmere musk , sip musc botanique and alpha musc sound wonderful
    Thank you for great article with great art and musk perfumes

  • I was happy to hear about the vegetal alternative to musk because the musk deer population is going to be extinct too. Thank you for the draw!! I live in the UK so any of the international are good!

  • Mariotgomez says:

    The one thing that stood out for me and I learned was that Angelica root and Ambrette seeds are used to create botanical musks. I love musc fragrances and now know why I am attracted to perfumes with these two botanicals notes.

    I live in the USA and would love any of the following scents if I am chosen.
    1. Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    2. House of Matriarch Coco Blanc
    3. Soivohle Alpha Musc
    4. Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    5. 40Notes Cashmere Musk
    6. Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • I figure out the mystery and attraction of musk continues through the centurys…
    I’m in europe and I would love to smell Anya’s Garden Pan.
    <3

  • Its amazing to learn that there are so many different types of musk derived from so many different sources. I myself probably would prefer the Galaxolide which possesses a clean sweet musky flowery woody odor. I did not realize that the primary and historic source of musk was the musk deer, especially Tonkin musk from a small deer that lives in the mountains of China and Tibet. Musk has always been a favorite note of mine in small doses. I am in the US and my choices would be:

    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc
    40Notes Cashmere Musk
    Micallef Royal Musca
    Soivohle Alpha Musc
    DSH Mata Hari

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a fabulous fragrance.

  • The concept of a “clean musk” is beyond me. Serve mine dirty please. I would love to experience Mata Hari by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz or Musc Botanique by SIP. Both sound lovely. I was excited to find out about Angelica as ambrette was the only botanical musk I knew of. It’s occult uses of protection were also charming and oh so Halloween timely. Thanks for the draw!

  • I didn’t know that the word musk comes from the sanskrit word for testicles…Interesting. Another thing that I learned is that there’speople who can’t smell musk !
    I’m international, I would choose Royal Muska , Pan or Dev2.

  • I learned that Rasputin wore a lot of musk, and that angelica root is musky. I haven’t actually smelled (or been able to smell) anything other than white or clean musk, so I’d like to try something skanky, or something with more than one type of musk:
    Serge Lutens Musc Koublai Khan, M. Micallef Royal Muska, Soivohle Alpha Musc, DSH Perfumes Mata Hari, House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, or Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2. I’m in the USA.

  • Blue Salvucci says:

    I am thankful there are some vegetable sources for musk! Fantastic article. I would love Strange Invisibles Musc Botanique or DSH Mata Hari.

  • (in the USA)
    I had no idea that Galaxolide was in Tide! I really dislike Tide, but I love the smell of unwashed man-skin and always prefer musky fragrances. =)
    Ambrette and Angelica as veggie-musks is a new thought for me. I definitely want to explore more fragrances made with those, or even from animal sources.
    I would love to try:
    Anya’s Garden’s “Pan”,
    “Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique”, and
    “House of Matriarch Coco Blanc”,
    in that order.
    Thank you!

  • I was amused to learn that even beetles produce musk, and very saddened to learn that musk deer are (still) slaughtered in such huge numbers each year. I’m glad we have botanical and synthetic alternatives! I’d like to try Musc Botanique, Royal Muska, and Cashmere Musk. I’m in the US.

  • leathermountain says:

    I’m in the US, It is funny to me that the word originates from a word for testicles. I want that answer to your question about dirty vs. clean! I find that so intriguing. My selections:
    1-Mata Hari
    2-Pan
    3-Musc Botanique
    4-Dev #2 (I have sampled this one — it is fantastic!)
    5-Muscs Koublai Khan
    6-Cashmere Musk
    7-Roses Musk
    8-Alpha Musc
    Thank you!

  • I love musk, the dirtier the better! I find it hilarious and appropriate that the word musk is likely derived from the Sanskrit word muska, meaning testicle. I will not likely ever forget that bit of musk trivia. I found it interesting that Japanese Samurai carried musk into battle for “protection from evil and for spiritual strength” and keep reciting in my head “Evil fear me for my spirit is strong.” That is a great quote. Thanks so much for this generous draw, I would love to win Serge Lutens Muscs Kublai Khan, which is one I’ve been after for years, or the All Natural scent House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, because that sounds so yummy, as well. I am located in the U.S.

  • I’m torn between the skin and skank. I suppose it really depends on my mood. While I like the skin musk for work the skank musk can be really sexy for an eve out clubbing. DSH carries one of my favorite, “Evolution Musk”. I didn’t know the many ways musk was obtained. I just thought it was from dear roaming around in the woods. Whole new prospective. Your article brings me to a newer appreciation of plants and what certain ones can contain. Surprise…surprise. The hunting…gee whiz people. Obviously there is a better way to get musk.

    I believe I would be interested in:
    House of Matriarch Coco Blanch
    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    DSH Perfumes Mata Hari
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    and the curiosity of……..Soivohle Alpha Musc

    In the United States and once again thank for a wonderful article and great draw opportunity.

  • I had no idea that synthetic musk is added to Tide detergent! My preference for skin or skank depends on my mood. I live in the U.S., and am most interested in DSH Perfumes Mata Hari Montale Roses Musk, and Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2.

  • I enjoyed so many details in this article and the images as well! I especially appreciated the history and plight of the musk deer. Sustainability is always one of the considerations and concerns when sourcing materials and this clearly is not possible even through “farming” methods. Having great interest on the lives of Josephine and Napolean, the mention of naturally produced “musk” through not bathing for days seems rather nauseating from today’s standards of cleanliness…but then, I’m sure someone would love to bottle that too!
    oh yes…and I swing both ways depending on my mood…skin and skank!

    I would love the following perfumes:
    House of Matriarch coco Blanc
    Strange Invisible perfumes,
    Solvohle Alpha Magic
    Anyas Garden Pan
    Olympic Orichids Perfumes Dev #2

    Thank You!

  • I was informed that musk can come from both plants and animals.
    I would love to win one of the following
    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai KhanHouse of Matriarch Coco Blanc
    Alpha Musc
    Musc Botanique
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev 2
    I am an EU resident

  • Jovan musk had a Chanel number 5 base
    That is interesting
    I didn’t know musk was used as a gift to Saladin and was in the Talmud
    Actually I didn’t know very much at all about synthetic or natural Musks
    I would like to win
    Musc botanique
    Royal Muska
    Montale roses
    Trish McEvoy 9
    Thank you for this great article
    Thank you sponsors

  • I learned of another strange and loopy example of ‘logic’ in the talmud: that since musk comes from a live animal one ought to thank god for the creation of ‘various kinds of spices’.

    And I learned the horrible fact that some people still abuse animals for perfumery:(

    I live in South Africa and would love to win any of the 3 internationals, the quirky Dev#2, the decidedly strange Pan, or the more conservative Royal Muska:)

  • I was surprised to hear that the unnecessary slaughter of the deer is still going on and that so much of the population is anosmic to the musk molecules. The first musk I ever loved was by Jovan and I still appreciate it. I would be thrilled to win SL’s Musc Kublai Khan, SIP’s Musc Botanique, and House of Matriarch Coco Blanc. I am in the U.S. and want to thank the sponsors, too.

  • Musk is a very controversial note in a perfume. I hate it and love it at the same time. What captured my attention in this article was the “Musk Anosmia” and eventually led me to a little research that musk consists of large molecules that people are unable to smell and hence musky smell is described in so many ways. One may catch the sweat and other may find its sweetness. I love skin in my musk to wear but I do enjoy stank in musk to appreciate a certain fragrance.
    I would love to get Trish Mcevoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique and Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan.
    Thanks USA

  • All those musk deer killed for their scent for perfume
    That is tragic. Its interesting to learn that Angelica and ambrette are used in botanical musk. White Musks must be galoxinide because I am allergic and sneeze every time I smell a perfume or household cleaner with it
    I would like to win
    Strange invisible perfumes musc botanique
    Royal Muska by miccalef
    Dsh Mata Hari
    Dev 2
    Coco Blanc
    Cashmere Musk
    Musc Kublai Khan Serge Lutens
    I tried roses musk and it wasn’t for me
    The article and pictures are great and I am a big fan of Micheal Edwards

  • Elise, I love your articles dissecting categories of scent like this! They are always so fascinating to read, and I always come away learning many things I was not aware of. I enjoyed learning so much about musk deer, especially the anatomy of the gland that’s harvested from the abdomen of all places (here I was thinking all musk glands harvested were near the anus LOL). I find vegetal musks intriguing when compared to their animal counterparts. They are much cleaner smelling and I wasn’t aware of Angelica’s role in that (I knew ambrette seed was often used); I do love skankiness of animal musks, though. 🙂 I’m surprised cumin was not listed though – doesn’t that often get used to impart a skanky smell?

    I would love to win any of the following:

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan

    50 ml Montale Roses Musk

    1.7 ounces Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique Perfume

    11 ml Soivohle Alpha Musc

    3.3 oz M.Micallef Royal Muska

    40Notes Cashmere Musk

    Trish Mcevoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk

    5 ml perfume mini flask DSH Perfumes Mata Hari

    Anya’s Garden 15ml Pan

    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc

    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • What an amazing article! So informative and fascinating! I am intrigued by reference to the use of musk that over time permeates the walls of the ancient rooms they were used in.

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan

    Anya’s Garden Pan
    50 ml Montale Roses Musk

    1.7 ounces Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique Perfume

    11 ml Soivohle Alpha musk

    3.3 oz M.Micallef

    5 ml perfume mini flask DSH

    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • It was interesting to learn that musk was used in building mosques and Henry VIII personal perfume formula USA
    I would love:
    Cashmere musk 40notes
    Royal Muska m miccalef
    Coco blanc by house of matriarch
    Musc Kublai khan serge Lutens
    Roses musk Montale
    Trish McEvoy #9
    Mata Hari Dsh perfumes
    Dev2 Olympic orchids

    Thank you.

    I had never seen that photo of Naomi Campbell before …it really fits the piece and Ty for Johnny Depp and Naveen Andrews …heart races!

  • I love angelica, but had never heard of it being called the “female ginseng…” Now I like it even more!
    I live in the U.S. and my choices, in order, would be: Musc Botanique
    Cashmere Musk 40notes
    Soivohle Alpha Musc
    Musc Koublai Khan
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Mata hari
    Trish McEvoy #9
    Royal Muska
    Roses Musk Montale
    Dev2 Olympic Orchids

  • I learned that deer musks is often used with other animal notes like civet, muskrates, castoreum and ambergris.

    I would like to win:
    1. M.Micallef Royal Muska
    2.Anya’s Garden Pan
    3.Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2 I

    I am from the E.U. Thank you very much fro this draw! Wish you all the best!

  • I have read that musk was associated with deer musk glands and its use in perfumery, but this article is very insightful. I had no idea of that many uses of musk and that Napoleon loved the muskiness of Josephines skin. I really liked the part about Japanese warriors carrying musk to protect themselves in battle.

    I would like to win any of the following:

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Montale Roses Musk
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    M.Micallef Royal Muska
    40Notes Cashmere Musk
    Trish Mcevoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk
    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

    USA

    Keep these informative articles coming 🙂

  • I knew synthetic musk was more often used than animal musk becaus eof over hunting, but I didn’t know there were plant sources. I am in the US. Thank you for this draw. I would love any of the following.
    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc

  • Pablo Hernandez says:

    i loved the title. skank! lol.

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    Montale Roses Musk
    M.Micallef Royal Muska
    40Notes Cashmere Musk
    Trish Mcevoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc

  • I did not know that musk played such a huge role in traditional medicine in China. I’m in the US. Thanks so much for the draw.
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique
    House of Matriarch Coco Blanc

  • I loved learning about all the different uses of musk in voodoo and magick as well as the randy Rasputin
    I would love to win any of the 11 perfumes
    They all sound beautiful USA all the way
    Thank you

  • I was unaware there were so many types of synthetic musks out there that perfumers like to experiment with, or that anosmia might be why musk is such a difficult note to really describe for everyone since a lot of people sense it differently. I’m in the US and would love either Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan, Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique, House of Matriarch Coco Blanc, or Anya’s Garden Pan. Thanks!!!

  • I did not know that musk came from a specific deer from China and Tibet, really interesting. US here. IF I win, I would like the SL Musc Kublai Khan, Coco Blanc, Anya’s Garden Pan, or Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique. Thank you for the draw.

  • I learned that musk scent can be formed in many different ways.

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    M.Micallef Royal Muska
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

  • I was surprised about all the different types of animals that use musk to attract mates. I knew about mammels, but I had no idea reptiles, birds and insects. I am in the US. Thank you for the draw. I’d like any of these if I win the draw, thanks!

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2
    Coco Blanc
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique

  • I did not know musk deer were so threatened by poaching, very disturbing. I am in the USA. Thank you.
    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2
    Coco Blanc
    Strange Invisible Perfumes Musc Botanique

  • It was really interesting to read where musk originates from. My choices would be

    Serge Lutens Musc Kublai Khan
    M.Micallef Royal Muska
    Anya’s Garden Pan
    Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Dev #2

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Carole Fallon says:

    I learned that civet is considered a musk!
    I would love to win Pan, Koublai Khan,Olympic Orchids #2,micaleff Royal Muska – or any of the fab prizes really!

  • Have been so interested in this. have been working hard to have a nice musk. Particularly for an Egyptian Musk Creation. would be honored to Learn more and Share the Product