15 Best Musky Colognes That Are Seductive & Mysterious

Are you on a hunt for the best musky cologne? Just like when you want to shop for the most reliable moisturizer for men without oil or pick a toner that’s fast-absorbing, searching for the perfect musky cologne for you should involve thorough research of all your choices. Make the selection and shopping process easier through this article.

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

Top 5 Musky Colognes (Summary)

These are unbiased opinions based on using products in our homes or barbershops. None of the reviews are sponsored or paid to be promoted. Beardoholic is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. Thank you.

15 Best Musky Colognes – Reviews With Pros and Cons

1. Pi By Givenchy

Pi By Givenchy Cologne is formulated to be used for important events when you need to smell good. It has a modern and luxurious smell, designed to elevate the confidence level of a man.

It contains carefully blended notes of rosemary, basil, tarragon, neroli and other herbs, which produce a woody fragrance with a sensual tone. The fresh scents of patchouli and sandalwood give it a more masculine smell.

The scent is designed to give you a captivating and sensual aroma that will prompt people to lean in to better perceive your smell. It also complements your body’s natural smell.

The smell is optimized for nighttime functions where the fragrance can be fully appreciated. It can last for an entire evening without the need for reapplication.

 

2. Eau My

Eau My Cologne is a cool and refreshing product that has a perfect blend of masculine scents.

The fragrance has hints of jasmine and freesia, giving it a sweetness that is not overpowering. It also has notes of bergamot and mandarin musk, which give off a spicy and unique smell.

It has a slightly sweet and musky scent that lasts for a long while.

The cologne does not cause any adverse effects on the body. It is easy to apply and maintain.

 

3. 4711 by Muelhens

4711 by Muelhens Musky Cologne is formulated for men who want a refined and modern fragrance. It does not contain paraben and other harmful chemicals, making it safe for use by men of all ages.

It has a fruity fragrance that is derived from a mixture of lemon, oranges, grapefruit and another citrus. It also contains citrus oils, sandalwood oil and a light floral base, which ties the scent together for a cool and refreshing smell.

It is suitable for daytime wear as the smell is strong and can last long after application. The smell is, however, subtle enough to avoid being overpowering.

It can be used as a refresher after expending effort and sweating and has a fresh and clean scent that blends well with the natural smell.

 

4. Coty Wild

Coty Wild Musk Cologne is for men who want a timeless and classic fragrance. It can be used as a signature scent as it has a floral fragrance that stays on the skin for a long time.

It contains a blend of jasmine, vanilla, rose and a hint of musk that forms a luxurious and oriental floral scent. This sensual fragrance is strong without being overpowering.

The cologne blends well with a person’s natural scent, thereby forming a unique and personal scent that makes a statement. One application can last for a long while on the skin.

It is suitable for casual and everyday wear. There is no risk of getting adverse side effects from using this product.

 

5. Burberry Touch

Burberry Touch Cologne is designed to improve a man’s grooming routine. It is made of high-quality ingredients that make it a premium product.

It contains top notes of artemisia, mandarin tree and violet leaves. It also has a combination of nutmeg, cedarwood and white pepper for a warm and refreshing fragrance.

The cologne is suitable for daytime wear as it has a clean and strong scent. It does not overpower your natural scent but rather blends with it to create a unique fragrance.

A little amount applied to your pulse points can have you receiving compliments all day long. It has a fragrance that is masculine and appealing.

 

6. Jovan Ginseng N.R.G.

Jovan Ginseng N.R.G. Cologne is formulated to give men an edge by helping them smell good. The refreshing fragrance helps to bolster up self-esteem and instills confidence.

It has a unique formulation that sets the fragrance apart and makes it different. It contains ginseng, a natural ingredient that has several healing and invigorating properties.

A fresh and cool smell can energize you throughout the day. The cologne has a strong fragrance that can last for more than 5 hours.

The product is suitable for everyday wear and can be used as a signature scent. The clean smell can help you gain positive attention.

 

7. Clubman Pinaud

Clubman Pinaud Musk Cologne is a blend of classic and natural tones that combine to form a fresh fragrance. It comes in a bottle from which it can be splashed on the skin.

Citrus materials give it a sweet scent. It majorly consists of a strong lime tone, which quickly dissipates to leave a more subtle smell.

It has a very clean scent, which is not overwhelming for the wearer and other people and has a subtle musk that gives it a strong masculine smell.

The pleasant citrus and slightly musky smell can last for a long time after application. The rich scent is not cloying and does not linger around.

 

8. Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo Cologne is created for men with a highly charismatic and confident personality. It has a powerfully seductive and modern scent that can appeal to men with attitude.

Top notes of lavender and mandarin are softened by the fruity hints of honeydew melon. The heart notes consist of pink pepper and geranium, which are mixed with pineapple leaves to add a touch of uniqueness to the fragrance.

It has base notes of patchouli, suede and amber woods which tie the various elements of the scent together. The materials used in making the cologne are obtained from premium sources and are optimized to work excellently.

It is suitable for daytime wear as well as everyday use. The elegant and sophisticated fragrance is an ideal option for modern men.

 

9. John Varvatos Vintage

John Varvatos Cologne is composed of materials that give strong, masculine notes. It was created to be a worthy extension of men’s fashion and grooming products.

The smell of the product has a prominent blend of quince paste, juniper berries, cinnamon tree leaves and the spicy note of rhubarb.

Oakmoss and premium pure patchouli oils are combined to form an elegant centerpiece of the fragrance.

The fragrance is then completed with the smooth and sensual notes of rare woods, tobacco, tonka bean, balsam fir and accents of suede. The cologne has an aromatic scent with a hint of spice and a sensuous appeal.

 

10. Royal Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Musk Cologne is produced to give men an elegant and refined air. It is meant to serve as a significant improvement to the grooming regimen.

The fragrance is crafted from a unique combination of basil, sage, clove, nutmeg and moss. These ingredients combined give off a musky and masculine smell.

It has an earthy smell that makes for a subtle and oriental fragrance rather than giving off a perfume smell. It is ideal for evening wear as the smell is strong.

The scent radiates from the body outwards as long as it lasts. It does not contain substances that can damage the skin.

 

11. Realtree

Realtree Cologne has a perfect blend that gives you a scent reminiscent of the great outdoors and yet still modern.

The fragrance first comes with a refreshing burst of cardamom, then followed with slight notes of lemon and ruby grapefruit. These top notes then fuse with the mid notes of jasmine and rosemary.

The base notes are a combination of the warm scents of vetiver, musk and rosewood. These ingredients give off an earthy and masculine smell.

The cologne is highly versatile and can be worn during the day or evening. It is an elegant fragrance that can instill calmness and confidence in men.

 

12. Avon Musk + Fire

Avon Musk + Fire Cologne is a luxury product that is designed for a modern and confident man. It has a rich and refined scent.

The product has a complex fragrance that is intensified with the combination of basil, cardamom and sandalwood. This blend gives off a vibrant, subtly spicy and refined smell.

It has a clean smell that is very strong on the first application before fading into a musky smell. It has a fresh and masculine scent that lasts for a long while on the body.

The application of a small amount will have you receiving attention all day long. It is safe to use by young and old as it does not contain harmful substances.

 

13. Jo Malone

Jo Malone is inspired by the smell of the natural environment. It draws its ingredients from green and natural products to form a warm, earthy smell.

The fragrance gives off a floral, green scent that is vibrant, rich and refreshing. It has a blend of basil, neroli, vetiver and musk, which come together to create a strong masculine scent.

It has a strong, floral scent of red roses, which is tempered by the hints of spice and an extra note of muskiness. The cologne is suitable for daily use.

The smell stays strong for a long time after it is applied. It is free from paraben, phthalate and other harmful materials.

 

14. Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez is a highly refined product designed for the classic man. It is suitable for men who want to stand out and be noticed.

The product has a fragrance formed from an enriching blend of natural ingredients like wood and patchouli. The result is a cool, refreshing smell with enough notes of musk to be masculine.

Made with premium ingredients, it is crafted with the satisfaction of the wearer in mind. The superior ingredients ensure that the cologne gives off a strong scent.

It can be used during the evening and as a daily part of your grooming routine. It does not cause adverse skin reactions.

 

15. Royall Muske Of Bermuda

Royall Muske Of Bermuda Cologne is a product that can make a nice addition to your grooming regimen.

It combines the smooth effectiveness of cologne with the functional healing abilities of an aftershave, making it a highly versatile product.

It is formulated from fruits and fresh herbs to form a pleasant and subtle smell. The fragrance is distinctive without being overpowering.

When applied to the skin, it penetrates and stays on for a long while. You will keep perceiving earthy and musky notes all day long. The product is hypoallergenic and suitable for daily use.

 

What is a Musky Cologne

As the name suggests, a musky cologne refers to cologne with a musky scent. Many compare it to the best woodsy cologne in the market as a musk refers to a heavy base note or a perfume ingredient that is quite similar to earthy and woodsy scents. This ingredient or note tends to evaporate slowly, causing the scent or smell to last longer than usual.

The somewhat earthy or animalistic scent produced by a musky cologne makes it ideal for the cold winter season or night-outs. It also boasts of its somewhat sensual and mysterious scent.

Benefits of Using a Musky Cologne

Offers Versatility

One advantage of musky cologne is the versatility it provides. While the musky scent is kind of specific, there are still variations to it that promote its versatility. One is the nice, crisp, and clean scent that is perfect to wear during a fresh spring day. You can usually get this scent from musky colognes with a light or clear shade.

If you are after a scent, which is a bit more plant-based or earthier, then go for musk colognes colored in green. You can also sport a bolder and sexier scent when using musky colognes that have a deep amber color.

Makes You More Attractive

There is also something about the musky cologne that will surely make you more attractive to the opposite sex. It is even a major part of the premium shaving kits for men because of the role it plays in showcasing your appeal. It is even one of the sexiest fragrances you can use.

Improves Your Mood

Just like when wearing comfortable scrubs all-day, using a musky cologne can also help boost your mood. Due to the nice scent that it sports, expect it to be able to change your mindset positively and promote certain behaviors that impact your mood. Just make sure to pick that musky cologne variation, which perfectly reflects your usual mood and personality.

How Does a Musky Cologne Work

Musk colognes work by ensuring that you are wrapped with a nice scent every time you use them. The scent is kind of sensual and mysterious, which is why some say that it is also useful in bringing some people close to you. It even works in making you more attractive to the opposite sex. The quality of this perfume is so alluring that it is unmatched by other scent profiles. The scent is also earthy, making it perfect for night-outs and during the winter season.

Pros and Cons of Musky Colognes

Pros

• Boasts of a unique, earthy scent
• Can enhance your confidence knowing that you smell good
• Comes with a nice scent that calms your mind and soothes your body
• Available in different variations, making you pick one that truly fits you

Cons

• Some brands have extremely strong and overpowering scents.
• Poorly done scent profile by a few design houses

How to Choose the Best Musky Cologne

As mentioned in the cons section of this article, there are certain musky colognes with a poorly created scent profile, so it is important to be thorough in your search for a good one. It would be best to make your choice by considering these factors:

Skin Type

One of the first factors you have to consider in your search for a good musky cologne is your specific skin type. Note that the scent of a cologne often lasts longer for those who have oily skin. If you have dry skin, then there is a great chance for the scent to be absorbed at a faster rate.

In such a case, you may want to put on more cologne than that applied by those who have oily skin. Avoid going overboard, though. The added cologne should just be enough to make it last longer.

Body lotion shouldn’t be greasy, so you should avoid putting on too much on your skin. The same premise holds true for musky colognes as using too much might lead to the scent becoming too overpowering.

Year of Release

It is also advisable to check the cologne’s year of release before buying. Note that just like other skincare and cosmetic products, like an aftershave balm for soothing your skin, the musky cologne will also most likely have some variations yearly. With that in mind, make sure that you know the exact release year of a specific cologne before buying.

A specific brand or variation may have slight differences from the one released last year. On the other hand, other scents may have focused too much on the style and fashion of a particular era. It is important to learn about such things to ensure that what you buy is indeed the right one for you.

Your Style

Make sure to consider your specific style when making your choice of musky cologne, too. Note that most experts in colognes and scents will most likely advise buyers to consider their own sense of style when selecting the fragrance that they should wear. This means that you have to make your fashion style influence your choice of a fragrance.

For instance, it would be ideal for you to pick a subtle scent in case you are someone with a more laid-back style (ex. a plain shirt and jeans combination). However, if your style often consists of oxford shoes and pinstripe dresses, then go for a cologne that comes with a spicier scent.

Composition

Spend time analyzing the actual composition of a musky cologne before buying, too. Note that composition, in the world of fragrances, can be defined as the various elements composing the scent. Some examples of these are notes of sandalwood or leather.

You know that you are getting a great cologne if it comes with a composition that makes it unique and distinctive from the others. While it can be challenging to judge and assess a fragrance’s composition, learning a thing or two about it can still help you.

Among the terms, you have to understand regarding a cologne’s composition are its notes, namely the top, middle, and base notes that compose it. The top note refers to the initial hint or sign of the scent. This tends to reach your nose right after putting on the cologne. It is also the quickest to disappear.

The middle note, on the other hand, is a scent, which tends to last for a max of one hour right after you applied your chosen cologne. As for the base note, keep in mind that it serves as the heart of all fragrances. It is the nicest scent out of the three that can last for a few hours after applying.

To assess a cologne’s composition, it would be best to test a scent using a bit of a sample you applied on your pulse points for a max of fifteen minutes. Within that period, you will notice the top or initial note disappearing, bringing you closer to the actual scent carried by the cologne. This is the specific scent that will most likely last for the entire day.

Season

The actual season should also influence your decision when selecting a cologne to buy or wear. It is because it is always the advice of experts to change a scent every season. For instance, it would be best to pick scents that are appropriate for the summer season when that time comes.

Your options, in that case, are floral, fruity, and fresh. During the cold winter, go for those with spicy or woodsy scents. It is because these are among those scents that can somewhat provide you with a feeling of warmth.

Brand

The brand should also matter in your final decision. However, this does not mean that you should buy designer brands, especially those endorsed by famous celebrities. You can still go for affordable brands, but make sure to spend time assessing their quality. Read reviews, so you will know if the products of a specific brand are indeed good.

How to Properly Apply a Musky Cologne

Step 1 – Put on the cologne only after taking your shower

Make sure that your skin is already dry and clean.

Step 2 – Target pulse points

When applying the cologne, make it a point to target your pulse points. Among your pulse points are neck and inner wrist.

Step 3 – Hold the bottle at an ideal distance

Make sure to hold the bottle of the cologne around three to six inches from your skin. It is the ideal distance when spraying the cologne.

Step 4 – Reapply on your pulse points

Do this, especially your wrists once you feel like the scent wears off.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

One thing you should know about musky colognes is that you do not have to spend a lot to buy a quality one. While it is true that there are branded items that truly smell great and are long-lasting, you can still find reasonably priced ones with almost the same quality. This means it is unnecessary to budget a huge amount for your musky cologne collection. You can still go for affordable ones provided they meet your preferences, especially in terms of scent and style.

Do’s and Don’ts With a Musky Cologne

Find Your Pulse Points

These refer to the specific spots of your skin that emit the majority of the heat. It is because these specific areas/spots come with blood vessels that are very close to your skin’s surface. By putting on the musky cologne on the mentioned areas, there is a guarantee that its scent will last long, even throughout the entire day. Included among your pulse points are the wrist, neck, and the area behind your ears.

Make Sure That Your Skin Is Dry

Dry your skin properly before you put on your cologne. This is to ensure that it will bring out only its scent.

Store It Properly

Note that the specific place where you store your cologne can have an effect on its scent and the length of time it will last. Avoid putting it in a spot that will expose it to quick temperature changes. It is because such changes might break down the scent at a rapid pace. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, too. The ideal storage area for your musky cologne is a dry, dark, and cool place, like the closet in your bedroom.

Apply Just the Right Amount

Note that if you apply only too little of your musky cologne, then no one can smell it. Applying too much, on the other hand, might also cause the scent to become too overwhelming or overpowering. To determine the specific number of sprays you need, remember that it is usually dependent on the fragrance. Strong scents often only need 2-3 squirts. Lighter fragrances, on the other hand, require around 4-6 sprays to achieve a similar effect.

Moisturize First

Give your skin the proper care and attention it needs, as this will also have an effect on how long a specific scent will last. For instance, you may want to remove dirt from your face with an exfoliator first or get a sunscreen that’s sweat-proof and use it before you put on your favorite musky cologne.

One of the most important things you have to do, though, is to moisturize your skin using a bit of unscented lotion. This can help make the skin long-lasting since moisturized skin is capable of holding the scent longer compared to dry skin.

Don’t Roll Nor Dab

Keep in mind that while those rollerball applicators are quite handy and convenient, the comfort and convenience they offer also usually have a negative effect. It is because rolling them might cause the scent to get contaminated with the natural oil of your skin. This results in degrading the actual fragrance over time. This is why you have to avoid doing it as much as possible. Dabbing should be avoided, too, as it has a similar effect.

Don’t Apply on Body Parts That Tend to Sweat a Lot

It is because sweat might cause the scent to fade faster than you expected.

Don’t use it together with other products with heavy and strong scents – This tip means you have to be extra careful when you apply your cologne especially if you are also using body washes, soaps, deodorants, and other products with heavy and overpowering fragrances. It is because this might change or cover up the actual scent of your cologne.

FAQ About Musky Colognes

What is musk?

If you are interested in musky fragrances but are not sure about what it is, then note that it consists of musk, which refers to a kind of aromatic substance often used in perfumery as a base note. Musk consists of glandular secretions taken from animals, like musk deer. It might also come from plants that emit the same scent and some artificial substances that produce the same odor.

What does musky cologne smell like?

A musky cologne has more of an earthy or natural scent. It has this scent that tends to evaporate slowly, which is a big help in making the smell last longer than expected. In most cases, its smell can be classified as animalistic and primitive.

Some variations of it will most likely remind you of animal breeds that did not seem to have a shower for one whole season. You can also find variations of it that are kind of soft and delicate, reminding you of a baby’s skin.

In colognes and perfumes, you can see musk being combined with a few other musk aroma-chemicals. This is why you can also find sexy and warm variations referred to as animal musk. Other variations are sweeter and cleaner, which is why they are called laundry or white musky colognes.

When to wear musky cologne?

The right rash guards offer protection from the sun, so you truly have to make your search of a good rash guard thorough. The same principle should be applied when shopping for a musky cologne and determining the most appropriate times to wear and use it.

The good thing about most musky colognes right now is that they are ideal for almost all occasions. They are perfect, especially for rustic events. You can also find more versatile musky colognes that you can wear, whether daytime or nighttime.

Conclusion

Musky colognes are among the most unique and impressive fragrances that you can use right now. However, you have to make sure that you are buying the one that is most appropriate for you. Shop carefully and determine which among the different variations of musky cologne is right for you. By choosing the right one, you will feel more confident since you know that you smell good every time you get out of the house and meet other people.