What’s your perception of a ‘musk’ fragrance? Because as Suzy Nightingale explains, musk is possibly one of the most-misunderstood materials in modern perfumery. Preconceptions about musk as an ingredient span extremes – ranging from ‘It’s definitely going to be heavy and animalic’, to ‘aren’t they all just “your skin but better?”’ In fact, it’s completely understandable that sometimes confusion reigns – because this ingredient can be sensual, or super-clean. Let’s break it down, then suggest some modern musks we think you’ll love getting to know....