Sweet, sweet musk

A bottle of Annick Goutal’s Musc Nomade just landed in my hands… and!

Perfect. 

Created by Isabelle Doyen with Camille Goutal, it has notes of white musks (muscone, angelica, ambrette), tonka bean, almond accents, labdanum, and Bombay wood (a papyrus derivative) *taken from Now Smell This.

Some musks, like Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, are too sweet or oily.  I like MR, but after a couple of hours, it wears on my nerves.  Some musks like CB Musk Reinvention may be too harsh for most people or too not sweet, relying more on the musk without a lot of varnish. 

Musc Nomade is the perfect musk for me. It has just a little foody input from the ambrette, tonka and almond, laying on a wood, incense and musk base.  It doesn’t shout, but it whispers of sexuality, it shows a little bit of white lace instead of the top of the thong sticking out of the jeans.  There is a softness to it, but with enough musk to not make it dainty or feminine.  It stays close to the skin and smells just like the sun  on your skin — wait, not your skin, someone you love’s skin.

It’s very much a Goutal scent, understated and finished.

Sorry for the short post today, but work, going out for some fun and some insomnia has taken its toll here at the end of the week. So let’s do a giveaway of three samples of the Musc Nomade. Just drop a note in the comments to be entered!

  • dissed says:

    I can’t smell many musks and can’t use most of the others. Love your description.

  • Theresa says:

    I briefly fell for MR, but thankfully didn’t end up buying any b/c now it smells a little too Shalimar for me. Please enter me in the drawing–would love to see if I can fully love a musk.

  • greentara says:

    Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m emboldened by my intense love of musk, and my fear that I haven’t really experienced very good ones. If it’s not too late, I wish to be entered as well. Love your site!

  • zadora says:

    I love understated scents!

  • Tina B. says:

    would love to give it a try. please throw my name in the pot. thanks.

  • Lindsey9107 says:

    I’m a new convert to musk. Craving Musk Ravageur lately and fell in love with Lorenzo Villoresi Musk. This Annick Goutal is very intriguing…..please enter me in the drawing!

  • Shelley says:

    Ah, musk would be such a nice way to leap out of my spring scent foraging…please enter me in the draw.

  • patricia a. boutilier says:

    I’ve not been a fan of most musks I have tried—-usually the drugstore variety—–please enter me in the drawing. Your blog got a mention in the Naples Daily News—-in an article about Sniffapalooza in NY!

  • Tarun says:

    Hi Patty,

    I’ve been looking for a new musk perfume to purchase and this seems like something I’d def like to try…so please add my name to the draw also.

    Thanks,
    Tarun

  • marilynn says:

    Okay. I love musk and this one sounds just up my alley. I need a Goutal representation in my collection since the Petite Cherie turned south about a month after I got it. 🙁
    Please enter me in your drawing and don’t let the fact that I’ll give you free Photoshop lessons influence you at all. (love the new photo blog!!) 🙂

  • Gretchen says:

    Delurking- a freebie-hunter?- but I am curious whether this bring me into the musk camp.

  • Aalix says:

    OOH – musk….love it and so does my sweety. It is so hard to get anything to actually sample here at the Ends of the Earth (New Zealand). I spent a day at the biggest Dept. store this week in New Zealand sniffing until my nose went blind! I had forgotten my brand new Perfume Guide Book, so could only spray and sniff. The only name I could recall from the best perfumes list was Mitsouko and Angel – no go from him on them. . Yuch – we have only the most pedestrian brands here. I need to send to the USA for samples – would love this one!

  • Karen says:

    🙂
    You are a beautiful writer. I enjoy your comments – notes. Thank you!

  • Patty says:

    Everyone that wanted to be in the drawing, instead of replying to each one, you’re all in!

  • meg says:

    Sounds like a wonderful scent…sexy and understated. Count me in – I would love to try it as well! And sweet dreams….sleep will come.

  • Claudia says:

    That really sounds like a scent I would love! Please enter me in the drawing. 🙂

  • Pantera Lilly says:

    Paty I hope you get some sleep, there is nothing worse than insomnia and being too tired to sleep. Relax, read a book on your nice comfy sofa, bed, sun porch, whatever place there may be where you are snug. Please put me in the drawing, I am drooling already! This sounds very exciting, when will it be here? I am already counting my pennies.

  • Molly says:

    Thanks for the review, Patty! Sounds like it walks the line between sexy and comforting. Please enter me in the drawing — I’d love the chance to try it.

  • KarenG says:

    Thanks for reviewing this! Sounds like a must-try, so please put me in the draw. This Orientaliste series has me so intrigued, but so far I’ve only sniffed Encens Flamboyant, and that one may be full bottle worthy already. Hope you can get some good sleep tonight. Insomnia is the worst!

  • Bev Canada says:

    Bring on the lace! I’d love to try this AG. Please enter me in the draw.

  • annie says:

    :doooooooooooooooo,musks are ALWAYS a favorite with me;and since I’m over 50,I always wear my lace thongs UNDER my jeans (yes,it has come to that)….please do add me to the drawing….I’m keeping all of my fingers & toes crossed for you to pull my nane!!…carry on my perfume soldiers:x

  • Sarah says:

    SOOOO glad that visible-thong trend is behind us…rather nice to see the high-waisted jeans the past couple of seasons even though I think I’ll skip the trend-doubt it would look too good on me. Anyhow, the Goutal MN sounds lovely-haven’t gotten around to trying any AGs yet. Just finally tried some Hermès (24 Rue Faubourg, Calèche, Kelly Calèche, and Piguet’s Fracas) at Sephora yesterday, and was blown away by Caleche. Might have to make that a Mother’s Day request…please enter me in the drawing! Thanks!

  • Disteza says:

    I’ll echo the other posters who have not yet found the musk for which they seek; I am beginning to think musk on it’s lonesome is just not for me. I’ve tried MR (too powdery, too sweet), MKK (again, too powdery, reminded me of ballet for some reason), CB’s (so much berry, so much sillage, but no development). Skank doesn’t seem to be an issue, but the overall composition definitely is. I’d love to try both this and the Tihota, so please enter me in the drawing.

  • Denise says:

    I feel the same way about MR. I loved it for an hour or so and then it became too much, too sweet and cloying. I haven’t found a musk scent that’s “me” either; I hope this is it!

  • Millicent says:

    Searching for musks, I tried the Musc Ravageur and liked it but there was quite a lot of spice in the middle — almost had a sense of holiday spices there. MKK is interesting but I’m still trying to figure out how to wear it. I’d love to try the Goutal — I’m hoping it doesn’t turn too almondy on me. My bad experience with Louve still makes me shudder!

    Please enter me in the drawing.

  • JenniferR says:

    Musk + Annick Goutal = Love.
    I hope, I do not hope …
    The almond scares me. So I do not hope. But what you say about MR gives me hope. But my credit card says no, so I do not hope …
    Has anyone layered this with the other Orientalistes?
    Just curious …
    And curious to try it – please enter me in the draw!

  • Sean says:

    Sounds like an interesting frag! Count me in the drawing too!

  • pattie says:

    I love MR on the drydown, but I have to live through a seriously plastic-y phase to get there. Cant wait to try the Goutal. Please put me in the drawing. How much does the weather in Denver today suck? Gorgeous all week, but I’m in trial and never see daylight, and today . . . snow.

  • tmp00 says:

    I really cannot wait to try this- the latest AG’s have been really, really good

  • SMY says:

    Sounds amazing! Please enter me in the drawing!

  • Helen T says:

    Sounds just like something I would love, even though I do love MR! Please enter me for the draw!

  • Debbie says:

    I’m intrigued by the idea of almond accents with the musk. My only concern is if Rien is just a nice skin scent, what would this be on me? Is there any saltiness in this one? I’d like to be entered into the drawing so that I can check out another musk, one of my favorite notes. Thank you, Patty.

    I never did understand the “omg, too sexy” thing with Musk Ravageur. ?? I did get a huge, fresh sample/decant of MKK and now understand what the fuss was over that one. What a beautiful musk! :o)

  • Flor says:

    I’m fascinated by the idea of loving a Goutal scent, but the reality is that I don’t. I think the packaging is darling and the names and ingredients are great, but the actual juice just does not go well with my skin chemistry. Some of them are alcohol-y, others are just really weird on me. I can’t explain it well and if I say what I want to say I will be crucified. Fine. I’ll say it – it smells cheap. This is a huge frustration for me. Why can’t I love them??? :((

  • minette says:

    was hoping this one would be good – sounds as though it is! yey! i’d love to be entered in your drawing, thanks!

  • jen says:

    :d

    Well, I really think this sounds enticing. I’m not familiar with the line and just now “training” my nose, but I do know that I enjoy a well-done musk – especially when it’s got such a great supporting cast (love the idea of the tonka and almond woods with a musk). I’d love to be entered into the drawing if you haven’t done it yet. Thanks!

  • Divalano says:

    I’ve yet to find the musk that works on me. Either I can’t smell them or I smell them WAY too much (MKK & CB). That sounds like it actually could work on me, esp with the wood & tonka. Yes, please do enter me into the draw 🙂

    • Divalano says:

      Now that I’ve had more coffee & my brain is back online I think maybe I remember sniffing this at the Sniffa on Sun @ Aedes & that couldn’t smell it. I think they’d just gotten it in? However, it’s very possibly my sniffer was over-sniffed by then. I’d still love to try it on skin.

  • aelily says:

    I’ve been working my through a group of AG samples from TPC, and really admire the beautiful complexity of the scents. I haven’t tried this one yet, but it sounds like a musk I would like. I’m concerned that my newfound enjoyment of AGs will lead to some bottle purchases. I’m going to try to avoid temptation and just order a few larger decants, but I’m sorely tempted…:”>

  • sybil says:

    Wow, sounds great. Put me in, please! I’m w/ you on MR–eventually goes too sweet and powdery! Have fun, and get some rest!

  • Sadie says:

    Oh, that sounds awfully pretty. I’ll have to give it a try.

  • Jennifer says:

    That sounds so up my alley it is not even funny.

  • donanicola says:

    Lovely description of what could be my perfect musk scent. Do like MR but know what you mean. MKK too much for too long. By the time it settles on me I’ve scared everyone off. Jane Birkin’s doesn’t do it for me either (though it smells great on Silvia!). Please put my name in the hat and take care of yourself!

  • Court says:

    I’d love to be entered in the drawing–I’m finicky about musks and this sounds great!

  • Six' says:

    Contrary to a lot of people, it seems, I loved the Orientalistes, and I can’t wait to try this musk! Since it seems to be on the tamer side, how would you say it compares to Clair de Musc?
    (oh, and please put my name in the hat! ;))

  • Kim says:

    haven’t found a musk yet that I love so please enter me in the draw – maybe this one will work.

  • karen says:

    It sounds perfect! Please consider me entered & thanks for the lovely review.

  • Dusan says:

    Hey, this has been on top of my to-try list ever since Robin announced its launch! A soft-rose, doughy musk with a smidge of incense is how I smell it in my mind… Please, please, please, hat me! 🙂 Is Buddy still the designated winner-picker, the cute devil?
    Btw, insomnia – I commiserate *sigh*. Would love for once to go to sleep before 4 a.m.

  • spring_pansy says:

    That sounds amazing – please enter me in the drawing. I’m like Goldilocks as far as musks go – this one is too much, this one is not enough, looking for one that’s just right!

  • rachael says:

    ugh, insomnia. I hope you get some rest, and soon! I love any and all musks, and I’d love to be in the draw.

  • Aliska says:

    Wow! This sounds like it just could be a contender for that perfect scent I’ve been looking for…
    I’d love to try it!

  • BrothaG says:

    Sounds just about as fabulous as it gets! Discreet yet sensual. And I really need a good musk scent in my wardrobe. Would love to be entered in the drawing, please 🙂

  • mel says:

    This sounds gorgeous. I’m routinely drawn to musks, but I’ve yet to settle on The One… I’m excited to try this. I hope you get some sleep soon!

  • Musette says:

    from citrus to pepper to incense to musk….well, why not!

    Please enter me in the drawing.

    And please get some sleep. Deep breathing? Works for me when I’m really feeling insom. Sleep is the New Sex, you know;)

    xo

  • karin says:

    Hi Patty! Only musks I’ve tried and liked are Coty Wild Musk and Narciso Rodriguez For Her. I love Annick Goutal fragrances, so will have to try this one. Please also enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

  • cjj88 says:

    Oh Patty..you have really pushed my lemming for this to the front:) It sounds like the perfect musk for me as well. Please enter me in the drawing too:)

  • Carol says:

    Patty – I;m with you on MR so maybe this would be perfect for me. Please add me to the draw.

    And hope you got some sleep last night – I love 1/2 an Ambien for times when sleep eludes me.

  • Elle says:

    Am not a huge musk fan – well, other than CB’s and MKK. However, the wood and incense in the base of this one make me think it may actually work for me. Am hoping they adequately disguise the white musk. 🙂

  • judith says:

    Ooooo–something ELSE that I want! I hate your for mentioning this–no, I love you–no, I hate you. . . . In any case, please enter me!:d

  • Marina says:

    I’d love to be enetered! :d

  • rosarita says:

    Patty, that sounds marvelous. I’ve been mildly obsessed with musk fragrances over the past few months and I’d love to try this one, too. As far as insomnia goes, it’s truly your own personal corner of hell if you’re a sufferer. I tried valerian root, lavender, chamomile tea, Benadryl, then moved on to Ambien and Lunesta. Finally found relief with a $4 Walmart prescription for trazodone. If you’re at the point of seeking medical help, ask your doctor about it; I hate to think of anyone struggling to live life on no sleep. Wishing you |-)

    • Musette says:

      Good grief! Is THAT what that emoticon is? Crikey! I thought it was a blue bow and I wondered why it would be an emoticon (a hair-do emoticon?0 I simply must get my eyes examined!

      Damn.

  • Anne says:

    The perfect musk? This is a note I have almost given up on. Too sweet, too sweaty, too powdery… agree with assessments from everyone. Maybe this will be the one. Love to be entered, love to win, but would trade it all and more back so you could have a peaceful night’s sleep. >:d<

  • noyna says:

    I’d love to try this, Patty, please enter me in the drawing. And I do hope you get some rest. I had a bit of insomnia last night as well, but found that trying to do a little work reading fixed that right up! Zzzzz.

  • MattS says:

    Wow. Quiet, subtle, understated musks? What an interesting concept. I never knew there was such a thing. Hmmm…tastefully whispered sexuality, whodathunkit? >:) Rest up, sweet lady, and enjoy the upcoming weekend.

  • Louise says:

    Ah, this sounds lovely. I love MR and CB, but this sounds like I could wear it well in warmer weather and professional contexts. Where can we find it? Get some rest, doll :d/

  • alba says:

    I hope you’ve finally got your rest and you’re feeling well. Really good news about Musc Nomade. I also like Musc Ravageur, and I like to wear it, but it’s sometimes a bit too “sweaty” for me. I tried Clair de Musc, but I found it too powdery for my taste. What you describe is just perfect. Can I enter the drawing (I’m writing from Europe)?

  • Vida says:

    OH, I can’t wait to try Musc Nomade. I love “French Tastefulness”. I’ve yet to find “my” Annick Goutal…maybe this is it? I do adore FM Musc Rav, and Kiehl’s too. MH L’Air de Rien is just too “hair” musk, and not enough “skin” musk, which I lurrrvvveee! Still need to try Mkk…kinda skeered to…it has such a rep! I love the musky undertones of scents like Tocca Stella and Mona di Orio’s Carnation (deep sigh…)

  • hausvonstone says:

    please enter me in the drawing! i’d love to try this. i’m saving up forMyhrre Ardente…

  • Eva says:

    Patty, I just love the musks pls include me in the draw 🙂

  • delfina says:

    I too have come to love Musc ravageur. The first two times I tried it all I felt before the drydown was doughnut, but my nose was clearly too inexperienced. Others I’ve tried are the Kiehl’s, which I find a little bland and colourless for my taste, and Musc Koublai Kahn, though only through the wax sample, so I can’t say if it’s really my cup of tea. It smelled a little bit too… human, I’d say, but I’m waiting to try the real one in Paris soon.
    I’d very muvh like to smell this one, so I’d love to be in the draw.
    Thank you!

  • carmencanada says:

    Musc Nomade is indeed lovely and, as all their Orientalistes line, has that understatement you talk about: a very French tastefulness. It’s as though they took big expansive notes (amber, musk, myrrh, incense) and gave them an introverted treatment. I still haven’t properly studied my sample and I would want to compare it to Indult’s new musk by Francis Kurkdjian (purely for scientific reasons, it’s just too expensive)… But it seemed to have just enough animalic saltiness to take it to the interesting side of muskiness. For those who are afraid of (or can’t get their hands on) Muscs Koublaï Khan, or think Miller Harris L’Air de Rien is too dirty, this is perfect.

  • Ben says:

    Drawing, please!:d

  • elyse says:

    you convinced me with the description. please enter me in the drawing, I would love to give this one a loving home.

  • sylvia says:

    sounds right up my alley. excited to try. where can i find this? have not seen it at nordie’s but i know they don’t have all the AGs. or is it new?

  • Roland says:

    MR is my favorite. How can this be better? I better find out…

  • Maria says:

    Sounds lovely. I hope it lingers on the skin. I hope you can sleep!

  • Janet in California says:

    I think a Goutal musc sounds perfect. Some of the line is just a little too polite. I love the idea that is smells of “someone you love’s skin.”

    • Patty says:

      yeah. Some AGs work and some don’t for me just mentally, though they all do well on my skin. I’m thinking of layering this with the Eau de Fier. 🙂

  • Amy K says:

    Wow, that sounds great! A new lemming is born 🙂 Please enter me in the drawing.

  • violetnoir says:

    OMG! Do you know how long I have been waiting to hear about this one, Patty? I just mentioned it yesterday in my post to March.

    And it sounds as lovely as an Annick Goutal fragrance could be. I can’t wait to see when it is available on TPC! 😡

    Take good care of yourself, and yes…please enter me in the drawing.

    Thanks and hugs!

    • Patty says:

      I feel reasonably confident that you will love this one, but… you never know what it will do on the skin. But if AGs generally work for you, this one should as well.

      xo

  • Sue says:

    Ugh, insomnia is horrible and always seems to strike at the times when we need sleep the most! I hope you get some well-deserved rest soon.

    The AG Musc sounds lovely – I retried Coty Wild Musk today and was saddened to find it doesn’t smell like my memory. As such, I’d love to try the AG. Thank you!

  • Francesca says:

    It’s been interesting to see how many of the fragrances I’ve been discovering in the past year or so have a musk note, and I like them, I really really like them! I just remember those totally GAH musks from, when was it, 60’s? 70’s? I like a lot of the Goutals, so now I want to sniff this. Thanks for the tip, Patty.

    • Patty says:

      i think you would really like this one. if you like the goutals generally and that understated elegance they all have, this is pretty much the perfect musk. Thought I also love my MKK. 🙂

  • sara says:

    I love your description, esp. the idea of a little lace showing…just enough, with the musk to keep it from getting too frilly. It really sounds like something I would wear. Can’t wait to get a sniff!

  • kathleen says:

    Hmmm.. I sort of like the idea of a white lace thong sticking out of the top of the jeans.

  • Mindy says:

    Sounds like something I’d love.

  • Allie says:

    That sounds absolutely gorgeous! 🙂

    • Patty says:

      It really is on me, but with all musks I have to add YMMV. They can be completely different on each person. This one lasted on me from yesterday afternoon to this morning, it’s still lingering, and it never went soapy or too sweet, but I suspect it is possible for it to to not be like that on everyone.