Jovan Musk (1972)
by Jovan

I recently picked up bottle of the oil at Wal-Mart just for nostalgia. I couldn't believe they still make it. It's definitely worth the $10 even though it is reformulated from the original. It is not as intense or long-lasting, but I'm going to keep it in my collection from now on. I've noticed that whenever I wear it my hubby becomes a "snuggler." He wraps me in his arms, nestles his face into my hair at my neck and inhales me. For a long time.

2nd November, 2011.

This is one of my favorite drug store fragrances. I use the oil version. It isn't as great as it was in the 70s, but once I got used to it having been de-sexed, or de-musked, or whatever they did to make it more bland, I decided that I still like it anyway. I almost can't smell it in the beginning except for a vaguely floral soapiness - seriously, like hand soap - but hours later it comes into its own and becomes more musky. Good for layering. Some people like Coty's Wild Musk oil for layering, and it's ok, but I prefer Jovan's.

25th September, 2011.

My mother wore this perfume in the 1970s, and continues to wear it today. I have only worn it a handful of times so far but it has left quite an impression on me.

It is subtle, without going unnoticed. My favorite aspect of this perfume is that if I accidentally apply too much it is not overwhelming. Where other perfumes have failed me in the heat of the summer this perfume has stayed with me without changing its smell. After a long day at work, that is certainly impressive. I love that the smell does not fade throughout the day.

This perfume is quite simple and delicate. I have never had an allergy attack while wearing it. For those who are a bit sensitive to certain perfumes this may be the solution you have been looking for.

13rd September, 2011.

My favorite "cheap and cheerful" find thus far, the oil version of Jovan Musk. Stetson is too powdery and bland, Wild Musk isn't nearly, and Vanilla Musk is too cloying. Jovan's original musk does the trick when I'm in the mood for something subtle (which doesn't strike often) but still substantial. I recommend the oil over the cologne or body spray because of its longer life on the skin and its lack of obnoxiously powdery/aldehydic top notes. The oil just sits on your skin and permeates it, the fragrance is denser, and the sillage is minimal. And yes, it's great for layering, but no slouch on its own, either. For those days when you don't want to broadcast to the world what you're wearing, but don't want to resort to a sheer NonScent, give Jovan Musk Oil a try.

6th July, 2010.

I forgot to say in my last review that I have tried many well known and expensive frags and I have recieved the most complements when I wear Jovan Musk. I know that many will just dismiss this scent because it is not complex. What I have learned is complex does not equal a great scent sometimes a frag just smells good no matter the price. But of course this is just my humble opinion.

9th April, 2010.

What the HECK is going on with all these Jovan fragrances that have been discontinued?!?! I've never seen a company create and destroy so many different and fabulous fragrances! They seem to keep only the mediocre fragrances and instead discontinue all the original and exquisite signature fragrances such as Andron, Gambler, SportScent, Monsieur Jovan, Ginseng (in black bottle), etc. ALL of these were true signature fragrances. Now, all they're left with are generic musks and florals. Whatever happened to the creativity and daring of Jovan/Quintessence?! It seems they would like to play it safe and appeal to everyone instead of having a nice variety of fragrances from which we can pick and choose. In my opinion Jovan=Generic, old Jovan=Creative/Individuality. In this instance, old wins over new. Just like the original Clairol Herbal "Essence" shampoo (the BEST) was replaced by Clairol Herbal "Essences" shampoos (all of which, in my opinion, are NOT HERBAL AT ALL, but more sickeningly sweet florals). I avoid companies like these who can't seem to satisfy their long-term customers who use their products religiously, only to be disappointed when they decided to discontinue items that people have used for years. Anyway, my "favorite" current Jovan product is the White Musk for Men, which, I suppose, will be discontinued very shortly if they follow the same course as in the past. What a world!

16th November, 2009.