HEM’s white musk incense comes in a pale cream hexagonal box about 25 cm long, with a lilac border along the edge. The box reads “White Musk” in English and “Muschio Bianco” in Italian. They are made in India. You get one box, without a holder.
A soft scent, even for a small room
White musk is a clean, understated scent, quieter than distinctive floral, spicy or woody incense. In perfume, musk is usually the base note that lingers under the others. Choose this one from the series if you want only a faint trace of incense.
Real musk used to be taken from a gland of the musk deer. The animal is protected today, so perfumery uses musk scents made in the laboratory instead.
Because it is so understated, it also works in a bedroom or a study. Place the holder towards the middle of the room rather than by the window, because in a draught the scent drifts away and the tip burns faster.
When guests are coming
If you are not sure what scents your guests like, a gentle one is a safe bet. Light a stick half an hour before they arrive, then air the room briefly. Some of the scent stays, but the smoke is gone.
Burning and storing
With the stick in a heat-resistant holder, light the tip and blow out the flame. Stay nearby while it burns and keep it away from curtains and paper. If you go out or go to bed, put it out by pressing the glowing end into sand or a heat-resistant bowl. Store an opened box in a dry place.