I have been playing around with lure making and anytime I mix in civet musk it's like it takes over everything. I want it to be the undertone, but it seems to just dominate whatever I mix it with. I'm talking a couple drops. Doesn't seem to calm down with aging. I've got formulations that have sat for a year and when i crack em open, I smell the civet musk. Anyone else have this experience? I don't think its a bad thing, but I feel like i'm wasting other ingredients and maybe I should just look at civet musk as a standalone scent to add to a base. What's yall's thoughts?

Artificial Civet Musk replacement is quite strong if it is a quality product. It can dominate a formula very quickly and drown out other ingredients to becoming side odors. Using authentic Civet musk you will not have to worry about that, however there is quite a difference in cost and learning how to work it up for your own use.

There are many challenges in formulation work and in learning the strength and carrying push capacity of each ingredient. Experimenting will help you learn along the way what works together and what is going to be a slow work up process. It can be a long row to hoe as the old saying goes.

Yeah, it sure is fun though. I enjoy it. Looking at tracks, seeing responses, the smells, etc.

I am only now beginning a step or two on the "Journey of a Thousand Miles" myself (lure-making).

you said: "talking a couple drops"...into what volume of what base?

Thanks!

I need some clarification. What kind of civet are you using? American civet essence, Ethiopian civet musk, or an artificial?