Magnetic storage media that include a multilayer structure are described. In general, the magnetic storage media include a substrate, an underlayer that includes a plurality of underlayer particles formed over the substrate, and a magnetic layer that includes a plurality of magnetic particles formed over the underlayer. The magnetic layer may define a saturated magnetization and thickness product less than or equal to approximately 1.00 memu per square centimeter, and the magnetic particles may be selected from the group consisting of magnetic platelet-shaped particles and magnetic particles with an aspect ratio less than or equal to approximately 1.5. In addition, the described magnetic storage media may exhibit minimal interlayer diffusion between the underlayer and magnetic layer. Reduced interlayer diffusion between different layers of a magnetic recording medium may result in an improved magnetic recording surface for recording and storing data.