You’ll be getting compliments every time you wear one of these fragrances
While we can all agree that fragrances can be very subjective depending on each individual, there are just some perfumes that everyone seems to love. Whether they were created more than a century ago or just launched in recent years, these perfumes are classics that are set to find their permanent place in beauty closets for years to come. We pick out 12 timeless scents that will win you the best compliments.
The Chanel No. 5 eau de parfum is perhaps a fixture in every timeless perfume list, but the lighter and fresher Chanel No. 5 L’Eau definitely has the makings of the next classic. Reimagined by house perfumer Olivier Polge, No. 5 L’Eau features top notes of lemon, mandarin and orange for a citrusy zest, unfolding into a bouquet of rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang. Cedar and musk set the base of this powdery, floral fragrance with a breezy hint of citrus.
Following the success of the first Bvlgari Goldea eau de parfum, Rose Goldea is a more romantic and feminine rendition of the floral musk fragrance, inspired by Egyptian queen and femme fatale Cleopatra. Known for her love of roses, master perfumer Alberto Morillas chose the Damascena rose to embody the muse in Rose Goldea, together with Egyptian jasmine. Concocted with notes from the heart of pomegranate, nectar of musks, sandalwood milk and white incense, Rose Goldea’s multi-faceted fragrance is floral, fruity and fresh all at once.
A seductive floral bouquet of ylang-ylang, Damascus rose and a duo of jasmine grandiflorum from Grasse and Indian Sambac jasmine, Parfums Christian Dior perfumer-creator François Demachy describes this fragrance as inventing “a flower that does not exist”. The exotic fruity-floral notes are a perfect balance of sensuality and freshness that can be worn all year round.
A signature fragrance from Jo Malone London, English Pear & Freesia is a quintessentially British scent that evokes an English garden in the autumn. The fresh, fruity scent opens with a whiff of juicy King William pears, wrapped in a delicate bouquet of white freesias, with woody, base notes of patchouli. Layer it with other fragrances from Jo Malone London for your unique scent.
One of Penhaligon’s most popular fragrances, it’s hard to imagine that Blenheim Bouquet was created in 1902 and has remained unchanged for more than a century. The timeless fragrance which, interestingly has no heart note, the perfume is a brilliant mixture of lemon, lime and lavender top notes and a base of pine, musk, and black pepper for an aromatic citrus scent that is popular with both men and women. It’s reportedly a favourite of both Prince Charles and Prince William as well.
A unisex fragrance that is loved by both men and women, Gypsy Water is based on a fascination with the nomadic lifestyle of the Romany, capturing the fresh scents of deep forests and smoky campfires with soft, woody, and slightly spicy fragrance. Gypsy Water opens with top notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper and juniper berries, with a heart of pine needles and incense. Warm, woody notes of amber, vanilla, and sandalwood complete the olfactory experience.
A modern interpretation of Yves Saint Laurent’s 1977 classic, Black Opium is a oriental floral gourmand perfume that is glamorous and sensual. The scent opens with notes of adrenaline-rich coffee and sweet vanilla, which is softened by the orange blossoms. Notes of cedarwood and patchouli add a woody and musky warmth.
A sensual and woodsy fragrance, Prada Infusion d’Iris is reminiscent of crisp linen sheets and naked skin. The scent opens with fresh, citrusy notes of mandarin, galbanum, and orange blossom, leading to a heart of powdery iris, cedar and vetiver, and drying down to a woody base of frankincense and benzoin.
Diptyque’s first ever eau de toilette, L’Eau was created by perfumer Norbert Bijaoui in 1968. The spicy, unisex fragrance is inspired by co-founder Desmond Knox-Leet’s childhood memory of pomanders and is based on a 16th century potpourri recipe. The scent opens with a burst of fresh citrus, evolving into a heart of spicy and floral notes with geranium and Bulgarian rose. Mysore sandalwood and blue cedar create a long-lasting, woody dry-down.
(Related: Eau de Minthé: Diptyque's New Refreshingly Minty Scent Is Made For The Tropics)
This signature eau de parfum perfectly embodies the confident, free-spirited Chloé woman. A powdery floral scent, the perfume begins with a whimsical bouquet of peony, lychee and springtime freesia that fades into the rich fragrance of roses, complemented by magnolia and lily of the valley. Base notes of amber and cedarwood complete this fresh, feminine scent.
A more intense iteration of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s well-received collaboration with crystal manufacturer Maison Baccarat, the Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait de parfum stays true to its original inspiration. The floral, woody fragrance boasts top notes of jasmine Grandiflorum from Egypt and saffron, with a powdery heart of bitter almond from Morocco and cedarwood. Woody musk accord and ambergris complete this radiant and powerful scent.
(Related: 6 Fresh New 2019 Summer Fragrances)
Acqua di Parma’s first and most iconic scent, Colonia was first created in 1916 and used to perfume gentlemen’s handkerchieves. The cologne later became a symbol of Italian chic amongst Hollywood stars, counting Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and more amongst its fans. A fresh, citrusy fragrance, Colonia is composed with top notes of lemon, sweet orange and Calabrian bergamot, with soft, heart notes of lavender, Bulgarian rose, verbena and rosemary, finishing with a woody base of vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli. This composition sets the base for the house’s Signatures of the Sun collection.
