You can't really call yourself fragrance-obsessed until you own a bottle of Chanel's classic No. 5 parfum. Developed in 1921 with perfumer Ernest Beaux, it was the brand's first and undoubtedly most legendary fragrance.
Timeless in every way, the scent evokes the essence of femininity and embodies Gabrielle Chanel’s initial request: “A woman’s perfume, with a woman’s scent.” Just owning a bottle makes you feel like you're part of an elite beauty club. And that's just one of the reasons why we've named it one of the best perfumes for women.
Shop the Best Chanel Perfumes
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Best Spring-Inspired Scent
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette
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But don't sleep on Chanel's other beloved men's and women's fragrances, all equally deserving of a spot on your vanity. Not sure where to start? Allow us to make the selection process even simpler: We asked the brand for a list of their top five best-selling scents. Here, Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, shares her expert take on what makes each of thes best Chanel perfumes truly iconic.
It wouldn't be right to dive into a list of the best-selling Chanel perfumes without paying homage to the one that started it all, Chanel No. 5 parfum. Created in 1921, the next interpretation of the legendary scent wouldn't come to life until 1986 when Chanel perfumer Jacques Polge created a fuller rendition which would become the eau de parfum. Now, there are a total of five interpretations of this iconic perfume.
| Key notes: | Aldehydes, Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood |
|---|
Best Warm, Floral Scent
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Best Warm, Floral Scent
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Sensual and bold, it's no surprise that Levy refers to this ambery fragrance as a popular signature scent. She explains, "This eau de parfum is sophisticated and has a loyalty that is well deserved."
Customer review: "Love this smell. Always get compliments when I wear it. Not sure about other people's bodies, but the scent definitely stays on me for hours!" —AABY1
| Key notes: | Orange, Patchouli, Turkish Rose |
|---|
Most Versatile Scent
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
Most Versatile Scent
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
Blue de Chanel's woody, aromatic scent isn't reserved just for men: "Since its launch, Bleu De Chanel eau de parfum has been a best-seller in the US, and I am actually aware that some women buy it for themselves," Levy adds.
Customer review: "This smells amazing. It opens with a very fresh, clean scent that smells like grapefruits but evolves into a warm, masculine, sensual scent. I can’t stop smelling this cologne on me, and it easily lasts all day." —sephorauserrrr
| Key notes: | Citrus Accord, Labdanum, Sandalwood Cedar |
|---|
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Best Everyday Fragrance
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum
Best Everyday Fragrance
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum
Chanel's fruity-floral Chance eau tendre eau de parfum features notes of grapefruit and rose that are delicate enough for daily wear.
Customer review: "This is my favorite perfume. I used to buy the eau de toilette version, but once I bought this one I couldn't go back. It's gorgeous, and the smell gets better as the day goes on." —starringcasey
| Key notes: | Grapefruit, Quince, Rose Accord, White Musk |
|---|
Best Warm, Woody Scent
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Parfum
Best Warm, Woody Scent
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Parfum
"This Parfum is very special because Olivier Polge (the perfumer) was actually able to reinvent his father's iconic fragrance and build on its success," Levy says of the full perfume version of Bleu de Chanel.
Customer Review: "I got this as a sample and loved it...then I got on to see about ordering a full sized and realized it is a MAN'S Parfum. I don't care I am ordering it for me anyways." —vernb2
| Key notes: | Citrus, Aromatic, Sandalwood Cedar |
|---|
Best Spring-Inspired Scent
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette
Best Spring-Inspired Scent
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette
The brand's eau de toilette version of its coveted Chance Eau Tendre is another hit scent among fragrance fans. "I love it as a light, spring scent perfect for daytime," says Levy. "I have fond memories of its iconic campaign for all of Chance."
Customer Review: "I love this fragrance, a clean scent without being overbearing. I have been wearing this fragrance for 7yrs and plan to continue. I have never been told how good I smell with any other. Thank you Chanel?" —Rose
| Key notes: | Grapefruit-quince, Jasmine, White Musk |
|---|
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Meet the Experts
- Linda G. Levy is the president of The Fragrance Foundation, and based in New York City.
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