Just like statement pieces that we have hanging in our closets, there are certain fragrances that never go out of style and continue to be popular year after year. Whether they evoke certain memories when we inhale them or they are just our everyday go-to scent, everyone has that one perfume that speaks to them like no other.
Here are some of the ones most favored by celebrities and the masses alike from the classics we all know and love to the newer additions to the list.
Chanel No. 5
Synonymous with glamor and style, Chanel No. 5 has been a firm favorite of every décolleté it has adorned over the years, from Marilyn Monroe and more recently Nicole Kidman and Lara Stone, since the 1920s.
The carefully blended notes of aldehydes, iris and amber to name but a few give a luxurious, opulent scent that is long lasting and ever sought after. While Chanel continues to bring out newer perfumes, No. 5 never seems to diminish its spark or indeed its appeal, with one bottle reportedly sold every 55 seconds.
Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue
Not only is this fragrance consistently ranked highly on the bestseller lists, it’s also extremely popular with my own customers too. It’s a failsafe option for those who find stronger scents give them a headache, and it’s perfect for business meetings and everyday use where anything too strong could be inappropriate.
It’s also available for men; look out for the special gift sets that are sold for both versions over the holiday period as these can often work out better value than buying the fragrance alone.
Guerlain Shalimar
Admittedly this was one I hadn’t heard of myself until two customers who were visiting from the Middle East requested it. After locating it in the cabinet and handing them the tester bottle to try out, there was a good few moments of silence as their face lit up with delight after inhaling its other worldly aroma which contains iris, jasmine and rose within its initial notes.
For them, Shalimar carries a story that journeys through their youth and beyond, and I think that is why such classics remain so popular even though we are approaching the centenary of its original release. When a scent blend is so pertinent and unique, it can never be truly replicated elsewhere, and this is what keeps the customers coming back for more.
Calvin Klein Obsession
Honestly, it can be said that pretty much all Calvin Klein perfumes and colognes are popular in their own right and perhaps to different generations. Obsession has long topped bestseller lists since it’s launch in the mid-80s.
It provides an intoxicating blend of florals and spices counteracted by an earthly, warm base. The result gives a long-lasting and intensely feminine fragrance, while remaining equally powerful.
Dior J’adore
While many of Dior’s fragrances have become iconic over the years, the 1999 release of J’adore saw the launch of one its the most popular fragrances to date. I have personally found it one of the easiest fragrances to sell among my customers, and not just because it’s constantly being advertised on TV and in magazines (currently fronted by Charlize Theron).
With notes that include magnolia, tuberose and lily of the valley, it’s light yet mystical and equally intriguing. You can’t help but feel glamorous when you wear it, even if you are only heading to the grocery store and are not head-to-toe in gold on your way to an event like Charlize.
Thierry Mugler Alien
Alien was one of the first super strong yet unusual scents I bought. From the design of the bottle right down to the scent itself, there is something highly unusual yet captivating about it that keeps customers ever mystified.
Incredibly, this most unusual scent is comprised of just a small handful of notes, which last so well on the skin it can still be picked up even after a long soak in the tub. Even one spray on a winter scarf will still be detectable come next winter.
It’s definitely suitable more for the colder months, and when I do wear it, I am usually stopped to ask who it is by. It’s also always the first gift set to sell out during the holiday season—sometimes weeks before the big day itself.
Paco Rabanne Lady Million
While Lady Million and its male counterpart One Million are fairly new editions to the list with a launch date of 2008, their combined popularity cannot be underestimated. With notes of neroli, orange flower and jasmine sambac, Lady Million continues to retain high sales figures, with both fragrances among the most popular on the shop floor and online.
I tend to find that its popularity of often due to its relatively affordability and availability in a wide variety of locations compared to some of the prized yet rarer scents. However, worryingly, it is also one of the most faked perfumes, so be sure to only buy from a trusted and reputable seller to ensure you are getting the real (gold) deal.
What are the classic perfumes that you find yourself turning to year after year? Let us know in the comments below.
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