A short, non-objective, non-exhaustive list of some of the most distinctive perfumes over the past century.
The Best
Chanel No 5 and Chanel No 22
Number 5, the signature scent of Marilyn is a powdery jasmine bomb that dries down into a luxurious skin-scent. It’s certainly an acquired taste, so spritz with caution.
For a fizzier, more champagne-like scent, go for Chanel No 22. It’s been around since 1922 for a reason.
L’Interdit
A perfume created by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn? Say no more. This old school aldehydic powerhouse makes an excellent signature scent for the elegant baddie in the group. Try to nab a vintage bottle if you can – the 2018 version doesn’t hold a candle to the OG L’Interdit.
The Worst
Shalimar
The reward of vanilla-bergamot isn’t enough to weather the harsh bug spray top notes. Make no mistake – that first blast is not for the faint of heart, and that’s thanks to the polarizing, indolic smell of civet. There are so many vanilla scents on the market that don’t force you to trudge through a volatile landscape of poo, pee, and insect repellent, so we’re gonna take a hard pass on Shalimar.
Poison
Whether you think it smells like Robitussin or candied plums, Dior’s Poison caused a moment in perfume history. Just like the ’80s – the decade that spawned Poison – this perfume is loud, heady and brash. It’s not terrible, per se, but we wouldn’t recommend wearing this in any enclosed spaces. Even modern iterations of this perfume can be smelled from a mile away.
Youth Dew
Described by Luca Turin as neither youthful nor dewy, Youth Dew is an extremely heavy musk scent. It’s too mature, it’s not modern, it’s a pass from us.
The Best
Aromatics Elixir
A perfume that your mom might have worn in the ’70s, if she was protesting the Vietnam War and Free Love. Aromatics Elixir is violently floral – a loud, feminist, no-holds-barred perfume that makes its presence known with a single spray.
Kiehl’s Original Musk
Again, if you didn’t get a chance to live through the 70s, here’s your chance. Musk smells like damp skin, soft wood and well-worn leather. Oof, it’s like pure humidity in a bottle. So sexy.
The Worst
Opium
No, not YSL’s bestselling Black Opium – the original Opium. It might be nostalgic for some, but hoo boy, it’s so heavy, incense-y and straight up spicy (as in, literal spices) that it overwhelms everything in its presence. It’s a lot. We can, and have done better.
The Best
Anais Anais
Big, loud, sexy florals and deep, rich plum. This Cacharel gem is from the 70s but smells like it could have been a new release today. If you want to turn heads, grab this one.
Fracas
Madonna’s signature. Scented like a venial sin, you’ll smell it once and wear it until you die.