Chanel No 5 Parfum, from Chanel was released in 1921. The perfumer behind this creation is Ernest Beaux. It has the top notes of Aldehydes, Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli, and Ylang-Ylang, middle notes of Iris, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Orris Root, and Rose, and base notes of Amber, Civet, Musk, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Vetiver.
Nᵒ 5 has got to be the most iconic and influential perfume of all time, the name is known by everyone and for a good reason. I recently got an unopened bottle of the extrait from the 60s, and it made me realise what this scent was intended to smell like - it has subsequently earned a place in my top 5 for life. This is a powdery floral bomb with an overdose of the most addictive aldehydes I’ve ever smelled. Ylang, orris and rose make up the bulk of the florals, while gentle citrus add a subtle sharpness. These beautiful flowers settle on a soft bed of civet, musk and oakmoss. This fragrance is simply a masterpiece and the vintage extrait takes you back in time to a world of powerful perfumes with an abundance of character. As a man I love to wear this - it can give you so much confidence yet at the same time is so comforting and works beautifully as a bedtime scent. One of the all time greats!