Timeless perfumes you need in your perfume wardrobe
Written by:Georgie Smee
Read time:xxx
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Posted:07/05/2021
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great fragrances out there to choose from, but only a select few can really stand the test of time and continue to delight new fragrance fans years, if not decades, after its release. Our top 5 timeless perfumes have gone through long-forgotten periods of fashion fads and come out the other side. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great fragrances out there to choose from, but only a select few can really stand the test of time and continue to delight new fragrance fans years, if not decades, after their release.
What are timless perfumes?
A timeless fragrance is one that stays fresh and relevant, no matter what the current trend.
Our top 10 timeless perfumes have gone through long-forgotten periods of fashion fads and come out the other side stronger, more popular, and just as scent-sational as the day they were created. If you’re looking for a classic scent to add to your repertoire, have a nose at these…
1. CK ONE BY CALVIN KLEIN
(UNISEX)
We’re starting our trip on memory lane with a scent that will evoke memories of the 90s for many fragrance lovers. With its cool, refreshing and universally flattering notes of citrus, papaya and jasmine CK One belongs on both the male and female side of the bathroom shelf as one of the first unisex fragrances to gain popularity. Many years after its 1994 release, it’s still as relevant today as it was back then.
Would it be a top 10 vintage perfume round up if we didn’t include Chanel No. 5? The legendary scent changed the course of perfumery forever when it was released in 1921 by being so uncharacteristically different to what was on offer at the time. The very essence of femininity, it features notes of vanilla, jasmine, citrus and rose. Hey, if it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe to wear to bed, it’s good enough for us!
If there was ever a perfume that was known for being scandalous, then Opium by YSL it is! Released in 1977, the perfume set tongues wagging and jaws dropping due to its controversial name. It came under such scrutiny that some countries even banned it! Luckily for us, YSL didn’t take too much notice and it remains a bestselling perfume today and they’ve even released a second version – Black Opium.
Just like a fine wine, this classic scent only gets better when you give it a little time! The initial scent is not for the faint hearted but be patient and you’ll truly benefit from the dry down. The complex blend of orange blossom, amber and cinnamon reveals a warm, deep and sensual fragrance that was way ahead of its time! It took everyone by surprise when it was released in the late 80s and it continues to glean attention today, too!
Guys, do you remember sneaking a spray or two of your dad’s fragrance when you were a kid? If so, there’s a strong chance you were experiencing Cool Water for the first time! For over 25 years, Cool Water has been helping men discover the power of cool with its intense, yet charming, blend of peppermint, geranium, oakwood and musk. It’s masculine, it extrudes freshness and it is showing now signs of giving up its place as a true classic amongst male fragrances.
The infamous ‘Johnny Depp aftershave’ tops many a best seller’s list, but it wasn’t the first fragrance gifted with the Sauvage name. Back in 1966, Dior launched a novel new fragrance – Eau Sauvage – not only was it Dior’s first men’s perfume, but it was also the first fragrance to use hedione (a synthetic molecule that smells like jasmine with a touch of citrus). The classic citrus scent is the perfect mix of fresh from the shower and effortless masculinity, and it continues to delight noses over 5 decades later (despite competition from its younger brother!).
You wouldn’t use Issey Miyake and traditionalist in the same sentence (unless to say he wasn’t!). L’Eau d’Issy, Miyake’s very first fragrance, burst onto the scene in 1992 and was a refreshing change from the heady scents that had been all the rage in the 80s. The fragrance which ‘does not feel like perfume but smells like water’ soon became a much sought-after scent and remains a must-have in any fragrance collection today. This just goes to show that sometimes when we’re a little bit rebellious, magical things can happen!
We all know the advert, don’t we? Daisy, Daisy, Daisy … something that will stick in our heads for years to come, and is almost as iconic as the fragrance itself. Launched in 2007, Marc Jacobs Daisy is a classic perfume that radiates a positive energy and young-at-heart attitude. The fresh, fruity, and floral scent set a trend for the many other Marc Jacobs fragrances that followed in its footsteps. Top notes of succulent wild berries are complemented by white violets at the heart, blending into the warm and sensual embrace of sandalwood. Why not discover which Daisy you are in our quiz?
Both modern and timeless, there is no arguing Black Orchid’s iconic status.Tom Ford was looking to find the blackest orchid in the world and soon he turned to an orchid grower who created one just for him with the deepest and darkest petals imaginable. He said, “To me, it’s the perfect flower … luxurious, elegant, pure, and sophisticated.” The scent is a sexy and spicy combination of black orchids and dark accords. This fragrance simply oozes sophistication, and you can see why it remains as popular as the day it was released in 2006. A spritz of this seductive scent will leave you feeling alive and sensual.
As if this perfume isn’t iconic enough based on its unique bottle alone, Angel was so innovative when it was released in 1992, that it pioneered a new fragrance family – gourmand. With notes of honey, caramel, praline, and red berries, this was the first scent that seemed like it may also taste as good as it smells! Described as chic, timeless, and seductive, there’s simply no disputing this perfume’s legendary status.
Georgie is our content creator and curator here at The Perfume Shop. She joined us at our Scentquarters in High Wycombe in 2022 and became a certified fragrance expert in 2023. Outside of the perfume world, Georgie loves reading, creative writing, and exploring new places. Her favourite fragrance? She’s spoilt for choice, but if she had to pick, it would beAlien Goddess by Mugler.
Timeless perfumes you need in your perfume wardrobe
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great fragrances out there to choose from, but only a select few can really stand the test of time and continue to delight new fragrance fans years, if not decades, after its release. Our top 5 timeless perfumes have gone through long-forgotten periods of fashion fads and come out the other side. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great fragrances out there to choose from, but only a select few can really stand the test of time and continue to delight new fragrance fans years, if not decades, after their release.
What are timless perfumes?
A timeless fragrance is one that stays fresh and relevant, no matter what the current trend.
Our top 10 timeless perfumes have gone through long-forgotten periods of fashion fads and come out the other side stronger, more popular, and just as scent-sational as the day they were created. If you’re looking for a classic scent to add to your repertoire, have a nose at these…
1. CK ONE BY CALVIN KLEIN
(UNISEX)
We’re starting our trip on memory lane with a scent that will evoke memories of the 90s for many fragrance lovers. With its cool, refreshing and universally flattering notes of citrus, papaya and jasmine CK One belongs on both the male and female side of the bathroom shelf as one of the first unisex fragrances to gain popularity. Many years after its 1994 release, it’s still as relevant today as it was back then.
Calvin Klein
CK ONE
Eau de Toilette Spray
200ML – £62.91
2. NO. 5 BY CHANEL
(LADIES)
Would it be a top 10 vintage perfume round up if we didn’t include Chanel No. 5? The legendary scent changed the course of perfumery forever when it was released in 1921 by being so uncharacteristically different to what was on offer at the time. The very essence of femininity, it features notes of vanilla, jasmine, citrus and rose. Hey, if it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe to wear to bed, it’s good enough for us!
CHANEL
N°5
Eau de Parfum Spray
35ML – £63.76
3. OPIUM BY YSL
(LADIES)
If there was ever a perfume that was known for being scandalous, then Opium by YSL it is! Released in 1977, the perfume set tongues wagging and jaws dropping due to its controversial name. It came under such scrutiny that some countries even banned it! Luckily for us, YSL didn’t take too much notice and it remains a bestselling perfume today and they’ve even released a second version – Black Opium.
Yves Saint Laurent
Opium
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £62.04
Yves Saint Laurent
Opium
Eau de Toilette Spray
30ML – £42.51
4. JOOP! HOMME
(GENTLEMEN)
Just like a fine wine, this classic scent only gets better when you give it a little time! The initial scent is not for the faint hearted but be patient and you’ll truly benefit from the dry down. The complex blend of orange blossom, amber and cinnamon reveals a warm, deep and sensual fragrance that was way ahead of its time! It took everyone by surprise when it was released in the late 80s and it continues to glean attention today, too!
Joop!
Homme
Eau de Toilette Spray
200ML – £25.49
5. COOL WATER BY DAVIDOFF
(GENTLEMEN)
Guys, do you remember sneaking a spray or two of your dad’s fragrance when you were a kid? If so, there’s a strong chance you were experiencing Cool Water for the first time! For over 25 years, Cool Water has been helping men discover the power of cool with its intense, yet charming, blend of peppermint, geranium, oakwood and musk. It’s masculine, it extrudes freshness and it is showing now signs of giving up its place as a true classic amongst male fragrances.
Davidoff
Cool Water Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – £21.24
6. Eau Sauvage
(Gentleman)
The infamous ‘Johnny Depp aftershave’ tops many a best seller’s list, but it wasn’t the first fragrance gifted with the Sauvage name. Back in 1966, Dior launched a novel new fragrance – Eau Sauvage – not only was it Dior’s first men’s perfume, but it was also the first fragrance to use hedione (a synthetic molecule that smells like jasmine with a touch of citrus). The classic citrus scent is the perfect mix of fresh from the shower and effortless masculinity, and it continues to delight noses over 5 decades later (despite competition from its younger brother!).
DIOR
Eau Sauvage
UNKNOWN for him
50ML – £63.76
7. L’Eau d’Issy by Issey Miyake
(Ladies)
You wouldn’t use Issey Miyake and traditionalist in the same sentence (unless to say he wasn’t!). L’Eau d’Issy, Miyake’s very first fragrance, burst onto the scene in 1992 and was a refreshing change from the heady scents that had been all the rage in the 80s. The fragrance which ‘does not feel like perfume but smells like water’ soon became a much sought-after scent and remains a must-have in any fragrance collection today. This just goes to show that sometimes when we’re a little bit rebellious, magical things can happen!
Issey Miyake
L'Eau d'Issey
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £61.21
8. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
(Ladies)
We all know the advert, don’t we? Daisy, Daisy, Daisy … something that will stick in our heads for years to come, and is almost as iconic as the fragrance itself. Launched in 2007, Marc Jacobs Daisy is a classic perfume that radiates a positive energy and young-at-heart attitude. The fresh, fruity, and floral scent set a trend for the many other Marc Jacobs fragrances that followed in its footsteps. Top notes of succulent wild berries are complemented by white violets at the heart, blending into the warm and sensual embrace of sandalwood. Why not discover which Daisy you are in our quiz?
Marc Jacobs
Daisy
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £62.06
Marc Jacobs
Daisy
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £84.16
9. Black Orchid by Tom Ford
(Unisex)
Both modern and timeless, there is no arguing Black Orchid’s iconic status.Tom Ford was looking to find the blackest orchid in the world and soon he turned to an orchid grower who created one just for him with the deepest and darkest petals imaginable. He said, “To me, it’s the perfect flower … luxurious, elegant, pure, and sophisticated.” The scent is a sexy and spicy combination of black orchids and dark accords. This fragrance simply oozes sophistication, and you can see why it remains as popular as the day it was released in 2006. A spritz of this seductive scent will leave you feeling alive and sensual.
TOM FORD
Black Orchid
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £91.81
10. Angel by Thierry Mugler
(Ladies)
As if this perfume isn’t iconic enough based on its unique bottle alone, Angel was so innovative when it was released in 1992, that it pioneered a new fragrance family – gourmand. With notes of honey, caramel, praline, and red berries, this was the first scent that seemed like it may also taste as good as it smells! Described as chic, timeless, and seductive, there’s simply no disputing this perfume’s legendary status.
Mugler
Angel
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
25ML – £55.25
Mugler
Angel
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
50ML – £80.76
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Georgie Smee
Georgie is our content creator and curator here at The Perfume Shop. She joined us at our Scentquarters in High Wycombe in 2022 and became a certified fragrance expert in 2023. Outside of the perfume world, Georgie loves reading, creative writing, and exploring new places. Her favourite fragrance? She’s spoilt for choice, but if she had to pick, it would be Alien Goddess by Mugler.
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