Chanel No. 5
The perfume that defined abstract floral composition. The legendary overdose of aldehydes gives the opening a sparkling, champagne-like fizz before revealing an incredibly smooth, soapy bouquet of Grasse jasmine and rose.
Composed by Ernest Beaux
Check price on AmazonWhat Chanel No. 5 smells like
Top notes
aldehydes, ylang-ylang, neroli, bergamot
Heart notes
rose, jasmine, iris
Base notes
sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla, musk
How to read this
Top notes arrive first and last around fifteen minutes before giving way to the heart. The heart notes carry the true personality of the fragrance for the first one to two hours. The base notes emerge slowly and are what remains on skin and fabric long after the rest has faded. They define the lasting impression and the depth of Chanel No. 5. Read our full guide to fragrance notes.
How it wears
Longevity
8h
Sillage
moderate
Season
any
Occasion
formal/timeless
Price tier
$$
Year
1921
Longevity explained
Measured in hours on skin with a standard four-spray application at 20°C. Individual results vary with skin type and conditions.
Sillage explained
Close means it stays on skin. Moderate means people nearby will notice. Strong means it precedes you into a room.
Price tiers
$ is accessible under £60. $ is mid-range at £60 to £120. $$ is premium at £120 to £250. $$ is luxury above £250 for 50ml.
Who is Chanel No. 5 best for?
Best for
Best for her
Occasion
Formal and business
Season
All year round
Office / Work
Yes, ideal
Date night
Casual setting
Gift idea for
Girlfriend, wife or mother
Chanel No. 5 is the ideal fragrance for women who want a floral scent for formal and business. Its moderate projection is considered and social without being demanding, making it well suited to everyday and professional settings. With solid longevity of around 8 hours, it delivers strong value per wear and holds up throughout the day without needing a reapplication.
Chanel No. 5 is versatile enough to cross seasons and works year-round. It works particularly well for formal and business, and its premium price tier makes it a considered, deliberate addition to a collection. As a gift idea, it lands well for girlfriend, wife or mother, especially those who appreciate floral fragrances.
If you are still exploring options, browse all floral fragrances in the Perfume Finder to compare longevity, sillage and price side by side, or add Chanel No. 5 to the comparison tool to see it measured directly against alternatives.
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From our fragrance guides
About Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 performs best throughout the year. Its floral character and moderate sillage make it well suited for formal/timeless occasions. Because it projects at a comfortable distance that most people nearby will notice without being overwhelmed, you can calibrate your application to the setting. Starting with two sprays on pulse points and adjusting from there is a reliable approach.