The 6 Best Chanel Perfumes, According To Experts

You can't really call yourself fragrance-obsessed unless you own a bottle of Chanel No. 5 Parfum. Developed in 1921 with perfumer Ernest Beaux, it was the brand's first and undoubtedly most legendary fragrance. Timeless in every way, the scent evokes the essence of femininity and embodies Gabrielle Chanel’s initial request: “a woman’s perfume, with a woman’s scent.” Just owning a bottle makes you feel like you're part of an elite club. It's why we named it one of the best perfumes for women of all time.

Related article: Fragrance Files: The Sexiest Scents To Wear This Valentine’s Day

But don't sleep on Chanel's other beloved men's and women's fragrances, all equally deserving of a spot on your vanity. Not sure where to start? We asked Chanel for a list of their top five best-selling scents, and the below list of fragrances are the brand's best-sellers last year. Here, Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, shares her expert take on what makes each of these top perfumes from Chanel truly iconic.

1

MOST ICONIC

Chanel N°5 Parfum

It wouldn't be right to dive into a list of the best-selling Chanel perfumes without paying homage to the one that started it all, Chanel No. 5 Parfum. Created in 1921, the next interpretation of the legendary scent wouldn't come to life until 1986 when Chanel perfumer Jacques Polge created a fuller rendition which would become the Eau de Parfum. Now, there are a total of five interpretations of this iconic perfume.

2

BEST WARM FLORAL SCENT

Chanel COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum

Sensual and bold, it's no surprise that Levy refers to this ambery fragrance as a "signature scent." She says, "This EDP is sophisticated and has a loyalty that is well deserved."

Customer Review: "Love this smell. Always get compliments when I wear it. Not sure about other people's bodies, but the scent definitely stays on me for hours!" —AABY1

3

BEST WARM MASCULINE SCENT

Chanel BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum

"Since its launch, Bleu De Chanel EDP has been a best-seller in the US, and I am actually aware that some women buy it for themselves," says Levy.

Customer Review: "This smells amazing. It opens with a very fresh, clean scent that smells like grapefruits but evolves into a warm, masculine, sensual scent. I can’t stop smelling this cologne on me, and it easily lasts all day." —sephorauserrrr

4

BEST EVERYDAY FRAGRANCE

Chanel CHANCE EAU TENDRE Eau de Parfum

This fruity-floral scent with notes of grapefruit and rose is delicate and perfect for daily wear.

Customer Review: "This is my favourite perfume. I used to buy the eau de toilette version, but once I bought this one I couldn't go back. It's gorgeous, and the smell gets better as the day goes on." —starringcasey

5

BEST WARM, WOODY SCENT

Chanel BLEU DE CHANEL Parfum

"This Parfum is very special because Olivier Polge (the perfumer) was actually able to reinvent his father's iconic fragrance and build on its success," says Levy.

Customer Review: "I got this as a sample and loved it...then I got on to see about ordering a full sized and realised it is a MAN'S Parfum. I don't care I am ordering it for me anyways." —vernb2

6

BEST SPRING SCENT

Chanel CHANCE EAU TENDRE Eau de Toilette

"I love it as a light, spring scent perfect for daytime," says Levy. "I have fond memories of its iconic campaign for all of CHANCE."

Customer Review: "I love this fragrance, a clean scent without being overbearing. I have been wearing this fragrance for 7yrs and plan to continue. I have never been told how good I smell with any other. Thank you Chanel?" —Rose

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.