Iconic Women's Fragrances of All Time

Scent is undeniably connected to our emotions and our memories. The combination of a few notes can bring us immediately back to a place, a person or a feeling. Perfumes and perfumery have long tapped into the powerful responses we have to scent. Perhaps that is why a few iconic fragrances for women have stood out through the test of time. Modern history’s most popular perfumes have continued to dominate the fragrance market over the years, inspiring generations of fragrances to follow. These popular choices are sure to stand out in the world of scenting whether you are discovering, re-discovering or simply recalling their unique characteristics. Just as a hint of a woman walking by can inspire a fond memory, so too can a blend of scented oils that combine the key notes found in your favourite fragrances.

Fragrance through the ages

Perfumery, the art of creating perfume, began in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley and likely China. Enjoyed by the royal and the wealthy, perfumes were used for hygienic and ceremonial purposes and were derived from herbs, spices and flowers through a variety of extraction techniques. The world’s first documented perfume maker – and first chemist – was a woman named Tapputi who lived in 1200 BCE Mesopotamia. The basis she laid informed perfume making to follow. Perfume was further refined by the Romans, Persians and Arabs who developed and shared fragrance techniques from around the world.

In the 1200s, popularity of perfumery and its benefits spread to western Europe. The art particularly grew in Renaissance Italy, which soon carried the practice into France. France became a centre of perfume manufacturing with its flower industry growing rapidly to accommodate the desire for perfumery. While motivations for and methods of scenting have evolved over the years, some key aromatic notes continue to hold the most appeal.

Iconic aromas

Only a few, distinct fragrances have endured to become iconic, remaining cult classics throughout modern history. Their longevity and distinction build on their power, as their popularity means that many recognize the scent instantly. If you are seeking to emulate a forever favourite or inspire reminiscence in your scenting, it is as simple as incorporating a few key aromatic tones into your home scenting through scented oils.

Guerlain Shalimar

As one of the most recognizable scents in history, Shalimar is a tribute to all that is intoxicating and sensual. Introduced as “the first oriental perfume” in 1925, its namesake befits its aroma. Named after the most impressive gardens at the world’s most eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, Shalimar is a symbol of romance and seduction. With vanilla, Tonka bean and leather serving as the backbone of the aroma, Shalimar is rounded out with hints of floral, bergamot and powdery freshness. 95 years since its release, Shalimar remains timelessly one of the top-selling fragrances in the world.

To emulate Guerlain’s smouldering, full-bodied tones when scenting, consider adding The Grand Ball aroma oil to your fragrance machines. A rich, opulent scent, The Grand Ball will bring out the royalty associated with Shalimar using key notes of Tonka bean and Orris leather. 

Chanel No. 5

Famously adored by Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, Chanel No. 5 reached iconic status much earlier. As the first perfume launched by Coco Chanel in 1921, it was created to appeal to a new generation of women, celebrating the liberated feminine spirit emerging in the 1920s. Chanel No. 5 quickly became the epitome of femininity, and that characterization endures today. The aroma is centred with a deep floral bouquet of rose and jasmine, strengthened with a hint of vanilla. Widely regarded as the most popular fragrance of all time, No. 5 has been called ‘the scent of a woman’ and remains the standard of elegance.

Although Chanel No. 5 is a perfume like no other, its fragrant combination can be drawn out to emulate its deep femininity. For a sophisticated twist on a floral base, use Oud Saphir aroma oil in your scenting machines. A heart of red rose is paired with amber, jasmine and white lily along with a myriad of sensual aromatic notes to finish.

Hypnotic Poison

A scent with no parallel, this famous fragrance is wildly distinctive and full of character. Hypnotic Poison was released by Dior in 1998 as an extravagant twist on its predecessor, Dior Poison. While not as long-standing as some of its competitors, Hypnotic Poison quickly became a fan-favourite and remains an all-time favourite scent. With an oriental backbone, Hypnotic Poison showcases a bewitching vanilla twist that presents more feminine-forward than its previous counterparts. One of the most striking vanilla-based scents, Hypnotic Poison is rounded out with the surprising balance found between bitter almond, sandalwood and musk. Crafted as a modern potion, the fragrance is seductive but clear.

To bring the power of Hypnotic Poison into your fragrance machines, select Vanilla Bourbon or Oriental Garden aroma oils. Vanilla Bourbon taps into the undertones found in Hypnotic Poison, bringing in the musk, vanilla and warmth that draw in fans of the perfume. Oriental Garden, on the other hand, alludes to Hypnotic Poison in the pairing of the sharpness of jasmine with the softness of vanilla bean.

Aromas worth rediscovering

A few memorable fragrances will continue to inspire modern creations as the world of scenting evolves into exciting applications and delivery systems. Classic scents make for timeless appeal, and in your scenting machines you are able to pay homage to those iconic choices while adding unique touches that create the perfect blend of memorable and distinctive. Scented oils can play to both time-honoured and modern tastes, marrying the benefits of essential oils with the sensory allure of our favourite fragrances.