When it comes to bedtime attire, there are a lot of options to choose from. Some people prefer the comfort of oversized t-shirts and sweatpants, while others opt for lacy lingerie or silky nightgowns.
But have you ever considered channeling your inner Marilyn Monroe and reaching for a bottle of Chanel No. 5?
Yes, you read that right – Chanel No. 5 isn’t just a perfume, it’s also an iconic choice for bedtime wear.
In fact, Marilyn Monroe famously claimed that she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of the fragrance. But why did she choose this particular scent, and does it hold up as a viable option for modern sleepwear?
Let’s start with the history of Chanel No. 5.
The perfume was first introduced in 1921 by Coco Chanel herself, and quickly became one of the most famous fragrances in the world. Its blend of floral and musky notes was unlike anything else on the market at the time, and its popularity only grew as more celebrities began endorsing it.
Marilyn Monroe was one such celebrity – she famously told an interviewer in 1952 that she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of Chanel No. 5, claiming that “it’s the only thing I wear to bed”. While some have speculated that this was just a clever marketing ploy on Monroe’s part (she was famously paid to endorse various products), there may be some truth to her claims.
For one thing, Monroe was known for her love of luxury – she reportedly owned multiple homes, drove fancy cars, and had an extensive wardrobe filled with designer clothes. It wouldn’t be surprising if she also indulged in expensive perfumes like Chanel No.
But there may also be some science behind her choice of bedtime scent. Studies have shown that certain smells can have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping us fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Lavender and chamomile are two popular examples of sleep-promoting scents, but Chanel No. 5’s blend of jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang may also have similar effects.
Of course, whether or not you choose to wear perfume to bed is a personal preference – some people may find the scent too overpowering or irritating to their skin. But if you’re curious about trying it out, here are a few tips for incorporating Chanel No. 5 into your bedtime routine:
– Opt for the Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum versions of the fragrance, rather than the stronger Parfum concentration.
– Apply just a few drops to your pulse points (wrists, neck, behind ears) rather than dousing yourself in it.
– Consider pairing it with other sleep-promoting practices like meditation or a relaxing bath before bedtime.
Overall, while wearing perfume to bed may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or bottle of Chanel), it’s an interesting choice that has stood the test of time thanks to Marilyn Monroe’s endorsement. And who knows – maybe you’ll find that a few drops of Chanel No. 5 help you drift off into sweet dreams.