Chanel No 5 is one of the most iconic fragrances in history, and it has been worn by countless famous women over the years. But one woman in particular has become synonymous with the scent – Marilyn Monroe.
The blonde bombshell famously said that she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of Chanel No 5, and her association with the fragrance has only added to its allure. But which version of Chanel No 5 did Marilyn actually wear? Let’s take a closer look.
The Origins of Chanel No 5
Before we dive into Marilyn’s specific choice, it’s worth exploring the history of this legendary scent. Chanel No 5 was created by French perfumer Ernest Beaux in 1921 at the request of Coco Chanel herself. The designer wanted a fragrance that would be “a woman’s perfume with a woman’s scent,” and Beaux delivered with a complex blend of floral and musky notes.
The Classic Formula
The original formula for Chanel No 5 featured top notes of neroli and ylang-ylang, middle notes of jasmine and May rose, and base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and musk. This version of the fragrance is still available today and is beloved by many for its timeless elegance.
The Modern Formulations
Over the years, several variations on the classic formula have been released. In the 1980s, for example, Chanel debuted an eau de toilette version that was lighter than the original scent. More recently, in 2016, they released Chanel No 5 L’Eau – a fresh take on the fragrance that features citrusy top notes and a more muted floral heart.
Did Marilyn Wear the Classic Formula?
So which version of Chanel No 5 did Marilyn Monroe wear? Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to this question. Some sources claim that Marilyn was a fan of the classic formula, while others suggest that she preferred a different variation of the scent.
The Parfum
One possibility is that Marilyn wore the parfum version of Chanel No 5. This formulation is more concentrated than the eau de toilette or eau de parfum varieties, and it has a more intense scent. It’s possible that Marilyn preferred this version because it would have lasted longer on her skin and been more noticeable to those around her.
The Bath Oil
Another theory is that Marilyn wore the bath oil version of Chanel No 5. This product was discontinued in the 1980s but was reportedly a favorite of Marilyn’s – so much so that she supposedly bought bottles of it in bulk. The bath oil would have given her skin a subtle sheen while also imparting the fragrance, making it a great choice for someone who wanted to smell good without being too overpowering.
In Conclusion
While we may never know for sure which version of Chanel No 5 Marilyn Monroe wore, what’s clear is that she loved the fragrance and helped to cement its status as an icon. Whether you prefer the classic formula or one of the newer variations, there’s no denying the allure of this timeless scent. So go ahead – spritz on some Chanel No 5 and channel your inner Marilyn Monroe.