Vintage floral notes like lilac, iris, jasmine, and violet are making a comeback in modern fragrances. The purpose of these notes is to evoke a feeling of nostalgia as they are inspired by florals of the past but with a modern touch. As a millennial, it feels weird to have witnessed the rise and fall of floral fragrances; seeing them rise again in this day and age feels surreal.
I recall floral fragrances being the go-to fragrances when I was a child. Whenever my nose detects a Dior J’adore or a Chanel No 5, I am taken back to the days I would watch my mom get ready as a child. But when I became a teenager, vanilla fragrances were the craze. Florals were deemed as “old lady scents” by then. Everyone wanted to smell sweet, fresh, and, to some extent, edible.
Fast forward to today, we see sophisticated, luxurious scents make a comeback. Even gourmands are being made with a twist of elegance. This, in my humble opinion, is mainly what triggered the return of florals. Regardless if I’m right or wrong, floral notes are back.
Before you rush to your nearest perfume store, I recommend revisiting these eight classic floral fragrances to gain a deeper appreciation for this fragrance family.
*Fair warning: I mention 2 modern floral fragrances I personally love; don’t judge me.
1. Chanel No5 EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Chanel |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Aldehyde |
| Notes | Top notes: Aldehydes, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Bergamot, and Peach Middle notes: Iris, Jasmine, Rose, and Lily-of-the-Valley Base notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Vetiver and Patchouli |
| Release year | 1986 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Jacques Polge |
Chanel No. 5 is probably the first fragrance many women think of when they hear the words “classic perfumes.” It also happens to be many women’s first “grown-up” fragrance. With the history of this fragrance, it is no surprise that it holds such high status and significance in the fragrance world.
In 1921, Ernest Beaux, then the perfumer for Chanel, was the first to use the aldehydes associated with the noble jasmine, the rose, and the ylang-ylang to make this abstract bouquet. Jacques Polge evolved this iconic scent a bit but kept it true to its origin. ‘To this day, purchasing Chanel No. 5 symbolizes a rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Paris EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yves Saint Laurent |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Rose, Mimosa, Hiacynth, Geranium, Green Notes, Nasturtium, Orange Blossom, Hawthorn, Cassia, and Bergamot Middle notes: Rose, Violet, Lily, Lime Blossom, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley, Jasmine, and Orris Root Base notes: Iris, Musk, Heliotrope, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Amber, and Cedar |
| Release year | 1983 |
| Longevity | Over 6 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sophia Grojsman |
This classic by Yves Saint Laurent was created in 1983. Granted, Paris isn’t one of the first scents that come to mind when one thinks of the classic. Maybe it wasn’t marketed enough, especially not the Eau De Toilette version. This honestly saddens me, considering how gorgeous this scent is.
This is why I am taking this opportunity to shine some light on Paris. After all, it is named after the city of lights. This romantic, mesmerizing floral is inspired by the French city as it embodies its very soul. It is for the chic, fierce, and fearless women. The reason I opted for the EDT version of it is because it is much more wearable, making it suitable for everyday use.
3. Lancome Tresor EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lancome |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Green |
| Notes | Top notes: Rose Petals, Apricot Blossoms, and Peach Blossoms Middle notes: Lily of the Valley, Vanilla, Heliotrope, and Iris Base notes: Sandalwood and Musk |
| Release year | 1990 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Lancome |
Lancome is a brand that isn’t unfamiliar with creating timeless scents. La Vie Est Belle is one of the most popular fragrances for women, and just like La Vie Est Belle, Tresor by Lancome is versatile, smooth, and timeless.
Tresor is a fragrance that was created to embody love. Unlike most floral fragrances, it would not be categorized as a “heavy” scent. On the contrary, it is light and wearable. The vanilla note in the heart is subtle and gives this bouquet of a scent a hint of sweetness. But this floral stands out because of its fresh, dewy character, mainly from the valley’s lily. This note has a fresh, leafy, and slightly grassy quality that is irresistible.
4. Estee Lauder Beautiful EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Estee Lauder |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Galbanum, Rose, Lily, Black Currant, Fruity Notes, Cassia, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, and Lemon Middle notes: Tuberose, Carnation, Marigold, Mimosa, Narcissus, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Chamomile, Lily-of-the-Valley, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Lilac, Magnolia, Freesia, Pink Violet, Sage, and Neroli Base notes: Sandalwood, Amber, Vetiver, Musk, Cedar, and Vanilla |
| Release year | 1985 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sophia Grojsman, Bernard Chant, and Max Gavarry |
Whoever said you need to break the bank to purchase a classic fragrance was wrong. This fragrance by Estee Lauder (and a few others on this list) is here to prove so. Beautiful came out in 1985 and was described by Estée Lauder as “the fragrance of a thousand flowers.”
When you take a quick glance at the notes, you will understand why it was described as such. Galbanum, rose, lily, tuberose, carnation, marigold, and Jasmine are only some of the floral notes present in the opening and heart of Beautiful. It is an affordable fragrance that smells expensive and is suitable for special occasions and celebrations.
5. Nina Ricci l`Air du Temps EDT
L’air du Temps by Nina Ricci was created in 1948, soon after the end of World War II, as a message of peace, love, and unity. With a bottle cap shaped like a dove, the symbol of peace, this fragrance stands out in more ways than one.
Aside from the noble message sent to the healing world after the war, L’air du Temps holds the status of an icon for another reason. This fragrance by Nina Ricci was the first ever spicy floral scent created. Every fragrance lover should try this perfume at least once in their life.
6. Mark Des Vince Fabulous EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mark Des Vince |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Rose, Honeysuckle, and Tangerine Middle notes: Jasmine, Tiare Flower, Peony, and Clementine Base notes: Musk, Sandalwood, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Mar Des Vince |
I know I said this article was all about the classics, but I couldn’t be talking about florals without mentioning Fabulous by Mark Des Vince (I warned you). This UAE-based brand is affordable, and while it is relatively new in the market, each and every one of its scents feels like a classic.
Fabulous is sweet, smooth, and very easy to wear. It is a neutral scent that feels like second skin. I keep a bottle of this perfume in my personal collection at all times and rely on it for when I want a scent that isn’t overwhelming.
7. Quelques Fleurs l’Original Houbigant EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Houbigant |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Green Notes, Orange Blossom, Tarragon, Bergamot, Citruses, and Lemon Middle notes: Lilac, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Carnation, Rose, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Violet, Heliotrope, Iris, Orris Root, and Orchid Base notes: Oakmoss, Honey, Civet, Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, and Tonka Bean |
| Release year | 1913 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Robert Bienaimé |
You didn’t think we would be talking about iconic vintage florals without mentioning the perfume Princess Diana wore on her wedding day, did you?!
Quelques Fleurs l’Original by Houbigant was created in 1913 and is said to be the first true multi-floral bouquet fragrance. But that is not what gave this scent its iconic status. Everything the late Princess Diana touched became sought after by many, and when she wore this fragrance on her wedding day, this perfume forever entered the history books of perfumery.
8. Faiz Niche Collection Floral F4001 Extrait De Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Faiz Niche |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Jasmine Middle notes: Tuberose Base notes: Rangoon Creeper |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Faizal CP |
I might have snuck another newer fragrance here. But I believe this fragrance would have been an icon for sure if it had been created in the good old days. Faiz Niche Collection Floral F4001 is an extrait de parfum that is long-lasting, rich, and captivating.
When I smell this fragrance, it reminds me of other floral scents by Gucci and Dior. It is suitable for everyday wear by anyone with an office job and looking for a soft fragrance that still smells elegant and sophisticated.
Check out V Perfumes for more floral, sweet, fresh, and amber fragrances by your favorite international, niche, and local fragrance brands.
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2 comments
MY FAVORITE by far– Channel #5 ! Received my first bottle at age 20. Still wearing it 60 years later. Love Love Love the long lasting fragrance.
It truly is an iconic scent and holds so many memories for many women worldwide. Thank you for sharing your experience with it.