Heidi Norton
Marilyn Monroe's favourite perfume was the subject of much speculation, with the iconic actress and model known to be a perfume enthusiast. Monroe was famously quoted in a Life interview, saying: What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course. However, it has since been revealed that she also wore other perfumes, including Floris Rose Geranium, Joy by Jean Patou, and White Shoulders by Evyan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Favourite perfume | Floris Rose Geranium |
| Other perfumes used | Chanel No. 5, Yardley's Lavender, Arpège by Lanvin, Joy by Jean Patou, White Shoulders by Evyan |
| Perfume preference | Clean and light floral scents |
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What You'll Learn
Chanel No. 5
Marilyn Monroe is famously associated with Chanel No. 5. In an interview with Life magazine, she was asked what she wore to bed, to which she replied, "Chanel No. 5". This association was further solidified when Chanel released archival footage and photos from a Modern Screen shoot in 2013, which showed a bottle of Chanel No. 5 on her bedside table.
While Monroe undoubtedly wore and promoted Chanel No. 5, it is important to note that she also enjoyed other perfumes. She understood the power of scent and used it as a form of self-expression, choosing fragrances that matched the occasion and her mood. She was known to wear Joy by Jean Patou and White Shoulders by Evyan, and she also wore Arpège by Lanvin, as discovered by celebrity makeup artist Erin Parsons.
Some sources suggest that Monroe's favourite perfume might have been Floris Rose Geranium, which she ordered in bulk under an alias during the filming of "Some Like It Hot". She also sent a letter to the fragrance house, thanking them for sending a consignment of Rose Geranium Bath Essence. This scent is described as having a quieter, more retro interplay of rose and geranium, with sharp lemony citronella and the milkiness of sandalwood.
In conclusion, while Chanel No. 5 is undoubtedly linked to Marilyn Monroe due to her famous quote, she also wore and enjoyed a variety of other fragrances throughout her life.
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Floris Rose Geranium
Despite the famous association between Marilyn Monroe and Chanel No. 5, it seems that the iconic actress had a penchant for another perfume: Floris Rose Geranium. In fact, Monroe was such a fan of this scent that she ordered six bottles of it in 1959 under the alias of Miss Dorothy Blass. The perfume was to be sent to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, where she stayed after filming 'Some Like It Hot'.
The matching bath essence, which is still available today, is a highly concentrated perfume for the bath with skin-softening properties. It contains glycerine, sweet almond oil, and anti-ageing vitamin E to keep skin soft, smooth, and supple, while jojoba oil provides deep nourishment. The scent is described as a rich and vibrant floral fragrance with rose, warmed by the spicy notes of carnation, enriched with delicate violet and jasmine, and wrapped in soft, sweet base notes of iris, amber, and musk.
The original receipt for Marilyn Monroe's purchase of Floris Rose Geranium is available to view at the Floris 'museum' on Jermyn Street, along with other treasured pieces of Floris history.
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Yardley's Lavender
While Chanel No. 5 is perhaps the most famous perfume associated with Marilyn Monroe, the iconic actress and model was also a fan of Yardley's Lavender. In 1956, when asked by a reporter if she really wore "nothing in bed but perfume", Monroe replied, "As I am in England, let's say I sleep in nothing but Yardley's Lavender".
Yardley's Original English Lavender is an eau de toilette with a gentle, sweet, and demure scent. It combines lavender leaves, neroli, and clary sage with a heart of lavender oil and geranium, enhanced by deeper notes of sandalwood and tonka bean. The perfume is inspired by traditional English flowers and has been Yardley's defining fragrance since 1770.
The brand offers a 4.2-ounce eau de toilette spray for women, which has received mixed reviews. Some customers have expressed disappointment with the scent, describing it as "musky" and "chemical-like". Others have praised it as a subtle and pleasing fragrance, suitable for everyday use and good value for money.
In addition to Yardley's Lavender, Monroe also had a fondness for Floris Rose Geranium. She ordered six bottles of the perfume under the alias of Miss Dorothy Blass while staying at Claridge's Hotel in London, and a receipt for this order was later auctioned. The scent is available today as a bath essence.
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Arpège by Lanvin
Marilyn Monroe is perhaps best known for her association with Chanel No. 5. In an interview, she famously stated that she wore "Chanel No. 5, of course" to bed. However, it appears that her perfume preferences extended beyond this iconic scent.
One of these was Arpège by Lanvin. Celebrity makeup artist Erin Parsons discovered through old receipts, 1950s interviews, and pictures of Marilyn's vanity that the actress frequently wore this fragrance.
Arpège, a floral aldehyde perfume, was first launched in 1927, almost a century ago. While the bottle design and formulation have evolved since Marilyn's time, the scent has retained its elegance and beauty. The perfume opens with aldehydes, which lend a soapy, clean scent, complemented by notes of lily-of-the-valley, peach, honeysuckle, neroli, and bergamot. At its heart lies a lush floral bouquet of jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, iris, coriander, rose, lily, geranium, and camellia.
Over the years, Arpège has garnered a dedicated following, with some reviewers praising its light and delicate fragrance that lasts for several hours. It has earned an impressive average rating of 4.64 on Fragrance Direct, with many commenting on its enduring appeal and uniqueness.
Marilyn Monroe's love for perfume extended beyond special occasions, and she understood the power of scent as a form of self-expression. Her choice of Arpège by Lanvin showcases her appreciation for timeless and elegant fragrances that leave a lasting impression.
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Joy by Jean Patou
Marilyn Monroe was a woman who knew the power of scent. While Chanel No. 5 was her signature fragrance, she also wore other perfumes, such as Joy by Jean Patou. Created by Henri Alméras, Joy by Jean Patou is a floral fragrance with 10,000 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen roses in every ounce. The perfume was launched in 1930 and has been a classic ever since.
Marilyn Monroe was known to be a fan of floral and feminine scents, and Joy by Jean Patou embodies this with its lush bouquet of floral notes. The perfume is said to be long-lasting, with a strong sillage, ensuring that it leaves a lasting impression.
The iconic status of Joy by Jean Patou is a testament to its high-quality ingredients and exquisite composition. It is a fragrance that has stood the test of time, just like Marilyn Monroe's enduring legacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Marilyn Monroe wore several perfumes, including Chanel No. 5, Floris Rose Geranium, Arpège by Lanvin, Joy by Jean Patou, and White Shoulders by Evyan.
Marilyn Monroe is most famous for wearing Chanel No. 5. She once said, "What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course."
Yes, Marilyn Monroe enjoyed wearing perfume during the day and not just on special occasions. She understood that scent was a powerful tool for self-expression.
