Women Over 45 Share Their Favorite Fragrance, From Chanel to Natural Oils

We asked women ages 45 to 87 what their signature scent is.

Allie Hogan
Allie Hogan
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Published: Feb 27, 2025

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sparkling fragrance bottle — Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Fragrance is a highly personal choice that ends up telling the world a lot about you in just one whiff. Scent meant something to me early on. Whenever my mema (now 87) would visit my house growing up, I’d know the second I walked through the door as I was struck with her signature scent, which, by the way, is Bill Blass Nude that we’d have to go to the local bazaar to find because it’s been discontinued for years. We were curious which scents tend to stick out to women over 45, whether it’s the fragrance they’ve worn their whole lives or a new launch that impressed them, so we asked.

1 / 10

Ireana, 45: Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris ($122)

“I feel transported to a haute couture garden party with oversized white flower arrangements and a tea buffet on fine china when I wear YSL Mon Paris.” —Ireana, 45

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Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

2 / 10

Lauryl, 65: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue ($135)

"I wear Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. When I wear it to school [as a teacher], I always get compliments. It's just enough to get me going at 6 a.m.!” — Lauryl"Funny enough, my stepmom, who also works in a school, dubs Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue her favorite as well." — Allie Hogan, senior beauty editor

BUY ON AMAZON - $135

BUY ON NORDSTROM - $135

Lauryl, 65: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue ($135)

Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette

3 / 10

Denise, 59: Chanel No.5 ($143)

“Chanel No.5 is my scent. If it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe…” — Denise

BUY ON CHANEL - $143

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Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum

4 / 10

Cathy, 64: Philosophy Apricots & Cream Body Spritz ($36)

“I don’t use any heavy fragrance, but I do use several spritzes of Philosophy every day. I especially love the Apricots & Cream scent.” — Cathy

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Philosophy Apricots & Cream Body Spritz

5 / 10

Vilma, 61: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 ($335)

“My favorite is Baccarat Rouge. It’s very sexy but not feminine.” — Vilma

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Vilma, 61: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 ($335)

maison francis kurkdijan baccarat rouge 540

6 / 10

Grace, 65: Versace Bright Crystal ($110)

“My mom wore Versace Bright Crystal her whole life. It's one of my favorite scents in the world because it smells like her.” —Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant

BUY ON NORDSTROM - $110

BUY ON SEPHORA - $110

versace bright crystal

7 / 10

Sue, 60: Egyptian Musk Oil ($21)

“I wear Egyptian musk oil. It has a light, clean aroma. I have been told the scent is very nice. People always ask, ‘What are you wearing?’” — Sue

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egyptian musk

8 / 10

Deb, 55: DKNY Be Delicious ($58)

“During the summer, when I want to feel fun and flirty, I reach for this apple scent, and I have for decades.” — Deb

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DKNY Be Delicious

9 / 10

Jovan Vanilla Musk ($14)

“My mom used to wear Jovan Vanilla Musk, which is a) fairly elderly smelling and b) I think it was like a $10 perfume." — Hayley Mason, VP of strategy and growth

BUY NOW - $14