Perfumes have been used since ancient times to scent the body and rooms, as well as used in religious practices and medicine. Perfume has also been used in forms of celebration such as at weddings, dances and social events. Different perfumes are worn on different occasions. Perfumes are available in various forms, including powder, spray and solid/creamy/oily forms. Perfumes can be made from extracts taken from plants, flowers or woods, or can be synthesized from petroleum-based products like benzene or from coal tar by-products.

Estee Lauder – Estee

One woman’s name graces hundreds of fragrances—and Estée Lauder is that woman. Since 1946, her name has been synonymous with elegant but affordable designer scents for women. Her very first perfume was a floral affair called Axe, which played off both its own powdery softness and (then) popular men’s cologne. According to L’Oreal, Lauder herself came up with the alliterative scent name in a lunch meeting. Originally released in three sizes—$2, $5 and $10 (about $32, $65 and $130 today)—Lauder sold 2 million bottles of Axe within six months of its release (gurulex.com) !

Chanel – Chanel No. 5

Elegant, sophisticated and bold in its originality, Chanel No. 5 was created by a woman who was tired of smelling like her husband and daughter. Coco Chanel wanted to create a scent that would be distinctively feminine; she did just that by combining notes of rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang and more than twenty other ingredients into one perfect perfume. She originally named it Nuit de Chene (the night of black poplar trees), but after being convinced by her perfumer friend Ernest Beaux to name it something more memorable for women – especially American women – Coco changed it to N°5′′ before launching her iconic fragrance in 1921.

Dior – Dior Addict Section: Guerlain – Shalimar

Guerlain – Shalimar has a fascinating story behind it. The perfume was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925 and was named after a former Indian empress, Mumtaz Mahal. According to legend, Mumtaz had been to France during her life with Emperor Shah Jahan (whom she was married to), and fell in love with France and its culture. When she returned home, she made her husband promise to create a monument dedicated to her memory that would surpass anything he had ever seen in Europe. So, upon his death in 1666, Shah Jahan created something beautiful: The Taj Mahal, one of history’s most awe-inspiring buildings. Did we mention that Shalimar is considered one of India’s national perfumes?

Elizabeth Arden – Eight Hour Cream

In 1925, Elizabeth Arden created her signature fragrance in honor of her most famous client, Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Over 15 million bottles of Eight Hour Cream have been sold to date, making it one of the best-selling fragrances in history and a global fashion staple. At its inception in 1925, Eight Hour Cream was intended to be a balm for chapped hands, but today it is considered a multi-use product. It can be applied to smooth away wrinkles on elbows or knees and even soothe rashes caused by shaving. This timeless classic is still available today and continues to attract legions of new fans from around the world.

Vera Wang – Princess

The name Miu Miu was a nickname that Miuccia Prada had as a child and is actually an acronym for two of her grandfathers’ names: Michele Mussato Miuccia Prada. For women who have a tomboyish side, but still like to look good doing it, Miu Miu fragrances are great options. The scents are rich but not overpowering and come in a variety of delicious smells. One of their best-selling scents is Miuccia Prada which carries notes such as white flower petals, blackberry leaves and vanilla pods.

Miu Miu- Miu Miu d’Italia

As much as it would be great to head straight to Italy with $10,000 burning a hole in our pocket, we are forced (mostly) to purchase perfumes at department stores or local boutiques. The upside is that it’s really easy to find inspiration when you’re on a budget. Miu Miu d’Italia is inspired by one of our favorite designers, Miuccia Prada and her newest sister company – MiuMiu SPA. It’s feminine and elegant while still being playful and fun. We also love that they come in two versions – pure perfume oil and regular perfume spray. That way you can create your own signature scent (and save some money)!