Marilyn Monroe’s go-to fragrance is still a Hollywood favorite

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but Marilyn Monroe’s favorite fragrance costs much less.

The star famously swore by a spritz of Chanel No. 5, a scent that’s proven almost just as iconic as the actress herself.

The famed fragrance, which Chanel once described as a “bouquet of abstract flowers,” was a prized part of Monroe’s nightly routine.

“You know, they ask me questions. Just an example: ‘What do you wear to bed ? A pajama top? The bottoms of the pajamas? A nightgown?’” she once said in an interview obtained by Chanel.

“So I said, ‘Chanel No. 5,’ because it’s the truth. And yet, I don’t want to say ‘nude.’ But it’s the truth!”

Now, over a century since its debut, the star’s favorite fragrance is still sold starting at under-$200 in both a No. 5 Eau de Parfum Spray (from $146) and a No. 5 Parfum (from $140).

Chanel No. 5 Parfum (from $140)

And just as Old Hollywood was hooked on the scent, today’s stars are still smelling the potential for iconic moments featuring the Monroe-approved fragrance.

After all, more modern campaigns for the popular perfume have featured stars like Lily-Rose Depp, Gisele Bündchen, Nicole Kidman and even newly-minted beauty founder Brad Pitt. 

The bottle itself has proved equally trendsetting; in 2014, long before wearing Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress at the 2022 Met Gala, Kim Kardashian carried a Chanel plexiglass purse shaped like the star’s favorite fragrance.

And while similar clear Chanel carryalls will run you over $17,000, the famous fragrance’s refillable purse spray ($130) comes with a much lower price tag. 

The full range of No. 5 options now also includes an Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray ($121) and Eau de Toilette Twist and Spray ($186), in addition to Gold Body Oil ($100), Body Lotion ($60), No. 5 Soaps ($100), Hair Mist ($65), Shower Gel ($60) and more.

Plus, with the holiday season here, the brand offers a selection of gift-ready bundles, including the Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set ($186) and Eau de Parfum Soap Set ($176).

After all, following Monroe’s logic, who needs holiday pajamas when you could gift perfume instead?