The Goods on Chanel No 5

The Product: Chanel No 5 is a classic. Worn by stars of the golden age of Hollywood until today, it's a often described as a vaguely floral scent, but actually smells more like... well, nothing specific, actually. Rich, musky, and impossible to describe, it's a tried and true fragrance, and often described as the epitome of a glamorous woman's scent.

The Price Tag: Chanel No 5 is pricey by the standards of most women. Ranging from $50-$110 depending on the size of the bottle and the fragrance type (read below), it is well outside the budget of most women. However, even the smallest bottle will last most women a year, so consider it an investment in your annual glamour.

Eau de Whaaa?: Chanel No 5, like most upscale European scents, comes in either a Eau de Parfum or an Eau de Toillette. An Eau de Parfum is the absolute bare essence of the fragrance, and while significantly pricier, is strong enough where only a smaller amount is needed. An Eau de Toillette is the basic fragrance diluted into a base, and thus cheaper. For most women, the Eau de Toillette is the best route. You may need a few extra spritzes, but this is the fragrance type that most of us have become accustomed to.

Famous Fans: Besides Chanel spokespersons Nicole Kidman and Audrey Tatou, Chanel has some pretty famous fans. Marilyn Monroe was quoted as saying that she wore Chanel No 5 to bed each night - and absolutely nothing else.

For Her: Chanel No 5 makes an amazing gift for the special lady in your life. Chanel offers free gift wrap on all purchases, and the classic "CC" logo gift wrap will let her know that a glamorous gift is in store before it is even opened.

The Extras: This coveted scent is also available in body washes, lotions, and creams. Maximize your scent's potency by staying in the same scent family when purchasing all your beauty products. While this has never been scientifically confirmed, many women who stay in the same scent family for all of their products often report beginning to naturally evoke the odor.

The Verdict: This is a definite classic. While probably not appropriate for anyone under the age of seventeen, this is a timeless scent that suits any glamorous woman. It may be too strong for some to wear daily, but even so, invest in a bottle for special events. As Coco herself might say, Ooh La La!