15 Best Vintage Perfumes That Are More of an Investment Than Splurge

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
One of the Best Vintage Perfumes That Are More of an Investment Than Splurge
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If you are a perfume hoarder, we understand how your collection is loaded with some of the classic and the best vintage perfumes in the world. But did you know it is not always the classic ones that make the statement? These cult favorites have been gracing celebrities’ shelves for all the right reasons! Now, if you are a beginner at collecting vintage perfumes, get your hands on one of the perfumes to start your journey toward luxurious beauty.

These best vintage perfumes come with some enchanting aromas that are extracted from exotic premium ingredients for you to have moments worth remembering. Turn heads, receive flattering compliments, and lastly feel confident about yourself and make your presence known to the people who matter to you. Check out below the curated list of some of the vintage perfumes that you may like-

15 Best Vintage Perfumes

There isn't a single person who has spritzed Oscar de la Renta’s Esprit D'Oscar Eau de Parfum's perfume for women and not loved it! Curated by the fashion icon, it is a blend of oriental floral, bergamot, jasmine, and musk. The soft notes linger on all day without being overwhelming or causing a headache. The floral notes make it a soothing summer fragrance while the warm musk notes make it perfect for fall. This fragrance is ideal for all age groups. Spraying just a little goes a long way and we're certain this is soon going to be your favorite signature scent.

Pros
  • Soothing scent
  • Longlasting
  • Beautiful packaging
  • Ideal for the summer and fall
Cons
  • Some may find the fragrance too light
  • Best for Gifting

    Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum

    Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
  • Spare a room in your stash for one of the best vintage perfumes, Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, which is definitely an ideal investment. This new-gen perfume with contemporary packaging has an intoxicating classic smell of lavender blossoms in its top notes. The floral scent is paired with the alluring fruity smell of juicy pear and notes of bergamot. As the vintage fragrance settles down, it gives a sensual fragrance of mouthwatering vanilla orchid, coconut, and praline. Lastly, the fragrance ends with the scent of sensual musk and cashmere.

    Pros
    • High-quality packaging
    • Long lasting
    • Enchanting fragrance
    Cons
    • Not good for sensitive skin
  • Best Overall

    Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

    Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
  • Make room for one of the most popular vintage perfumes, the internet is raving about! Marc Jacobs Daisy is one of the classic perfumes and is hailed for all the good reasons. From the irresistible scent to a long-lasting effect, the classic fragrance offers you a sensual experience with each of its applications. And let us tell you that it has been on the bucket list of many! The Eau De Toilette offers a fruity top note consisting of raspberry, pear, and grapefruit while the heart note has floral notes like rose, jasmine, and apple blossom. It finally dries down with a feminine sandalwood fragrance.

    Pros
    • Lasts long Smells provocative
    • Feminine packaging
    • Exotic ingredients
    Cons
    • Scent may seem feeble to some
  • Best Floral Fragrance

    Lancôme La Vie Est Belle L'Eau de Parfum

    Lancôme La Vie Est Belle L'Eau de Parfum
  • Made by designers in 1935, the iconic fragrance comes under the vintage perfumes list. Its La Vie Est Belle’s classic version offers you divine femininity with a mix of floral and sweet fragrances. The top note imparts floral smells like spun sugar layered with vanilla, while the heart notes have exotic flowery smells like iris spring flowers and their sweet amalgamation with Tunisian orange blossom and Arabian jasmine sambac. It finishes off with the unique scent of patchouli and a spicy oriental fragrance.

    Pros
    • Long lasting
    • Premium ingredients
    • Not overpowering
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Vera Wang Eau de Parfum Spray

    Vera Wang Eau de Parfum Spray
  • Embrace your femininity with the Vera Wang Eau de Parfum that lets you go back to your carefree playful days. The subtle scent makes you reminisce happy memories with its floral and seductive smell. One of the best vintage perfumes for ladies, it is an all-time favorite for the brides on their D-day for its long-lasting guarantee. The floral notes like iris and lilies are mixed with a sandalwood tone to give you a mellow fragrance and a lot of compliments!

    Pros
    • Premium ingredients
    • Nostalgic smell
    • Mild scent
    Cons
    • Poor bottle build
  • LANCOME Idole Le Parfum

    LANCOME Idole Le Parfum
  • LANCOME Idole is one of the vintage perfumes for women that is hailed by beauty enthusiasts for its iconic ingredients and soothing smell. With premium packaging, the vintage perfume spray bottle is loaded with a fruity floral fragrance that creates an intense soft aura around you. The elegant chypre consists of exotic citrus top notes that are enhanced with floral scents like jasmine, rose, white musk, etc. Let this feminine scent accompany you to a date night and let it make the night a memorable one!

    Pros
    • Value for money
    • Lasts all day
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Not sturdy packaging
  • Ariana Grande Thank U Next Women EDP Spray

    Ariana Grande Thank U Next Women EDP Spray
  • Boost your confidence when you step out of your home wearing this enchanting and one of the best vintage perfumes available online. The Ariana Grande Thank U Next is the perfect union of fruity and floral notes that bring you a lot of compliments. The spray oozes the fragrance of white pear and wild raspberry once you apply it, and gives a divine fragrance of coconut and rose petals as it settles down. At last, it finishes off with sweet notes like velvet musk and macaroon sugar.

    Pros
    • Contemporary packaging
    • Long-lasting
    • Premium formula
    Cons
    • Overpowering
  • Editor’s Pick

    Versace Crystal Noir

    Versace Crystal Noir
  • This vintage perfume may be priced on the higher side but every penny spent on it is worth it. It is a fragrance that is effortlessly alluring and enticing as it contains the top notes of pepper, ginger and cardamom that provide a warm snuggly feel to an individual. The middle notes are further a bewitching infusion of coconut, gardenia, orange blossom and peony that provide an organic refreshing and rejuvenating feel to the wearer. Lastly, the base notes are a concoction of musk, sandalwood, amber that leave behind a long-lasting earthy sillage around you. 

    Pros
    • Spill-proof
    • Allergen-free
    • Robust packaging
    • Bewitching fragrance
    Cons
    • Not long-lasting
  • Most Seductive Scent

    Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum Supreme

    Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum Supreme
  • Arrest the attention of everyone around you with the Carolina Hererra vintage perfume. The top notes consist of a friendly amalgamation of coffee, bergamot, lemon and almond that provide the wearer with a rejuvenating and refreshing feel. The middle notes further smell like a garland of tubersome, jasmine, orris, orange blossom and bulgarian rose. Besides, the base notes consist of robust spices like cacao, vanilla, musk, amberwood, cinamon, patchouli and cedar that leave behind an enticing sillage. Well, that’s not all! The perfume comes in an attractive bottle that makes it an ideal choice for gifting. 

    Pros
    • Great for special occasions
    • Perfect balance of smells
    • Spill-proof
    • Anti-itchy formulation
    Cons
    • Nauseating for some people
  • Best Vintage Perfume

    CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum

    CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum
  • One scent that invariably crosses our minds when it comes to the best vintage perfumes is this mesmerising fragrance by Chanel. After having brought this fragrance, you will always want to remain indebted to Mr Jacques Polge, the mastermind behind this product. To note, the product has the top notes of ylang, ylang, bermout, peach and neroli, and its middle notes smell like a bouquet of iris, lilies, rose and jasmine. Meanwhile, the base notes of robust spices like sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver and patchouli provide a warm snugly organic fragrance. All in all, it is indeed a fragrance to have in your stash to smell heavenly all day long.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Non-itchy
    • Moderate sillage
    Cons
    • Overpowering for some people
  • Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Parfum Spray

    Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Parfum Spray
  • Experience luxury with a brand that needs no introduction for perfume lovers! This vintage perfume sprayer, Yves Saint Laurent balances the notes well and it leaves you fascinated every time you apply it. The fragrance opens with the rich note of coffee, and later the sweet scent of vanilla settles down with an intoxicating floral note. At last, the vintage fragrance allures you with the base notes of a woody finish that is an amalgamation of orange blossom and pear.

    Pros
    • Premium packaging
    • Premium packaging
    • Intoxicating fragrance
    Cons
    • Not budget friendly
  • Victoria's Secret Heavenly Eau de Parfum

    Victoria's Secret Heavenly Eau de Parfum
  • Say yum-my with the intoxicating fragrance of one of the best vintage perfumes available! Victoria’s Secret Heavenly is loved across all generations for having an alluring scent that suits every woman. VS is also one of those vintage perfume brands that have been constantly evolving keeping its targeted customer base in mind. The Eau de parfum is a secret amalgamation of a luminous floral tone of white peony, a comforting musky tone with gold musk, and a woody finish with rich sandalwood. Trust us when we say it will be a great addition to your fragrance collection!

    Pros
    • Mellow fragrance
    • Exotic ingredients
    • Smells heavenly
    Cons
    • Packaging could be sturdier
  • Most Soothing Scent

    Lauren Perfume by Ralph Lauren

    Lauren Perfume by Ralph Lauren
  • Grace your femininity with the Lauren Perfume by Ralph Lauren which offers you a floral bouquet in a bottle! A captivating aroma that begins with the top note of juicy blackcurrant, settles down with premium scents of orange flower blossoms, jasmine, and warm tuberose. Lastly, the mouthwatering sweet fragrance of black vanilla gives you an opulent touch of sensuality. Grab one of the vintage perfumes from the 70s and be ready to turn heads at any event!

    Pros
    • Smells divine
    • Light and airy
    • Ideal for daily use
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Packaging

    GUESS Bella Vita Eau de Parfum

    GUESS Bella Vita Eau de Parfum
  • Ooze elegance with confidence when you get your hands on one of the best vintage perfumes in the world that perfume hoarders love! The label launched its vintage perfumes 1980s that take us on the nostalgic ride of luxury. The GUESS Bella Vita Eau de Parfum Perfume starts with a punch of floral and fruity combinations consisting of citrus notes- Italian lemon, quince, and black currant, while the heart note gives jasmine, tuberose, and vanilla orchid. Lastly, the perfume leaves you with exotic fragrances of tonka beans, amber wood, and praline to make you fall in love with it!

    Pros
    • Vintage packaging
    • Lasts long
    • Has a rich look
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Most Budget-friendly

    Zoha Rose Bloom Roll On Perfume

    Zoha Rose Bloom Roll On Perfume
  •  Zoha Rose Bloom Roll On Perfume is the answer to your prayers! It is one of the best vintage perfumes that make you smell heaven-like without burning a hole in your pocket. The oil-based perfume ensures a long-lasting effect after each application and the easy-to-carry roll-on bottle is great for one who travels frequently. The lingering scent of the rose blossoms oil blends well with the perfume making you smell divine all day. This delicate fragrance is free of parabens, mineral oil, toxins, and artificial colors for an overall magical experience!

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • PETA approved
    • Moisturizing
    Cons
    • Overpowering

    How to Select the Best Vintage Perfumes For Women

    Perfumes are the best companion for any woman. It not only makes her smell heavenly but also makes you confident for obvious reasons! If you find yourself clueless about how to choose the best vintage perfumes for women, let us tell you there are some parameters that you must consider before laying your hands on them!

    a) Origin: The origin matters a lot when it comes to fragrance. Perfume connoisseurs are often inclined toward a particular region in the world for the exotic ingredients each brand offers.

    b) History: Find out what celebrities or noted personalities have any soft corners about the perfume. The history of making is also generally a fascinating part that you may like to know before making a purchase.

    c) Authenticity: Perfumes are the kinds of products that are often duped! The best way to ensure that you are really getting the best out of the product is to find out if the product is really original. It is better to purchase from a renowned site or site to fulfill your requirement.

    d) Notes: Many of us prefer one group of notes to the other. Notes play the biggest role in the outcome of the fragrance because they are what hit your sense first! Choose wisely from the family of notes like- floral, fruity, woody, or sweet.

    e) Price: Price point is another factor when it comes to picking the best perfume for you. A pricey perfume doesn’t always mean to tick mark all the requirements. Similarly, a low-priced one can outperform the pricey one.

    Fragrance should not be considered a splurge but an investment! If you are one of those who love adding a vintage piece to their collection, this is your call to add the best vintage perfumes that the world is raving about!

    FAQ's

    Are vintage perfumes still good?
    Vintage perfumes are still a rage among influencers across the world. When it comes to perfume, most of us like to stick to old-school preferences.
    How long will vintage perfumes last?
    If perfumes are stored carefully, they can last a lifetime. The packaging plays the biggest role here! If it is sturdy and air-tight enough, the perfume can last way longer. An unopened bottle of perfume can last nearly 12 to 18 months.
    What is the greatest perfume of all time?
    Chanel no. 5 is still considered the greatest perfume of all time, thanks to its close association with the cult-favorite actress Marilyn Monroe.
    What is the most attractive perfume in the world?
    Another Coco Chanel product, Chanel MadeMoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray, bags the tag of the most attractive perfume in the world!
    What is the most popular women’s perfume?
    It’s again, Chanel no. 5, thanks to its universal appeal and an intoxicating aroma consisting of rich ingredients like tonka beans, musk, floral, and woody musk.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani loves to indulge in an array of perfumes that awakens her senses and turn heads around. Be it sweet, fruity, musky or woody accords, she loves ‘em all! This time she researched the best vintage perfumes and listed them for you along with their pros and cons. They come with enchanting aromas that are extracted from exotic premium ingredients. Her personal pick is Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum whose fragrance ends with the scent of sensual musk and cashmere. You can glance though her top picks and get ready to receive some flattering compliments. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More