Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share everything you need to know about perfumes, fragrances, and scents. In this article, we will explore the history, the composition, the benefits, and the reviews of one of the most famous and beloved perfumes in the world: Madam 5.
Madam 5 is a classic floral-aldehyde perfume that was created by Ernest Beaux for Coco Madam in 1921. It is widely regarded as the first modern perfume, and it has been a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and femininity for over a century. Madam 5 is not just a perfume, it is a legend. It is the perfume that Marilyn Monroe famously wore to bed, and that countless celebrities and icons have chosen as their signature scent. But what makes Madam 5 so special? How did it come to be? And why is it still so popular today? Let’s find out!
The History of Madam 5
The Birth of a Masterpiece
The story of Madam 5 begins with Coco Madam, the visionary fashion designer who revolutionized women’s clothing and style in the early 20th century. Coco Madam was not only a talented couturier, but also a savvy businesswoman who understood the power of branding and marketing. She wanted to create a perfume that would reflect her personality and her vision of modern femininity: simple, elegant, and timeless.
She hired Ernest Beaux, a Russian-born French perfumer who had worked for the Russian royal family before the revolution. She asked him to create “a woman’s perfume with a woman’s scent”, something that would smell like nothing else on the market. She also gave him a specific instruction: “I want a perfume that is composed”. She meant that she wanted a perfume that was not based on a single dominant note, but rather on a complex harmony of different notes that would blend together seamlessly.
The Secret Formula
Ernest Beaux accepted the challenge and presented Coco Madam with two series of samples: one numbered from 1 to 5, and the other from 20 to 24. Coco Madam chose the fifth sample from the first series, which was a floral-aldehyde composition. Aldehydes are synthetic molecules that add sparkle and freshness to fragrances. They were relatively new at the time, and Ernest Beaux was one of the first perfumers to use them extensively. He also used a high concentration of natural jasmine and rose from Grasse, the perfume capital of France, as well as other floral notes such as ylang-ylang, neroli, and lily of the valley. He added some woody notes such as sandalwood and vetiver, as well as some musk and vanilla for warmth and sensuality.
The result was a stunning fragrance that was both modern and timeless, both simple and complex, both fresh and rich. It was unlike anything else on the market, and it perfectly captured Coco Madam’s style and spirit. She named it Madam 5, after her lucky number. She also chose a simple and elegant bottle design that was inspired by the shape of the Place Vendôme in Paris, where she had her boutique.
The Composition of Madam 5
The Top Notes
The top notes are the first impression of a perfume, the ones that you smell immediately after spraying it on your skin or clothes. They usually last for about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the perfume and your skin chemistry. The top notes of Madam 5 are composed of aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, neroli, and peach. They give Madam 5 its sparkling and refreshing quality, as well as its citrusy and fruity accents.
The Middle Notes
The middle notes are the heart of a perfume, the ones that emerge after the top notes fade away. They usually last for about two to four hours, depending on the perfume and your skin chemistry. The middle notes of Madam 5 are composed of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, iris, and orris root. They give Madam 5 its floral and powdery quality, as well as its elegance and femininity.
The Base Notes
The base notes are the foundation of a perfume, the ones that linger on your skin or clothes after the middle notes disappear. They usually last for about four to six hours or more, depending on the perfume and your skin chemistry. The base notes of Madam 5 are composed of sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, oakmoss, musk, amber, and vanilla. They give Madam 5 its woody and oriental quality, as well as its warmth and sensuality.
The Benefits of Madam 5
It Boosts Your Confidence
Madam 5 is a perfume that makes you feel good about yourself. It is a perfume that exudes confidence, charisma, and charm. It is a perfume that makes you stand out from the crowd and attract attention. It is a perfume that makes you feel like you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Madam 5 is a perfume that empowers you to be the best version of yourself.
It Enhances Your Mood
Madam 5 is a perfume that lifts your spirits and brightens your day. It is a perfume that stimulates your senses and evokes positive emotions. It is a perfume that makes you happy, relaxed, and optimistic. It is a perfume that balances your mind and body and helps you cope with stress. Madam 5 is a perfume that enhances your mood and well-being.
It Expresses Your Personality
Madam 5 is a perfume that reflects your personality and style. It is a perfume that shows your taste and sophistication. It is a perfume that reveals your character and values. It is a perfume that communicates your message and vision. Madam 5 is a perfume that expresses your personality and identity.
A Detailed Table Breakdown of Madam 5
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Floral-aldehyde |
| Creator | Ernest Beaux |
| Year | 1921 |
| Concentration | Eau de parfum (12-15% fragrance oil) |
| Sillage | Moderate to heavy (how far the fragrance spreads) |
| Longevity | Long lasting (6-8 hours or more) |
| Occasion | Formal, evening, special events |
| Season | All year round, but especially in winter and fall |
| Audience | Mature, classy, refined women |
| Price | $135 for 50 ml / $190 for 100 ml (as of August 2023) |
FAQs About Madam 5
What does Madam 5 smell like?
Madam 5 smells like a bouquet of fresh flowers with a touch of aldehydes, citrus, and peach on top, followed by a powdery blend of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, iris, and orris root in the middle, and finished with a warm and sensual base of sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, oakmoss, musk, amber, and vanilla.
Why is Madam 5 so famous?
Madam 5 is so famous because it was the first modern perfume that broke the conventions of the time and introduced a new way of composing fragrances. It was also the first perfume to use aldehydes extensively, which gave it a unique sparkle and freshness. Madam 5 was also associated with Coco Madam, one of the most influential fashion designers and icons of the 20th century, who made it her signature scent. Madam 5 was also worn by many celebrities and public figures over the years, such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Catherine Deneuve, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, and many more.
How to apply Madam 5?
The best way to apply Madam 5 is to spray it on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and behind your knees. You can also spray it on your hair or clothes for a longer lasting effect. However, be careful not to overdo it, as Madam 5 is a very potent and concentrated perfume that can be overwhelming if used too much.
How to store Madam 5?
The best way to store Madam 5 is to keep it in its original box or in a dark and cool place away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and air. This will preventthe perfume from oxidizing and losing its quality. You can also store it in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life, but make sure to wrap it well and keep it away from food.
How to tell if Madam 5 is authentic?
The best way to tell if Madam 5 is authentic is to buy it from an authorized retailer or directly from the official website of Madam. You can also check the batch code on the bottom of the bottle or the box, which indicates the date and place of production. You can verify the batch code online using websites such as CheckFresh or CheckCosmetic. You can also look for signs of quality and consistency, such as the color, the smell, the texture, and the packaging of the perfume.
How to layer Madam 5?
Layering Madam 5 means to use other products that have the same or similar scent as the perfume, such as body lotion, shower gel, soap, deodorant, etc. This will enhance and prolong the fragrance of Madam 5 on your skin and clothes. You can also layer Madam 5 with other perfumes that complement its notes, such as citrus, floral, or oriental fragrances. However, be careful not to mix too many scents, as this can create a confusing and unpleasant result.
How to make Madam 5 last longer?
The longevity of Madam 5 depends on many factors, such as your skin type, your body chemistry, your environment, and your application method. However, there are some tips that can help you make Madam 5 last longer on your skin or clothes. For example, you can apply some unscented moisturizer or vaseline on your pulse points before spraying Madam 5, as this will create a base that will hold the perfume better. You can also spray some Madam 5 on a cotton ball or a tissue and put it in your bra, your pocket, or your purse for a subtle scent throughout the day. You can also reapply Madam 5 every few hours or whenever you feel like it.
How to pronounce Madam 5?
The correct way to pronounce Madam 5 is to say “Madam” as in “madame” in French, which means “lady” or “ma’am”. Then say “five” as in the number five in English. The final sound is not a “z” but an “s”, as in “scent”. So it is “Madam five”, not “Madam fives”.
What are the alternatives to Madam 5?
If you love Madam 5 but want to try something different or more affordable, there are some alternatives that have a similar scent or vibe as Madam 5. Some of them are:
- L’Interdit by Givenchy: A floral-woody fragrance that was originally created for Audrey Hepburn by Hubert de Givenchy in 1957. It has notes of aldehydes, bergamot, orange blossom, jasmine, rose, iris, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, and amber.
- Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent: A floral-aldehyde fragrance that was launched in 1971 and inspired by the bohemian and artistic spirit of the left bank of Paris. It has notes of aldehydes, bergamot, peach, rose, jasmine, iris, ylang-ylang, vetiver, oakmoss, musk, and tonka bean.
- No. 22 by Madam: A floral-aldehyde fragrance that was created by Ernest Beaux in 1922 as a variation of Madam 5. It has notes of aldehydes, neroli, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, and musk.
What are the flankers of Madam 5?
Flankers are variations or spin-offs of an original perfume that have a different name or packaging but share some common elements with the original. Madam 5 has many flankers that have been released over the years to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of them are:
- Madam 5 Eau de Toilette: A lighter and fresher version of Madam 5 that was launched in 1924. It has more citrus and less aldehydes than the original.
- Madam 5 Eau de Cologne: A softer and more delicate version of Madam 5 that was launched in 1929. It has more floral and less woody notes than the original.
- Madam 5 Eau Premiere: A modern and youthful version of Madam 5 that was launched in 2007. It has more fruity and less powdery notes than the original.
- Madam 5 L’Eau: A crisp and clean version of Madam 5 that was launched in 2016. It has more green and less oriental notes than the original.
- Madam 5 Parfum: The most concentrated and luxurious version of Madam 5 that was launched in 1986. It has more floral and more oriental notes than the original.
What are the ingredients of Madam 5?
The ingredients of Madam 5 are not fully disclosed by the brand, as they are considered a trade secret. However, some of the main ingredients that are known to be used in Madam 5 are:
- Aldehydes: Synthetic molecules that add sparkle and freshness to fragrances.
- Bergamot: A citrus fruit that has a sweet and sour scent.
- Lemon: A citrus fruit that has a sharp and refreshing scent.
- Neroli: An essential oil extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It has a sweet and floral scent.
- Peach: A fruit that has a juicy and fruity scent.
- Jasmine: A flower that has a sweet and exotic scent.
- Rose: A flower that has a romantic and feminine scent.
- Ylang-ylang: A flower that has a tropical and sensual scent.
- Lily of the valley: A flower that has a delicate and fresh scent.
- Iris: A flower that has a powdery and elegant scent.
- Orris root: The dried root of the iris plant. It has a woody and earthy scent.
- Sandalwood: A wood that has a creamy and warm scent.
- Vetiver: A grass that has a smoky and earthy scent.
- Patchouli: A plant that has a spicy and woody scent.
- Oakmoss: A lichen that grows on oak trees. It has a mossy and green scent.
- Musk: A synthetic or animal-derived substance that adds warmth and sensuality to fragrances.
- Amber: A resinous substance that adds sweetness and richness to fragrances.
- Vanilla: A pod that has a sweet and cozy scent.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about Madam 5, the most iconic fragrance of all time. We hope you learned something new about its history, its composition, its benefits, and its variations. We hope you also found some useful tips on how to apply, store, pronounce, layer, and make Madam 5 last longer. And we hope you also discovered some alternatives, flankers, and ingredients of Madam 5 that you might want to try or explore further.
If you love Madam 5 or want to try it for yourself, you can find it online or in stores at various sizes and prices. You can also check out our other articles on perfumes, fragrances, and scents for more information and inspiration. Thank you for reading, Good News, and see you next time!