I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked “What is a Chypre perfume?” so I wanted to write an article with everything you need to know about this fragrance family, including my list of the best Chypre perfume recommendations.
Table of Contents
- What does the word Chypre mean and where does it come from?
- What does Chypre smell like?
- Is Chypre masculine or feminine?
- How do I pronounce Chypre?
- What is the most famous Chypre perfume?
- The Top 12 Chypre Perfumes
What does the word Chypre mean and where does it come from?
Chypre is the name of one of the most famous and highly sophisticated perfume families. The name Chypre means “Cyprus” in French and takes its name from the fragrance “Chypre de Coty” launched by the famous perfumer, Francois Coty in 1917.
What does Chypre smell like?
Structured around a woody, mossy accord, the classical Chypre scent starts with a powerful blast of fresh citrus top notes (typically bergamot or orange). This is followed by a floral heart of rose, ylang-ylang or jasmine blended with deep woody base notes; typically patchouli, smooth labdanum and earthy oakmoss. These complex fragrance notes provide a contrast of cool and warm scents, creating an elegant and enigmatic effect. Modern Chypre perfumes have various connotations: floral, fruity, green, woody-aromatic, leathery, and animalic notes can all be emphasised. The versatility of Chypre fragrances means that there can be a Chype perfume for any taste.
Is Chypre masculine or feminine?
Chype perfumes were originally created as female fragrances. However, today there are Chype fragrances for men and plenty of unisex ones too.
How do I pronounce Chypre?
Chypre is pronounced “shee-pruh”.
What is the most famous Chypre perfume?
The most famous Chypre perfume is Chanel No. 5. It was created in 1921 by French perfumer Ernest Beaux for Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and timeless fragrances ever created.
The Top 12 Chypre Perfumes
| Perfume | Release | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chanel 19 | 1971 | Green notes and Bergamot |
| Coriandre Jean Couturier | 1973 | Coriander, Bergamot and Orange Blossom |
| Acqua Di Parma Arancia Di Capri | 1999 | Orange, Sicilian Mandarin, Bergamot |
| Coco Mademoiselle Parfum Chanel | 2001 | Oranges, Bergamot and Grapefruit |
| Dior Bois D’Argent | 2004 | Iris, Cypress and Juniper Berries |
| Bottega Veneta | 2011 | Pink pepper and Bergamot |
| Jimmy Choo | 2011 | Pear, Mandarin Orange and Green Notes |
| Juliette Has A Gun Vengeance Extreme | 2011 | Patchouli, Bulgarian Rose and Vanilla |
| Kirke Tiziana Terenzi | 2015 | Passionfruit and Raspberry |
| Miss Dior Original | 2017 | Pink Pepper and Blood Orange |
| Floral Street Chypre Sublime | 2017 | Geranium, Incense and Pink Pepper |
| Molton Brown Jasmine Sun Rose | 2018 | Raspberry, Bergamot and Peach |
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum
The most common type of Chypre perfume is the floral chypre which is encapsulated in this perfume. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is such a lovely feminine fragrance that has the ‘IT’ girl feel to it yet doesn’t smell generic. Incorporated with oranges, bergamot and grapefruit alongside rose and jasmine at the heart, I find its floral scent quite dominating. I like how the scent is an easy anytime wear perfume that stands out from other mainstream offerings. I enjoy the perfect combination of the florals, citrus and powder. It is long lasting and is definitely an attention grabber as it gives off a very boujee and rich vibes with an added sweetness and elegance.
Chanel No 19
Chanel No 19 is a classic ‘green‘ perfume and one which is loved by oakmoss fans the world over. The unique mix of sophistication floral and woody notes makes Chanel No 19 a classic Chypre perfume. This is a classic fragrance and isn’t the kind of scent which is typically released in the 21st century. Younger readers might find it a bit strong and leathery with a deep mossy dry-down.
Miss Dior Originale
The original Miss Dior fragrance was released in 1947 and is now available in a slightly reformulated version called Miss Dior Eau de Toilette Originale. The fragrance is a classic floral-Chypre blend, with top notes of galbanum, gardenia, jasmine, bergamot, and middle notes of rose, iris, and patchouli, with a base of sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, and musk. It is a classical Chypre scent which still has a loyal fan base.
Dior Bois D’Argent
Dior Bois D’Argent is a great example of a unisex Chype fragrance. The scent opens with an elegant iris; just the kind of smooth, classical floral that Dior is known for. This note is coupled with a spicy myrrh, leather and honey and vanilla base notes. Woody base notes help characterize Bois D’Argent as a Chypre fragrance. This is an iconic and mysterious classical chypre fragrance which gets warmer and warmer with time!
Bottega Veneta
The original Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum is a floral, leathery chypre perfume which is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. At the opening it has a vintage feel, which comes from a powdery Chypre tone. A soft floral jasmine heart is mixes well with fresh citrus notes before the fragrance dries down into a classical creamy Chypre base. This is an absolutely elegant, classic and refined fragrance. In my opinion, this isn’t a fragrance that screams, rather it stays subdued and creates a sensual feeling which lasts all day.
Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum is my personal favourite designer perfume. It’s also a great example of how the Chypre genre has ben adapted and given a modern twist. The top citrus note of a traditional Chypre is replaced with Pear, while the Patchouli base is accompanied by Toffee. It has a woody scent with its distinctive pear note that’s almost minty. I use Jimmy Choo throughout the year because it always makes me smile; it’s feminine, sweet and cozy scent with a playful and sensual twist.
Check out my article on every Jimmy Choo perfume.
Juliette Has A Gun Vengeance Extreme
Vengeance Extrême is yet another floral Chypre fragrance which is famous for its projection and lasting power. Intense notes of patchouli, Bulgarian rose and vanilla cling to the skin and clothes for many hours (as with most Juliette Has a Gun perfumes).
I feel the vanilla in Vengeance Extrême is very subtle, and can be overpowered by a heavier floral-spicy notes. I would classify this perfume as a super dark, sensual, loud, and a “boss woman” type of perfume; for people who want to be noticed. A great perfume for cold winter evenings.
Kirke Tiziana Terenzi
Tiziana Terenzi is a fragrance that is known for its ability to enchant those who wear it. The fragrance is a Chype blend of sweet, juicy fruit and flowers, alongside a warm musky base; an ideal example of a fruity Chypre. Kirke Tiziana Terenzi is long lasting and is an all-season, day or night scent!
Acqua Di Parma Arancia Di Capri
Arancia Di Capri is part of the unisex Blue Mediterraneo range which were created by Aqua Di Parma to represent the natural and fresh notes of the Italian coast.
This is actually one of my personal favourite citrus fragrances; its a very crisp, juicy, and non-synthetic orange scent which is perfect for hot weather. Acqua Di Parma Arancia Di Capri is an example of a modern, fruity Chype perfume and is the lightest in this list.
Projection wise, the opening is strong but it settles extremely quickly; it’s designed to be sprayed plentifully throughout the day.
Floral Street Chypre Sublime
Floral Street is a British vegan and cruelty free brand who have a simple collection of feminine perfumes. Their Chypre Sublime Eau de Parfum opens with tart and slightly sour geranium. The drydown is much smoother and sweeter, with a smoky rose coming to the forefront. It has a very 80s/90s vintage feeling to it! If you are a fan of floral chypre fragrances this is a great ethical option.
Molton Brown Jasmine Sun Rose
The Molton Brown Jasmine Sun Rose range really reminds me of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Its a modern floral Chypre fragrance topped with hints of raspberry, bergamot and peach. These top notes then reveal a heart of feminine jasmine, rose, patchouli and musk. I generally layer this with Coco Mademoiselle as the two scents are complimentary but the Molton Brown body products are more affordable than Chanel!
Jean Couturier Coriandre
This is Jean Couturier’s signature, feminine Chypre perfume which is often heralded as the best fresh green Chypre alongside Chanel No 19. Jean Couturier Coriandre opens with rich and spicy notes of coriander, aldehydes, angelica, bergamot, and orange blossom and is followed by rose, geranium, violet root, ylang-ylang, iris, lily, and jasmine at its heart. The perfume closes with vintage notes of oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, civet, musk and sandalwood . It definitely lives up to its name and sets off a gentle, mellow and an uplifting scent which is perfect for fans of green summertime scents.
