GeraniumOpens with
RoseHeart
AmberDries down to
Ernest BeauxThe nose · 18 fragrances · also made Cuir de Russie Parfum (1924)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Chanel · Sold as feminine
Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel
The quiet sophistication of a Parisian salon in the early 20th century, where aldehydic freshness meets the subtle complexity of rose and violet.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Le 1940 Rouge de ChanelPremium · $100–250
50%Similar accords, often for lessMusk Noir Al Haramain · Al Haramain PerfumesBudget tier, under $40 · shares 4 of its 9 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1931 by Chanel and crafted by Ernest Beaux, Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel is a Floral Aldehyde fragrance that epitomizes the elegance and innovation of Coco Chanel herself. The composition opens with aldehydes and geranium, creating an immediate sense of crisp freshness before diving into the heart of rose and violet, which add layers of sweetness and depth. The base notes of amber and Java vetiver oil provide a warm, powdery finish that lingers on the skin. This fragrance is not just a scent but a piece of history, embodying the bold yet refined spirit of its time.
One or two sprays are sufficient to capture the essence of this fragrance. The aldehydic top notes fade quickly, making it important to layer with the powdery base notes that emerge after an hour. Best worn in cooler weather when its warmth is most appreciated.
Fig. 01 — Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel, Chanel
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
Live prices aren't shown yet. Each link opens that seller's own search; we may earn a commission.
Not sure it's you?
Five questions, about a minute, no account. You get a shortlist that fits how you actually wear fragrance.
Ernest Beaux
The man who invented modern perfumeryErnest Beaux is the perfumer who changed everything. Born in Moscow to a Franco-Russian family, he served as an officer in World War I before entering the laboratories of A. Rallet & Co. in Grasse.
“I went to present her with my creations – two series: 1 to 5 and 20 to 24. From these she chose several, including one labelled Number 5.”
Ernest Beaux · Beaux, "Souvenirs d'un parfumeur", Industrie de la Parfumerie, Oct 1946 (trans. via Bois de Jasmin)
Designer Chanel
More from the house · founded 1921 · France
You Might Also Like
Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalLe 1940 Rouge de ChanelChanel · Premium · $100–250Al Haramain Perfumes · 2021Musk Noir Al HaramainShares 4 of its 9 notesunder $40★ 3.79 (14)43%Match
Al Haramain Perfumes · 2021SamaShares Geranium, Rose and Violetunder $40★ 3.63 (19)44%Match
RasasiTagreed Al NaghamShares Geranium, Rose and Amberunder $40★ 3.89 (9)
With Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche Eau de Parfum
Adds citrus, woody and vanilla; shares two accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Warmly received so far: loved by 67%, disliked or hated by 17%.