Moschino – Cheap & Chic Perfume: Overview, Smell, Notes & More!

Everyone wants to smell chic. But who on earth would consider it the height of fashion to sport a “cheap” scent?

Nearly three decades ago, Moschino created a perfume with a fun bottle and a provocative name.

And the trick…worked.

Many ladies bought the new fragrance for its unique name but rebought the bottle again for the memorable signature scent.

You can love it or hate it, but let’s be honest – everyone has heard about Moschino Cheap & Chic.

Today, we’ll dive a little deeper into this flowery-musky-soapy scent to see what the fuss is all about.

Overview 

• Brand: Moschino
• Fragrance: Cheap & Chic
• Release: 1995
• Gender: Women
• Perfumer: IFF (International Flavors ; Fragrances)

Fragrance Notes 

• Top Notes: petitgrain, yuzu, Brazilian rosewood, and Calabrian bergamot
• Heart Notes: cyclamen, water lily, jasmine, violet, rose, and peony
• Base Notes: white orchid, sandalwood, vanilla, iris, musk, vetiver, ambergris, and tonka bean

What Does Moschino Cheap & Chic Smell Like? 

The scent has a soapy aroma with a hint of spicy, fresh citrus notes.

Simultaneously, Cheap and Chic has strong floral notes brought about by the violet and water flowers.

Sometimes the smell is slightly reminiscent of hairspray but in a good, non-offensive way.

It is creamy and powdery without being overly sweet.

The notes of white orchid, sandalwood, vanilla, and musk step in to balance the scent and offer a strong, sensual base. 

The fact that this perfume has been on the market for quite a while makes a lot of people feel nostalgic whenever they get a sniff of it.

Old-school, but not out-of-date — a charming modern classic.

Perhaps this is one of the most easily recognizable floral fragrances.

I guarantee you if you ever decide to try Cheap and Chic, at least a few of your friends are going to tell you the name of the scent straight away.

The fact that so many love Moschino fragrances might be a turn-off for some.

This fragrance is definitely not a niche perfume and it won’t exactly add any ‘mystery’ to your appearance.

How Long Does Moschino Cheap & Chic Last For? 

Just like with any other perfume, there are individuals that will stop smelling the scent in only about half an hour.

But for the majority of users, Cheap and Chic is an extremely long-lasting scent. 

If you apply it in the morning you’ll likely still smell it in the evening, but different notes will be prominent.

It’s one of those perfumes that you don’t really get bored of because it’s not a very unusual scent that can cause a headache.

When Should You Wear It? 

Cheap & Chic is a scent that is best worn during the day.

But it can definitely stay with you for 24 hours and easily help you transition into an eventful evening or a wild night out.

Flowery perfumes are traditionally more suitable for spring and summer, but no one is going to stop you from wearing this light and fresh number in the wintertime.

Where Should You Wear It? 

Many seem to gravitate towards Cheap & Chic for lazy days at home.

But it certainly can become an easy-to-throw-on everyday scent for work.

The floral musk smells great and makes this eau de parfum a wonderful choice for a romantic date or night out at the club.

After all, the deep, warm smells are perfect for grabbing the attention of that certain someone. 

Presentation and Value For Money 

The unique bottle is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear someone say “Moschino Cheap & Chic.”

Remember Olive Oyl, a cartoon character from Popeye comic books?

Both the shape and black, red, and white colors of the bottle remind us of this cartoon lady.

The most iconic part of the bottle is, of course, the black nub located on the lid.

It’s cheerily reminiscent of Olive Oyl’s bun hairstyle.

The name and the shape of the bottle are what make this perfume provocative and fun.

But, at the same time, it was never a toy designed for little girls.

It is usually chosen by females who are playful yet feminine and strong.

However, the scent is not exactly “cheap” — prices start around $20 and go up to $65.

It is more on the affordable side, but don’t let the “cheap” part of the name fool you.

With that being said, this pleasant fragrance is relatively strong and long-lasting.

A single bottle is going to go a long way, so the scent is by no means overpriced.

The Bottom Line 

Moschino’s Cheap & Chic scent is an all-time favorite for some and an old-fashioned cocktail for others.

We suggest this lovely fragrance to the ladies who are not afraid to laugh loud and stand out from the crowd, but who are also incredibly feminine.

The fact that this icon has been on the market for nearly 30 years tells us more than dozens of reviews.

And you should surely give such a legend at least a single sniff.