CHANEL
28 LA PAUSA
If there was ever a perfume that could smell just like dust, this would be it. I have used orris root powder when making cosmetics. It is grey, and it smells just like the opening notes of 28 La Pausa. At first the smell is oppressive and a bit depressing. I am not one of those people who match mood to perfume, but I felt those things when sniffing this.
In my town we have a Victorian mansion that was turned into a museum, so people can see how a wealthy family lived in those days. This smells like a lace table cloth that covers a table that has not been dusted in 100 years. Kind of sad yet full of memories of the gilded days when there was livelihood in the house. Memories of dinner parties with silver tea pots and children being chased by their nannies. In the heart there is a floral note and a touch of citrus that brings some much-needed cheer. Leather is extremely tame.
I like it. It does contain that remarkable Chanel-aide, an elegance and gracefulness that makes even this melancholy, distant perfume seem remarkable. It is certainly unique, chic, and simply well-done.
If there was ever a perfume that could smell just like dust, this would be it. I have used orris root powder when making cosmetics. It is grey, and it smells just like the opening notes of 28 La Pausa. At first the smell is oppressive and a bit depressing. I am not one of those people who match mood to perfume, but I felt those things when sniffing this.
In my town we have a Victorian mansion that was turned into a museum, so people can see how a wealthy family lived in those days. This smells like a lace table cloth that covers a table that has not been dusted in 100 years. Kind of sad yet full of memories of the gilded days when there was livelihood in the house. Memories of dinner parties with silver tea pots and children being chased by their nannies. In the heart there is a floral note and a touch of citrus that brings some much-needed cheer. Leather is extremely tame.
I like it. It does contain that remarkable Chanel-aide, an elegance and gracefulness that makes even this melancholy, distant perfume seem remarkable. It is certainly unique, chic, and simply well-done.
31 RUE CAMBON
31 RC is another timeless, breathtaking Chanel masterpiece. I am excited by the genius of juxtaposition between the intense, tart bergamot and bitter, dusty patchouli. The bergamot seems to last and last, yet this is in no way a light and citrusy eau de cologne.
31 Rue Cambon retains an other-worldliness in every sense of the word. Smelling this, I am transported to someplace in Europe in the 20's or 30's that only a woman of Coco Chanel's stature would ever be able to visit. I feel like Chanel has let me into her world when I smell this ravishing scent.
At times I am tempted to say that it's old-fashioned, like No. 22 or No. 5, but there is something cutting-edge or modern about it too, more so than any of the other Les Exclusifs I have sampled. It contains the Chanel-aide but without the aldehydes that can cause some to perceive Chanel perfumes as outdated (I said other people "perceive", but I do not find Chanel outdated no matter what perfume we are talking about!).
This perfume takes me to airy summer gatherings at exclusive chateaux in the French countryside, behind sun-bleached wooden fences and wrought-iron gates. Stylish. Classy. Relaxed.
I purchased a bottle! (Mar 2014)
31 RC is another timeless, breathtaking Chanel masterpiece. I am excited by the genius of juxtaposition between the intense, tart bergamot and bitter, dusty patchouli. The bergamot seems to last and last, yet this is in no way a light and citrusy eau de cologne.
31 Rue Cambon retains an other-worldliness in every sense of the word. Smelling this, I am transported to someplace in Europe in the 20's or 30's that only a woman of Coco Chanel's stature would ever be able to visit. I feel like Chanel has let me into her world when I smell this ravishing scent.
At times I am tempted to say that it's old-fashioned, like No. 22 or No. 5, but there is something cutting-edge or modern about it too, more so than any of the other Les Exclusifs I have sampled. It contains the Chanel-aide but without the aldehydes that can cause some to perceive Chanel perfumes as outdated (I said other people "perceive", but I do not find Chanel outdated no matter what perfume we are talking about!).
This perfume takes me to airy summer gatherings at exclusive chateaux in the French countryside, behind sun-bleached wooden fences and wrought-iron gates. Stylish. Classy. Relaxed.
I purchased a bottle! (Mar 2014)
BOIS DES ÎILES
I loved the Bois des Îles EDT that I sampled years ago. It shared a lot in common with No. 5. It had the aldehydes, but it smelled a lot woodier. I was never able to put it out of my mind entirely, so I went out on a limb one day and purchased a bottle of the Parfum. Instead of opening it, I let it sit for almost a year. With all due respect to myself, what was I thinking? How could I let this magnificent siren smolder in its box, all alone, all that time?
When describing Bois des Îles (parfum), where does one begin? The Parfum also resembles No.5, with aldehydes that smell like a dry, fizzy champagne. They last hours on my skin.
Bois des Îles is a master at "now you see it, now you don't." One moment I smell lilac, the next I don't. Another moment I smell coconut, the next I don't, and so on and so forth with notes of vetiver, benzoin, vanilla, orange and some ethereal white flower.
But one thing that is evident without fail is the generous amount of creamy sandalwood that is the focus of this timeless beauty. Bois des Îles (parfum) must be the best sandalwood fragrance in existence. It is effortlessly silky and somehow exotic, capturing the true nature of the precious wood.
The sandalwood is beautifully supported by a lactonic peach, which brings a syrup-like sweetness to the Parfum. While I love both concentrations, the sweet, rounded scent of the Parfum makes it seem more voluptuous, and even a bit sexy, whereas the word "sexy" never crossed my mind with the EDT.
The other thing about Bois des Îles Parfum that I can not get enough of is the animalic musk. It smells very much like the one used in No. 5. It caught me off guard, as I didn't really think of Bois des Îles as a musky perfume, but it is on my skin. It's very musky! The musk melts into my skin like butter.
I know that Bois des Îles is an old perfume, and I have never smelled a vintage, but the current interpretations seem perfectly modern at this point in time. Vintage-style modern perfumes are all the rage these days (e.g. Maai, Salume, This Grand Affair, etc.), and Bois des Îles seems as though it belongs in that category.
In my book, Bois des Îles is a masterpiece, especially the Parfum, which I am so glad I purchased blindly. It is every bit as stunning and memorable as No. 5.
I loved the Bois des Îles EDT that I sampled years ago. It shared a lot in common with No. 5. It had the aldehydes, but it smelled a lot woodier. I was never able to put it out of my mind entirely, so I went out on a limb one day and purchased a bottle of the Parfum. Instead of opening it, I let it sit for almost a year. With all due respect to myself, what was I thinking? How could I let this magnificent siren smolder in its box, all alone, all that time?
When describing Bois des Îles (parfum), where does one begin? The Parfum also resembles No.5, with aldehydes that smell like a dry, fizzy champagne. They last hours on my skin.
Bois des Îles is a master at "now you see it, now you don't." One moment I smell lilac, the next I don't. Another moment I smell coconut, the next I don't, and so on and so forth with notes of vetiver, benzoin, vanilla, orange and some ethereal white flower.
But one thing that is evident without fail is the generous amount of creamy sandalwood that is the focus of this timeless beauty. Bois des Îles (parfum) must be the best sandalwood fragrance in existence. It is effortlessly silky and somehow exotic, capturing the true nature of the precious wood.
The sandalwood is beautifully supported by a lactonic peach, which brings a syrup-like sweetness to the Parfum. While I love both concentrations, the sweet, rounded scent of the Parfum makes it seem more voluptuous, and even a bit sexy, whereas the word "sexy" never crossed my mind with the EDT.
The other thing about Bois des Îles Parfum that I can not get enough of is the animalic musk. It smells very much like the one used in No. 5. It caught me off guard, as I didn't really think of Bois des Îles as a musky perfume, but it is on my skin. It's very musky! The musk melts into my skin like butter.
I know that Bois des Îles is an old perfume, and I have never smelled a vintage, but the current interpretations seem perfectly modern at this point in time. Vintage-style modern perfumes are all the rage these days (e.g. Maai, Salume, This Grand Affair, etc.), and Bois des Îles seems as though it belongs in that category.
In my book, Bois des Îles is a masterpiece, especially the Parfum, which I am so glad I purchased blindly. It is every bit as stunning and memorable as No. 5.
BOY CHANEL
I wore Boy Chanel many times before attempting to review it, as it demanded time to fully comprehend it. It behaves on my skin the way an Amouage does. It takes on different layers and develops over many hours. That being said, longevity is excellent. The longest I wore it was 16 hours before I had to go to bed, but it was still there when I woke up. Sillage is office-friendly.
I absolutely love the top notes--a classic, masculine combo of woods and citrus coupled with aromatic dried lavender. The citrus smells like sweet, juicy grapefruit. A mere ten minutes later the perfume becomes entirely different--a powdery, creamy heliotrope-dominant fragrance with an intense dose of musk.
The extent to which any masculine notes show up on the skin seems heavily dependent on chemistry. I have to painfully scrutinize it to detect them for the majority of time that it's on my skin, so it wears totally feminine on me. To be more specific about the masculine undercurrent, I smell a seriously gorgeous, smooth, creamy sandalwood coupled with a delicate, clean whisper of geranium. It smells like a classic fougère with woods, geranium, and even a bit of spice. The only thing I was hoping for in this perfume that did not manifest is a fresh, green element like oakmoss or perhaps mint.
Here is CHANEL's description: "Gabrielle Chanel considered Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel as more than her soul mate; he was her double and her alter ego. Inspired by their love, BOY CHANEL is a vibrant, perfectly balanced scent that challenges tradition and transcends gender."
I think the description set up expectations that Boy would smell more conspicuously masculine and really push the envelope as a gender-bending fragrance, but in this regard I don't see it as being avante-garde on any level. Almost anything from the Coco lineup (especially Coco Mademoiselle EDT) as well as the Allure lineup are equally masculine if not more so than this. If you are a man hoping to do some gender-bending, certainly try this out, but you might have more luck with some of the others I mentioned. Then there is the woody, green, powdery No. 19 EDT and the leather-heavy Cuir de Russie. I could go on.
I do feel that Boy successfully encapsulates the two lovers into one fragrance because it smells as if I layered two fragrances together. It's like I am wearing my usual, daily signature, but I put a dab of my boyfriend's cologne on my wrist as I rushed out to work. It's more of a memory of a boyfriend versus a unisex fragrance that a man and woman might share--but of course they can share if they want to, obviously.
I could not help but compare Boy to Jersey because IMHO CHANEL already had a lavender-centric perfume, and I didn't think that lavender was the greatest note to build another Les Exclusifs around so soon, and I still feel that way after familiarizing myself with Boy. And there are certainly huge similarities. They both contain heaps of lavender, and they are both creamy and musky. I'm not sure its warranted to own both perfumes unless you are a big fan of this specific scent profile to the point where only minor differences will be enough for you to want them both. Otherwise I would suggest testing them first and choosing the one you like better.
They both have a luscious, vanillic creaminess, but if you happen to like an almond vibe, Boy contains a sweet, powdery almond scent whereas Jersey lacks it entirely. Also, the lavender isn't exactly the same. I get more of a fresh, herbal lavender in Jersey, which has more of a bite to it, a bit of sticky camphor, bitterness, and greenness, as though it is still on the plant. The lavender in Boy starts out that way, but over time as it develops into a feminine perfume, it becomes a strictly floral lavender.
I love musk, so the other thing I love about both perfumes is that they each have a giant musk note in them, but while Jersey is soft and fluffy, Boy's musk has fur on it and growls a little. The animalic musk heightens it to a fragrance that is truly sensual, a quality that ties in beautifully with its concept. I almost wondered if there could be a bit of a leather accord going on, but it's not leather, it's just furry musk. And to my nose it's synthetic, which is great.
Boy is a feminine heliotrope perfume, not a gender-bender nor a unisex fragrance. The individual notes in the perfume smell very beautiful and of exceptionally high quality. To my knowledge, CHANEL still has their own flower fields and also purchases some of the finest natural essences in existence, and that is evident in Boy Chanel.
While on the whole it might be a sweet, powdery, heliotrope scent, make no mistake: Boy is not "cute," and it is not "girly." It still exudes the elegance that we expect from CHANEL. Like Misia, I feel that Boy is destined to become a classic. Its soft, sweet, creamy, powdery aura of elegance is going to be irresistible to many people.
Boy is not my favorite CHANEL, but it's beautifully crafted. I appreciate the artistry. (Jun 2016)
I wore Boy Chanel many times before attempting to review it, as it demanded time to fully comprehend it. It behaves on my skin the way an Amouage does. It takes on different layers and develops over many hours. That being said, longevity is excellent. The longest I wore it was 16 hours before I had to go to bed, but it was still there when I woke up. Sillage is office-friendly.
I absolutely love the top notes--a classic, masculine combo of woods and citrus coupled with aromatic dried lavender. The citrus smells like sweet, juicy grapefruit. A mere ten minutes later the perfume becomes entirely different--a powdery, creamy heliotrope-dominant fragrance with an intense dose of musk.
The extent to which any masculine notes show up on the skin seems heavily dependent on chemistry. I have to painfully scrutinize it to detect them for the majority of time that it's on my skin, so it wears totally feminine on me. To be more specific about the masculine undercurrent, I smell a seriously gorgeous, smooth, creamy sandalwood coupled with a delicate, clean whisper of geranium. It smells like a classic fougère with woods, geranium, and even a bit of spice. The only thing I was hoping for in this perfume that did not manifest is a fresh, green element like oakmoss or perhaps mint.
Here is CHANEL's description: "Gabrielle Chanel considered Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel as more than her soul mate; he was her double and her alter ego. Inspired by their love, BOY CHANEL is a vibrant, perfectly balanced scent that challenges tradition and transcends gender."
I think the description set up expectations that Boy would smell more conspicuously masculine and really push the envelope as a gender-bending fragrance, but in this regard I don't see it as being avante-garde on any level. Almost anything from the Coco lineup (especially Coco Mademoiselle EDT) as well as the Allure lineup are equally masculine if not more so than this. If you are a man hoping to do some gender-bending, certainly try this out, but you might have more luck with some of the others I mentioned. Then there is the woody, green, powdery No. 19 EDT and the leather-heavy Cuir de Russie. I could go on.
I do feel that Boy successfully encapsulates the two lovers into one fragrance because it smells as if I layered two fragrances together. It's like I am wearing my usual, daily signature, but I put a dab of my boyfriend's cologne on my wrist as I rushed out to work. It's more of a memory of a boyfriend versus a unisex fragrance that a man and woman might share--but of course they can share if they want to, obviously.
I could not help but compare Boy to Jersey because IMHO CHANEL already had a lavender-centric perfume, and I didn't think that lavender was the greatest note to build another Les Exclusifs around so soon, and I still feel that way after familiarizing myself with Boy. And there are certainly huge similarities. They both contain heaps of lavender, and they are both creamy and musky. I'm not sure its warranted to own both perfumes unless you are a big fan of this specific scent profile to the point where only minor differences will be enough for you to want them both. Otherwise I would suggest testing them first and choosing the one you like better.
They both have a luscious, vanillic creaminess, but if you happen to like an almond vibe, Boy contains a sweet, powdery almond scent whereas Jersey lacks it entirely. Also, the lavender isn't exactly the same. I get more of a fresh, herbal lavender in Jersey, which has more of a bite to it, a bit of sticky camphor, bitterness, and greenness, as though it is still on the plant. The lavender in Boy starts out that way, but over time as it develops into a feminine perfume, it becomes a strictly floral lavender.
I love musk, so the other thing I love about both perfumes is that they each have a giant musk note in them, but while Jersey is soft and fluffy, Boy's musk has fur on it and growls a little. The animalic musk heightens it to a fragrance that is truly sensual, a quality that ties in beautifully with its concept. I almost wondered if there could be a bit of a leather accord going on, but it's not leather, it's just furry musk. And to my nose it's synthetic, which is great.
Boy is a feminine heliotrope perfume, not a gender-bender nor a unisex fragrance. The individual notes in the perfume smell very beautiful and of exceptionally high quality. To my knowledge, CHANEL still has their own flower fields and also purchases some of the finest natural essences in existence, and that is evident in Boy Chanel.
While on the whole it might be a sweet, powdery, heliotrope scent, make no mistake: Boy is not "cute," and it is not "girly." It still exudes the elegance that we expect from CHANEL. Like Misia, I feel that Boy is destined to become a classic. Its soft, sweet, creamy, powdery aura of elegance is going to be irresistible to many people.
Boy is not my favorite CHANEL, but it's beautifully crafted. I appreciate the artistry. (Jun 2016)
COCO MADEMOISELLE (EDP)
I can't believe I'm saying this about a Chanel fragrance, but the opening reminds me so much of a softer version of Angel. I get that sugary pineapple scent that I love so much. The drydown is soft and warm--sweet fruit and flowers mixed with a touch of vanilla cream. The drydown also has a hint of spice, which is very reminiscent of Coco senior. I can see why a Mademoiselle would start out wearing this and then graduate to Coco as she becomes a Madame. This fragrance could work well on a young lady who is mature for her age, self-assured, and worldly. It's also great for ages 30+ as a daytime variation of Coco, which seems too heavy for daily wear.
Going back to the Angel comparison, I really love Angel, but when I think of the two side-by-side Angel's notes seem busy, and the mood is a bit more vulgar and loud whereas Coco Mlle seems more streamlined, simple, and classy. (Jan 2011)
I can't believe I'm saying this about a Chanel fragrance, but the opening reminds me so much of a softer version of Angel. I get that sugary pineapple scent that I love so much. The drydown is soft and warm--sweet fruit and flowers mixed with a touch of vanilla cream. The drydown also has a hint of spice, which is very reminiscent of Coco senior. I can see why a Mademoiselle would start out wearing this and then graduate to Coco as she becomes a Madame. This fragrance could work well on a young lady who is mature for her age, self-assured, and worldly. It's also great for ages 30+ as a daytime variation of Coco, which seems too heavy for daily wear.
Going back to the Angel comparison, I really love Angel, but when I think of the two side-by-side Angel's notes seem busy, and the mood is a bit more vulgar and loud whereas Coco Mlle seems more streamlined, simple, and classy. (Jan 2011)
COCO NOIR (EDP)
At first I thought this perfume was crap. I sprayed it onto my skin, and it seemed to instantly disappear. I must have tried it on about 10 times. I don't know what happened recently, but I just decided to buy it--Bam--just like that. Heaven help me, I love everything Chanel. I sprayed it onto my wrists and went about my day, asking myself why I made such a stupid purchase.
After some time went by, the perfume turned into something so gorgeous, like dark magic. I get what makes it "noir". It is an addictive blend of frankincense + sandalwood + vanilla. And then comes the crimson rose delicately interwoven among the resins. It is so different from anything else from CHANEL. It seems simpler and more natural than most CHANEL perfumes.
It only reminds me of Coco Mademoiselle in the opening, as they both have the citrus top notes and are both woody. Coco Mlle is louder, sweeter, fruity, announces its presence more...and dare I say more juvenile (sorry, but in comparison to Coco Noir it is). Coco Noir is incognito, understated sexy. I don't know how to describe it--sexy, mysterious, elegant, and discreet. I love the stuff!!!
Got your spell on me baby. She's a black magic woman; she's trying to make a devil out of me. (Sept 2012)
At first I thought this perfume was crap. I sprayed it onto my skin, and it seemed to instantly disappear. I must have tried it on about 10 times. I don't know what happened recently, but I just decided to buy it--Bam--just like that. Heaven help me, I love everything Chanel. I sprayed it onto my wrists and went about my day, asking myself why I made such a stupid purchase.
After some time went by, the perfume turned into something so gorgeous, like dark magic. I get what makes it "noir". It is an addictive blend of frankincense + sandalwood + vanilla. And then comes the crimson rose delicately interwoven among the resins. It is so different from anything else from CHANEL. It seems simpler and more natural than most CHANEL perfumes.
It only reminds me of Coco Mademoiselle in the opening, as they both have the citrus top notes and are both woody. Coco Mlle is louder, sweeter, fruity, announces its presence more...and dare I say more juvenile (sorry, but in comparison to Coco Noir it is). Coco Noir is incognito, understated sexy. I don't know how to describe it--sexy, mysterious, elegant, and discreet. I love the stuff!!!
Got your spell on me baby. She's a black magic woman; she's trying to make a devil out of me. (Sept 2012)
COROMANDEL
Delicious, exotic Coromandel. The most perfect sweet, creamy, resinous perfume imaginable. It starts out with strong patchouli, which adds a green mustiness. As the perfume continues to dry down, the patch fades somewhat, and the yummy resins take over. This is my favorite stage, as it is perfectly sweet, dreamy, and balmy, with a touch of powdery iris to prevent it from becoming too heavy. The whole time I wear it, I am surrounded by clouds of vanilla marshmallow. Thankfully it continues like this for many, many pleasurable hours! Coromandel is a longevity monster!! It's not until like 10 hours later that I start to smell spice, maybe cinnamon, and it reminds me of a cinnamon roll drizzled with icing. I wouldn't call Coromandel gourmand, but it conjures images of sweet, creamy, edibles.
I find this perfume to be quite alluring, and it's hard to explain why. It's elegant, dressy, but not over-the-top. Perfect for cocktails and a little black dress; not a ballgown. When I wear it, men love it. When I have worn it to parties, people tell me I left a beautiful scent long after I had left the room. Nothing but compliments with the beguiling Coromandel!
Delicious, exotic Coromandel. The most perfect sweet, creamy, resinous perfume imaginable. It starts out with strong patchouli, which adds a green mustiness. As the perfume continues to dry down, the patch fades somewhat, and the yummy resins take over. This is my favorite stage, as it is perfectly sweet, dreamy, and balmy, with a touch of powdery iris to prevent it from becoming too heavy. The whole time I wear it, I am surrounded by clouds of vanilla marshmallow. Thankfully it continues like this for many, many pleasurable hours! Coromandel is a longevity monster!! It's not until like 10 hours later that I start to smell spice, maybe cinnamon, and it reminds me of a cinnamon roll drizzled with icing. I wouldn't call Coromandel gourmand, but it conjures images of sweet, creamy, edibles.
I find this perfume to be quite alluring, and it's hard to explain why. It's elegant, dressy, but not over-the-top. Perfect for cocktails and a little black dress; not a ballgown. When I wear it, men love it. When I have worn it to parties, people tell me I left a beautiful scent long after I had left the room. Nothing but compliments with the beguiling Coromandel!
EAU DE COLOGNE (Les Exclusifs)
I got a sample of this from the Chanel boutique when I popped in the other day. I wasn't happy. I thought, "Out of all the wonderful perfumes to choose from, they had to give me the boring one called Eau de Cologne." I sprayed it on, ready to write it off because it smelled like cold, crisp, lemon, as expected for any eau de cologne. Three minutes later I smelled something HEAVENLY rising off my body. It's musky and clean. Something like sandalwood in its base. The perfume is delicate and teasingly sweet. Easily unisex. No spice though. It's an absolute must for summer; a first-class eau de cologne.
Longevity on the skin is weak, so since it's a big bottle, I can spray like a madwoman. (Jan 2011)
I got a sample of this from the Chanel boutique when I popped in the other day. I wasn't happy. I thought, "Out of all the wonderful perfumes to choose from, they had to give me the boring one called Eau de Cologne." I sprayed it on, ready to write it off because it smelled like cold, crisp, lemon, as expected for any eau de cologne. Three minutes later I smelled something HEAVENLY rising off my body. It's musky and clean. Something like sandalwood in its base. The perfume is delicate and teasingly sweet. Easily unisex. No spice though. It's an absolute must for summer; a first-class eau de cologne.
Longevity on the skin is weak, so since it's a big bottle, I can spray like a madwoman. (Jan 2011)
MISIA
Heavy violet, a touch of rose, and a little musk. Very feminine and playful. Smells like violette pastilles mixed with waxy lipstick. Wonderful!
The first burst of fragrance, which is short-lived, is a beautiful, sweet, realistic blend of raspberry, peach and lychee. Smells like candies for a second or two.
I love lychee, and I don't care if they are fresh or canned. If I see them, I gobble them. Every single time I come across a perfume that claims to have a lychee note, it is not realistic at all. Misia is the first time I ever smelled lychee that was 100% accurate. While the other fruit notes fade away, the scent of lychee remains on my skin the entire time. It blends effortlessly with the scent of violet. I am amazed at the genius of that pairing. On my skin, and to my excitement, lychee is one of the strongest notes. I LOVE that and will probably buy a bottle just for the lychee!
It absolutely belongs in the Chanel lineup. It is a finely crafted perfume and seems destined to become a classic. (Oct 2015)
Heavy violet, a touch of rose, and a little musk. Very feminine and playful. Smells like violette pastilles mixed with waxy lipstick. Wonderful!
The first burst of fragrance, which is short-lived, is a beautiful, sweet, realistic blend of raspberry, peach and lychee. Smells like candies for a second or two.
I love lychee, and I don't care if they are fresh or canned. If I see them, I gobble them. Every single time I come across a perfume that claims to have a lychee note, it is not realistic at all. Misia is the first time I ever smelled lychee that was 100% accurate. While the other fruit notes fade away, the scent of lychee remains on my skin the entire time. It blends effortlessly with the scent of violet. I am amazed at the genius of that pairing. On my skin, and to my excitement, lychee is one of the strongest notes. I LOVE that and will probably buy a bottle just for the lychee!
It absolutely belongs in the Chanel lineup. It is a finely crafted perfume and seems destined to become a classic. (Oct 2015)
NO.5 (EDP)
MOTHER MARY, this is the most beautiful fragrance I've ever had the honor and pleasure of wearing!! What is it that makes this perfume so magnificent, so captivating?! From the first crisp spritz to the honey-jasmine-powder finish, this is the golden nectar of the gods. I can absolutely see why this perfume has stood the test of time, winning the hearts of countless women, spanning many generations. It's the first fragrance that has ever brought tears to my eyes because of it's superb, unequivocal beauty. It's like a Beethoven symphony to my nose. I never knew true love until Chanel No.5, and I'm afraid I'll never love again. Ok, now I'm being melodramatic....
The key is patience, and you will be rewarded. If you are not immediately enamored by the opening, don't wash it off for goodness sake! It needs at least 30 minutes to evolve into the beautiful creature that it is.
I can see why so many people detest this fragrance--not because of the scent itself, but because it seems like human nature that something that is so deeply loved by so many will inevitably be vehemently hated by others. My advice is to see for yourself!
I avoided giving this legendary perfume a chance for 15 years due to its obvious popularity and "old lady" remarks. MY LOSS! Boy was I stupid not to snatch this perfume up in my younger days. Old lady perfume? Methinks not! I would have eagerly worn this when I was 15.
Since I bought it, I've received compliments from men, women, friends, family, young, and old. No one can ever guess that it's CHANEL No.5. They surely don't compliment me because they think I smell like an old lady. Naturally they want this perfume for themselves!
UPDATE: Just received a bottle of Parfum as a gift. The sillage isn't as good as the EDP (how's that possible?). The projection isn't as good either--the Parfum stays very close to the skin, which I don't like. With the EDP, the scent develops over time, opening with aldehydes and drying down over time to a sweet honey-jasmine-powder finish. With the Parfum, the scent is extremely sweet straight from the bottle, and it pretty much stays that way. So if you don't like the opening notes in the EDP and only like the drydown, I'd suggest the Parfum. I appreciate the pricey gift, which looks gorgeous on my dressing table, but I honestly prefer to wear the EDP. (Jan 2011)
MOTHER MARY, this is the most beautiful fragrance I've ever had the honor and pleasure of wearing!! What is it that makes this perfume so magnificent, so captivating?! From the first crisp spritz to the honey-jasmine-powder finish, this is the golden nectar of the gods. I can absolutely see why this perfume has stood the test of time, winning the hearts of countless women, spanning many generations. It's the first fragrance that has ever brought tears to my eyes because of it's superb, unequivocal beauty. It's like a Beethoven symphony to my nose. I never knew true love until Chanel No.5, and I'm afraid I'll never love again. Ok, now I'm being melodramatic....
The key is patience, and you will be rewarded. If you are not immediately enamored by the opening, don't wash it off for goodness sake! It needs at least 30 minutes to evolve into the beautiful creature that it is.
I can see why so many people detest this fragrance--not because of the scent itself, but because it seems like human nature that something that is so deeply loved by so many will inevitably be vehemently hated by others. My advice is to see for yourself!
I avoided giving this legendary perfume a chance for 15 years due to its obvious popularity and "old lady" remarks. MY LOSS! Boy was I stupid not to snatch this perfume up in my younger days. Old lady perfume? Methinks not! I would have eagerly worn this when I was 15.
Since I bought it, I've received compliments from men, women, friends, family, young, and old. No one can ever guess that it's CHANEL No.5. They surely don't compliment me because they think I smell like an old lady. Naturally they want this perfume for themselves!
UPDATE: Just received a bottle of Parfum as a gift. The sillage isn't as good as the EDP (how's that possible?). The projection isn't as good either--the Parfum stays very close to the skin, which I don't like. With the EDP, the scent develops over time, opening with aldehydes and drying down over time to a sweet honey-jasmine-powder finish. With the Parfum, the scent is extremely sweet straight from the bottle, and it pretty much stays that way. So if you don't like the opening notes in the EDP and only like the drydown, I'd suggest the Parfum. I appreciate the pricey gift, which looks gorgeous on my dressing table, but I honestly prefer to wear the EDP. (Jan 2011)
NO.5 (EDT)
I love the EDT. It's drastically different from the EDP. It doesn't have that sharp, strong, aldehyde opening. The EDT seems to focus mostly on powder. I would imagine that the EDT has the same effect as the dusting powder might have--a light application. I think this is the perfect compromise for a person who likes No.5 but finds the projection to be too strong in EDP formulation. I also ADORE the chic bottle! (Jan 2011)
I love the EDT. It's drastically different from the EDP. It doesn't have that sharp, strong, aldehyde opening. The EDT seems to focus mostly on powder. I would imagine that the EDT has the same effect as the dusting powder might have--a light application. I think this is the perfect compromise for a person who likes No.5 but finds the projection to be too strong in EDP formulation. I also ADORE the chic bottle! (Jan 2011)
NO.19
I am reviewing the EDT and the EDP.
EDT: It reminds me of that smell in the air after a rain in the woods. It's an all-encompassing, green cloud of wet earth, green leaves, grass, and moss with a pinch of powder for femininity. I've never smelled such an earthy scent that was so sophisticated and wearable. It doesn't smell masculine at all. I love nature, and this fragrance is a tribute to all the things I love about the great outdoors.
(Update: Drove past a patch of pine trees. The smell of pine blew into my car. I smelled my wrist with the pine scent in my car, and it was absolutely divine. This makes a wonderful green winter scent!)
EDP: This is a whole different animal from the EDT. I would say that the EDP is sweeter, more floral, and less powdery. This might sound surprising, but sometimes I think there's marijuana in there. The first spritz smells of vibrant green plants, leather, and moss. I'm in a warm, sunny greenhouse full of lush leaves. As the scent develops, I detect lily of the valley mixed with some powder. It doesn't seem to have much projection at this point. I have to put my nose really close to my skin to smell it. And just when I have completely forgotten that I am wearing perfume, the projection changes completely. The warmth of my body causes the fragrance to gently radiate as I begin to catch rich and glorious whiffs of cozy, sweet, woodsy, cinnamon. The drydown is the best part.
I bought the EDP because it's a limited edition, and I love it, but if forced to choose, I would go with the EDT. While the EDP is indeed a green perfume, the EDT is more down-to-earth, more mossy, more raw.
I am reviewing the EDT and the EDP.
EDT: It reminds me of that smell in the air after a rain in the woods. It's an all-encompassing, green cloud of wet earth, green leaves, grass, and moss with a pinch of powder for femininity. I've never smelled such an earthy scent that was so sophisticated and wearable. It doesn't smell masculine at all. I love nature, and this fragrance is a tribute to all the things I love about the great outdoors.
(Update: Drove past a patch of pine trees. The smell of pine blew into my car. I smelled my wrist with the pine scent in my car, and it was absolutely divine. This makes a wonderful green winter scent!)
EDP: This is a whole different animal from the EDT. I would say that the EDP is sweeter, more floral, and less powdery. This might sound surprising, but sometimes I think there's marijuana in there. The first spritz smells of vibrant green plants, leather, and moss. I'm in a warm, sunny greenhouse full of lush leaves. As the scent develops, I detect lily of the valley mixed with some powder. It doesn't seem to have much projection at this point. I have to put my nose really close to my skin to smell it. And just when I have completely forgotten that I am wearing perfume, the projection changes completely. The warmth of my body causes the fragrance to gently radiate as I begin to catch rich and glorious whiffs of cozy, sweet, woodsy, cinnamon. The drydown is the best part.
I bought the EDP because it's a limited edition, and I love it, but if forced to choose, I would go with the EDT. While the EDP is indeed a green perfume, the EDT is more down-to-earth, more mossy, more raw.
NO.19 POUDRE
After testing this many, many times trying to get myself to like it, because it smelled like a watery, diluted version of 19 EdT, it actually happened. I started to enjoy it more after I realized it reminded me very much of Infusion d'Iris Absolue (not the edt or edp). Infusion d'Iris Absolue is lovely, but there is something in the drydown that seems a bit synthetic to me, so I swapped it away. Poudre smells similar but a bit greener and brighter, without the synthetic drydown. In comparison to 19 EdT, Poudre is more delicate and seems sweeter. Very nice, destined to become a classic Chanel! (Oct 2011)
After testing this many, many times trying to get myself to like it, because it smelled like a watery, diluted version of 19 EdT, it actually happened. I started to enjoy it more after I realized it reminded me very much of Infusion d'Iris Absolue (not the edt or edp). Infusion d'Iris Absolue is lovely, but there is something in the drydown that seems a bit synthetic to me, so I swapped it away. Poudre smells similar but a bit greener and brighter, without the synthetic drydown. In comparison to 19 EdT, Poudre is more delicate and seems sweeter. Very nice, destined to become a classic Chanel! (Oct 2011)
NO.22 (Les Exclusifs, not vintage)
Very reminiscent of No.5, like its long-lost cousin, but it's a slightly more old-world floral. Many people say they can't wear No.5, so this would be a good alternative to try. It's less powdery and less complex than No5. The heart of this fragrance is white florals with a touch of rose, and I even get a bit of sexy incense. I believe it's the nutmeg that creates this dark and sensual effect. The drydown is superb--sweet florals with barely a touch of creamy vanilla. It's so decadent. (Jan 2011)
Very reminiscent of No.5, like its long-lost cousin, but it's a slightly more old-world floral. Many people say they can't wear No.5, so this would be a good alternative to try. It's less powdery and less complex than No5. The heart of this fragrance is white florals with a touch of rose, and I even get a bit of sexy incense. I believe it's the nutmeg that creates this dark and sensual effect. The drydown is superb--sweet florals with barely a touch of creamy vanilla. It's so decadent. (Jan 2011)
SYCOMORE
At first this smelled really woody and soft. Then my nose quickly picked up a rich and smoky vetyver. But my ecstasy was interrupted when I started smelling a lot of sour, acidic, orange or lemon. Memories of Diptyque's sour Vetyverio flooded through my mind, and I started thinking Sycomore was not for me. As time wore on, I started to realize that the sour citrus wasn't bothering me so much because the vetyver was so incredibly smoky; just drop-dead gorgeous, like a uber-sexy brunette with smoked-out cat's eye makeup. It really balances the sourness and makes it much easier for me to like. The base reveals honey-coated tobacco leaves. This is nothing like Diptyque, it's so much better! While this is not yet my favorite vetyver, I still give it a solid "thumb's up." (Jan 2013)
At first this smelled really woody and soft. Then my nose quickly picked up a rich and smoky vetyver. But my ecstasy was interrupted when I started smelling a lot of sour, acidic, orange or lemon. Memories of Diptyque's sour Vetyverio flooded through my mind, and I started thinking Sycomore was not for me. As time wore on, I started to realize that the sour citrus wasn't bothering me so much because the vetyver was so incredibly smoky; just drop-dead gorgeous, like a uber-sexy brunette with smoked-out cat's eye makeup. It really balances the sourness and makes it much easier for me to like. The base reveals honey-coated tobacco leaves. This is nothing like Diptyque, it's so much better! While this is not yet my favorite vetyver, I still give it a solid "thumb's up." (Jan 2013)
