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Chanel Chance has been an extremely popular release from the brand for well over a decade now. I’ve been circling back on Chanel perfumes, buying up a bunch of samples to give updated reviews of as many of them as possible (with so many more to go). I snapped up a lot of Chance and its flankers a few months ago for testing, and today, we get to Chance Eau de Parfum. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

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What does Chanel Chance EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, iris, pink pepper, white musk, vanilla, patchouli

Click here to try: Chance EDP from Chanel

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My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel, describes Chance: Unpredictable, in perpetual movement, the unexpected floral fragrance sweeps you into its whirlwind of happiness and fantasy.

The opening act of Chance EDP has less of the patchouli note, than the EDT version. It has a slightly fruity aroma, pink pepper, jasmine, vanilla and the musk.

Initially, the jasmine is going to be the strongest of the floral notes. Then, it kind of shares duties with the iris as things move along. Though, the role of the floral notes will diminish, as well.

The pink pepper and the jasmine come out strongest in the immediate opening. Once those two have settled down, the vanilla will start to emerge for its run at the top. For a while, it will feel quite powdery with the iris and somewhat creamy from the vanilla. I really like this stage of the fragrance.

One thing that I do quite like about Chance, is just how much it develops through the wear, on my skin. I get so many different facets out of this perfume. Like, after it’s vanilla/iris stage, it is time for the white musk and patchouli to have their go. Finally, it is mostly about the musk and jasmine coming through at the end.

As I mentioned, the patchouli isn’t as powerful here as in the EDT. But, it does have its moments within this composition. By the end of it, it’s more of a musky floral and the patchouli doesn’t have too much of a say. Though, about an hour in, it will be pretty noticeable.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Chance EDP is fairly powerful and can project itself well, but it’s not elite. I’d place it at the lower end of the ‘strong’ spectrum. Chance doesn’t choke out a room, but it is noticeable in the immediate vicinity around the person wearing it.

In terms of the longevity, I get anywhere from 8-10 hours of wear with this perfume. I will say, that most of the time it falls closer to the 8 hour end of things, but is capable of a few more hours. Again, a very good performance with this Chanel, just not a marathon of scent.

Seasonally, this one has always felt right in any time of year, to my nose. I like it best during the springtime, but it doesn’t feel out of place elsewhere. More of a moderate to warm temperature wear, with some added versatility.

Chance has a somewhat formal vibe to it, versus some of the other popular perfumes that Chanel offers. Though, it is extremely versatile in other more casual situations. It’s a pretty fragrance, not really super sexy or anything, but attractive enough for a date and it has plenty of appeal.

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Overall Impressions of Chance

Do I like this perfume? Yes, I do enjoy it. It’s my second favorite Chance that Chanel has released. It’s a bit better than the EDT version, as well.

Chance EDP has all of the hallmarks of a Chanel perfume, with the instantly recognizable jasmine, musk, and patchouli notes that they always seem to use. Seriously, you can detect the Gabrielle and Coco Mademoiselle within this one, while they are all distinct and separate perfumes.

I like the iris and vanilla stage, as well as the opening act. The final musk and jasmine dry down is nice, but not a complete knockout for me.

The performance is very good, just never absolute top tier. You do get your money’s worth with Chance eau de parfum, so, I wouldn’t worry about  the performance aspect.

Overall, I think Chance does everything well, from smell to just how versatile it is. Chance is an easy one to wear and you can’t go too wrong with it. Is it one of the best ever? Not really, just very good. It can be a good entry point for those who want to try a Chanel perfume, but are unsure of their more niche offerings.

Libre has become a pretty popular release for YSL. The original EDP (which I am reviewing here) was released in 2019 and has spawned two other flanker fragrances since then. I picked up a few samples of the eau de parfum and Intense a few months ago and have tested each over the ensuing time period. How does Libre smell? Is it long lasting? Is it even worth a try?

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What does YSL Libre Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 90ml/3oz, clear

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My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how YSL describes Libre: The first floral lavender for a singular trail like a breath of freedom. The iconic orange blossom flower from Morocco, a luminous and sensual white flower, twisted by the lavender from France, an ambiguous flower often considered as masculine, bringing boldness, freshness and texture. 

The opening of Libre EDP gives me a strong burst of the orange blossom, with some additional citrus juice for good measure. The lavender is there, but it actually takes a back seat to the other floral note at first.

It’s a clean aroma, soapy, a bit musky, with a touch of vanilla creaminess. I will say, while this does have vanilla/citrus in it, this isn’t going to be a sweet perfume. In fact, the opening can be somewhat bitter versus what you might expect. 

As it moves along, the lavender really starts to take over to my nose. The orange blossom loses some steam, it becomes less musky, and the other floral notes all play off of the lavender. 

The vanilla is never too strong on my skin, but it does take the place of much of the muskiness during the dry down. That’s basically all I get from this perfume. Simple. Lavender and orange blossom, with some vanilla, musk, and orchid in descending strength. 

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I’d put Libre on the upper end of the moderate range at least. It’s not overwhelmingly powerful but it is borderline strong and has a nice ability to project itself throughout the wear. Libre EDP is pretty consistent as well. The perfume doesn’t just weaken completely an hour in.

So, if you enjoy it, you will get your money’s worth in terms of performance.

The fragrance itself lasts for 8-9 hours. That’s on my skin, which is usually pretty good at holding most scents. The performance is darn good, and again, not something that will disappoint. However, it doesn’t ever quite reach that elite status of double digit hour or all-day wears. 

Seasonally, Libre EDP can fit in, nearly year round. I would skip wearing it on the hottest and most humid days of summer, but outside of that this is a scent that can do well.

 

The EDP version is more of a daytime fragrance that can venture into evening wear. While Intense, is more of the nighttime version. Libre EDP is a good daily wear option for those who want a nice lavender blend to wear.

I’d go easy on the sprays, if you’re working in a enclosed space, however. As far as its uses, I wouldn’t call this a sexy fragrance, and it isn’t super seductive. So, skip Libre on a date night or evening out, when you want attention. 

Use it when you want a lavender, soapy, clean sort of perfume. It’s close to being unisex, as well. But, appropriate for a wide age range.

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Overall Impressions of Libre EDP

Overall, do I like YSL Libre? It’s nice for what it is. I’m not enthralled with the fragrance, but I enjoy it somewhat. Libre EDP isn’t super complicated, though, it is a pleasant experience as a whole.

This is the more floral version from this line of scents. So, if you want a good lavender and orange blossom led perfume, this is one that you should check out. Soapy clean and versatile with a bold performance, there’s nothing here that is terrible. 

The opening act isn’t my favorite, but I do enjoy the dry down more so, once the orange flower is out of the way. Which is strange, since I generally like that note more than just straight lavender. I think the vanilla and the fading of the musks, makes the latter stages better. 

All in all, Libre is a fine entry from YSL. Their probably going to milk this name for years and Intense is already a better option, in my opinion. Libre EDP, is a nice base to start from, and at least worth a try if you’re interested. 

Patchouli is a staple ingredient in both men’s and women’s fragrances. Often times, it won’t be the main note within the composition, but more of a lighter touch in the base to bring things together. It can be a divisive aroma, with some ladies swearing by it while it repels others in the population. Nonetheless, it is a force to be reckoned with and appreciated. In this post, I want to explore six of the best patchouli perfumes for women, to give as a starting point for those who are interested in finding their signature scent.

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What are the Top Smelling Patchouli Fragrances for Her?

Dry, Leathery Patchouli

Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu Eau De Parfum 50 Ml– A higher end and fairly niche designer perfume from Tom Ford. Patchouli Absolu does provide a great option for those who love the ingredient.

It opens up with a dry woody aroma, along with some spices of bay leaf and rosemary. The patchouli, will become the star as the scent progresses, but it plays a supporting role in the beginning. 

The spice will calm a bit, leather and oud emerge, along with the patchouli. It’s got a very woodsy earthy aroma, that leans more towards the masculine end of things. However, some women will definitely enjoy wearing this.

It ends up being mostly about the patchouli and leather combination, with some remaining moss still floating around the periphery. Again, this is a niche sort of pick and an expensive one. But, if it’s your type of thing, you get your money’s worth with the performance. Patchouli Absolu by Tom Ford Review

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Clean Green Patchouli

Patchouli Imperial by Dior– Patchouli Imperial gives you more of a pure patchouli ride for most of the wear. It does open up with a pretty woody and quite smoky aroma, that will settle, but retains a cool instead of a ‘hot’ presence.

It’s a mix of sweet notes, with patchouli, and more ‘greenish’ woody aromas. You also have a spicy kick with the cinnamon note coming through. The fruity top notes allow Patchouli Imperial to have a cleaner scent, rather than a heavier dirty patchouli note.

It is a unisex fragrance that has great performance, though doesn’t feel overwhelming. You’ll probably have to buy a bottle from Dior themselves and fair warning…it’s really pricey. 

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The Mass Appealing Chanel

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Oz – Mademoiselle Intense is the pumped up patchouli version of the best selling original and one that is quite awesome in its own right. 

Coco Mademoiselle Intense starts off with a very bold orange citrus mix, along with our target note and amber. The citrus will tone down a great deal, when compared to the original Chanel offering, and the jasmine/rose floral heart plays a larger role. 

The dry down is full of the patchouli, amber, and a creamy tonka bean/vanilla. Not to mention, a long-lasting scent with easily over 10 hours of wear. This can be a bold daily wear, that is quite versatile and gives you a blend, with patchouli as the focus rather than the sole ingredient. Coco Mademoiselle Intense Review

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The Higher End Chanel

Coromandel by Chanel– There are different variations of Coromandel that have been released by Chanel. There’s the les Exclusifs, the EDP, and the Parfum. Each is going to give you a slightly different formulation and intensity. 

What you get with each of them is our patchouli note, with a warm mix of amber/balsamic/oriental notes (benzoin, frankincense), and a gourmand finish…usually the white chocolate will come through the most. 

The Exclusifs or EDP (whichever is available) tend to be a sweeter formulation with more of an emphasis on the vanilla and white chocolate touches. Meanwhile, the Parfum version feels woodier and denser than the others. 

You’ll probably have to test out which version you go with before committing to a full purchase, but it can be a fantastic choice for patchouli lovers. Coromandel Review

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Powerful Gourmand Patchouli

Thierry Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Pretty much everyone knows the best selling perfume from Mugler. It’s been around for decades and has spawned a ton of flankers and can still blow out a room with its sillage.

However, the patchouli note is the lynchpin that holds this one all together and creates the environment in which those gourmand notes can thrive. Beyond just beasty power, Angel also has the longevity to match, which makes it a fair deal. The opening is sweet with coconut, a dark chocolate, and fruit notes (mainly melon).

The patchouli note is always present, but the dry down is where it gets to shine. Lots of that heavy edible gourmand style in the beginning, with a warm patchouli note finish. Notes include: vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli,  fresh citrus, melons, peaches, and plums. 

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The Standard Fruitchouli Perfume

Flowerbomb By Viktor & Rolf For Women – EDP Spray 1 oz– It’s very well known and super popular, but there is plenty of reason to love this patchouli scent. Personally, that opening act is among my favorites in mainstream ladies’ fragrances.

Flowerbomb mixes ingredients of bergamot, rose, jasmine, and tea. It is clean, delicious, and appropriate for women of a wide range of age groups or personal styles.

Flowerbomb opens up with its great tea note, which is one of the highlights of this fragrance. It is paired with a light but somewhat sharp bergamot citrus note. Next, comes the flower part of the ‘bomb’.

Orchid, jasmine, rose, freesia, among others. It’s a beautiful array, with a lively freshness provided by the top notes. It really is just an amazing example of the fruit-chouli sort of perfume and deserves a spot here.

Finally, you get to the patchouli, which is the star of the show and brings it together. Flowerbomb brings the power and performance, with an awesome aroma.

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Spicebomb Night Vision EDT was released in 2019. The brand then quickly followed it, with an eau de parfum version in 2020. I’ve been trying out sample of both for the past few weeks to get a sense of how these colognes perform and whether or not they’re actually worth a buy. Please continue below for my full review of Night Vision EDP.

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What does Spicebomb Night Vision Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

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My Full Review

Spicebomb EDP kicks off woodier and with a cooler spiciness than the original or others in this series. I get a bit of lemon essence and red pepper up top to give it some familiarity to the EDT. Though, this one isn’t as sweet to my nose.

The spices here seem to be a black and red pepper blend. But, the clary sage note, is the one that jumps out to me after the opening act begins to fade. It’s fresh and cool but also smoothed out by the woodsy base notes.

The wood is fir, but this is a fir balsam, giving it that sort of benzoin-like smell.

From here, it is a pretty straightforward fragrance. The spiciness fades and it becomes more of an aromatic freshness, which allows for some of the sweetness to peak back through. The woodiness and balsamic base scent sticks around from the duration, while the spice and fresh/sweetness trade places.

The individual notes aren’t too discernable, but the overall scent is pretty consistent thereafter.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The first hour or so of the wear has a fairly strong sillage and this one can project in the 5-7 foot range, with normal sprays. However, it becomes much more moderate as you get an hour in. Not a weak fragrance, but Night Vision EDP isn’t a complete beast. Very serviceable.

On my skin, I get a total of 7-8 hours of wear. Again, it’s worthwhile and pretty good as a whole. Though, don’t expect something that is too far above average with its performance.

Seasonally, Spicebomb Night Vision can fit from autumn through spring. Really, so long as it’s not hot outside, the fragrance is quite wearable. The good news, is that it is more of a nighttime scent, so you will probably also get some use during the summer months.

EDP is one that has a mass appealing smell and a level of sexiness about it. Not really a formal cologne, but one that can go from casual to semi-formal to dates to a night out without problem. Probably skews more to something a younger man would wear.

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Overall Impressions of Night Vision EDP

Overall, do I like Night Vision eau de parfum? I do enjoy it somewhat. It grew on me, the more that I wore it during testing, but it never became something that I loved. Though, it certainly has its very good moments.

I like the coolness of the spice, the fir note, and the periods where you have a bit of sweetness. It’s a balanced and easy to wear fragrance, with plenty of appeal. It’s also an upgrade over the EDT version, which really isn’t that great.

Spicebomb Night Vision EDP will get you good, but not amazing performance and a nice aroma. Some may dig the smell more than others. It’s not really groundbreaking, but I do think it’s worth a try.

The main hang up for me, would be the price. If it’s discounted, yes. At full price? It’d have to be one that you would have to be all in on to feel justified. To me, the original Spicebomb and Extreme are both still better than this.