By Designer

Coco Mademoiselle EDT by Chanel

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Coco Mademoiselle is a classic scent and has rightly spawned different variations of its popular formula. One of which, was brought out relatively soon after the eau de parfum’s release, Coco Mademoiselle EDT.

I got a hold of samples of each of these fragrances and have been reviewing them on the site. Today, I’m finishing things off with the eau de toilette. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Coco Mademoiselle EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: litchi, citrus, vanilla, patchouli, vetiver, musk, rose, jasmine

Click here to try: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 3.4 oz eau de toilette 

My Full Review

Coco Mademoiselle EDT opens up quite a bit like the EDP version, though definitely smoother and not nearly as intense. What’s most noticeable, is how the orange note shares duties here with other citrus notes, and an additional litchi.

Another thing that I notice here, is that, the patchouli note isn’t as dominant in this version of the Mademoiselle line. It’s there, but I feel it to be more balanced with the vetiver sitting in the base of the scent.

What’s interesting is that the base of Mademoiselle EDT, is very similar to the Chanel men’s cologne, Allure Edition Blanche. The creamy vanilla, woods, and vetiver is a dead ringer. That fragrance is dominated by lemon, rather than litchi and a more general blend of citrus.

What’s true about both of those fragrances, is that they both have a weaker ability to project than the flanker fragrances that they spawn from (more so in Edition Blanche’s case).

Once the citrus notes have burned off and the litchi seems weaker, the floral notes really come through strong. Jasmine and rose are fairly even, but I get more jasmine, on my skin. Those two with wood, musk, vetiver, patchouli, and the vanilla note that develops further along.

The final dry down is a woody vetiver scent with a less creamy aroma, that sort of starts to have a bit of a powdery feel. Not too much, but noticeable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of the EDT is much softer than both the EDP or the Intense version of Coco Mademoiselle. Overall, its pretty moderate and never has a far reaching projection. EDT will create a nice scent bubble for most of the wear, then, become a skin scent for a few more hours.

Longevity wise, this one will stick around for about 7 hours. Sometimes it will go for six, then other, it can be somewhat closer to eight.

With that being said, you do get a super versatile fragrance, that can be a signature/daily wear for many folks. It’s not too out of place in any season, though, I might avoid the hottest days of summer…if you’re going to be outside.

Mademoiselle EDT is safe for school, work, casual, and could even venture into the evening. It’s not particularly ‘sexy’, but it is attractive enough to catch some attention. It’s versatility is probably the greatest strength of this perfume.

Overall Impression of Coco Mademoiselle EDT

Overall, do I like Coco Mademoiselle EDT? I do. However, I don’t like it as much as the EDP version, in terms of smell. The weighting of the individual notes in the EDP is just better to me. Though, this can be much more wearable.

I actually like the start of this a lot. The litchi and citrus notes provide a nice entry into the fragrance and I enjoy the similarities at times, to the men’s Edition Blanche.

The performance is overall pretty good, but it isn’t a terribly strong perfume. Also, the longevity doesn’t go as far as you’d perhaps like it to.

That being said, if the EDP is too much for you, and you don’t like the strong patchouli note found in Mademoiselle Intense, this EDT version can be a great substitute. You’re giving up a some of the power and performance, but getting a more understated fragrance, that still smells great.

Gucci Bloom Gocce di Fiori by Gucci

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Gocce di Fiori is one of the flanker scents, that have been spun off from the Gucci Bloom name. This one was released in 2019 and didn’t seem to get very much attention. However, I think it is one of the better Bloom scents, and so I wanted to do a full review here on the site. How does it smell? When should it be worn?

What does Gocce di Fiori Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, honeysuckle, Rangoon creeper, and tuberose

Click here to try: Gucci Bloom Gocce di Fiori for Women 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

My Full Review

Gocce di Fiori isn’t too complicated of a fragrance. Actually, it’s pretty darn similar to the original Gucci Bloom, while being a fresh and sheer version of the formulation.

The main difference in terms of the composition, is that the jasmine feels more prevalent here, and there is a honeysuckle note lightly floating around in the mix.

It’s like a stripped down version of Bloom, but one that will serve its purposes as a lighter wear for the spring and summer months.

Upon the first spray of Gocce di Fiori, I pick up a good deal of the jasmine, but blended with the honeysuckle and Rangoon creeper. 

However, as it dries down this one becomes more of a jasmine and tuberose fragrance. I still pick up the other two notes, but they are just slight impressions of how they were during the opening act. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Don’t expect a projection bomb, it’s a sheer fragrance, but it isn’t weak. You’re going to get a breezy and light perfume, though, one that you will easily notice throughout the wear. I really like when Gocce would randomly rise off of my skin

The longevity is actually good, just not amazing. It will hang around for 7 hours on me, but doesn’t seem to go beyond 8. Very range bound. Though, it gives you a nice performance for what it is.

Seasonally, this one is great for the spring and summer months. Gocce is fresh and light, easily holding up to the humidity and doesn’t have the same creaminess that other white florals of this type can have. 

Mostly, it’s a pretty daytime wear. Not really sexy or a nightlife beast. Very safe to wear on a daily basis to work or school or whatever else. Pretty ubiquitous in the spring or summer.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Gocce di Fiori

Overall, do I like this perfume? I do. It’s a very nice take on the white floral style of perfume. Yes, if you’ve had Gucci Bloom, you already know basically what this smells like.

I like the jasmine note being amped up, the honeysuckle inclusion, and the tuberose that comes through well in the dry down. It’s fresh and easy to wear when it gets warmer outside.

Do you need it, if you’ve got the original Bloom? Probably not. If that’s the case, you might consider one of the other flankers, that have more differences. Just standing on its own, Gocce di Fiori is a solid perfume, and quite likeable.

Voce Viva EDP by Valentino

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I got a hold of a sample of Voce Viva a while ago, as a part of a major acquisition of samples and new scents to try out. I’d never heard of this perfume before and really didn’t have any excitement to try it out, until I saw it sitting in a box a few days back.

Voce Viva was a 2020 release from Valentino, which seemed to pass without much fanfare. What’s it like? How does it smell? Please continue below for my full take.

What does Voce Viva Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin, vanilla, gardenia, orange blossom, and moss

Click here to try: Valentino Voce Viva 3.4 oz / 100 ml EDP Women Spray

My Full Review

A couture and feminine bouquet of white flowers that gives Italian tradition a contemporary edge.

Voce Viva opens up with its bright citrus notes coming through, sitting on top of plenty of orange blossom, and the vanilla which is already peaking up from the base. Right away, I get the sense that this is going to be a warm and sweet floral experience…which I like.

There is a light and fresh spiciness that you can detect underneath the citrus and floral notes. The consensus seems to be an unlisted ginger note, which makes sense to me.

After a little bit, the initial somewhat juicy vibe from the citrus notes goes by the wayside and the gardenia comes up into that position. For me, the orange blossom is the strongest floral note initially, and then the gardenia plays a more prominent role.

The later stages, gives me more of a vanilla aroma with a dry freshness and underlying spiciness. The musky/mossy/woodsy smell does come through, but remains underneath the gardenia, vanilla, and maybe a bit of tonka bean?

The final three notes in terms of strength, seem to be: vanilla, gardenia, and moss. I like it. The aroma coming off of my skin is enjoyable and doesn’t stray into sickly sweet or irritating territory ever.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t super powerful and actually leans towards the lighter end of things, without ever being weak. It’s got an airy sort of demeanor, but actually projects itself quite well from the skin. Don’t expect a beast, but I was pretty happy with what I got out of this Valentino.

The longevity is also good, just not amazing. You might be able to squeeze a full workday from Voce Viva. For me, it did hit that 7.5-8 hour range, on my skin. For most purposes, that will be more than enough.

Seasonally, it’s actually very versatile, if you just stay out of the extreme heat and humidity. It does have that sweetness, that you’d associate with more of a autumn/winter scent (think: Black Opium), though not the same thickness or heavy sillage.

Late spring and for some parts of the world, early summer would be fine. Possibly, you could roll it out for a summer evening.

This would be great for a daytime wear, that could also venture into the nightlife without being a complete bomb. It’s sweet, but has a level of maturity to fit in with a wide swath of the female population.

Personally, I don’t find it sexy, but it is an appealing and very pleasant fragrance to wear and be around in general.

Overall Impressions of Voce Viva

Do I like this perfume from Valentino? I really do. To me, Voce Viva isn’t completely amazing nor super original. However, it is an easy to wear and attractive example of a white floral paired with sweeter notes.

The opening is bright and a very nice blend of spice, sweet, and floral notes. Then, the heart of gardenia and orange blossom is always a pairing, that I seem to like experiencing. Finally, the vanilla and woodsy smell during the latter stages is an interesting take on a familiar composition.

The performance is above average, as is the smell. If you want a versatile, clean, and well put together daily wear…Voce Viva could be a nice option to look into. It doesn’t seem to have any major weaknesses, other than having overlap with a lot of other perfumes. But, so do most scents.

Coco Mademoiselle vs. Gabrielle EDP Comparison

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Chanel has an insane number of classic releases under its belt, in the world of fragrance, and really fashion as a whole. Coco Mademoiselle has become one such classic, over the past few decades, and is one of the most popular perfumes in the world. Chanel has more recently put out their Gabrielle perfume line, with the initial eau de parfum, kicking things off. Does it surpass Mademoiselle? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Chanel Gabrielle vs. Coco Mademoiselle

Coco Mademoiselle

Notes include: orange, neroli, may rose, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine

Click here to try: Coco Mademoiselle

Read my full review: Coco Mademoiselle EDP

Gabrielle

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, tuberose, musk, citrus, pear

Click here to try: Chanel Gabrielle For Women Eau De Parfume Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Gabrielle EDP

Opening

Mademoiselle opens up with its powerful blend of neroli, patchouli, and orange. The citrus note takes the lead early on, before this perfume starts to feature its other floral notes, being jasmine and a slight rose.

Gabrielle EDP, also goes with a citrus and floral mix, though it smells like there is much less distinction among the notes. The citrus is more sparkling than juicy, there is pink pepper, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom.

Which is better? I prefer the start of Coco Mademoiselle EDP versus Gabrielle. I prefer the notes in that one, as a whole, and it has a great bold opening act.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Projection

Coco Mademoiselle is a strong fragrance with a really nice ability to project itself off of the skin. It’s not an absolute bomb, but it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

Gabrielle EDP has a much more moderate sillage, in comparison. It’s not weak, but never reaches the same level.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Longevity

This is another easy win for Mademoiselle. It will go 10+ hours without trouble. Gabrielle has pretty good longevity, but not great. That perfume will go 7-7.5 hours, on my skin.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Versatility

Both of these can fit in a variety of climates, but I think Gabrielle is better in the summertime, than is Coco Mademoiselle.

Mademoiselle is the sexier fragrance and fits in better in the nightlife. Either can be worn casually or for daily wear. It’s a pretty even split, after accounting for what each excels at.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I do like Gabrielle EDP. It’s a very nice floral bouquet fragrance with just enough sweetness, to keep things interesting. The overall presentation is quite good, but it never strikes me as being amazing. Also, Gabrielle Essence is the better of the two.

Coco Mademoiselle is a classic and just better all around when compared to the newer Gabrielle. You get a great citrus start, gourmand touches, a floral heart and creamy vanilla in the base.

The performance is superior and it is at least equal to Gabrielle in terms of its versatility of wear. For me, it’s an easy pick.

Winner: Coco Mademoiselle

YSL Libre vs. Good Girl Comparison

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YSL Libre has become a very popular scent since its release. It can often get compared to Good Girl by Carolina Herrera, as both are floral dominant with gourmand elements, and are best sellers respectively. With that being the case, which of these perfumes smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Good Girl vs. YSL Libre

Libre EDP

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

Read my review: Libre EDP

Good Girl

Notes include: jasmine, coffee, bergamot, tuberose, almond, rose, tonka bean, cocoa

Click here to try: CAROLINA HERRERA Good Girl Eau de Perfume Spray, 2.7 Fl Oz

Read my Review: Good Girl by Carolina Herrera

Opening

Libre opens up with orange blossom as the dominant note, but paired with lavender, and a slight spritz of citrus fruit juice. Libre is musky, somewhat soapy, and has a creamy aroma. Though, the latter isn’t as strong, as it is in Libre Intense.

Meanwhile, Good Girl is about the white floral notes and citrus up top. Lemon, jasmine, and almond are the main attention grabbers, but some tuberose will come through.

That opening is short-lived, the citrus fades, and you get coffee to pair with the almond. At first, it’s more of a nutty gourmand, but cocoa and tonka bean will play a greater role.

Which is better? For me, I prefer the opening of Good Girl more so than Libre. I like the lemon and jasmine pairing better than the musky orange blossom and lavender of Libre. It’s not a huge advantage, but it takes this round.

Edge: Good Girl

Projection

Libre is a fairly strong fragrance, more like the upper end of moderate, than a complete beast. However, it projects better than Good Girl, which is just pretty middle of the road. Not completely weak, but the YSL is better.

Edge: Libre

Longevity

On my skin, Good Girl will go right around 8 hours, but doesn’t seem to go beyond that. Libre can hit 9 hours and seems to have a stronger residue in those later hours.

Edge: Libre

Versatility

Good Girl is more of a casual or nightlife scent, that is light enough and not too sweet that it couldn’t be worn elsewhere, but it’s not really a formal fragrance. Nor is Libre, I don’t really see a distinction there.

Good Girl is more of a cold weather wear, so, autumn through most of springtime it would be fine. Again, it’s pretty much the same for Libre, as neither is a scent to wear in the heat.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I don’t absolutely love either of these fragrances and they’re indeed pretty close competition for one another.

Libre can be a good choice if you want more of a strong floral fragrance, with a heavy emphasis on the lavender note, in the latter stages. The vanilla note and creaminess is there, but it’s not the main feature.

Good Girl is more of a balance between the white floral notes and gourmand ingredients. The coffee and almond are really great and my favorite part. It’s not completely unique, as there are many perfumes that smell similar to Good Girl. But, still likeable enough.

Between them, I’d go with Good Girl over Libre. It’s the more interesting fragrance and smells better, in my opinion.

Winner: Good Girl