Chanel

Chanel Allure Homme Sport vs. Eau Extreme

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Chanel’s Allure series, has put out some awesome fragrances for both men and women, over theĀ  years. Allure Homme Sport is one such example that has pretty much outpaced the popularity of its namesake. Then, Chanel came out with Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme, which also received high praise and sales numbers.

However, which one is the better scent? For those in the market, which should you buy? Which cologne has the better performance? Please continue below for my full breakdown.Ā 

Tale of the Tape: Allure Homme Sport vs. Eau Extreme

Allure Homme Sport

Notes include: mandarin, musk, tonka bean, cedar, sea notes, aldehydes, vanilla, pepper

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 oz

Read my review: Allure Homme Sport

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme

Notes include: mandarin, musk, tonka bean, cypress, pepper, sage, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 OZ.

Read my review: Allure Sport Eau Extreme

Opening

Allure Homme Sport kicks off with a blend of freshness and sweetness. The opening act features fresh aldehydes, sea notes, and mandarin orange. This is all surrounded by the sweet blend of tonka bean and vanilla.

I really like it, at times I get more citrus/sweetness, and other times it feels more musky in the beginning of the wear.Ā 

Meanwhile, Eau Extreme also goes with a fresh take, that is more ‘green’ than anything sweet. Sage and mint are prominent up top and give Extreme a crisp coldness. It also has a cypress note and more pepper than Allure Homme Sport.

In many ways, it feels like those notes have been added on top of what you find with the original. I wasn’t always sold on how Eau Extreme starts out, but it has grown on me a lot, over the years.

Which is better? Again, I’d probably would’ve used to say Sport, but now I think Eau Extreme has the lead. For me, it’s a really close decision, but I have come to quite enjoy the sage and mint with the tonka wafting up from the base.

Edge: Eau Extreme

Projection

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme starts out with pretty strong sillage. It doesn’t project itself super far, like across the room, with normal sprays. However, it does have a very solid and consistent power for much of the wear.

The original Sport isn’t as strong. In fact, I think the older bottles had a bit more power than the current batches. It’s not a completely weak scent, in my experience. Though, it’s pretty middle of the road and for sure doesn’t keep up with Extreme.

Update: I did get a sample vial of Allure Homme Sport with my bottle of Eau Extreme. The sillage is pretty much on the lower end of what you could consider moderate. Still, not awful, just not as good.

Edge: Eau Extreme

Longevity

Allure Homme Sport seems to stick around for 5-6 hours. I swear, I used to get a few more hours of wear out of it, but this is what I’m getting from 2020 batches. Update: Thinking back, yep, closer to 7-8 hours.Ā  Not completely atrocious, but I want more, at this price.

Eau Extreme still seems to hold up atĀ  or close to full strength. I get 8 hours of wear from this more intense version of Allure Sport. It’s hard to remember that far back, but it may have used to go a few hours more. I can’t be sure, though.Ā 

It too, isn’t incredible, but about a full workday worth of staying power is about what you should expect.

Update: I bought a full bottle of Eau Extreme here in 2022 and it still goes that 8 hours without issue.

Neither cologne is a marathon runner, though.

Edge: Eau Extreme

Ā 

Versatility

Seasonally, both Allure Homme Sport scents can work year round. Though, with each, I’d stay away from the far ends of the hot/cold temperature spectrum. I think they are both at their best in moderate to warm weather.

Each is very versatile. These fragrances can be worn by men in any age group, have mass appeal, and women seem to like how they smell in general. Not really formal scents or night club beasts, but they’re not out of place in either scenario.

Really, I don’t see a distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Chanel fragrances do I prefer?

It’s a very close call, in my book, as to which smells better. Allure Homme Sport does have an enjoyable and sweeter aroma. The light sea notes and mandarin give it some distinction. Also, the vanilla and tonka bean notes are more prevalent and creamier.Ā 

It’s a lovely fragrance. The main issue is the performance nowadays, in comparison to Eau Extreme. It would be a coin toss for me, if Sport had close to the same strength as its flanker.

I’ve owned both of them in the past. Now, I have Eau Extreme, and don’t plan on getting the original EDT…despite enjoying it.

Eau Extreme gives you most of what you get with the original, but with an added freshness and herbal quality up top. The mint, sage, and cypress are all great additions to the basic composition.

Add to that, you get a stronger, longer, and more consistent wear and I have to give it the edge here in 2022. Older bottles, might sway me otherwise, but for what you’ll get a hold of now…go with Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme.

Winner: Eau Extreme

Allure Homme Sport by Chanel

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Chanel’s men’s lineup of fragrances has a lot of great selections. One of the main titles, other than the popular Bleu line, is Allure. Particularly, the Allure Homme Sport releases. The first of which was released back in 2004. I grabbed samples of this one last year to give an updated review of how things currently stand with Allure Homme Sport. How does it smell? Does it have good performance? Is it worth a buy?

What does Allure Homme Sport Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, musk, tonka bean, cedar, sea notes, aldehydes, vanilla, pepper

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 oz

My Full Review

Allure Homme Sport starts off with a very nice and rather unique blend of freshness and sweetness. At one end, you have the citrus of the mandarin orange and infused sea notes. On the other end, is the vanilla and tonka bean providing a sweet creaminess.

The mandarin is really great here. Not super heavy, but it gives you that nice juiciness out of the gate.

All of that is tied together by the inclusion of aldehydes which gives Allure Sport a cold air quality to it. That really helps to give Sport that distinct Chanel style. However, the vanilla and tonka bean will play a larger role later on. At first, it’s more of a supporting role and other notes play their part.

That freshness is enhanced by the cedar and pepper note. The pepper is pretty noticeable early on, but it is probably the first note that fades away in the composition.

As it moves along, the marine notes will recede also. Vanilla, cedar, musk, tonka bean, and some mandarin/neroli will pretty much jockey for control throughout the rest of the way. Musk becomes stronger as the aldehydes weaken.

The floral neroli note will take over for the juicier mandarin citrus aroma, that is found at the top. Allure Homme Sport takes on a creamier/muskier finish towards the end. The vanilla and tonka bean really stand out on my skin.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is a pretty light to moderate fragrance throughout the wear. You do get a nice initial ability to project itself fairly far. However, that will change into a more personal scent bubble, and ultimately sitting close to the skin.

Not terrible, but not exactly a powerhouse.

With this batch from 2020, I get about 5-6 hours of wear from Allure Homme Sport. With older bottles, it was probably closer to 7-8, at least for me. Never was one that would be going on and on, but it used to bring more to the table.

Seasonally, I’ve worn this one year round without much issue. Though, it’s best in moderate to warmer temperatures. It can come across as a bit too fresh in the depths of winter. But, I like it in autumn and late spring.

A great feature of Allure Homme Sport is just how versatile it really is. It isn’t just a ‘sporty’ cologne. In fact, it might not even conjure up that kind of imagery for people. It can be worn as a daily wear, in semi-formal scenarios, just around town, and even venture into the nightlife if necessary.

Now, I’d probably wear something else as a nighttime cologne, but this one is up for the job.

It can also be worn by men of all ages. It’s well put together, but not stuffy. Dynamic, but not too youthful. Great balance.

Overall Impressions of Allure Homme Sport

Overall, do I like Allure Homme Sport? Yes, I really love the way that this Chanel smells still. The play between the citrus, aldehydes, vanilla, and marine notes is fantastic. It’s a bit simpler than Eau Extreme, but it works and the dry down is awesome.

From a smell and versatility perspective, Allure Sport can have a place in almost any man’s rotation. The problem comes with the merely okay performance nowadays. It isn’t entirely worthless, but Eau Extreme exists, and gives you a bit more power and longevity.

As such, I’d go with that version if I wanted to buy from the Allure line. This is still nice and sometimes I actually prefer the smell to that of its flanker.

Allure Homme Sport is a classic. It’s a solid buy, but not a necessary one, when you can get Extreme instead.

Best Les Eaux de Chanel Fragrances

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Chanel released its line of perfumes under the Les Eaux de Chanel banner starting a few years ago. There are currently five fragrances with the designation and I grabbed samples of them a few months ago. Since then, I’ve tested out these scents, and wanted to create a post ranking them. The following is my current standings and I’ll update this page if I change my mind or any new releases are brought to market in the future.

What are the Top Les Eaux de Chanel Perfumes?

The Best

Paris-Venise by Chanel– Paris-Venise is my pick for the best of this Chanel line. My number two pick was a close challenger, but I think Venise pretty easily surpasses the other options.

Venise features notes of neroli, vanilla, and tonka bean. It kicks off with a great citrus accord, ylang-ylang, and a powdery mix of iris and violet. It’s fresh, unique, and a dynamic summertime wear.

The citrus, iris, and ylang-ylang (plus other floral notes) are most prominent in the opening act. Then, as it settles, you get the softer sweet and creamy notes coming through. With enough of the iris/violet combination to make it interesting. Paris-Venise is a very beautiful fragrance.

Lime and Basil Wonder

Paris-Deauville by Chanel– Deauville secured the number two spot without much trouble. After testing each of these perfumes, I kept coming back to this gem, time and time again.

Lime, lemon, and mandarin orange start things off here. But, it’s not a purely citrus fragrance, as there is also a prominent basil note and an overall green aroma in Paris-Deauville. The main notes are lime, basil, and patchouli.

That’s the trio for most of the wear. There is a floral aspect to this with a bit of rose and jasmine, but they really aren’t that major in the mix.

I get about 7 hours of wear on my skin. Deauville is a pretty simple scent, that’ll be a spring and summer wear, but it’s a really great use of lime. Read my full review

Green Gin Forest

Paris ā€“ Ɖdimbourg– Parisā€“Ɖdimbourg is the next in line and the top Eaux des Chanel for men. The others on the list, outside of Biarritz maybe, are pretty darn feminine.

This one is also the most unique. With this we go green and really fresh with notes of juniper and cypress, producing a gin-like aroma. It’s bright and woodsy, with the vetiver playing a larger role in the latter stages.

Vanilla adds a light creamy and sweet touch to the fragrance and helps to keep it more in the unisex camp. If you don’t want to go with a citrus or citrus/floral wear from this line for the summer, check out this, because it could be your number one pick. Paris-Edimbourg Review

Zesty Neroli

Paris-Riviera by Chanel– Riviera could easily be in the third spot, but I ultimately decided that I liked the unique aspect of Edimbourg more.

Paris-Riviera is a citrus floral perfume, with top notes of orange, neroli, and petitgrain. I recognize that Chanel orange note immediately and the neroli reminds me of the various Tom Ford summertime perfumes.

Riviera is quite zesty and uplifting in the early stages with a slight fresh spiciness to it. As it wears on, this Chanel will become more about the floral notes. Jasmine will eventually overtake the neroli, but it is a pretty even split.

The tail end becomes muskier with a late kick from the sandalwood note to add a further dryness to the mix. While I like Biarritz listed below, Riviera is better and lasts longer, so it’ll get the number four spot.

Hyper-Citrus Aquatic

Paris-Biarritz– Paris-Biarritz starts off with a powerful blast of cold citrus notes. Here it is going to be grapefruit and mandarin orange, according to Chanel. However, there is also very clearly a lemon note in here and it’s actually the strongest at the beginning.

Underneath that, what I think may throw some folks off, is the aquatic note in here. There is an oceanic aroma, not super strong, but it’s there and gives this a different feel. Lily of the valley and vetiver are present in the dry down.

I’m giving this one the bottom spot, even if it’s not a bad fragrance. Actually, I like it quite a bit. However, there are better options on this list that have a similar style and other Chanel fragrance that are also close to this.

Paris-Biarritz does have that awesome ice cold citrus and aquatic aroma that I like. Ultimately, the performance isn’t good enough and it doesn’t do anything better than the others on the list. Really, the 3 to 5 spots could be up for grabs, but this is how I’ve landed after using each for a while.

Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT by Chanel

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Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT was released by Chanel back in 2008. I got a sample of this version a few months ago, along with the newer EDP that the brand still sells. My sample is marked concentree, so, I’m not sure if it was a further release beyond the regular EDT. Either way, this one is no longer produced, but I figured I’d do a review for posterity’s sake. 

What does Edition Blanche EDT Eau Concentree Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber

My Full Review

Blanche EDT opens with a sharp and dry use of lemon, vetiver, sandalwood, and pink pepper. You’re absolutely going to have to be a citrus lover with this one, to really appreciate it, as it is very sharp upon opening.

The lemon is going to dominate through much of the wear. Early on, it feels especially intense, but once the vanilla and tonka bean kicks in…it will settle.

The pink pepper is the first note to fall off and that gives the sandalwood and vetiver a bit more room in the base. The vanilla creaminess will start to envelope the lemon note, along with the tonka bean. 

This Chanel fragrance is actually pretty darn linear and there isn’t much development beyond that. Just more of the lemon/vanilla aroma and less of the other notes within the composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is moderate in the early stages and then pretty light thereafter. However, it does project itself very nicely early on and it’ll hang around well after spraying. Just don’t expect a complete beast for the duration.

Longevity wise, I get 6-ish hours on my skin with this Eau Concentree. Allure Edition Blanche spends much of that time, as a skin scent, but it does indeed hang around. Still noticeable, just not amazing with its performance.

 

Seasonally, Allure Edition Blanche is a spring and summer fragrance, all the way. Mainly, for the summertime. I like to wear it casually or even for a night out. Though, I’d say that it’s probably at its best in the daytime. 

Overall Impressions of Edition Blanche Eau Concentree

Do I like this fragrance? Absolutely. I know they don’t produce this version anymore, and the EDP is close enough, but I really do love this scent. Uden by Xerjoff is an available replacement (and in many ways even better).

That dry lemon and pink pepper opening act could scare some away from this. However, that creamy vanilla/sweet/dessert like finish is so damn good on a warm summer’s day. I have been slowly depleting my sample vial, since I know it’s such a rare commodity. 

The performance of Allure Edition Blanche was never its strong suit. The sillage is moderate, at its peak, but detectable. For much of the wear, it will be a softer experience. Though, it does stick around on the skin for a nice amount of time. 

I wish Chanel could’ve beefed up the performance a bit more.

If you want a bottle of this one in particular, you’ll have to shell out over $300 in all likelihood off a site like eBay. Or you can just go with the EDP, which is also near this same level. Uden is usually $200, but well worth it. 

Bleu de Chanel EDP vs. Parfum Comparison

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The Bleu de Chanel lineup has been an extremely popular one, over the past decade. Chanel has released multiple versions, under this banner, including its latest: Bleu de Chanel Parfum. However, when we compare Parfum vs. BdC EDP, which is the better fragrance? How do these two cologne match up and which on should you consider buying, if you’re in the market.

In this post, I will break it down, after testing and reviewing them both. I compare them, in different categories, before declaring a winner.

Bleu Parfum or EDP? Tale of the Tape

Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Notes include: sandalwood, cedar, lemon, lavender, mint, bergamot, tonka bean, amber, geranium

Click here to try: BLEU DE C H A N E L PARFUM, 3.4 oz./ 100 mL

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneā…¼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Bleu de Chanel EDP opens up with a bold blend of citrus notes, leading the way. These fruit notes are joined by freshly spiced notes, consisting of mainly, ginger and pink pepper.

Although, you will get a cool mint sensation in there, as well. It’s quite nice and will then transition, to include a smoky incense note and more amber.

Bleu Parfum, starts off with: lemon, bergamot, and lime. These citrus notes aren’t as sharp or powerful, as in the EDP. Instead, they become tempered by the strength of the woodsy notes here.

This one has a stronger mint note, but really gives you the cedar and sandalwood, earlier on. It is interesting, how they take this already familiar formula, and ramp up the woody base earlier in the wear.

Which is better? It’s a tough call. I like the citrus/woods/herbal qualities to Parfum. However, I think that I prefer the start of EDP, more consistently. The citrus and spices are bold, not as complex as Parfum, but really grab my attention.

Really, I’ve been wearing the EDP a bit more here in the summer and have been loving the lemon and bergamot combination. It’s awesome.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both of these fragrances, start off pretty strong, but subside by quite a bit later on. Neither has a super powerful sillage and will stick quite close to the wearer, a few hours in.

Honestly, I don’t detect much of a difference.

I do kind of wish that either of them, had that big time sillage for longer, than they do. I’d say they’re both slightly above average, in this regard, but I sometimes want an outstanding beastly performer.

Sometimes, it can feel like Parfum may not have as much punch. But, that’s more of it having a greater use of woody notes versus the amber found in Bleu eau de parfum.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Bleu de Chanel EDP will last on my skin, for 8 hours, as a pretty moderate fragrance. Sometimes, it’ll hang around a little while longer. It’s very solid with it’s performance, but isn’t an elite level fragrance with its strength or staying power.

Meanwhile, Parfum, does go a longer ways with the same amount of sprays. I get about 10 hours of wear from BdC Parfum. Both are really good, though.

It’s to be expected, as Parfum is the higher fragrance concentrate. It at least cracks that double digit barrier, barely, but it does get past it.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Neither of these is really great during the heat of summer. EDP holds up better, in a hotter climate, but is best in spring/autumn. Parfum is more of an autumn/winter wear, that still holds up in a temperate condition.

Other than that, these two are about the same. Can be worn to the office, out at night, semi-formal, or casual. The BdC lineup is well-known for being a ‘do everything’ type of scent.

I will give EDP the edge, as it does have a better year round capability. Actually, I think that the EDT, holds up year round when compared with these two scents.

Edge: Bleu EDP

Overall Scent

This is a pretty tough decision, as I like both of these Chanel fragrances, a lot. Bleu de Chanel Parfum is dark, woody, and complex. It’s got a great take on this formula, with an outstanding sandalwood note.

It’s warmer and woodier, but maintains enough of that zesty citrus to be pleasing. I really like when you’ve got a good mix of the citrus top with the sandalwood. Obviously, a lot of similarities with the EDP, but that’s got enough distinction to be enjoyed on its own.

Ultimately, I would prefer to wear the EDP more often. I am a fan of the citrus opening, the heavier use of the fresh spices, and it still has the woodiness in the latter stages.

Parfum is a really awesome option, and you may wish to go with it, if you want a woodier and less citrus based fragrance. I usually have a preference toward the citrus, so, I think that the EDP is the best offering from the entire line.

Sure, EDT is more of an intense citrus, but the EDP has much better depth and balance. Admittedly, I could wear any of them, and be perfectly happy doing so. Each has been imitated and there are some fragrances that have tried to copy Bleu de Chanel Parfum.

These two are neck and neck, but BdC Eau de Parfum, is slightly better to me. Although, either will be a great choice.

Winner: Bleu EDP