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Egoiste EDT by Chanel

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Egoiste is a 1990 release from Chanel, that’s still going strong today. It followed and is basically a rebrand of 1987’s Bois Noir. I recently grabbed a new bottle, in order to review the modern formulation. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Egoiste Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, coriander, cinnamon, Damask rose, sandalwood, vanilla, ambrette seed

Click here to try: Chanel Egoiste

My Full Review

Egoiste is a fragrance that I’m revisiting and finally posting a full review of. I saw it online when I was making some other new purchases to test out and put a bottle of this in the bag, also.

It kicks off with a dry, bright, and spicy blast. That mandarin note is light and doesn’t grab the headlines, but it is a nice lighter element to the mix. Coriander and cinnamon are pretty massive here, making the opening act a very warm and spicy affair.

The mandarin fruitiness is bolstered by the presence of the Damask rose. Pinkish, sweet, and a touch fruity with how it comes across earlier. Balances out the weaker carnation, which really serves to add to the spice.

Now, the main star here for the entire duration of the wear, is the sandalwood note. The dry down is going to be very much about this ingredient, when the initial punch has faded. Very dry, very woody fragrance.

The coriander is the first to burn off for me, that little carnation too. This is more rosy during the second phase. A sweeter fragrance, with bits of vanilla and tobacco coming through. A warmer, honeyed sort of sweetness thanks to ambrette seed.

The woody accord is still about the sandalwood, but there is some mahogany and rosewood there in support. Sweetish rosy wood, dotted with cinnamon. Yet, it’s darker with the woody influence and that initial citrus brightness leaves entirely.

Finally, we get to the sandalwood dry down.  This is a very dry scent, especially at this point. Less sweet, a dense woodiness, some remaining: floral impressions, cinnamon, and tobacco. A slightly smoky and creamy ending.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one offers up a strong start, but it lighter to moderate the rest of the way. I find it to be about equal to the modern Platinum Egoiste.

The first hour and a half or so is strong, then, it will become more intimate. Even when I cannot totally pick up the scent with my own nose, other people have made comments about it (positive ones). So, this one can make you a bit nose blind when it shifts more to the sandalwood part.

Egoiste still does last. Again, you can become desensitized to it and not really notice. However, I can still pick this up 7.5 hours later. Is it a monster at this point? No, it sits very close to the skin. It is there, however.

Seasonally, I’d skip this anytime that it is too warm. It’s mostly an autumn and winter wear. If it’s temperate out, Egoiste works well too. During the summer, I wouldn’t be too enthusiastic to have it on.

This one is refined and masculine. Can work as an office fragrance, but I also love wearing it out at night. It’s got a sexiness to it and receives complements from people. While Egoiste is ‘old school’, the formula still feels very modern and not completely anachronistic.

Yes, this does skew older in its demographic. Though, I personally wore this back in my early 20s at times, and it worked fine for me. Just know if you’re younger, pretty much no one your age, is going to be wearing something like Egoiste.

Overall Impressions of Egoiste

Overall, do I like Egoiste? I love it. I’m so glad that I randomly bought a new bottle for myself, to rediscover everything wonderful about this scent. It’s just so good in the winter air and has a different feel from most everything mainstream out today.

The first time that I wore it, this time around, I thought that I had stopped liking it completely. But, that went away pretty quickly and I wanted to wear this everyday for the next week straight.

Coriander and cinnamon are great. Very bold within this very dry mix. I love the way that the spices hit, while you still get some sweetness from the rose, mandarin, and vanilla notes. Really great, balanced, and signature sort of fragrance that you can wear for decades.

Egoiste is very approachable for guys who want to try an older styled fragrance, but don’t want to start with something like, Kouros. I think Egoiste, is a better smelling scent anyway, but it’s also easier to wear for most people.

It’s a pretty safe blind buy, unless you just absolutely don’t like this style of fragrance. It’s a nice change of pace in the sea of ‘blue’ scents and still very worthwhile, all these years later.

No.5 EDP by Chanel

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No. 5 is probably the most famous fragrance on the planet. The original parfum dates back to 1922, but today I am going to review the eau de parfum which was released in 1986. This is the more affordable of the two and probably the best selling, at this point. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

Chanel No. 5 EDP Overview

Notes include: aldehydes, iris, ylang-ylang, peach, neroli, bergamot, sandalwood, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, vanilla, oakmoss, patchouli

Click here to try: No. 5 EDP from Chanel

My Full Review

The opening of the EDP version blasts you with the cold aldehydes found in Ernest Beaux’s original formulation. That synthetic smell was designed to capture his memories of the frozen sea air of his youth. Cold air/ozone, that’s the only way I can describe it.

With that you get a bright use of a bergamot and peach note, along with a spiced neroli, giving the aroma a general fuzziness early on. Cold, dry, fresh, spicy, and floral. The sandalwood is already coming through.

1986 EDP Ad with Original Bottle

So, the original is infused with a lot of jasmine from Grasse, and I do get plenty of jasmine early on in the wear. But, it doesn’t seem to the same strength. I mean, I am going off memory of what the Parfum smells like, but this doesn’t have the same degree of iris and jasmine as I remember it…could be wrong.

Anyway, the jasmine that is there is joined by the ylang-ylang which presents itself powerfully in this mix. Sort of reminds me of Gabrielle, at times, since they have so much floral overlap. But, the rest of the blend is distinct.

That original blast of the bergamot, neroli, and peach are greatly reduced moving into the next phase. The aldehydic floral really comes out. Soapy, sort of powdery at this point, and dry.

Really, the oakmoss is there, but man there’s a period where this fragrance is a super sandalwood on my skin.

From there, it’s basically a soapy floral I can get some of the rose, jasmine, and remaining ylang-ylang. But, the iris does pick up and adds to the powdery smell. Sandalwood floral with some of the same aldehydes. Overall, it feels like a warmer perfume at this point.

chanel parfum ad

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, EDP is strong early and can leave a nice scent trail for about 2 hours or so. It’s not overwhelming, unless you go crazy with the sprays. For most of the wear, it’ll be above average and detectable while sitting much closer to the skin.

On me, I get about 8 hours of wear with No. 5 Eau de Parfum. Not a crazy long-lasting perfume from Chanel, but it serves most purposes well enough.

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Seasonally, this is probably best in autumn or springtime. The mild climate and being away from the extremes on either end of the temperature spectrum, is where No.5 fits in. That being said, I’d rather wear this in winter versus the height of summer, if I had to.

This is more of a mature fragrance. Though, for me it’s less of an age issue versus fitting in with your own style. It is a classic scent, it’s different from much of what is offered nowadays, and that makes it feel anachronistic to some.

It can still be worn by younger women or older. It can be a daily signature or something that you put on for special occasions. It’s attractive, but I’ve personally never particularly found it to be sexy.

It’s nice and comfortable and can fit in while dressed up or even in a more casual situation.

Overall Impressions of Chanel No.5 EDP

Overall, do I like this version? I do. I’ve got to try the Parfum again, but I think that one is just better than this, in totality. Greater concentration and sort of different in the formulation. Though, I’m kind of still more of a fan of Shalimar, myself.

However, I really appreciate the timeless qualities of the essential No. 5 structure. Some people say it smells old or ‘old lady-ish’. I mean, it’s the quintessential modern perfume, and over 100 years old at this point. Like, of course, it’s not going to be cutting edge…but it can still be an absolute killer scent.

Funny enough, it was at the time thought and created to be a very sexy and liberating perfume.

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The floral aspects here are great, when paired with the aldehydes. Fresh and more intense up top, with a clean soapiness in the finish. Drier with a cold coziness. Then, warmer into the finish.  Very well put together with layers, that can take time to fully get into.

I really like the sandalwood phase, when the iris and jasmine are in balance. That’s really a quality aroma.

Is this a fragrance for everyone? Probably not. It is one that should be tried out by everyone. Not just once, either. Come back to it, let it develop, and see if it draws you in.

Le Lion de Chanel EDP by Chanel

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I’ve had a few samples of Le Lion de Chanel that I’ve been coming back to over the span of many months. As I wasn’t exactly sure how to feel at first about this entry from the Les Exclusifs line from the French brand.

But, I’ve at least completed my initial evaluation to the point where I can share my thoughts on the site. How does it smell? Is Le Lion worth a try?

What does Le Lion de Chanel Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, bergamot, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, musk, labdanum

Click here to try: Le Lion de Chanel at Chanel


My Full Review

Tried Le Lion? Leave your rating and review in the comments!

Here’s how Chanel describes it: Gabrielle Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, under the sign of Leo. Proud and passionate, instinctive and daring, Mademoiselle fully embodied her zodiac symbol. Majestic, indomitable and wild, the lion became a personal emblem, serving as the inspiration for this powerful fragrance.

It is interesting with Le Lion de Chanel that I actually get a burst of the amber and labdanum before, the citrus is fully revealed on my skin. Like, those notes burst onto the scene with a smokiness, warmth, and spice…then fade a bit to let the bergamot and lemon come through.

It’s a captivating moment, when I do get to the citrus notes, however. Very juicy and bright, but they are surrounded by the pronounced dryness that is found with this mix. The labdanum remains the strongest note, beneath the citrus, and will grow in strength after the fruits move out.

With that labdanum, there is the patchouli lending its earthiness to the smokiness and resinous aroma of labdanum. Earlier, it has more of the balsamic aroma, before settling into something earthier and musky.

Man, this stuff really packs a punch for the initial stages of the wear. The labdanum or amber accord has a dry and sort of a leathery aroma at times. Then, when it dries down, we get a light muskiness and a nice sandalwood.

I do like that smokiness, leathery moments, and that opening citrus. Sure, it can be a lot and take some time getting used to, but I’ve come to enjoy it with repeat wears.

The patchouli will come in stronger, with a step back by the labdanum. It’s more of a straightforward amber here towards the end, with the vanilla and patchouli doing their thing, also.

Le Lion isn’t super complicated. To me, the latter stages are less smoky, still dry (kind of a powdery scent), none of the citrus. Just a woody/earthy/musk with the remaining resinous qualities. There does seem to be a light sweetness involved here throughout (vanilla).

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty massive. Not the strongest that I’ve come across, but it’ll out do many perfumes on the market. A nice long scent trail for sure and great projection off of the skin.

Just using the sample size, with 4-5 spritzes and this will be emanating off of my skin like a beast. Easily picked up by those around you.

It’ll also last in the 9-11 hour range, on my skin. It’s an all-day experience it seems, without issue. Le Lion will not be confused as being a weak fragrance. Even at the high end price, you do still get plenty of value.

Seasonally, this is a fragrance for the autumn and winter months. It’d be way too much for the heat.

It is a unisex perfume. Leans more towards the traditionally feminine fragrances in this style, but it never strikes me as being ‘girly’. It’s probably suitable for mid-20s and up because it does have a level of maturity to it.

It’s versatility isn’t the strong suit. It is confident and bold and probably not best served for use at work. Not entirely formal, but isn’t something all that casual either.

Probably better for nightlife or social functions versus being a daily wear. It’s not so overwhelming that it’ll be off-putting to most people, but Le Lion can skirt that line.

Overall Impressions of Le Lion

Overall, do I like Le Lion de Chanel? I do. I’ve liked it more, the more time that I’ve spent with it. Though, it’s not one that I’m personally clamoring to wear all the time, since I’m not a big fan of the oriental style perfumes.

But, there is plenty to like with this Chanel. It’s high quality, matching the price point. Those citrus notes sitting under the resinous smoky aroma of the amber accord is really attractive. I kept pressing my nose against my arm to pick up that bergamot and lemon.

The opening is attention grabbing, deep, and somewhat rough. But, the perfume never strays too far and remain luxurious and rich. I do like that in addition to the smoke, it has an earthy/dirty scent that will rise up and break the potential monotony of amber and vanilla.

The dryness and the leather-like finish with hints of sandalwood is very nice to catch whiffs of during the latter stages.

The performance here is great. Le Lion is powerful and will stick around for a long while.

But, this isn’t going to be a perfume for everyone. It’s pretty different from many other Chanel’s. Not a floral aldehyde soaked perfume. Yet, you can still pick out that classic Chanel style, if you’re familiar.

Le Lion isn’t entirely a niche fragrance, but it’ll be one to test out to see if you’d actually want to go with it. It for sure doesn’t have the same mass appeal, as something like Coco Mademoiselle.

Coromandel Les Exclusifs de Chanel

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Coromandel is a fragrance from Chanel that I’ve admired for quite while now. I’ve gone through a few samples of this scent over the years and recently grabbed another to finally give this perfume a full review on the site. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy?

What does Coromandel Smell Like?

Notes include: frankincense, rose, white chocolate, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, neroli, bitter orange, and more

Click here to try: Coromandel at Chanel

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: “I thought I fainted with happiness when, for the first time, I saw a Coromandel,” Gabrielle Chanel said. Mademoiselle had a gift for understanding a variety of styles and mixing them with her own. She filled her Paris apartment with precious, floral-adorned Coromandel screens, creating a mysterious aura. The COROMANDEL fragrance reflects this feeling of exquisite enchantment.

Note: This is a review of the Les Exclusifs eau de parfum version of Coromandel. There’s others, like an EDT, and an EDP that wasn’t in the “Les Exclusifs” bottle…though, I believe it’s exactly the same as that one.

Coromandel definitely has a lot going on from the very start. A very deep fragrance. The opening gives you bright citruses, bitter orange, and the floral spices of neroli. But, that is joined by a massive hit of patchouli, along with some other unlisted spices (cinnamon).

The initial blast of spice and some of that citrus will lose positioning. The lovely white chocolate note emerges, which really helps to set Coromandel apart, and make this a scent to remember.

After about 20 minutes, the orris root and the smoky/resinous/amber notes start to play a larger role. Benzoin gives Coromandel that sweetish, almost fuzzy smelling aroma.

The iris aroma is the only distinct floral aroma, I get while wearing. There is also a jasmine and rose here, but not something I pick up on.

There is a warm smoke from incense and the general sweetness from the white chocolate, that can sometimes come across as pure vanilla in this stage (vanilla is a note, also).

Further along, the smokiness/fuzziness smooths out and it becomes more of a traditional amber note. Amber soaked wood, the patchouli note is in control with a rich green aroma, and the white chocolate/vanilla combination.

The citrus is gone. Very little floral influence. Spices to a minimum. Has an earthiness to it that feels refined and not too much like an overbearing patchouli note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is at the upper end of moderate, at its peak. Not super strong or something that’ll fill a room, but you know Coromandel is there.

7-8 feet from the skin, at it’s max. Then, it’ll move in closer for a consistent level of projection.

On me, this lasts around 8 hours give or take. Sometimes, it’ll hang around a bit longer than that, I just bank on getting 8.

Seasonally, I’d stick to autumn and winter. This one needs to be worn in cooler temperatures for the best results. I’d put it away for summertime and find something else to wear then.

Coromandel is a unisex option from Chanel. Though, one that leans more feminine. It’s elegant and classy, not girly. So, if you’re a man, you can probably wear this without much issue. It just does lean more one way.

Coromandel might not be a daily wear for everyone. It’s not a nightlife bomb or party goer fragrance. It’s really good for more formal occasions, just not exclusively. Wear this one dressed up, to match its high price tag.

Overall Impressions of Coromandel EDP

Do I like this scent? Absolutely, this is a favorite of mine from Chanel, especially from their unisex options.

It’s got spices, amber, wood, smoke, resin, white chocolate, and a patchouli that’s actually awesome. Lots of detail and something that is utterly great on the right cold evening.

Everything here is well done and Coromandel manages to feel modern and classy without being stuffy.

The performance is well above average. Not completely elite or anything, but I’m not disappointed by it at all.

Is this a safe blind buy? I’d say probably not. It is definitely pricey, may not appeal to everyone, or might not fit your personal style at all. This is a Chanel, I’d for sure test out, because it can become a favorite perfume for the right person.

Paris-Venise by Chanel

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Les Eaux de Chanel is a series from the house that I’ve been working my way through reviewing, over the past year or so. I sort of forgot to publish this one on Venise, so, here I am correcting that now. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Paris-Venise Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, iris, petitgrain, pink pepper, vanilla, tonka bean, violet, neroli, rose, ylang-ylang, and more

Click here to try: Paris-Venise from Chanel

paris venise review

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: Inspired by the enchanting city Gabrielle Chanel revered, PARIS-VENISE Eau de Toilette is a composition of shadow and light, between freshness and sensuality.

The opening of Venise is a bright blend of citrus and floral notes. The citrus doesn’t feel too juicy here, but the lemon and orange are bolstered by the presence of the neroli and petitgrain in the mix.

Aside from that, you’re going to get some early powder from iris and violet. Not super heavy or anything, but it is there. Paris-Venise does stay much more of a spring and summer scent, so, it isn’t an imposing amount of powder.

I also get the ylang-ylang coming through early on. It has its moments, during this part of the wear, but will fade to the background as we move along.

Is it just citrus and powder? No, there is some spice to liven up the mix. Pink pepper, neroli, and even a bit of a resin from a benzoin note lurking behind everything.

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.

Once this initial phase passes, this becomes more about the iris, with musk, and the vanilla/tonka bean combination.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like the others in this series, Venise doesn’t leave a massive scent trail behind when you wear it. I think the projection at its peak, is a bit better than most of the others (maybe not Edimbourg), but still fairly moderate in totality.

On skin, Venise goes 7 to maybe around 7.5 hours. Not a superb performer, but it gets the job done for most occasions.

Seasonally, Venise is another one for the spring and summer months, in particular. Though, if it’s somewhat mild outside you could wear it at other times. Mainly, focus on the warmer days, since that’s when it is at its best.

While the Les Eaux lineup is considered unisex, about all of the lean heavily towards the more feminine end of the spectrum. Paris-Venise is no exception.

This is an attractive and clean fragrance. Daytime wear. Not sexy or sultry, but quite attractive, and one that can gather complements. Venise is easy to wear and appropriate for just about anytime outside of the nightlife or super formal events.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Venise

Overall, do I like Paris-Venise? Absolutely. This one is my favorite from the Les Eaux series of fragrances. Deauville, is another one, that I personally enjoy a lot. However, I think Venise has enough of an edge to claim the top.

I always like a good iris perfume, especially when it gets that powdery and make-up bag vibe going. Venise has that, but it isn’t overwhelming with the powder. I do like the citrus, vanilla, and spices which add different elements to the mix.

The performance is on the upper range of what you could consider average, but still well within those bounds. But, I feel like you get more than enough out of this Chanel, especially since it’s not at an extreme price point.

This is one from the Les Eaux de Chanel series that you should definitely check out. It’s pretty safe to blind buy, as there really isn’t anything too offensive here. Unless, you just really hate iris.