Chanel N°5 (for women)
Designer: Chanel Olfactive Group: Floral Aldehyde
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middle notes
base notes
Famous Chanel N°5 is a symbol of good taste and is currently one of the best selling perfumes in the world. Coco Chanel asked the perfume designer Ernest Beaux to create a perfume ' which smells like a woman'. Chanel N°5 is a very complex fragrance which does not allow any of the fragrant components to be isolated out of the composition, what was exactly a request of the great Chanel – the perfume should not smell like a rose, or a lily of the valley, but as a composition.
The perfume became famous thanks to many celebrities who wore it, among which Marilyn Monroe. Chanel N°5 is often connected to her name because during an interview in 1954 she said that in bed she wore only ‘some drops of Chanel N°5'. That statement became a superb advertising slogan and a reason for millions of women around the world to choose this perfume. The current Chanel N°5 face is Nicole Kidman.
Ernest Beaux created two series of perfume samples numbered 1-5 and 20-24 and asked Coco Chanel to choose one of them. Madame Chanel chose the sample no. 5 and thus the perfume got its name. Superstitious, Chanel presented her new perfume on the fifth day of the fifth month of 1921.
Working on creation of this perfume, Ernest Beaux created and for the first time used the synthetic component – aldehydes. In his formula the aldehydes are accompanied by fragrances of rose and jasmine. The fragrance of aldehydes is pure and fresh, reminds of the odor of clean linen just brought in the house form the fresh frosty air. It is said that the famous creator drew his inspiration for creation of this fragrance from one of his visits to the Arctic Circle and the smell of water in midnight. The unique smell of frozen lakes and rivers fascinated him so much that he decided to replicate it in his creation.
Chanel N°5 is the first perfume in the floral-aldehyde group and the first by the quantity of aldehydes in its composition (another legend says that the Ernest Beaux's assistant overdosed the aldehydes in the composition by mistake). The top notes are composed of aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, neroli and ylang-ylang, the heart of jasmine, rose, lily of the valley and iris, while the base is created of vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, amber and patchouli.
The first Chanel N°5 was captured in a simple rectangular bottle with the top which resembled Place Vendome in Paris. The first bottle was designed by Chanel herself and represents her classical principle – the less is more.
Fragrance Notes
top notesChanel N°5 Fragrance Reviews:
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I used to love the powdery smell i got from this. Not worn it in a hundred years though! I have two tiny bottles of pure parfum which were given to me on my 21st birthday (I'm 48 now) which are sealed with a was seal and have never been opened. Probably spoiled now but I really must try it again.
07/02/09 06:33:11
I love the way how it changed the smells on my skin.I just wearing it with my birthday suit! I like the way how the scent turns to powdery and it can guarantee how luxury and classy it is.I'm just 23 but I can't refuse this classique one by Chanel.
06/14/09 05:16:58
Once upon a time, the concept of perfume was different from today. A woman had one single perfume preference, so somebody could make the association "Mary's perfume", "my teacher's perfume" or "my mom's perfume" and the smell had to announce her presence before she entered the room. In fact, this affirmation can be still heard in a Chanel no. 5 ad videoclip. Typical, my mother had the "famous with mothers" No. 5 and she would spray it on special occasions, such as going to the theatre. It was not appropriate to wear perfume on casual occasions. Chanel no. 5 was almost THE perfume. For me it is the symbol of a generation of too many rigid principles and poverty of elegance.
06/12/09 03:32:32
For every time I said, "Chanel No. 5 is too powdery on me," I apologize. I was wrong, I was very wrong.
My mother always wore the eau de cologne formulation, and it smelled wonderful on her, but I never enjoyed the powderiness. Turns out I was trying the wrong strength.
I just bought a bottle of extrait de parfum - it was old, it had been opened and used, but the price was very cheap - and tried it, and I am stunned. I thought I knew what No. 5 smelled like, but I really had no idea.
The parfum does open with those scintillating, bright aldehydes, along with some citrus I had never smelled before. After an hour or so, the heart really begins to blossom, with florals blended so skillfully that it's difficult to pick out what one is smelling. I know there is rose and jasmine, but I cannot smell each individually. This stage is warm and delicious and inviting, casting a golden glow all around me. It finally dries down to a beautifully rich base of sandalwood, vetiver, and musk.
I've heard this saying before, with regards to classic perfumes, and I repeat it now: TRY THE PARFUM!
My mother always wore the eau de cologne formulation, and it smelled wonderful on her, but I never enjoyed the powderiness. Turns out I was trying the wrong strength.
I just bought a bottle of extrait de parfum - it was old, it had been opened and used, but the price was very cheap - and tried it, and I am stunned. I thought I knew what No. 5 smelled like, but I really had no idea.
The parfum does open with those scintillating, bright aldehydes, along with some citrus I had never smelled before. After an hour or so, the heart really begins to blossom, with florals blended so skillfully that it's difficult to pick out what one is smelling. I know there is rose and jasmine, but I cannot smell each individually. This stage is warm and delicious and inviting, casting a golden glow all around me. It finally dries down to a beautifully rich base of sandalwood, vetiver, and musk.
I've heard this saying before, with regards to classic perfumes, and I repeat it now: TRY THE PARFUM!
06/09/09 15:28:41
I think No. 5 remains alive through Chanel's great work of marketing itself. It remains a top seller and people are drawn into the belief that No. 5 is the scent of quintessential femininity. It helps as well that a sex goddess has been associated with it too.
All three strengths (EdT, EdP, and Parfum) have a different interpretation. The parfum is the only one that contains Chanel's special type of jasmine from Grasse and is exclusive the them and them only. It is definitely evident when compared to the EdP, which incorporates jasmine from different regions of the world. The parfum is unmistakably feminine and sweet (of jasmine). The EdP is my favorite, created sometime in the 80s, I believe. It contains more woody and leather like nuances. It communicates an assertive strength. The EdT seems to contain a lot of citrus and seems to make you wonder what this perfume is all about.
Bottom line, it is definitely a classic and is deserving of a permanent place in perfumery. IMO, I am not a Nose, but I seem to think that No. 5 needs more work in filling in the "spaces" in the perfume. The transitions can be a bit rough, as if the perfume was rushed, but many of those who enjoy this perfume might not really notice it.
People who seem to not like No. 5 is usually those who do not warm up to aldehydes. Hopefully No. 5 Eau Premiere gives them a chance to wear No. 5's mystique comfortably.
All three strengths (EdT, EdP, and Parfum) have a different interpretation. The parfum is the only one that contains Chanel's special type of jasmine from Grasse and is exclusive the them and them only. It is definitely evident when compared to the EdP, which incorporates jasmine from different regions of the world. The parfum is unmistakably feminine and sweet (of jasmine). The EdP is my favorite, created sometime in the 80s, I believe. It contains more woody and leather like nuances. It communicates an assertive strength. The EdT seems to contain a lot of citrus and seems to make you wonder what this perfume is all about.
Bottom line, it is definitely a classic and is deserving of a permanent place in perfumery. IMO, I am not a Nose, but I seem to think that No. 5 needs more work in filling in the "spaces" in the perfume. The transitions can be a bit rough, as if the perfume was rushed, but many of those who enjoy this perfume might not really notice it.
People who seem to not like No. 5 is usually those who do not warm up to aldehydes. Hopefully No. 5 Eau Premiere gives them a chance to wear No. 5's mystique comfortably.
06/08/09 18:29:33
I wore this scent to my end of 9 th grade prom. Actually I do not own a bottle of my own. But mum does and when she spritzed the scent on my skin just before I walked out the door. I actually love this scent so much it smells like England somehow. By that I mean that the rosy yet so very spicy and sexy scent.Reminds of the smell of bedrooms in old English houses. Oh yeah I grabbed one of those test tubes with this perfume yestirday.
05/22/09 01:27:12
I hate to say this, as it is such a classic, but it reminds me of the smell in a public bathroom. Some mass industrial company must have copied the scent of No. 5 and added it to their cleaning products and shipped it all over the world, as I've smelled this exact scent in so many bathroom air fresheners. Sounds gross, but I guess it isn't too bad. When this sits on the skin, it seems to meld into the pores and become a part of the wearer. I don't feel like I am wearing perfume when I try this on, it seems like the scent of a light powder on the skin. Nice enough, but I don't know if it warrants the high price tag and the glamourous status.
05/14/09 16:58:18
I've only recently begun to appreciate this perfume, and it's been a long journey. The first time I tried it, I was stunned by its lack of glamour. I really wanted to love it but could not get past the soapiness. Had I given it time to develop on my skin that day, I would have learned that the soapiness transforms itself into a soft, powdery sweetness which is so much more beautiful than I'd expected.
There are a lot of aldehydes in this perfume, though I detect a lot more of them in the EDP, as opposed to the EDT, which seems lighter and more citrusy to my nose.
I don't get a lot of complexity from No. 5; there is a lot of jasmine, rose, powder (probably the iris) and maybe just a slight touch of vanilla, which is hard to detect. I do get a very strong scent of almonds, at least for the first couple of hours, after which, there's the smell of waxiness that a lot of older scents (like Mitsouko) tend to have (that might be civet). I don't care for the waxiness and think the perfume would be better without it, but overall, it's lovely and a classic and the wax is worth putting up with to enjoy such a legendary fragrance.
It's not for me, yet. I'm still a Coco/Coco Mademoiselle girl, but maybe I'll enjoy wearing it someday when I'm older, as I've grown to like it a lot more over the past decade when I've revisited it.
There are a lot of aldehydes in this perfume, though I detect a lot more of them in the EDP, as opposed to the EDT, which seems lighter and more citrusy to my nose.
I don't get a lot of complexity from No. 5; there is a lot of jasmine, rose, powder (probably the iris) and maybe just a slight touch of vanilla, which is hard to detect. I do get a very strong scent of almonds, at least for the first couple of hours, after which, there's the smell of waxiness that a lot of older scents (like Mitsouko) tend to have (that might be civet). I don't care for the waxiness and think the perfume would be better without it, but overall, it's lovely and a classic and the wax is worth putting up with to enjoy such a legendary fragrance.
It's not for me, yet. I'm still a Coco/Coco Mademoiselle girl, but maybe I'll enjoy wearing it someday when I'm older, as I've grown to like it a lot more over the past decade when I've revisited it.
05/13/09 10:26:25
I had the opportunity to smell this perfume this past weekend, and my initial reaction was: "what the heck is that smell?!" It was very strong and acidic...and I couldn't figure out what the perfume was supposed to smell like. I'm going to give it another go...hopefully this next weekend, and see how I feel about it. Right now, it's just too strong and strange smelling for me.
05/12/09 16:53:06
Sometimes it's worth revisiting perfumes that you don't particularly like. Often, I've happily found my tastes have changed & I can begin to understand the fragrance. Occasionally, you just find out why you really can't get along.
Sadly, it's the latter for No5 & me...my Marilyn seductress fantasies will never come to fruition. Those aldehydes & syntheic delights make me feel nauseus & headachey & I can't even try to enjoy other facets of this classic.
It does, however, bring back distant memories of opening ancient powder compacts, then sneaking a dab from the huge bottle belonging to a fabulously tweedy lady who said "THEY say perfume, WE say scent". I thought the powdery, soapy chemically headache haze I sniffed was frightfully grown-up & what all true ladies would wear.
So, maybe I'll never wear No5, but it was nice to take a trip down memory lane.
Sadly, it's the latter for No5 & me...my Marilyn seductress fantasies will never come to fruition. Those aldehydes & syntheic delights make me feel nauseus & headachey & I can't even try to enjoy other facets of this classic.
It does, however, bring back distant memories of opening ancient powder compacts, then sneaking a dab from the huge bottle belonging to a fabulously tweedy lady who said "THEY say perfume, WE say scent". I thought the powdery, soapy chemically headache haze I sniffed was frightfully grown-up & what all true ladies would wear.
So, maybe I'll never wear No5, but it was nice to take a trip down memory lane.
05/12/09 16:08:50
I also used this in the 90's but i've never finished the bottle. Actually i continue having half full bottle in my bathroom but more for decoration than other thing...
But i recognize that it's a conservative scent, luxury scent, with too much class, lasting, etc...
But i recognize that it's a conservative scent, luxury scent, with too much class, lasting, etc...
05/11/09 18:31:29
I finally treated myself to an EdP of this lovely and amazing scent.
Chanel No. 5 is the ultimate statement in class and femininity. It is multi-layered and long-lived, and takes a good six hours or so to fully reveal itself. Soapy, sophisticated aldehydes yield to my favorite phase, the beautiful floral heart notes, in about 20 minutes. The florals linger for a couple hours, and then begins one of the most incredible dry-downs in perfume history. Over the next few hours, there are distinct phases of sweet vanilla, then less sweet vanilla-amber, then a dry woodsy amber and finally the last hints of patchouli and vetiver. What a work of art!
If it's not the right time in your life for you to wear it, it won't smell pleasant to you. But come back and visit No. 5 again in two years, five years or even 10 years. On one of these later visits, when the time is right, you'll catch a whiff and your nose will respond with a deep and satisfying, "Yesssssssssssss!"
Chanel No. 5 is the ultimate statement in class and femininity. It is multi-layered and long-lived, and takes a good six hours or so to fully reveal itself. Soapy, sophisticated aldehydes yield to my favorite phase, the beautiful floral heart notes, in about 20 minutes. The florals linger for a couple hours, and then begins one of the most incredible dry-downs in perfume history. Over the next few hours, there are distinct phases of sweet vanilla, then less sweet vanilla-amber, then a dry woodsy amber and finally the last hints of patchouli and vetiver. What a work of art!
If it's not the right time in your life for you to wear it, it won't smell pleasant to you. But come back and visit No. 5 again in two years, five years or even 10 years. On one of these later visits, when the time is right, you'll catch a whiff and your nose will respond with a deep and satisfying, "Yesssssssssssss!"
05/03/09 16:00:39
It's my classy, all grown up perfume. It lasts forever!!
05/03/09 08:12:42
Femenine and soapy, but I don´t think this is a luxurious smell. Definitely nothing special
04/21/09 07:45:59
This is one of those "of course I have it" perfumes. No point writing a review! that's all been done many times before - I wear it infrequently but I recognise it as a total classic on every level. Love the bottle too!
03/31/09 23:21:46
I have it as a pure parfum.
I got it as a present from a charming gentleman, just like in old movies.
It reminds me of Marilyn Monroe.
Its very intimate and the best time to wear it is when you are with your lover, in bed, dressed up in a white silk night gown, your hair curled, falling gently down your chest, soft red lips, passionate eyes who show the deepest darkest places of your soul..
because this is a 'Parfum', with the big P; so perfect, so sophisticated, so elegant, so gentle, so strong, so cosy.. cosy is the right word, cosy and luxurious, a real diamond, and as a diamond it will last forever, just like Marilyn.
I got it as a present from a charming gentleman, just like in old movies.
It reminds me of Marilyn Monroe.
Its very intimate and the best time to wear it is when you are with your lover, in bed, dressed up in a white silk night gown, your hair curled, falling gently down your chest, soft red lips, passionate eyes who show the deepest darkest places of your soul..
because this is a 'Parfum', with the big P; so perfect, so sophisticated, so elegant, so gentle, so strong, so cosy.. cosy is the right word, cosy and luxurious, a real diamond, and as a diamond it will last forever, just like Marilyn.
03/29/09 14:25:54
The profuse aldehydic opening of No5 can be extremely soapy and waxy but, not unpleasant. No5's opening reminds me of Ma Griffe without the citrus. Initially, I was unimpressed with this classic. However, after about the third day of wearing it I began to relinquish my preconceived notions of what I thought it could---should---would be. I gave into the fragrant masterpiece that it is-allowing it to develop on my skin with my body heat and with my body chemistry. As it unfolds the waxiness quickly dissipates and the soapiness becomes less so. The floral notes begin to emerge and they relentlessly lure you back to your wrists...time and time again. It is the drydown that hooked me...that faint smell of dove soap infused ever so delicately with neroli, jasmine, sandalwood and...(some sources say) civet? I love...dove soap, I love neroli, I love jasmine, I love sandalwood, and I love civet. I love Chanel...I love............. No5.
03/20/09 13:42:23
Am I the only one to think that Chanel Nº5 is good on men? Honestly, I wear it and it gets me compliments from ladies!
03/15/09 08:38:37
I hate the top notes but I really like the middle and base notes. It's a good smell, ideal for sensual et seductive attitude. I think it's good for mature womans.
03/05/09 17:44:17
first bought this 20 years ago, at the airport on my way to my first proper grown-up holiday. it was love at first squirt and it made me feel grown-up, free and in control of my life at last. went on to no.19 for several years, but about 6 years ago discovered it again and haven't stopped since. what i like also is that all the different concentrations smell different. the edt is ideal for work, the p in the spray bottle is more for evenings/special occasions. nothing flowery about that one, the base contains a distinctly animal whiff, must be the civet i suppose. my cat loves it. nothing innocent or old ladyish about it either. maybe like a white fluffy cat that suddenly emits a blood-curdling growl. the edt, while maybe having a hint of old lady/times past, makes me feel calm and in-charge, as if i'm protected from negative influences and chaos around me by some golden bubble. when i wear it i feel i can take on the world.
03/05/09 16:47:25
my mom wears this quite often, and on her it smells nice. whenever i wear it though, i find it to be too strong and powdery...it's kind of hard to explain, but it sort of turned sour and musty on me...? maybe it has to do with the fact that i'm only 16 haha :) this would probably suit a mature, sophisticated lady only. i'm pretty sure that was chanel's intended target anyway.
03/05/09 07:18:02
I can't wear it, it gives me a powdery headache. I did try it as a kid, my grandma's bottle. It's the same, every time I go back I get the powdery scent. So many notes mixed that they become a mesh.
02/25/09 13:54:28
I believe that it takes a very brave person to say they don't like Chanel No.5. Unfortunately all I get from this fragrance is powder and soap. The Chanel sales assistant told me that my skin chemistry went well with this perfume and although I agreed that I enjoyed it to a certain extent, I know I won't be adding No. 5 to my wishlist.
Perhaps it is my young age that makes me dislike most Chanel fragrances, but I respect them for being universally recognised and incredibly popular. This fragrance is very dependant on a person with the right skin chemistry, sophistication, class and maturity. On the wrong person it could be a disaster.
Perhaps it is my young age that makes me dislike most Chanel fragrances, but I respect them for being universally recognised and incredibly popular. This fragrance is very dependant on a person with the right skin chemistry, sophistication, class and maturity. On the wrong person it could be a disaster.
02/22/09 23:23:07
Femininity is timeless!
A bouqet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity and a legendary elegance.
It's a refined floral soft fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of modern florals and balanced notes.
A bouqet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity and a legendary elegance.
It's a refined floral soft fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of modern florals and balanced notes.
02/14/09 13:44:48
This was my mum's signature scent, sadly she no longer around but everytime i smell this i think of her fondly. Very classy fragrance.
02/09/09 15:57:04
This one is an old favourite and I wear it (the Eau de Parfum) and have worn it for years. It still says class to me; and can be worn any season, anytime of day, and for any activity. The scent is robust with mai rose and jasmine with of course the famous aldehydes.
It is still around for good reason!
It is still around for good reason!
01/28/09 20:39:43
Expensive soap with a bit of bergamot on top. That's how it smells on my skin.
01/27/09 19:07:31
I'll be brutally honest: I never could understand the supposed allure of this fragrance. (I say "supposed" because I have a nagging suspicion that many people don't REALLY like it, only think they "should" ;))
I adore classic perfumes and stay away from anything melony, sugary, or even vanilla and musk; I also happen to adore floral aldehydes.
But this one... It's one of the few perfumes that give me an actual headache, and its scent is just clinging, and HEAVY (not in a good way, more like a sledge hammer ;-)
The one time I was wearing it, I actually left a party so I could go and scrub it off me ASAP! (A quick visit to the bathroom to wash my wrists and back of the neck didn't help.)
Worst of all, I find it doesn't evoke ANYTHING in me: no images, no yearnings... nothing. Perfumes always tend to evoke more or less poetic descriptions in me (as is usual with fragrance lovers - witness the comments on this very website ;).
But this one... I couldn't describe it in a poetic way, if my life depended on it.
I do like Chanel's "Nro 19" and "Mademoiselle", though. And they like me. ;)
I adore classic perfumes and stay away from anything melony, sugary, or even vanilla and musk; I also happen to adore floral aldehydes.
But this one... It's one of the few perfumes that give me an actual headache, and its scent is just clinging, and HEAVY (not in a good way, more like a sledge hammer ;-)
The one time I was wearing it, I actually left a party so I could go and scrub it off me ASAP! (A quick visit to the bathroom to wash my wrists and back of the neck didn't help.)
Worst of all, I find it doesn't evoke ANYTHING in me: no images, no yearnings... nothing. Perfumes always tend to evoke more or less poetic descriptions in me (as is usual with fragrance lovers - witness the comments on this very website ;).
But this one... I couldn't describe it in a poetic way, if my life depended on it.
I do like Chanel's "Nro 19" and "Mademoiselle", though. And they like me. ;)
01/27/09 17:35:58
I have had this one bought for me a couple of times.
Just doesn't agree with me, sorry, I use it as room freshener!
19 I love, the Allures and Coco Mademoiselle all wonderful.
Just doesn't agree with me, sorry, I use it as room freshener!
19 I love, the Allures and Coco Mademoiselle all wonderful.
01/21/09 15:53:04
yeah i think so too... chanel 5 is definitely like an icon... i mean even rachel from friends wore it... but i think it is for a specific lady, not for me... on me it smells like powder mixed with alcohol, not sophisticated or lovely at all! :(
01/15/09 21:44:07
In the ocean new clone perfumes that smell the same, it appears like a precious icon. The composition is like a sound made by an orchestra. Every component is unique but they breath as one. Classy and timeless, feminine and gentle. Like Beatles, black dress, pearls, first date...everybody*s experience, memories,secret wishes...
01/15/09 18:17:21
This one is a total classic,the smell is very strong but nice and femenine,i really liked it.:)
01/15/09 14:58:49
i have this 5 i very love this perfume fells like marilyn monroe
01/03/09 23:14:26
My mother has the EdP, EdT and a tiny bottle of pure parfum. It is the most incredible thing ever produced. It's a classic but not old or dated. When I wear it I feel like walking at the Champs Elysees in the roaring twenties. I'm in love. Truth is, you can be young to wear it and it's even possible in warm summerdays. But you will need to have a certain class. Else you just indeed might smell like "old lady".
12/24/08 15:09:36
I prefer the EDP over the EDT. The EDT is sharp to my nose where the edp is softer. No. 5 becomes a part of me and blends well with my chemistry. I don't wear it often, but when I do I feel ultra feminine. It reminds me of soft ivory skin with pink undertones.
Old Lady? Yes, and no. If you over spray and wear it with orange lipstick, blue eye shadow and a tacky fur coat, then yes, No.5 is very old lady.
No, if you are sexy, trendy and/or confident. Don't look for a fragrance to fix your character flaws because sister, it ain't gonna happen!
Old Lady? Yes, and no. If you over spray and wear it with orange lipstick, blue eye shadow and a tacky fur coat, then yes, No.5 is very old lady.
No, if you are sexy, trendy and/or confident. Don't look for a fragrance to fix your character flaws because sister, it ain't gonna happen!
12/18/08 05:57:33
this is the perfume that wins them all but its not for little girls ,its for more moture women
12/18/08 02:47:11
I bought this perfume because it was the kind Marilyn Monroe use to wear, But i do not like this smell taht much. I will wear it hear and there, but i tend to stay away from it. Its a very classic perfume, and maybe a romantic night out.
11/30/08 15:39:19
This is the only perfume my husband likes, and he buys it for me for Christmas, but to me, it is an "old lady" scent. I tried to like it, but it smells rather bland on me.
11/29/08 16:58:59
Even (wo)men who don't know or don't care anythig about perfumes can drop this label when asked. It is a classic of all classics in the world of luxurious perfumes, yes, but I find it too difficult to relate to. Maybe I'm not the right generation or something; the famous "fivey" just isn't the one for me whatever the reason.
11/28/08 06:34:32
Legend has it that only the parfum version of Chanel No. 5 is the "real thing," having been approved by Madame Chanel herself all those decades ago, and that all other versions of the scent are deliberate reinterpretations of the original. I have never tested the edp, and could never afford anything but the edt, but I finally had a chance to sniff "the real thing" itself and was absolutely floored. Chanel No. 5 parfum is a gorgeous, marble-smooth wonder, a tactile reminder of an era when women were just beginning to emerge from their cocoons, both literally and figuratively, in all their feminine glory.
11/27/08 14:14:41
Now I kinda like it on others, but in doubt that I will wear it myself. Too classic it is.
And there's a note I can't stand. It's sharp and annoyingly too fresh. Huh aldehydes... It's very soapy on me. Whenever I wear it it reminds me of my grandma, whenever I smell it on others... it's gorgeous.
Anyway this fragrance is something very unique, but only because it has history. I'll try it again sometime...
And there's a note I can't stand. It's sharp and annoyingly too fresh. Huh aldehydes... It's very soapy on me. Whenever I wear it it reminds me of my grandma, whenever I smell it on others... it's gorgeous.
Anyway this fragrance is something very unique, but only because it has history. I'll try it again sometime...
11/24/08 08:33:29
I completely love No. 5; I've only been able to afford the EDT, but I wear it constantly. The aldehyde blast at the beginning is brilliant; it smells so clean to me, and so completely unlike anything else. The drydown is amazing, too; it smells so warm and soft. It's a very subtle scent on me, definitely something that another person would have to get extremely close to smell, and that makes it absolutely perfect.
11/16/08 12:16:12
It's an absolute classic. Aldehyde+floral note goes excellent on me, a touch of #5 really changes the way of thinking, talking, moving.
Stays on me almost all day.
Stays on me almost all day.
11/15/08 15:26:57
I used to wear this years and years ago! Very strong, lasts all day so only a little needed. Smells like a billion flowers laying in the sun on a far away island. A bit powdery but nice, gives it great warmth.
11/12/08 10:36:01
A fragrance from the past that is highly overrated and which equates to an "old" smelling scent. It's not for me now or ever has been. I have always preferred Chanel's Cuir de Russie which I picked up in Paris years ago as Chanel's best of the yesteryear formulations followed by the au courant #19.
10/27/08 08:30:18
I got it as a present about 6-7 years ago, when I was fond of Angel, which was my only perfume during many years. I was not able to perceive any other perfume at that time. So, I didn't like Chanel No 5, I couldn't wear it. Recently I discovered its beauty and also huge difference of scents in different concentrations. One of perfumes, which is welcome to my "nostalgic" collection. I would prefer to have Chanel No 5 only in perfume extract.
P.S. I agree with Chaosnmotion: "A true lover of fragrance doesn't associate their like or dislike of the scent with their personal opinion of the person's name (face) who is on it..."
P.S. I agree with Chaosnmotion: "A true lover of fragrance doesn't associate their like or dislike of the scent with their personal opinion of the person's name (face) who is on it..."
10/24/08 12:04:10
I love this. When I wear this my friend val can never guess. we both love trying new romantic, light scents with vanila and try guesing what the other has on. i enjoy something diff everyday. Debi
10/24/08 04:00:00
i know that this perfume is a symbol of feminity..but i do not think that is for every woman out there..i find it very strong on my skin..it`s like choking me..i hope you all enjoy it
10/23/08 16:29:46
well,I do wear it sometimes,well,some friends of mine told me that I smell very good but personally I don't really like it ,it smells very superficial on me, a scent without depth,but I don't want to complain it that much if you don't like it you don't need to buy it and wear it but I think I will not buy it again but I think the body powder and lotion do smells great.Not the edp,it smells very weird on me I just don't hate it but not in love with it
10/21/08 00:35:20
it belongs to another century, and decade, couldn't use it, different upbringing, different personality. If I had to choose the scent for myself from the first half of the 20th century it would be Robert Piquet 'Fracas', which match me much better, but perhaps it mesmerizes me more than match, don't know.However I like complex composition of Chanel N5, especialy if I had to smell it and not to wear
10/20/08 14:36:54
It is a classic! But It is not for me. It is hard for me to believe that Marilyn Monroe, the most beautiful starlet in the world smelled like like this perfume. Maybe 50 years ago, but not now. The only thing I love about it is the name.
10/16/08 18:03:51
I smelled it... and I didn't like it at all!!! Neither of my girl-friends didn't.
Sorry... I really didn't like it
Sorry... I really didn't like it
10/15/08 15:08:31
This scent is sophisticated and warm. I find the staying power to be excellent. The top notes,I regret to say, are off-putting to me. But when the perfume settles onto the skin, it is so spicy and warm that it is intoxicating. Body chemistry is such an amazing thing because on my skin I don't get the powdery scent for which I am thankful as I do not particularly care for that. Maybe it is partly because of its acclaimed reputation, but I do think of this perfume as smelling "expensive".
10/14/08 07:51:26
I love how Chanel No. 5 changes on me throughout the day. I love it most after I have worn it for a few hours. I love its complexity...elegant, feminine and sexy.
10/14/08 05:21:15
Luscious and elegant, this scent embodies the comforting aura of my mother's presence. I smell it every time I borrow scarves and other clothes : really my own Proust's madeleine !
Faded away on the spot every time it touched my skin though, too bad !
Faded away on the spot every time it touched my skin though, too bad !
10/12/08 09:50:51
I was given the parfum of this for Christmas a couple of years ago, before I had really started to appreciate perfume. The aldehydes in the beginning put me off completely, too sharp and harsh. But I dabbed it on again today, determined to see if my 2 years of perfume education had changed my mind. the aldehydes still make me wrinkle my nose at first, but now I can smell past them, after 5 minutes I can smell the florals, not the individual rose or jasmine, but a nice general floral. But what I discovered is that I completely love the drydown. After an hour it becomes a dark mysterious, sweet amber, with a hint of floral and wood. I have been lusting after a warm amber, and considering splurging on Serge Lutens Amber Sultan, but now I think I will just wear more of Chanel No 5 this fall. It's more subtle and closer to the skin than Amber Sultan, and without the herbs and spices, but it's a beautiful alternative for now.
10/09/08 09:11:28
Since it's a classic, I'll be short: I dislike it, it goes sour in hot climates and it's probably not for the younger.
09/29/08 00:42:06
I don't understand why it is a symbol of good taste.....
09/24/08 05:35:03
It's my mum signature fragrance for Winter!
It's classy and powerful scent!
Unforgettable!
It's classy and powerful scent!
Unforgettable!
09/17/08 04:35:45
I appreciate it for being a classic, but Chanel no. 5 is definitely not for me. I like the jasmine in it (which is especially predominant in the pure parfum version), but mostly I get strong, warm baby powder from this, which makes me not a fan. Perhaps it is convenient that I don't care for this scent, because my boyfriend finds this to be the worst fragrance out there--which suprises me since so many people love this, including men. When it comes to Chanel fragrances, I'll stick to Coco Mademoiselle, which has more of a fun, sexy edge to it. Love Allure as well.
08/14/08 07:51:34
Tried wearing for a week and it was not me.I have nothing against "classic" which means old because I love Youth Dew.I have the EDP and no staying power, have to spritz lots but the good news is, it is not an offensive smell and most elderly women I take care of recognize the smell and commends me for my good taste ha..ha..ha...and I think that was good.
08/05/08 11:53:33
one of the most famous, treasured, classic and all time fragrance of the world!! Definitely chanel No.5 is feminity i love it pure elegance like only chanel house can bring it to us!
08/01/08 18:50:11
A scent I return to time and time again. I personally prefer to wear the EDP as I like its glamour and tenacity, and I agree that the EDT smells like a totally different perfume, albeit still *very* pretty. I feel chic and confidently feminine when I wear this, though an ex once told me that when I wore it I smelled like 'an old toilet'! The cheek! Still, I remain undiscouraged and have a particular reverence for this classic scent. Its staying power on the market must tell us something -- this is a very fine fragrance indeed. My only gripe is that Chanel recently chose Nicole Kidman to front this scent -- yuk! That's enough to put me off buying it!
08/01/08 03:24:19
I bought it because of it's huge fame. What a mistake! Perfume, itself, smells gorgeous, after my opinion, but the staying power is absolutely weak! Not like it, not buy it again!
07/12/08 06:43:28
beautiful, classic smell
my sister's signature scent and the ONLY person i think of when i smell it...therefore it smells like someone i love and cherish.
my sister's signature scent and the ONLY person i think of when i smell it...therefore it smells like someone i love and cherish.
07/08/08 17:50:19
I definetely agree that Cnanel No5 EDT version works many times better that the EDP. EDP is darker, richer, but EDT is more feminine, softer, milder with all beautiness of the EDP. When I wear Chanel 5 EDT I get many compliments on my beautiful nice smell, EDP has never made me or others feel or say the same.
06/22/08 06:52:55
I simply love it but must say that the eau de toilette works better for me than eau de parfum.
06/22/08 05:00:18
I agree, Marianne. I've always hated Chanel No. 5 because of how it became something nasty-smelling on my skin. But, when I gave my bottle away to someone, she tested it on herself, and it was like a different perfume. So, I chalk it up to skin chemistry. Chanel No. 5 doesn't like me, I don't like her, and we agree to stay out of each other's way.
06/13/08 15:49:15
Chanel No. 5 develops so differently on different people...on both my mother and my teacher it doesn't bother me but on myself and in the bottle, it's one of the worst fragrances ever, I would say. I mean, it does have different notes and it might be well-balanced, but this intense (aldehyde?) note is extremely dislikeable to me. And I'm afraid, I won't change my opinion this time ;-)
06/13/08 13:28:04
Chanel 5 is the best in the perfume extract, elixir is good too.
10/20/07 19:03:54
I left this in the trunk of a car I totaled, and I miss it. It's beautiful.
10/20/07 17:54:15
Very sensual and seductive, still clearly remember it like some La Perla perfumes... simply can't be forgotten.
09/23/07 12:54:05
The definition of classic. Unfortunately does not work well on my skin, it turns powdery. Great on my friend , though!
09/20/07 16:29:45
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