Chanel N°5 by Chanel
For: women Designer: Chanel Olfactive Group: Floral Aldehyde
!
Video
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:
add review
I was given chanel no.5 as a gift. edp. as i am a great fan of powdery type fragrances, i thought this would be great for me, as i need a good staying parfume. Sad to say, it just doesn't go with me somehow! I don't feel comfortable wearing it, and i think it's because it doesn't smell on me as it should, for some reason. I am very dissapointed i feel like this, as in the bottle it smells heavenly. I must feel comfortable with my parfums, like i do with Boucheron, my all time favorite! But i will keep it, and keep trying to like it, or perhaps it will grow on me!!
03/12/10 07:04:49
A rich and classy scent that can turn any girl into a fine damme. The smell is clean and classy. It took me a while to appreciate such a scent like Caleche by Hermes, but now I can smell the beauty in Chanel #5.
03/04/10 12:50:56
Today I smelled this on someone else, and now I know how it is SUPPOSED to smell. She smelled so fresh and clean, with a little bit of oakmoss and civet. It was delightful, and uncommon. I had to ask her what she was wearing. Chanel No. 5?! OMG. That is not what it smells like on me.
02/23/10 21:03:15
Today i recieved a vital of Chanel No 5
The holy grail of all perfumes
the most covented sort after perfumes
in the whole world. it's inspiered by
Artists Film Litature Actresses and Pop culture. the addicting scent of Aldehydes addes the powderly Element
the mixure of neroli citruses Jasmine
and it dries down to refined woods.
I Love the golden Licqur of this perfume
it reminds you walking though a Palace of Rare Gold. and i love the trade mark bottle very Simple not Gaudy Cheap loud Minimalistic Less is more
I Will give this a 5!
The holy grail of all perfumes
the most covented sort after perfumes
in the whole world. it's inspiered by
Artists Film Litature Actresses and Pop culture. the addicting scent of Aldehydes addes the powderly Element
the mixure of neroli citruses Jasmine
and it dries down to refined woods.
I Love the golden Licqur of this perfume
it reminds you walking though a Palace of Rare Gold. and i love the trade mark bottle very Simple not Gaudy Cheap loud Minimalistic Less is more
I Will give this a 5!
02/22/10 17:37:20
a little heavy for me. suitable for mature woman in formal occasion, just like nicole kidman in her red dress in the advertisement.
02/22/10 05:03:17
i am very sad :-( I LOVE Chanel, but I do not like no.5. I feel like I ought to, and i honestly tried to, but I just don't! i even have the edt. I am 28, and to me it just smells too dated. I decided to test it out by wearing it out one night, and by a couple of hours into the night I was bored with it. Actually I could not even smell it anymore, & I had only applied it around 9pm. For the record, I absolutely love Coco, Coco Mademoiselle, and I just won a bottle of Chance parfum extrait so we'll see how that goes....
02/20/10 19:52:56
I know this is supposed to be the ultimate classic but I truly hate it. Very stale and old lady smell. Like the bottle though.
02/18/10 03:46:35
I had this and gave it away when I was younger- maybe I need a re-smell. Have always smelt old peoples homes when I smell this- and I've worked in them so I know what I'm talking about; Urine, tweed talc and rich tea biscuits; Or maybe they were all just wearing Chanel No 5!
02/12/10 05:33:40
I will always be besotted by the aroma of Chanel# 5.I would love #5 even if Marilyn Monroe hadn't worn it to bed, I would love it even if Gabrielle Chanel had not requested a perfume be made with her name that didn't smell of flowers.In the 20's women only had floral options or citrus options ( think 4711) now you surely have some idea what such a limited range of scents might do to a lady. Even if I found the same elixer at my local Five n Dime store housed in a tacky plastic bottle, I would still buy it and be crazy about it. Chanel No.5 is the ONLY perfume with aldehydes that I love..Notice I use the word love not like, or admire.I will always love it for it's gorgeous aroma, long lasting effects, and entrancing sillage.My husband absolutely loves it as well,a man with a limited vocabulary to describe what he smells. Either my perfumes are ''too sweet'' ''too floral'' or smell like oh and I cringe at the usage of ''old lady'' but the man uses it.We are in our early 30's, so it's utterly amazing to me that when I use No.5 he swoons.I don't know about you but I love it when my perfumes effect my husband in a positive way. To my nose the aldehydes in this fragrance does capture the intent of the nose behind it..Ernest Beaux is known to have created this scent after spending a weekend relaxing by a lake or the ocean, not sure I do know that his desire was to capture the essence of the water at midnight, the moon, the air and water bottled..I believe he created many versions of Chanel No. 5, with the 5th labeled strain being the one Mademoiselle Chanel picked.I can't say for the rest of you, but to my nose it was a lovely choice.
This review if for the perfume, I'm not in love with the edp or the edt. Just f.y.i....giggle
This review if for the perfume, I'm not in love with the edp or the edt. Just f.y.i....giggle
02/09/10 12:30:02
Scent is definitely an individual thing, including Chanel 5. I absolutely cannot wear Eternity without it turning into the smell of cheap aeresol hairspray. On others, it's the elixir of goddesses. That's what Chanel #5 is to me...an elixir of a goddess. It is refined, elegant, beautiful and regal..without shouting to be noticed. Chanel #5 is definitely a lady who knows she's also a woman!!! It is and will probably continue to be my all-time favorite scent.
02/06/10 20:04:12
Ultra feminine and sexy like an aura of waxy candle smoke swirling in the air, in a room full of flowers, and mixing with your own skin scent.
02/03/10 14:17:15
Amazing how many reviews are opposite, bothers me what every good feedback gets immediately reply,as to reduce the beauty of this classic. I don't understand why some people bother enthusiastic feedback about No.5, btw review by weegee is exactly the experience that I have myself wearing this lovely perfume, I read it several times.
Fortunately there are a lot of perfumes for all of us, but we must have tolerance. Chanel No.5 has a loyal audience and let us enjoy it.
Fortunately there are a lot of perfumes for all of us, but we must have tolerance. Chanel No.5 has a loyal audience and let us enjoy it.
02/02/10 13:47:24
Chanel No 5 is neither subtle nor bold to my nose...I can see the beauty in Mitsouko, L'Heure Bleue and Samsara, and Shalimar too, so it's a matter of tastes, with all due respect. You don't have to like Chanel to be a woman, for crying out loud. Do you have to like aldehydes to be a woman?
I like Coco, but I will never love this. I will update Fragrantica in 20 years or so, and I'll bet you my favorite bottle of perfume that I won't become enamoured with No 5. At least its not offensive to me, and I can say "I'm fine with this perfume, you can wear it of you like!" I've smelled it on far too many women to see the point of anyone else wearing it-Ladies, we need a new No 5!
I like Coco, but I will never love this. I will update Fragrantica in 20 years or so, and I'll bet you my favorite bottle of perfume that I won't become enamoured with No 5. At least its not offensive to me, and I can say "I'm fine with this perfume, you can wear it of you like!" I've smelled it on far too many women to see the point of anyone else wearing it-Ladies, we need a new No 5!
02/02/10 12:48:09
Perfumes are like art , appreciated by some , disparaged by others , considered by some , omitted by others , loved by some , & most certainly hated by others .
so absolutely no problem about hating , bashing , even disrespecting a given materialistic object like a parfum like Chanel No5 . its just free points of view . & truely its a matter of nose , tendency & most importantly a matter of comforted choice.
For me , apparently i am an ardent loyal wearer not a mere follower , to the Grand favourite ( in my eyes ) No5 for over than 18 years & Yet i respect & admire the No5 enemies' ( haters' ) reviews or simply the non-appreciators' opinions . it never shook my Love & deep-seated Respect to it , on the contrary i grew more appreciating of the vastly varied tastes & inclinations in all of us as human-beings .
unfortunately i got sort of estranged highly different kind of taste in perfumery which obligates me to choose a perfume which would reflect as possible who i really am from the inside out , hence the severe coldness & distance i aspire to in my carefully selected choices , deeply contradicting most respected ladies in my life in their tastes & choices of their perfumes, who most often will dictate their preferences of being warm , inviting , comfortable-to-wear & certainly "lovable" types of perfumes ,
for example , No5 is deeply loved by me & mother severly rejected by all of my sisters & female relatives & friends , even my 85 years old English grand-mother says that No5 is a mere joke of a scent & never liked it or even respected it actually , only loving & wearing L'heure bleue & Mitsouko & none else .
so i wouldn't necessarily say that No5 is the absolute epitome of sheer femininty and class in a bottle , rather its a reputable feminine elegant & Melancholic choice of a classic French parfum .
At last but not least , i find myself partly agreeing to some point with the respected Wegee's & Jade Paloma's reviews down there.
Hopefully we are all innermostly beautiful & open-minded women at the last . thank you .
so absolutely no problem about hating , bashing , even disrespecting a given materialistic object like a parfum like Chanel No5 . its just free points of view . & truely its a matter of nose , tendency & most importantly a matter of comforted choice.
For me , apparently i am an ardent loyal wearer not a mere follower , to the Grand favourite ( in my eyes ) No5 for over than 18 years & Yet i respect & admire the No5 enemies' ( haters' ) reviews or simply the non-appreciators' opinions . it never shook my Love & deep-seated Respect to it , on the contrary i grew more appreciating of the vastly varied tastes & inclinations in all of us as human-beings .
unfortunately i got sort of estranged highly different kind of taste in perfumery which obligates me to choose a perfume which would reflect as possible who i really am from the inside out , hence the severe coldness & distance i aspire to in my carefully selected choices , deeply contradicting most respected ladies in my life in their tastes & choices of their perfumes, who most often will dictate their preferences of being warm , inviting , comfortable-to-wear & certainly "lovable" types of perfumes ,
for example , No5 is deeply loved by me & mother severly rejected by all of my sisters & female relatives & friends , even my 85 years old English grand-mother says that No5 is a mere joke of a scent & never liked it or even respected it actually , only loving & wearing L'heure bleue & Mitsouko & none else .
so i wouldn't necessarily say that No5 is the absolute epitome of sheer femininty and class in a bottle , rather its a reputable feminine elegant & Melancholic choice of a classic French parfum .
At last but not least , i find myself partly agreeing to some point with the respected Wegee's & Jade Paloma's reviews down there.
Hopefully we are all innermostly beautiful & open-minded women at the last . thank you .
02/02/10 11:43:33
@ weegee,your words are the very essence of the eternal perfume!
02/02/10 08:30:40
Oh, ye of little experience... You princesses of youth, so certain that what you believe is the only way... May the years ahead bring you the grace to admit the error of your arrogance.
(edt) Neroli, ylang ylang, bergamot & aldehydes open this orchestration and if you're not a fan of any or all you should just avoid this altogether because your opinion will be formed long before you reach either the heart or base notes. There's no shame in not appreciating this opening chorus, but there's definitely no virtue in revealing your ignorance by trashing what you don't understand. Chacun a son gout or chacun a son nez. Keep your Jessicas, Jennifers, Britneys, Harijukus, etc.; that's OK. The priestesses of Chanel No.5 respect your preferences. But please, do not presume to insult that which you do not appreciate or understand.
No. 5's basenotes are distillations of years of experience, knowledge and confidence. No. 5 is estrogen embodied in juice that consists of mink, sable, fox fur, velvet, satin, rubies, emeralds and diamonds; the best tobacco, the best whiskey, the most glamorous and comfortable couture, the finest champagne, the oldest brandy, the most romantic of full moon's moonlight, the most powerful, sweaty & panting orgasm with your heart's desire... No. 5 is the honey, sand, sun and warmth of summer, the most melancholic of burning autumn leaves, the clearest of moonlight on winter's new fallen snow and the most energizing of spring's first blossoms. No. 5 is your lover whispering in your ear as you embrace before sleep... No. 5 is the heart, the soul and the scent of a woman. Girls, you just need to wait.
(edt) Neroli, ylang ylang, bergamot & aldehydes open this orchestration and if you're not a fan of any or all you should just avoid this altogether because your opinion will be formed long before you reach either the heart or base notes. There's no shame in not appreciating this opening chorus, but there's definitely no virtue in revealing your ignorance by trashing what you don't understand. Chacun a son gout or chacun a son nez. Keep your Jessicas, Jennifers, Britneys, Harijukus, etc.; that's OK. The priestesses of Chanel No.5 respect your preferences. But please, do not presume to insult that which you do not appreciate or understand.
No. 5's basenotes are distillations of years of experience, knowledge and confidence. No. 5 is estrogen embodied in juice that consists of mink, sable, fox fur, velvet, satin, rubies, emeralds and diamonds; the best tobacco, the best whiskey, the most glamorous and comfortable couture, the finest champagne, the oldest brandy, the most romantic of full moon's moonlight, the most powerful, sweaty & panting orgasm with your heart's desire... No. 5 is the honey, sand, sun and warmth of summer, the most melancholic of burning autumn leaves, the clearest of moonlight on winter's new fallen snow and the most energizing of spring's first blossoms. No. 5 is your lover whispering in your ear as you embrace before sleep... No. 5 is the heart, the soul and the scent of a woman. Girls, you just need to wait.
01/30/10 17:38:29
i dont understand why is this perfume that famous. its certainly smells mediocre
01/30/10 14:48:47
This is clearly one of the most timeless and elegant fragrances, and has remained one of my favourites throughout the years when others have come and gone. The deep notes are never overpowering, yet make a statement, are never too soft, nor too harsh, and in all aspects truly embody femininity in its beauty and complexity.
I have had the experience, however, of different bottles smelling completely different; some have been downright awful - a repeated occurance over the years and one that has put me off to the scent somewhat, as I am never sure what I am going to get. Chanel sales and customer service has never been helpful about this, and as a result, I have reluctantly migrated to the smaller and lighter eau de toilette which has been more consistent.
also - never liked Nicole Kidman, so her advertising it put me off it for a while - glad Audrey Tautou has done a gorgeous new ad!
I have had the experience, however, of different bottles smelling completely different; some have been downright awful - a repeated occurance over the years and one that has put me off to the scent somewhat, as I am never sure what I am going to get. Chanel sales and customer service has never been helpful about this, and as a result, I have reluctantly migrated to the smaller and lighter eau de toilette which has been more consistent.
also - never liked Nicole Kidman, so her advertising it put me off it for a while - glad Audrey Tautou has done a gorgeous new ad!
01/28/10 03:11:37
I've tried this perfume many different times in my life. First (very covertly)as a little girl, then as a sullen teenager, as a twenty-something trying to mature and most recently as a thirty-something working mother. At all stages it has never smelled right on me. I smell it on others and I instantly think the person is warm, classy and exuding taste. It never smells like an "old lady" perfume to me either unlike some of the older classic perfume house fragrances. When ever I smell it out of the bottle or on my self, I am instantly transported to being a child and counting the change in my aunt's purse, which had been the locus of a bottle of Chanel No. 5 meeting its unfortunate demise. (Interestingly, I like Hermes's Kelly Caleche, which has a floral and leather note in it.)Chanel No. 5 doesn't do it for me, but I have great time for Coco Mademoiselle and Beige.
If you can carry this fragrance off, lucky you!
If you can carry this fragrance off, lucky you!
01/24/10 06:43:44
Chanel No 5 has me in a constant game of tug of war with the winner yet to be decided.
Aldehydes pack a god awful punch and last far too long. Just when you think you'll give up on the fragrance the notes change (about 2 hours, too long to endure).
Only now do I embrace no 5 with all the love and admiration its reputation encourages. This is sensual, intimate and caressing.
But wait!
The bohemian warmth of amber and sandalwood has me reminded of an important milestone from my past and I smile with sweet reminiscent joy when I realise No 5 smells remarkably similar to the first fragrance I ever purchased.
I then laugh with hysterics
- the first perfume I ever wore was a cheap Indian oil named 'NIGHT GODDESS' which I purchased for $4 (Aus dollars) from one of those 'new age' stores.
I loved 'night goddess' then
I love 'Chanel no.5' now.
Some things never change.
Aldehydes pack a god awful punch and last far too long. Just when you think you'll give up on the fragrance the notes change (about 2 hours, too long to endure).
Only now do I embrace no 5 with all the love and admiration its reputation encourages. This is sensual, intimate and caressing.
But wait!
The bohemian warmth of amber and sandalwood has me reminded of an important milestone from my past and I smile with sweet reminiscent joy when I realise No 5 smells remarkably similar to the first fragrance I ever purchased.
I then laugh with hysterics
- the first perfume I ever wore was a cheap Indian oil named 'NIGHT GODDESS' which I purchased for $4 (Aus dollars) from one of those 'new age' stores.
I loved 'night goddess' then
I love 'Chanel no.5' now.
Some things never change.
01/22/10 19:59:19
objectively : after the hyper-doused aldehydes evaporate hours later u will be left with Gold floral ambery-vanillic slightly mossy-woody talcum powder,,,
yeah powder but is it regular or cheap ? Never , its Feminine Gold ( not golden ) powder with touch of darkness & injustifiable depressing effect.
subjectively : very tall ( 6ft. 2in. ) slender young ( 26 yr ) married physician with kohled-eyes , bitter tongue ,
ferocious nature , constantly smouldered light Merit cigarette in the left hand & ice-cold heart ,( yes unfortunately me ),,, Dr.Lioness in a Cage. Guess who is my zookeeper ? yeah Bravo No5 .
Received my 1st bottle of pure parfum Chanel No5 in my seventh birthday (do the math) , ever since been Contently beautified , mystified & saddened by my Cold , distant , cruel & rock-solid Keeper . How could I not fall for Him?
yeah powder but is it regular or cheap ? Never , its Feminine Gold ( not golden ) powder with touch of darkness & injustifiable depressing effect.
subjectively : very tall ( 6ft. 2in. ) slender young ( 26 yr ) married physician with kohled-eyes , bitter tongue ,
ferocious nature , constantly smouldered light Merit cigarette in the left hand & ice-cold heart ,( yes unfortunately me ),,, Dr.Lioness in a Cage. Guess who is my zookeeper ? yeah Bravo No5 .
Received my 1st bottle of pure parfum Chanel No5 in my seventh birthday (do the math) , ever since been Contently beautified , mystified & saddened by my Cold , distant , cruel & rock-solid Keeper . How could I not fall for Him?
01/17/10 02:11:06
a truly classic masterpiece.. so sensual, and sofisticade.. this will be a truly elegant masterpiece forever.... you have to respect this perfume, if you have good taste.....
01/11/10 19:08:48
This has been used for generations by the women in my family. Each one brings a new attitude to it. Has it changed? been reformulated? Not to my nose. It simply works differently on every woman, just like Chanel herself, intended. That is the magic of this most romantic and definitive powerhouse fragrance. Perhaps that is why there is such a divide with its lovers/haters. I imagine there are some wearers that resemble bug repellant. Whatever the results, one thing is certain, it will be different on every woman.
01/11/10 18:41:05
I can see why this is a classic.It is elegant and timeless.This was the first perfume I was given as a gift by my Grandmother.It will always have a place in my heart as my late mother in law loved No.5.But, every time I tried to use this fragrance it would always give me a headache.It goes powdery on me.Today used the bath oil and afterwards I only used the body powder it was still too strong for me and I started to feel ill.So, I think this is not for me I much perfer Coco Mademoiselle.
01/04/10 09:44:40
When I was a teen I hated this perfume- to my naive nose it was nasty, cheap and above all "old". Pensioner perfumified. My grandmother passed away in 2004 and I inherited more or less a wholesale lot of No 5. EDT, EDP and 30ml of Parfum. All unused gifts. I tried desperately to like it but, whatever formulation, I just couldn't stick it and would try (and fail) to scrub it off not an hour after application.
Then something happened, at the grand old age of 24 I had a No.5 epiphany. What once seemed musty and ancient now represented a beautiful, complicated, comforting femininity. I'd stop short of saying I have become addicted but I can't get enough. Unfortunately I have no idea of the vintage of the products I have in order to meaningfully review each but the EDT is definitely more "powdery" and softer- as you might expect and the parfum is as exquisite as a No. 5 aficionado might anticipate.
In three words- Classy, Feminine, Comforting.
Then something happened, at the grand old age of 24 I had a No.5 epiphany. What once seemed musty and ancient now represented a beautiful, complicated, comforting femininity. I'd stop short of saying I have become addicted but I can't get enough. Unfortunately I have no idea of the vintage of the products I have in order to meaningfully review each but the EDT is definitely more "powdery" and softer- as you might expect and the parfum is as exquisite as a No. 5 aficionado might anticipate.
In three words- Classy, Feminine, Comforting.
01/04/10 09:28:58
this is like a little black dress it never goes out of fashion
01/03/10 08:22:04
I heard so much good things about this perfume from my Aunt (who is crazy about perfume) she said it was the most feminine and soft perfume she had ever set her nose on lol. So I got curious, so today we went to the mall to try it out. MAN! It was more like a punch in the face to both of us. Personally, I think they changed something in the formula. I wish they would put it back to the way it was.
12/23/09 19:11:37
Im Trying To Find The First Chanel No5 Because thats what my grandmar had and there is no where ro be seen if anyone can let me know how much they are then i would be most thank full
i have never seen my grandmar my dad last her when he was 17 ... she was a nice lady and id like to at least have something that she used to wear
email me on ( ann_kelley@hotmail.co.uk )
most thank full
Anny Louise Kelley
i have never seen my grandmar my dad last her when he was 17 ... she was a nice lady and id like to at least have something that she used to wear
email me on ( ann_kelley@hotmail.co.uk )
most thank full
Anny Louise Kelley
12/23/09 16:15:04
I wish I liked this stuff. I think it's sacriledge that I don't! Sniff sniff...
yuck.
yuck.
12/23/09 11:15:22
There was a time when Chanel n.5 was a butterfly in a desert...but then there was a rainstorm and the garden of eden appeared, with more beautiful and glorious butterflies full of joy and life...sometimes I still see that butterfly Chanel n.5. It reminds me of the desert, so I cannot really see just the butterfly.
12/21/09 22:35:15
Well, my first taste of Chanel No. 5 and of aldehydes in general. After reading all the reviews that described No. 5 in general, mystical terms, I really had no idea what to expect. I mean, for a perfume newbie with no experience with aldehydes, what does class, sophistication, style, and elegance smell like?
Well, at first whiff, soap. Really, I couldn't detect any other notes. Completely artificial is right. But Chanel No. 5 is not to be confused with a big bar of Dial. It has this light, sparkling quality to the opening that effuses like bubbles in champagne. It fizzed, tickled, and giggled in its journey up my nose. The cautious spray I took seemed to make the very air in the room brighter. The colors were sharper, as if your staticky TV set was suddenly replaced by HD.
But then . . . the drydown dissappointed me. It felt very cold. If Chanel No. 5 were a woman, she would be powerful and graceful and grand and unique and respected . . . but if you touched her, she would be cold all the time, like a statue. She doesn't seem quite human to me, and this prevents me from ever completely loving her. I think Chanel No. 5, the perfume, has grown to be a symbol, or an icon, more than an actual perfume. It's lovely, in a detached and distant manner. Even the concept, to create a completely unnatural scent, distances it from humanity. So the Chanel No. 5 character is perfect . . . but I can only imagine this woman in black and white photographs and in history books. I can't see her as a mother or a lover or as a young girl.
Arpege, on the other hand . . . completely different story.
Well, at first whiff, soap. Really, I couldn't detect any other notes. Completely artificial is right. But Chanel No. 5 is not to be confused with a big bar of Dial. It has this light, sparkling quality to the opening that effuses like bubbles in champagne. It fizzed, tickled, and giggled in its journey up my nose. The cautious spray I took seemed to make the very air in the room brighter. The colors were sharper, as if your staticky TV set was suddenly replaced by HD.
But then . . . the drydown dissappointed me. It felt very cold. If Chanel No. 5 were a woman, she would be powerful and graceful and grand and unique and respected . . . but if you touched her, she would be cold all the time, like a statue. She doesn't seem quite human to me, and this prevents me from ever completely loving her. I think Chanel No. 5, the perfume, has grown to be a symbol, or an icon, more than an actual perfume. It's lovely, in a detached and distant manner. Even the concept, to create a completely unnatural scent, distances it from humanity. So the Chanel No. 5 character is perfect . . . but I can only imagine this woman in black and white photographs and in history books. I can't see her as a mother or a lover or as a young girl.
Arpege, on the other hand . . . completely different story.
12/20/09 01:42:53
Just wanted to add that it is a true privilege to be able to enjoy this fragrance after nearly 90years of being in production and it can unquestionable hold its own, in fact is head and shoulders above its modern counterpart, and I am one happy camper. Unfortunately Santa has had a lot on this year so I have had to buy a bottle for myself but hey always happy to help out old St. Nick :0)
12/19/09 12:31:00
This is an absolutely glorious fragrance. It has depth and mystery. Each spritz holds something different depending on your mood and the occasion. This is my all time favourite but it has not always been the case. I had a bottle of this fragrance in my 20's but did not fully appreciate it and we parted ways. In my 30's I bought another bottle and after a short time it laid alone and unloved in a dark bedside drawer. Then, as if from nowhere, I found this wonderful perfume again, we became reacquainted and I began to appreciate her uniqueness and beauty. I now wear No 5 every day and can't imagine ever tiring of her warmth and sensuality. I have EDP and pure parfum; both I adore. I was initially shocked at the difference of the two but now enjoy both in equal measures. Don't dismiss this phenomenal fragrance on maybe an initial akward encounter. Allow her time to weave her magic and I feel sure that you will eventually be captivated by her beauty. Good things are worth waiting for and Chanel No 5 is no exception. Merry Christmas perfume lovers. Hope you have a wonderful Yuletide and that the New Year brings you every happiness :0)xx
12/19/09 11:38:50
Maybe Im not mature enough to appreciate 'classic' fragrances, but I found Chanel No5 absolutly horrifying. The blast of sharp aldehydes was unappealing and intoxicating, and I had to run around spraying 10 other perfumes just to mask it.
I'll try Chanel No5 again in perhaps another 50 years time. Right now we lack chemistry !
I'll try Chanel No5 again in perhaps another 50 years time. Right now we lack chemistry !
12/12/09 17:24:28
I wanted SO MUCH to like this. I wanted to spritz it on, and lounge about the house feeling like a 20s goddess, in clouds of gorgeous scent. When I finally got down to trying it, I was taken aback by how horrible it smelt on me. Powder and old ladies, heaps of aldehydes, clinging on for hours. I'm intrigued by reviews from people who have come back to it and loved it and I would be overjoyed if I came back to it in a few years and found it smells quite different... until then, I'll be giving this a wide berth.
12/06/09 10:17:10
Im pretty worn out with Chanel, I used it years ago but not anymore. Its pretty enough-I don't hate it. Its probably the top 10 most loved fragrances ever!!! So the crisp powdery scent remains the all time loved scent FOREVER!
12/02/09 21:08:53
Sleek, elegant, exotic, passionate, classic . . . too intense and beautiful to be "powdery" in my opinion. Powder is daily, commonplace, light, ordinary. This is hot. It is Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Bisset, Michelle Pfeiffer, Angelina Jolie, Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve. I've worn it hiking in the wilderness, to fashion shows, classical concerts at the Music Center, the opera, and romantic dinner out in classy restaurants atop skyscrapers. It's beachy (great on cruises) as an ocean breeze, but also earthy as a mountain stream and fall leaves and toads. Proper enough (not overwhelming) for church. Seductive and downdirty enough for a neckline down to here and a mad make-out scene in the last row of the movies. Just the very best scent available today.
12/01/09 05:52:20
For me, Chanel No 5 is all about the drydown. After hours and hours, the notes are phenomenally beautiful on my skin, yes, a little flowery and powdery but still indefinably lovely... and it lingers, subtle and feminine on my clothes for days after. It is glamour, it is timeless, it is evocative and haunting and it doesn't have to try too hard. This is a perfume I would wear every day. I would put it on in the morning and not re-dab for the next 24 hours, least of all before bedtime cos the topnotes are headsmacking aldehydes with all the allure of a swimming pool. No, I would apply it before travelling, knowing that for the first hour I would smell boltingly clean, then an hour later I would smell soft and floral...and two hours later I would smell unforgettable and exquisite. And that would stay with me for the rest of the day.
Chanel No.5. One doesn't always fall in love straight away.
Chanel No.5. One doesn't always fall in love straight away.
11/23/09 07:49:43
Chanel n°5...i love it!!! and I am 30 ...i don't find it like an old lady scent..not at all...i like the floral aldehyde , clean, soapy, powdery smell...on my skin i feel it very flowery, (jasmine, lilly of the valley) powdery...warm dry down,very chic...very long lasting..and the bottle is just perfect ! less is more !;))) A must have !!!
11/23/09 05:11:47
I first closely encountered Chanel №5 a few years ago, when my husband gave me a big bottle of it for my birthday as a surprise present. As soon as I sprayed, I found myself running to the bathroom, soaping and scrubbing away...I could not believe that this was the most famous perfume in the world!(?) And how could Marylin Monroe wear this impossible stink ..to bed??
"Ah, well, silly me - I was 21 at the time", I thought to myself recently and decided to give it a try again as I was growing older. I was very lucky to get myself a bottle of an EDT by an accident and here's where the major revelation came... The first bottle which sent me in shock was an EDP! I could remember its aroma of staleness very well, a clumsy artificial monster crawling out of the old closet. Perfumes: The Guide reassured my guess that these two perfumes ARE different. As my tastes and life experience is growing, I do still think that edp is a mishap.
NOW, EDT is a milky-powdery peachy aldehydic heaven, a beautiful abstract bouquet of anonymous luxurious flowers - according to Gabrielle Chanel - a fragrance which is "artificial" and feels like a dress you can actually wear, a separate entity. It's earthy but doesn't smell like anything on earth. Verdict: Even though I feel like something is missing in this particular perfume, overall roundness maybe, depth? - I can still call Chanel №5 EDT the timeless epitome of class and femininity. Ladies, before dissmissing # 5 altogether, please try to test it in a pure parfum concentration. I believe it was originally meant to be enjoyed as PP. It IS the finest stuff available on planet Earth, it is in making after 80 years not just because of the marketing.
"Ah, well, silly me - I was 21 at the time", I thought to myself recently and decided to give it a try again as I was growing older. I was very lucky to get myself a bottle of an EDT by an accident and here's where the major revelation came... The first bottle which sent me in shock was an EDP! I could remember its aroma of staleness very well, a clumsy artificial monster crawling out of the old closet. Perfumes: The Guide reassured my guess that these two perfumes ARE different. As my tastes and life experience is growing, I do still think that edp is a mishap.
NOW, EDT is a milky-powdery peachy aldehydic heaven, a beautiful abstract bouquet of anonymous luxurious flowers - according to Gabrielle Chanel - a fragrance which is "artificial" and feels like a dress you can actually wear, a separate entity. It's earthy but doesn't smell like anything on earth. Verdict: Even though I feel like something is missing in this particular perfume, overall roundness maybe, depth? - I can still call Chanel №5 EDT the timeless epitome of class and femininity. Ladies, before dissmissing # 5 altogether, please try to test it in a pure parfum concentration. I believe it was originally meant to be enjoyed as PP. It IS the finest stuff available on planet Earth, it is in making after 80 years not just because of the marketing.
11/19/09 11:55:37
I really like this scent: it's classy, feminine and very elegant; and just as old songs or movies carry a certain nostalgia, a remembrance of classy old days, so does Chanel No 5. For me, its smell is just always going to be linked to the style of Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot. Also, I love the slightly old-fashioned bottle.
It's not my favourite perfume, it's a little too powdery for my taste, but it doesn't deserve to be marked as outdated, which it has been a lot lately. I think just because now many of the older generation wear it in remembrance of good old times, that doesn't make it out of date. Scents, like wine, are not fashion-bound for me. If they're good, they'll last. And a little Chanel No 5 with a little black dress definitely still does the trick for me.
It's not my favourite perfume, it's a little too powdery for my taste, but it doesn't deserve to be marked as outdated, which it has been a lot lately. I think just because now many of the older generation wear it in remembrance of good old times, that doesn't make it out of date. Scents, like wine, are not fashion-bound for me. If they're good, they'll last. And a little Chanel No 5 with a little black dress definitely still does the trick for me.
11/18/09 08:26:21
Today, passing through the Chanel section i decided to sample all the Chanel products available on the counter. My favourite by far are Coco and Coco Mademoiselle. Not so sure about the others. The least favourite is going to be Chanel#5. Jesus! I wanted to run a mile! I have received Chanel#5 as a present and now its on my giving away list. Without doubt!!!
11/16/09 18:06:23
This is an hate or love - scent. Either you hate its aldehydic,rather cool and clean linen-smell,or you just love it and adores it for its class,nothing smells quite like it !
I have finally grown into it , tried it occationally through the years and never liked it, it felt wrong - but as i tried it on now a while ago - a hit ! Its beautiful ,though it demands a lot from the carrier,not everybodys everyday cologne exactly..
I have finally grown into it , tried it occationally through the years and never liked it, it felt wrong - but as i tried it on now a while ago - a hit ! Its beautiful ,though it demands a lot from the carrier,not everybodys everyday cologne exactly..
11/09/09 04:44:41
The parfum is all I wore, night and day, until I had kids and couldn't afford to travel any more to get it duty free! I understand why people don't like it, it makes a very firm and uncompromising statement. But you can't always demand niceness from the truly great. There is nothing like Chanel No. 5 but it isn't for everyone.
If you do think of splashing out and buying some, take care to test the different forms first (EDP, EDT), as the scents do differ and will also change differently on your skin.
If you do think of splashing out and buying some, take care to test the different forms first (EDP, EDT), as the scents do differ and will also change differently on your skin.
11/07/09 02:59:44
Why N5 is still a great perfume after all these years??? Cuz is feminine and soft like a Sunset heaven Talc Powder..
Firth of all the Neroli, Ylang Ylang and the lemon make a beautiful combination.. And then the Lily of valley, the rose and jasmine.. is just perfect.. some of the most beautiful flowers..
And then the Sandalow, patchulie and vertiver puts a lot of personality to close this fragance, these three elements are strong but combined with all that beautiful flowers make a perfect balance...
Chanel N5 smeel like old lady??? I pray to god that my grandmother could smells as well as N°5!!!
Firth of all the Neroli, Ylang Ylang and the lemon make a beautiful combination.. And then the Lily of valley, the rose and jasmine.. is just perfect.. some of the most beautiful flowers..
And then the Sandalow, patchulie and vertiver puts a lot of personality to close this fragance, these three elements are strong but combined with all that beautiful flowers make a perfect balance...
Chanel N5 smeel like old lady??? I pray to god that my grandmother could smells as well as N°5!!!
11/04/09 00:57:42
Chanel to me is a lady who does'nt have to try too hard to be noticed, just classy, clean, very feminine,(to me that is very sexy and appealing in its self)
I personaly love aldehydes, they cause this lovely luminous effect on my skin; other aldehydic frags appeal to me personaly so maybe that's why I don't have a problem with this old girl.
It is a powdery scent & maybe for alot of people they equate powder with 'old ', I don't care , it's still a pleasant scent & its going to take alot more than a eighty year old scent like Chanel to make me worry I smell 'old' & decrepit to others..
There is a reason Chanel 5 is a classic for a reason, not just for its name - some of these newer flashier ones out now , yes they can be beautiful for sure, but how long will their fame last?
I personaly love aldehydes, they cause this lovely luminous effect on my skin; other aldehydic frags appeal to me personaly so maybe that's why I don't have a problem with this old girl.
It is a powdery scent & maybe for alot of people they equate powder with 'old ', I don't care , it's still a pleasant scent & its going to take alot more than a eighty year old scent like Chanel to make me worry I smell 'old' & decrepit to others..
There is a reason Chanel 5 is a classic for a reason, not just for its name - some of these newer flashier ones out now , yes they can be beautiful for sure, but how long will their fame last?
11/03/09 18:14:56
Now, now.. don't be so harsh on this one. It stood time and reformulations. It still is that nostalgic elegance in a bottle which I wish to have in not that far future.
I grew up hating this scent for a long time- i thought it was classic and too much old fashioned. Bleh.. grandma scent!
That time I really adored nice candy and gourmand scents which were fantastic at that time.
Well, time passed and I got through few hundreds of perfume on my wrists and got attracted to various kinds of perfume- leathery, dry spices, etc etc etc... Still love gourmands, but..
Now N5 screams elegance to me. You can't think bad about a lady who wears N5. She's perfect no matter what clothes she has on.
I recommend edp and edt that has been manufactured this year. It's kinda reformulated and better than previous. Esp. edt.
Basically, in few words N5 smells of expensive soap. Or soap manufacturers copy N5 xD. Don't get scared of aldehydes. No nose biting off there. Timeless if Chanel doesn't ruin it lol, but seems after recent ref. it'll stay for few another decades.
I grew up hating this scent for a long time- i thought it was classic and too much old fashioned. Bleh.. grandma scent!
That time I really adored nice candy and gourmand scents which were fantastic at that time.
Well, time passed and I got through few hundreds of perfume on my wrists and got attracted to various kinds of perfume- leathery, dry spices, etc etc etc... Still love gourmands, but..
Now N5 screams elegance to me. You can't think bad about a lady who wears N5. She's perfect no matter what clothes she has on.
I recommend edp and edt that has been manufactured this year. It's kinda reformulated and better than previous. Esp. edt.
Basically, in few words N5 smells of expensive soap. Or soap manufacturers copy N5 xD. Don't get scared of aldehydes. No nose biting off there. Timeless if Chanel doesn't ruin it lol, but seems after recent ref. it'll stay for few another decades.
11/01/09 10:22:12
This is definitely THE or at least ONE of the most horrbile, atrocious concoctions ever to be unfortunately called perfume.Oh my God,it is awful. And it's hilarious to see how many people coo and croon over how "classic" and "independent" it smells. Ugh.
I bet if this same garbage were not Chanel and came from a drugstore, the reviews would be a lot different. I find that so strange.
Anyways, I like sweet perfume, but I have an open mind. My perfume wardrobe consists of a little of everything.
I have been hearing about Chanel No. 5
since I can remember. How it is (or was for many decades ago before the internet and an enormous perfume variety worldwide) pretty much the quintessential classy ladies' perfume.
Well I decided to buy a sample from E-bay. I had a suspicion that something created in 1921 might just have that nasty, chemical, old lady who wears orange lipstick funk about it, but I figured "what the heck" and bought the sample. It's got to be good right?! With all the hype,and the association with so many powerful,sexy ladies maybe it's different.
Boy, was I wrong.I got my sample, and wow was I surprised -- unpleasantly. Upon the first spray, I got a torrent of stale, dried white flowers with a hint of piss.
I let it dry down a bit and it morphed into a waxy, mothballs/damp garage smell with a hint of "guest bathroom soap". You know the kind of fancy soap you put in the guest bathroom for looks, it's not really supposed to be used, and actually it stinks, but now it has dust on it because you haven't had overnight guests in like 5 years.
And finally, in the last stages it just smells like that scented Raid roach spray with a touch of Avon body powder. I'm glad I only bought the sample. Phew.
In 1921 when this was created, in a time with no air conditioning, deodorant, or running water, this might have smelled great in contrast to body odor. But with all the fresh scents available now, this just smells very stale and funky.
I could not imagine anyone under the age of 65 wearing this. If you wear creased pastel pants, and ivory knee-high stockings with open toe orthopedic sandals, then go for it. Ugly bottle, ugly scent, if it weren't for the name Chanel, this would have not sold a single drop.
I bet if this same garbage were not Chanel and came from a drugstore, the reviews would be a lot different. I find that so strange.
Anyways, I like sweet perfume, but I have an open mind. My perfume wardrobe consists of a little of everything.
I have been hearing about Chanel No. 5
since I can remember. How it is (or was for many decades ago before the internet and an enormous perfume variety worldwide) pretty much the quintessential classy ladies' perfume.
Well I decided to buy a sample from E-bay. I had a suspicion that something created in 1921 might just have that nasty, chemical, old lady who wears orange lipstick funk about it, but I figured "what the heck" and bought the sample. It's got to be good right?! With all the hype,and the association with so many powerful,sexy ladies maybe it's different.
Boy, was I wrong.I got my sample, and wow was I surprised -- unpleasantly. Upon the first spray, I got a torrent of stale, dried white flowers with a hint of piss.
I let it dry down a bit and it morphed into a waxy, mothballs/damp garage smell with a hint of "guest bathroom soap". You know the kind of fancy soap you put in the guest bathroom for looks, it's not really supposed to be used, and actually it stinks, but now it has dust on it because you haven't had overnight guests in like 5 years.
And finally, in the last stages it just smells like that scented Raid roach spray with a touch of Avon body powder. I'm glad I only bought the sample. Phew.
In 1921 when this was created, in a time with no air conditioning, deodorant, or running water, this might have smelled great in contrast to body odor. But with all the fresh scents available now, this just smells very stale and funky.
I could not imagine anyone under the age of 65 wearing this. If you wear creased pastel pants, and ivory knee-high stockings with open toe orthopedic sandals, then go for it. Ugly bottle, ugly scent, if it weren't for the name Chanel, this would have not sold a single drop.
10/31/09 17:12:21
I was always afraid of that.
Then decided to try it on my skin today.
You know when you have a fine dress, and don't know which jewel to wear, to combine with?
Chanel No. 5 is the perfect gem.
Then decided to try it on my skin today.
You know when you have a fine dress, and don't know which jewel to wear, to combine with?
Chanel No. 5 is the perfect gem.
10/30/09 18:11:08
It smells great on a lot of people I know (one of my sisters has this in her top two)...unfortunately it doesn't work well on me...WAY too powdery for my taste :(
10/20/09 09:09:09
Georgous - simply a beautiful scent. I love aldehydes and am in my 20's. I love the classic-ness of this smell. It isn't because this is simply from "Chanel" either (not a perfume snob) for instance I also love Windsong & it has aldehydes.. Seriously you cannot go wrong with No 5. My most favorite from Chanel that is a little different from No 5 is No 22. No 5 is my second favorite & I can see how it has became the classic it has become.
10/12/09 12:18:09
Hi everyone¡¡¡ Please sorry about my english... :D
According to my experience: I think the women that not estimate Chanel nº5 are (more and less) the same type of women that dont like pearls... could be really bored in a museum but think its very "chic" to go to an 'art gallery'... that almost never can be un-maked-up... and always go to beauty saloon to cut their hairs exactly like suggestions of fashion and beauty magazines... Because many things like pearls, things of museums, dont use make.up or dont have a fashion hair-style are very OLD FASHIONED :)
I think Chanel nº5 (like any other fragrance) its good for any people that like it, independently of her age. Its a taste thing.
Personally, I really like it a lot since the first smell :D at my fifteen years. Its really beautiful, elegant and vibrant... and have something particular: many perfumery houses have fragrances similars to nº5... that could be considerate "soapy" "with aldehydes" "floral" "classic"...etc etc... but always we can know which one is nº5...because its very distinctive.
Thanks for read my defective english ;) jeje
According to my experience: I think the women that not estimate Chanel nº5 are (more and less) the same type of women that dont like pearls... could be really bored in a museum but think its very "chic" to go to an 'art gallery'... that almost never can be un-maked-up... and always go to beauty saloon to cut their hairs exactly like suggestions of fashion and beauty magazines... Because many things like pearls, things of museums, dont use make.up or dont have a fashion hair-style are very OLD FASHIONED :)
I think Chanel nº5 (like any other fragrance) its good for any people that like it, independently of her age. Its a taste thing.
Personally, I really like it a lot since the first smell :D at my fifteen years. Its really beautiful, elegant and vibrant... and have something particular: many perfumery houses have fragrances similars to nº5... that could be considerate "soapy" "with aldehydes" "floral" "classic"...etc etc... but always we can know which one is nº5...because its very distinctive.
Thanks for read my defective english ;) jeje
10/10/09 21:48:03
Like most floral aldehydes I love, this one is special. Simply divine elegant and timeless.CLASS. Some how the staying power is not long but I don't mind reapplying.
10/10/09 20:15:33
I was given a bottle of Chanel No.5 when I was a teenager by a boyfriend. I was so excited because I'd heard all the hype about it so I was expecting it to smell gorgeous and that I'd love it. Boy, was I wrong! I found it to be heavy, musty and generally just quite unpleasant. I tried to convince myself that it would grow on me but it never did and I never used it again.
You'd think from the perfume notes, which include lemon, that Chanel No.5 would be a fresh, light scent but I think it's the total opposite. It's definitely far better suited to a mature woman than any woman under the age of about 40.
I really dislike Chanel No.5!!
You'd think from the perfume notes, which include lemon, that Chanel No.5 would be a fresh, light scent but I think it's the total opposite. It's definitely far better suited to a mature woman than any woman under the age of about 40.
I really dislike Chanel No.5!!
10/07/09 03:59:56
I know it may sound funny but in my country (Iran)ChANEL 5 is used by men !
10/07/09 03:40:50
Ooh,I can't describe my love for this fragrance.There are not enough of words..This is pure sophistication,scent for a true lady.Always beautiful,classy,educated,well spoken, with manners and perfect knowledge of etiquette,confident yet humble and fragile inside.Lady,who makes everyone turn and sigh when she enters a room.
10/03/09 13:16:02
I truly believe Chanel N5 cannot be worn by anybody younger than 30, even 35. It is old fashioned in my opinion and despite all the advertisements you simply can't deny the time.
The other thing I believe is that nothing would have gained so much popularity if it wasn't worth it. Personally I've learned to appreciate and enjoy Chanel N5. I will definitely own it, as soon as I feel mature enough.
The other thing I believe is that nothing would have gained so much popularity if it wasn't worth it. Personally I've learned to appreciate and enjoy Chanel N5. I will definitely own it, as soon as I feel mature enough.
09/23/09 13:46:27
I definitely disagree with Dardona!!!
I think Chanel no.5 is very refined and ladylike, not sexy, just classy…real classic that can be a bit harsh for modern noses.Mme Chanel said she wanted a 'creation'; something almost false, and it was not meant to smell like flowers, but to be a part of woman’s accessory just like a dress…
It has been signature perfume of my mother for years and till now I always admire when she walks in… as the fog of Chanel no.5 is so intriguing.. very alluring and sensual…I always ask her what perfume she has on..and answer is always the same..Chanel no.5…
She layers it with Chanel no.5 body cream… simply beautiful!
I think it is classy old-fashioned perfume… very classy, and not for everyone, just like some Guerlain’s perfumes.. but still I think they are one of the best classy perfumes…
I think Chanel no.5 is very refined and ladylike, not sexy, just classy…real classic that can be a bit harsh for modern noses.Mme Chanel said she wanted a 'creation'; something almost false, and it was not meant to smell like flowers, but to be a part of woman’s accessory just like a dress…
It has been signature perfume of my mother for years and till now I always admire when she walks in… as the fog of Chanel no.5 is so intriguing.. very alluring and sensual…I always ask her what perfume she has on..and answer is always the same..Chanel no.5…
She layers it with Chanel no.5 body cream… simply beautiful!
I think it is classy old-fashioned perfume… very classy, and not for everyone, just like some Guerlain’s perfumes.. but still I think they are one of the best classy perfumes…
09/18/09 11:13:24
I would bet the ranch that if you took this exact perfume and put in in a plain bottle with no label as if it were in a blind comparison test, people would never speak so highly of it.
To my senses this stuff is piercing and gauche, and anything that needs hours to show itself, truly isn't worth the wait. It's time has passed.
Edit: to Kama... I have a modern nose??? Not exactly . I'm just not superficial. I won't buy a perfume that offends just about everyone I know just because of the status symbol attached to it. Being a snob does not reflect class. Everyone's body chemistry is different, And Chanel #5 CAN be horrendous on many people.
To my senses this stuff is piercing and gauche, and anything that needs hours to show itself, truly isn't worth the wait. It's time has passed.
Edit: to Kama... I have a modern nose??? Not exactly . I'm just not superficial. I won't buy a perfume that offends just about everyone I know just because of the status symbol attached to it. Being a snob does not reflect class. Everyone's body chemistry is different, And Chanel #5 CAN be horrendous on many people.
09/18/09 10:28:50
I used to refuse to wear such an obvious perfume. Today I fell head over heels in love with the pure perfume. I really got that mix that it's hard to pick each ingredient out except the ambergris ( a dreadful smell) but luckily it didn't come through too long and if it adds to the longevity then that's a good thing. I later layered it with "Une Rose" and it was perfection.
09/18/09 09:13:08
Apparently the jasmine extraction process used to make Chanel No.5 is what makes this perfume so expensive and world reknowned. But in my opinion - this stuff just stinks.
Heavily floral and cloying, I was ready to shower under the rain just to get the horrid scent off of me.
I dont care how much this fragrance is worth or how famous it is, I wouldnt even want it even if it were cheap.
Heavily floral and cloying, I was ready to shower under the rain just to get the horrid scent off of me.
I dont care how much this fragrance is worth or how famous it is, I wouldnt even want it even if it were cheap.
09/13/09 05:12:32
Amazing how we change, for years I refused to wear Chanel No.5 and then suddenly became one of my greatest! The Queen among perfumes, standing in the "Top 5 ever", perfectly balanced and superultrafeminine, yet belongs to my favorite group, a perfect blend of aldehydes and flowers. If it's old fashioned it does not bother me at all because this is a masterpiece.
I love the most beautiful EdT.
I love the most beautiful EdT.
09/11/09 05:18:03
This is the perfume my mother reserved for very special occasions. It immediatly brings me back to childhood Christmases and other once a year treats. I think I put it on simply out of sentiment. When I think about it objectively I find it overpowering and almost oppressively sweet. I made the mistake of telling my husband about mum and Chanel No.5 and to him it was a no-brainer--a classy present for EVERY gift-giving occasion. After a few years of watching so many bottles turn darker and even more gagging I had to tell him enough and tossed them. Now I can appreciate it again and do wear it sometimes--always on Christmas just like mum. The magic is back.
09/07/09 15:23:31
Being around this perfume for ages (because it's my mum's favourite perfume)I've never dare to actually put it on my skin. Why? Because it fits my mum so beautifuly that I've never thought that I was mature enough to wear it.
Guess what? I'm in love!
Yes it's soapy and powdery (wich I love by the way) and grown up, but this perfume has something that lacks in almost every perfume I've smelled until today: aura!
It's pure class in a bottle!
Ok it suits in a very different way that suits my mum, but I really really can´t stop sniffing myself!
Vulgar? Heavy? Old? - No way!
Rich, sultry, sensual... simply unforgettable!
Guess what? I'm in love!
Yes it's soapy and powdery (wich I love by the way) and grown up, but this perfume has something that lacks in almost every perfume I've smelled until today: aura!
It's pure class in a bottle!
Ok it suits in a very different way that suits my mum, but I really really can´t stop sniffing myself!
Vulgar? Heavy? Old? - No way!
Rich, sultry, sensual... simply unforgettable!
09/05/09 11:45:55
I was so looking forward to trying this. It's a classic EVERYBODY has heard of, so I figured it must be great. The perfume to top all perfumes, more or less. I was so disappointed! All I got was chemicals... overpowering, headache-inducing, sour, stomach-churning chemicals. My mom tried it and got the exact same impression. Maybe it just didn't work well on us.
08/31/09 09:58:11
to mom= ok
to me = not ok
i got headache trying this.
bought my mom this one though, and it ends great on he.
but i'm obviously not going to wear it.ever.
to me = not ok
i got headache trying this.
bought my mom this one though, and it ends great on he.
but i'm obviously not going to wear it.ever.
08/25/09 07:49:40
hated it! i just dont get the hype about this perfume. its intense, very strong, not even in a good way. it reminded me of an elderly woman so i gave it to my grandmother.
08/23/09 16:27:24
Today I had the chance to try this parfum out ... and I'm sorry, but I have to say it's the most disgusting fragrance I've ever smelled.It's like a very old soap. :S
08/21/09 12:53:17
Classic, timeless, & mellow. My mom loves Chanel perfumes, and it is no mystery why. Most of their fragrances are poetic and appeal to many women of all ages.
08/13/09 09:08:15
It was a big disappointment to me. I just wore it for the guy who had bought it for me. I don't think I will ever want to have it again.
08/09/09 11:27:41
I always admired this perfume and I am at an age where I can wear it and I feel like a woman! It is so wonderful on my skin soft powdery but complex, it pleases me so much when I wear it! It's not for everyone and I can wear it well. I started with eau premier which I liked and decided to try edp and the body lotion! HEAVEN!
Update: I think this one has a permanent place in my perfume wardrobe, it puts many to shame, when I smell a lot of the new perfumes that are too sweet and too cheap smelling. There is a reason chanel n°5 has stayed! It's a masterpiece!
Update: I think this one has a permanent place in my perfume wardrobe, it puts many to shame, when I smell a lot of the new perfumes that are too sweet and too cheap smelling. There is a reason chanel n°5 has stayed! It's a masterpiece!
08/07/09 04:13:09
When I decided to start wearing perfume this was one of the first fragrances I tried, and I didn't like it. But now I do. What has changed is that I've spent 6 weeks sniffing my way through some of the finest compositions out there, and now I get Chanel N 5. I like it and it likes me.
08/06/09 11:13:07
I have to agree with Kastehelmi. This just smells like old fashioned soap. I hate the insinuations that those who don't enjoy this perfume are suffering from an unsophisticated nose. Nothing special here, just heavy, heady soap.
08/02/09 14:59:28
I don't care for this one, even if it is a classic, and I have been told that I should love it. I am among those who smell elegant and expensive soap, but nothing fresh, seductive or even particularly feminine when sniffing this one on the wrist.....
08/01/09 21:23:56
To me, No.5 is a very elegant, classy fragrance. For some reason, I think it better suits blondes than brunettes. Might be that I always connect it to Marilyn, or because I only know one woman who wears this, and she is naturally blonde.
I actually find it quite amazing that No.5 has become such a popular scent worn by almost every perfumista at some point in their perfume life. I think it is a very pretty and confident perfume, but it definitely has an original edge to it that I didn't think all women would like - which they don't, if you read women's reviews.
I'm gonna have to return to this review after I've had a good moment of new study with No.5. All I can say for sure is that I would define No.5 as a soft, round and comforting smell that is in no way too safe or dull. In fact, I don't think it suits as many women as it is worn by. It takes confidence to wear No.5, which too many women often lack - unnecessarily. And also vice versa: not all women actually know what a legendary and original perfume they're wearing when they wear No.5 - they only know they love what they're wearing. Maybe that's what it boils down to with No.5. It is perfect for both regular and evening wear; can be worn with a jumper and an evening dress, which is quite rear when it comes to perfumes.
I actually find it quite amazing that No.5 has become such a popular scent worn by almost every perfumista at some point in their perfume life. I think it is a very pretty and confident perfume, but it definitely has an original edge to it that I didn't think all women would like - which they don't, if you read women's reviews.
I'm gonna have to return to this review after I've had a good moment of new study with No.5. All I can say for sure is that I would define No.5 as a soft, round and comforting smell that is in no way too safe or dull. In fact, I don't think it suits as many women as it is worn by. It takes confidence to wear No.5, which too many women often lack - unnecessarily. And also vice versa: not all women actually know what a legendary and original perfume they're wearing when they wear No.5 - they only know they love what they're wearing. Maybe that's what it boils down to with No.5. It is perfect for both regular and evening wear; can be worn with a jumper and an evening dress, which is quite rear when it comes to perfumes.
07/24/09 05:07:52
I am just so intrigued with this perfume..why so many like it and for years im trying to like it but I just dont.
it's just too heavy and horrible..but I dont know..i just dont like it on me
when i smell it to other people it makes me sneeze ;(
it's just too heavy and horrible..but I dont know..i just dont like it on me
when i smell it to other people it makes me sneeze ;(
07/23/09 17:12:16
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 love the smell of Chanel 5 very very much, but not on my skin.On my skin it smells like 80 years old granny with pissed panties.
02/25/09 14:06:01
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 of new cloned perfumes that smell very similar, it stands as a precious icon. The composition is like the music played by the big orchestra. Every component is unique but together they breathe as one. Classy and timeless. Like Beatles, little black dress, 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 use to hate this scent but today I fell in love.
12/08/08 20:17:06
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 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
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
Become a memeber of this online perfume community
Click here its free and easy!
This page contains information, reviews, perfume notes, pictures, new ads, vintage posters and videos about Chanel Chanel N°5 fragrance. If you have more information about Chanel Chanel N°5, you can expand it by adding a personal perfume review. Fragrantica has a unique user driven classification system and you may classify Chanel N°5 by Chanel. Click on the appropriate options on the fragrance classification form below. Also, you can find links to 3rd party websites/Internet stores, but Fragrantica has no access or control over those websites. We do not make guarantees nor accept responsibility for what you might find as a result of these links, or for any future consequences. User reviews of Chanel N°5 by Chanel are representing views of credited authors alone and do not necessary reflect Fragrantica's views.
Please, classify the fragrance. Choose the descriptions which really match this perfume.
Results of voting for perfume Chanel N°5 - Chanel:
Based on 539 votes of memebers.
Results for Style
Results for Occasion
Results for Season
Mandarin
Orchid
Satsuma
Perfume Oil
White Musk
White Hot
Summer
Oceanus
Lotus Petal
The Apple
Blossom
Moroccan Rose
Love ETC
Cassis Rose
Betty Barclay
Pure Style
Watch for the
GreenWitch!
Bois Naufrage
by Parfumerie
Generale
Hermes Terre
d`Hermes
Flacon H,
Limited
Edition 2010
John Varvatos
Artisan Black
Clarins Eau
des Jardins 
Kenzo
FlowerByKenzo
La ColognePrivacy Policy |
Get Perfume News in RSS Reader - Copyrights © 2006-2010 Fragrantica.com perfumes magazine - All Rights Reserved - do not copy anything without prior written permission.