Chanel No 5 Eau de Toilette Chanel for women

I normally wear the EDP and was given a 50ml bottle of the EDT as a gift. I really don't like it. It just turns to powder and even though I have said in a previous review (EDP) that it is a timeless scent, the EDT is a bit old lady to my nose. Anyone want a swap? I have sprayed it about 10 times and just can't bring myself to like it.

Gorgeous!!!! The EDP was slightly chaotic on me, but this one is delightful! Powdery, young, sooooo different from those mass products on the market. A real woman, lei, nő, madame!!!! Would this be old??? NOOOOO! Perfect. Soft, mild, white, distinctive. Not celeb, not girly, but all the real female values.
I grow to like it more and more! Not an old lady or an "aldechyd skeleton". For me it represents all the kindness of a good hearted but a little bit reserved young woman. A woman who has stamina, grace, power and selfesteem under the veil of a delicate, young, clean body. A woman, you have to get close to her and pay attention just to get a hint of her inner beauty. She's not a cheap one! She's the real ONE!

I am overjoyed! I had always tried the EDP of No. 5 and we just didn't mesh. I'd try the tester each time I could only to have to put down the tester, look at the bottle with wistful longing, and walk away. Today, I picked up what I thought was the EDP (again) and marveled at what greeted and continues to greet me. Well...it's the EDT!! And it is wonderful!

The aldehydes are crisp, the sandalwood smooth, the florals elegant, and the lasting power incredible. It is classic and sophisticated like no other.

Some things are just meant to last. :)

I have only had No 5 EDT for 5 years, but it opened a doorway for me to a new found respect and appreciation for classic perfumes that I didn't understand before. This is the only Chanel I love and own (for now), and like many others here I prefer the EDT to the EDP.

A true legend in the fragrance world and in history. The words that come to mind when describing it are; elegant, sophisticated, luxurious, feminine, clean, soapy, powdery, soft, well balanced, multidimensional, confident, powerful, iconic, timeless, and above all, still original and superior compared to a lot of perfumes that are out being sold today.

To me, it is similar to Janáček's 1926 'Sinfonietta' final movement: it begins with a hint of suspence perhaps even confusion over the notes... next a realisation that this might just be the most beautiful scent you've ever smelled... then suddenly the happiness builds within you even more when you discover that you are in love and your heart beats fast and you hear trumpets... until finally everything plays magically together with a rhythm unlike any other... ending with a perfect climax of a finish! Chanel No 5, no doubt, is a masterpiece composition.

Thank you Ernest Beaux & Coco Chanel for this superb jewel of a fragrance that has stood the test of time.

One of my favorite classics. I don't wear it on a daily basis because I love all kinds of scents. But I love to wear this on occasion. It's so elegant. It's like an expensive soap. It's a graceful lady. Wealthy and beautiful. It's chanel # 5. A scent to STAY for ever. A legend in the fragrance world and in history.

Had finally grown to like No 5 and am now trying to purchase every single product from the line.

So far had aquired the parfum, edp, edt, eau premiere, bath oil, body lotion and velvet body cream all at one go.

Despite the splendid fragrance, the lasting power be it the parfum extrait, edp, edt and eau premiere is very poor on me. Thus have to layered it with either the body lotion or body cream to make it last a little longer. Maybe say 4hrs to 6 hrs at the most before I need to repeat the whole cream and fragrance spray cycle again for touch up to re-fresh the fragrance on me. Since I like the fragrance so much, this does not seems to bother me.

The ones that I have are all present day formulations which I believed, smells closer to Eau Premiere especially the body cream. The body cream I bought is the made in US version whereas the tester is the made in France version and both of them really smell different despite retaining the NO 5 signature accord. The Made in France version smells very close to the parfum extrait whereas the Made in US version smells lighter and is closer to Eau Premiere thus made me concluded that it has certainly been tweaked. Would love to one day, experience the vintage parfum version and compared the difference.

I didn't get the appeal of this perfume until I tried the EDT. The EDP is so harsh and has a weird public toilet smell to me. I believe those liquid soap manufacturers keep imitating it. The EDT is a lot more pleasant. Softer, more powder and less soap. It dries down to the most exquisite, comforting floral scent. It smells clean, reminds me of baths and talcum powder, and for some reason it reminds me of my mother even though she's never really worn it. It's comforting. To my nose the EDT and the EDP are still recognizable as versions of the same fragrance, but if that sharp soapy odor of the EDP has always turned you off you may enjoy the EDT. Which, according to some of the reviews I've been reading, is actually closer to the original 1921 scent than the EDP. Bonus! I only wish it lasted longer on my skin.

To me this perfume is like a fur coat, heavy, rich, elegant and glorious but i wouldn't like to wear a fur coat every day, maybe in 20 years.

Boy oh boy, was I surprised! I got a ton of samples of perfume and kept putting off putting this one on, because I was so scared it would be this huge scent that smelled super powdery - definitely not a "me" kind of scent.

Put on a few dabs right after my shower. Gosh, what a soapy smell! I loved that. On the drydown it's turning into a musky scent that sticks close to the skin. It's warm and golden, but not super spicy.

I have yet to see what it turns into next, but I am really caught off guard that I would like this scent (stereotyped an "old lady" smell). Just goes to show: if you're unsure of a scent, buy the sample vial so you can try it at home!

I've not been a big fan of Chanel no 5, maybe because many older ladies I've known in my life and one friend who is quite the dominant personality have this as their signature scent. So for years I didn't want to like it, except for the body lotion which I've found "luxuriously good smelling"! However, I've started to get more and more into Chanel perfumes, with the result that I now own a collection of 6 Chanel fragrances, all either bought at a bargain price on ebay or given to me as Christmas present. I have decided to give Chanel no 5 eau de toilette a new chance and have to say that I really like it. Upon the first spray, the flowery top notes wrap you up in what I would call a very luxurious and ladylike scent. As a little girl, I had smelled this on my aunt, not knowing what it was. But for years I was searching for that scent, until I finally asked her and she said it was Chanel no. 5. I didn't know however that she used the Eau de toilette version instead of the eau de parfum which I don't like as much. The eau de toilette is beautiful to me, and now that I am nearing my 40s, I feel that I can wear it well instead of it wearing me! I sprayed it on with a bit of hesitance, but have to say that I rather like it, because it is discreet enough if you dab a spritz behind each ear and on both elbow crease. That's how I have to wear Chanel fragrances, as they would be otherwise overpowering. Chanel no 5 eau de toilette has beautifully composed top notes and I smell more the neroli, ylang-ylang and bergamot than anything else. The middle notes are the best, and on me I think the lily of the valley note comes out strongest, along with a bit of jasmine. I don't care that much for the base notes however, and they fade rather quickly in the eau de toilette version.

All in all, I like this scent very much - loving it would be not the right word, but when I use Chanel no 5 eau de toilette, I feel well composed, elegant, natural, feminine, clean, well groomed.
If you have read my review about eau premiere, I don't really like it at all, as it is supposed to be a lighter version of Chanel no 5 eau de parfum.
I think Chanel no 5 eau de toilette is a great fragrance for women who are looking for a feminine, elegant and classic scent that is not completely overpowering. It also smells different on each woman, so I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that millions of women use it.

Bath oil smells exactly like pure perfume. The bottle is huge and just to look at the amount makes No. 5 lover happy:)

I love musky fragrances and realizing that many of them reminded me of Numero 5, now I prefer wearing the 'original' scent as my musk fragrance. I love the eau de toilette concentration which for me is more similar to the parfum than the eau de parfum.

I see many others complaining about the reformulation of this scent, but I cannot agree. To me, I feel this scent retains its character exactly, since the first spritz of No. 5 EDT always, ALWAYS conjures up the image of my mother getting ready for a night out - red lipstick, fitted jackets, heels. It is the same visceral reaction and I adore it. No. 5 EDT is a gorgeous creation, light and glittering aldehydes over a softly soapy concoction of jasmine and rose, and a subdued vanilla. It is sophistication and taste in the first spritz, even down to that salty fizzy jasmine note in the top, and fades to the sexiest lived-in somehow-unpowdery powder that ever was. If Shalimar is the flapper who tangoes, No. 5 is her quieter friend who sits at her table in the black jersey dress smiling at the Theodore Kosloff look-alike nearby.

To appreciate this you must love aldehydes and be able to at least tolerate civet. On me all Chanel No. 5 smells like is hairspray, lemon and uh, civet juice. Can't see anyone being on the fence about this fragrance unless they're from an era more accustomed to this style of perfumery.

oh God i love this beauty.. What happend . i had a big bottle off this one far back and did not like it t all. to loud to much could not even try to like it so i gave it away.
But then i got to test the No 5 premier and found love so somthing was going one.. hm. so i desided to try and find this aswell . an just got a test off this and have tryed it a few days now.. and wow .. i am so amazed . this is the Edt Vintage version . and i LOVE it its so clean ladylike . cheak ,modern, classy it fits into every description off happyness to me ;)
I feal the sparkely citrus blending so well whit Ylang ylang and Iris, this is the most prominent notes on my skin , but offcourse there is more to this beauty.
There is defenetly a powdery touch in here . but in away that just make it warm and comforting on skin . I like powdery so for me its a good thing. But i would say to others that does not like this . try it anyways, this is so jummy ..
So what happend .. maybe i tryed the edp and it was to strong for me . or maybe i just grown up ..This i nead to have regardless on previos failior.. From hate to Love .. so much fun to test again

This EDT is my mother's scent, as well as my grandmother's. I remember being a little boy and seeing my mother use it after she's finished doing her makeup. I was so fascinated. I remember asking her what "no 5" means, she would respond with "It's NUMBER 5, the No. stands for NUMBER, not 'no' "
This fragrance is a piece of history, and will remain one.

When Chanel No.5 EDP proves to be too much for some, they turn their attention towards the EDT. This concentration is less 'in your face', and a touch more floral.

The EDP is one big, powder-bomb masterpiece, but as much as I struggle to do it justice by wearing it, I am not convinced that I would substitute it by wearing the EDT. As much as I hate to say it, Chanel No.5 EDT pales in comparison to the EDP.

It does not have a commanding presence, nor does it last like a typical Chanel fragrance. One spritz and Chanel No.5 EDT is as soft as a lightly scented soap, almost gone four hours later. I would rather shell out a few more bucks to own the EDP or settle for Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere instead.

In terms of composition, the aldehydes are less sharp and tend to sparkle more in the opening of the EDT. The ylang ylang and iris blend is also dominant, however it prefers to be more sweet than powdery.

It's up to the individual to decide which concentration of Chanel No.5 works best for them. As for me, I'm going to continue favouring the EDP and replenishing my No.5 Eau Premiere.

Chanel N 5 smells like new stuff, clean and clear. Very classy and feminine. It's a perfectionist one's scent, smart, clever and nice. She is perfect, detail oriented and dresses impeccably. A synonym of perfection. Really a masterpiece.

Review of a bottle from July 2012...

No 5 EDT to my nose is a good as dead. I can't even write a proper review of it because it is now simply a little inoffensive musk, with a smidgen of 'flowers' and a pale musky-woody drydown, lasting all in all a few hours, if that. Hmm, I can wear $10 Coty Wild Musk if that's what I want!?!

What a shame that regulations are ruining classic works of art. I have an old bottle of No 5 Cologne, and that stuff is badass! Woot! But this has no comparison, I guess Chanel will continue to shill and sell, this is truly unfortunate...

BTW, I don't know if the body cream formula has changed, too, that stuff smells divine.

This morning I chanced upon an old bottle of No.5 EDT. Must be 5-6 years old, but still smells fresh (it was at the back of a cupboard so would have been kept cool and in the dark all that time).

I'm on the fence about it; back in my late 20s and early 30s I loved it and it loved me, and I often had comments of the "OMG you smell gorgeous" type.

It wouldn't get that now. I wonder if it's the reformulation - there has to be a reason it got pushed to the back of the cupboard, n'est ce pas? - or possibly it's my post-menopause chemistry.

At any rate, the florals, which were so prominent in my younger days, now seem to be pussyfooting around just under the surface, dominated by a clean soapy sandalwood - which is actually quite attractive, but certainly not what I remembered.

I may give it a few more tries, but really only just for old times sake. It's sort of like spotting a lover from 20 years ago across a crowded room, only to find up close that while he's still handsome, the swoonworthy pecs and abs have turned into a paunch. Disappointing, you might say.

Hmm Chanel No5 .. classic indeed. Trusty, classy, clean,
Black Boucle skirt suit, Chanel quilted bag. me. This.
I wouldn't say 'aged' but many would. I don't think I have crossed paths with a human who doesn't know what they are smelling, whilst i'm wearing this. Don't expect a 'omg what are you wearing' comment. but expect 'Chanel no5, yes, very classy, very nice' If that same person wants to be cruel they would end the sentence 'oh reminds me of my Gran - she wore it' I walk away, in disgust! Very very nice though.

Surely this time I found my signature scent!
Chanel No5 perfume is incredibly easy to fall in love, is one incredible floral aldehydic woody with creamy background (base notes reminded me very Samsara by Guerlain). As soon as sprinkles, already feel the aroma of aldehydes and floral (rose and jasmine), which intertwine so magical and delicious, and as this happens the ylang-ylang is embracing it all. When the base notes come I can only feel the Sandalwood with a hint of vanilla (but not sweet vanilla, this smells like vanilla talc).
To give the flavor note 10, 7 sillage, longevity 7.
This review is about the recent formulation EDT

Bought it for my sister. Is it only me who get the weak sillage? I hope so its not fake :(

"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."

This is the best description,IMO (copied from No.5 foreword), nothing to add.

Didint like it all my life,but,BUT recently just went MAD about it,I even purchased Tilar J.Mazzeo's book:The Secret of Chanel NO5 . If will choose between edt,edp and Parfam,I adapted Parfam and edt. The edp has mor vanilla,the edt has mor sandal(Samsara Syndrome), the Parfam is more soapy-clean .and if someone says it smells different on every person,it is true. As I say always:live with it,wear it for sometime,then judge it.

Approaching Chanel No5 is like nearing the Eiffel Tower.

It's a monument, an icon, a piece of history.

Just as Gustave's construction - only in it's thirties when Coco unleashed No5 on the world - occupies every vista in Paris, so this scent glowers over the world of perfume.

It is ever-present, in the background, watching as the city beneath takes shape.

And as surely as Monsieur Eiffel's wonder is male so Madam Chanel's is female. To women of a certain generation and perhaps more to men of a certain age Chanel No5 is perfume. Chanel No5 is woman.

But what kind of woman is she?

Some will say that she is a Dowager in an ancient moth eaten tweed two piece: earings too large and lipstick too rouge, a relic of another age.

No.

But neither is she, anymore at least, a little low cut black dress, all barely concealed cleavage and scarcely restrained sexuality.

No5 is alive, still stylish in a navy trouser suit, cut razor sharp by Saint Laurent. She is intellectual, forceful, political, opinionated, passionate. She is her own woman.

Every encounter starts with that legendary fizz, not bone dry champagne like Ma Griffe or Miss Dior. This is the alkaline effervescence, the plink plink fizz of of two tablets thrown into soda water to stave off the effects of another night before.

The heart is floral, but no bridesmaid's corsage. These are flowers, wrapped in paper, bought on an impulse by No5, or, more likely, an helpless admirer.

There's fur too. Something decided and animal skirting round her ankles, ready to bite. But not as much as there once was: still fur but no claw now.

As the day wears on (after an argumentative debate with old friends over lunch: fingers snapped, voices raised, old battles re-fought) so the mood softens. The suit is readjusted,the hair put back in place, powder reapplied.

But fear not if Ms Chanel needs to re-establish her authority at any moment, the plink, plink fizz can be called upon. No No5 woman ever leaves home without a vial in her her handbag.

No5 is admirable, admired and respected.

Is she loved?

Yes, though most especially by men, and women, who remember her in her prime.

But even for those with no liking for her she is necessary: an example in elegance, an exercise on growing old and gaining power gracefully.

And as for me, I adore her.

But of course, here's the rub: I am a mere man, so can I ever hope to spray and go on my way with any confidence?

To a degree: there's no earthly reason why the soft rich fragrance that No5 melts into shouldn't sit confidently on my skin. But No5 was never of this Earth.

I can only be at ease if I appreciate and accept that to wear No5 as a man is not merely to put on perfume, it is to make a statement in scent. Others will recognise No5, others will know what I am doing, my number will be up.

I'll take my chances. Spin the wheel croupier. Number five. Black.

It seems to have been reformulated again recently and I mean one oor two months ago. The opening is softer and a bit different and the drydown smells like a softer version of Samsara and is now much less powdery. Funnily enough, I do like it much better now, mostly for the stronger resemblance to Samsara.

This was another gift given to me. I loved it's powdery and sophisticated scent emanating confidence and strength.

All time classic. It represents the Glamour of Old Hollywood. Yes, not every scent is for everyone but this is one that will live on forever. Whether you like it or not.

I have smelled this perfume numerous times. Never have I tried so hard to like a perfume. Maybe it's because of the name or the history behind it. I don't know. All I know is that this perfume smells like bug spray. It's offensive. It's heavy. It's suffocatingly awful. If there is a woman alive that truly likes this smell...may god help her husband/boyfriend/lover. I cannot even describe what the notes are...It just smells like a mish mash of strong scents that should not be mixed together. Perhaps this perfume is too sophisticated for me...but if this is a sign of sophistication then uncouth I remain!

I have to admit that I admire Chanel #5, but I don't like it. Obviously a lot of good quality natural materials have gone into this perfume, the original was truely innovative when it first came out, and the modern reformulation is as close to the original as the manufacturers and perfumers can get without the IFRA and all the chemical-phobic nutcases out there throwing a major $h!tfit.

Even though #5 is a great perfume, it has too many obsticles to overcome. For one thing, the Chanel brand image and the perfume's prohibitive price (even in edt form) make people think of a bunch of stuffy rich women, the dreaded "ladies who lunch". Even without those ascociations, the scent itself still smells very ladylike. I don't like using gender stereotypes to describe things, including perfume, but I think "ladylike" would be the best word to use. Most young women these days aren't into ladylike clothes or perfume, because it seems too dull and prissy/stuffy for this more casual generation. I don't agree with them entirely, but there's no way in hell I'd go around wearing saddle shoes and little white gloves, either. Also, the animalic notes in #5 can be distasteful to a lot of people, especially younger people who have grown up with squeaky-clean perfumes. On top of being in my mid-20's and more used to people wearing modern (clean) scents, I grew up poor and didn't always have access to running water when I was a kid, so I REALLY hate to smell dirty. I try to be open minded, but I absolutely loathe animalic notes in perfume. If I love a perfume with animalic notes in it, it's in spite of them and not because of them. #5 smells too much like a public restroom for comfort.

I did get a sample vial of the edt and wear it a while to see if it grew on me. I do like the floral heart notes, and I like to smell this in the air or on other people, but I don't like it all that much on myself. No one in my family wore this, and my mom was mainly into patchouli perfume oil anyway, so I don't really ascociate #5 with any particular person or age group. It seems like damn near everyone else has a friend or family member who wore this stuff though. Aside from the typical "you smell like an old lady" comments, people also say "you smell like my mom/aunt/grandmother/pale, creepy neighbor who never leaves the house during the day." Okay, I made that last one up.

the name had overgrown its appeal and quality. Just nothing to me , especially comparing with the real masterpieces! Lasting power is so week as well. Unbelievably poor perfume! It is real offence to Gold Amouage to be compared to this one!

My Grans been wearing this for 50 years, she told me that before my Grampy died he used to buy her one tiny bottle of it every year on christmas. I finally asked her if I could try it the other day. I only wanted a tiny amount to test but she doused me in it *she now owns this bigger bottle ;-)* its very strong and to me it obviously just smells of her now. I don't like it on myself until about 5 hours after its been put on and then I just can't stop smelling my wrist. It's a classic but I doubt I'll ever buy it for myself as it's totally opposite my usual taste and i'd have to wait five hours before I start to enjoy it. Although it's not to everyones liking I think every woman should try it atleast once.

It made me smell like I was born in 1921 and needed my bedpan changed. Sexy :-P

Seriously, it was horrid on me, and it was overpoweringly strong with ONE spray. Those who say it's a sexy personal scent either don't have a working nose, or you have radically different body chemistry. Good for you if you have the right chemistry, but I'd say you would need to try on the person before buying for oneself or anyone else.

I actually like Shalimar and Mitsouko, which are also older scents and actually do smell nice. If one is looking for a vintage scent that doesn't smell "old lady", I'd recommend those.

Received as a gift,and was not what I expected. This on me is an overpoweringly bad intense floral sickly sweet whiff which smells like the air freshener in the toilet of our local chinese restaurant. It reminds me of rich ladies shopping in department stores while I was a child. I am always disappointed when I don't like a fragrance and have worn it a few times because I feel bad as it was a present,but I can only wear a tiny amount otherwise it makes me feel quite ill. I have been trying to figure out which notes I don't like,and am wondering if it is the combination of lily-of-the-valley, neroli,ylang ylang and aldehydes? Whichever it is, I just cant wear this.

Hasn't lost any of its appeal despite age. Makes me feel beautiful and my go to for very special occasions

Is there a Chanel N° 5 for men? Yes, Amouage Gold, as many have said. The point is, there is a local cheapy sold in Argentina under the name of Ginnel, for your information, sold as a masculine scent. I asked a SA of a store selling these inexpensive scents and she told it it has got a very loyal consumer base, conservative men in their fifties.

OK, it is not as complex. But I did an exercise in an effort to make it more masculine: I added to it a kind of musk that was in fashion back in the 1970's - it does not have anything to do with Galaxolide kind of musk, this is animalic, bold and stinky. I aded some patchouly and clove. No, it did not work for it dind turn into a more masculine scet... to my surpride, this concoction had as an effect making it closer to the real Chanel N° 5.

This left me thinking about Chanel's N° 5 quality: family members could not trace many differences between both. Call it sheer accident. I don't have much experience blending scents.

I don't really love Chanel no. 5 in any concentration but EDT. Even the modern stuff is just gorgeous, and they have managed to keep it nearly what it was from the beginning.

Chanel no 5's opening and heart are iconic and often imitated, but the real magic happens in the base notes. These are creamy, powdery, and of an almost terrifying quality. I wish this didn't remind me of ladies at church, because I would wear it out more.

The topnotes smells just as indolic and horrific as Chanel`s always does. But the basenotes are suprisingly enough warm, soft, powdery, creamy and soapy, really nice actually.

Can`t stand the "public restroom" - opening at all though, so I will never buy this.

I will never understand the hype about this perfume, i think it has to do with the fact that it was endorsed by Marilyn monroe, although i like what i like and will not allow a celebrity to sway me into liking something that i genuinely don't so my honest review is that this smells like old lady. It is extremely powdery, floral and just old smelling. My mum has worn this perfume for as long as i can remember and she swears by it, but no matter how many times i smell it i just cannot like it.

ah #5, what is not to like? If it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe and you have not tried it, why not? I like that it is different than some of the others frags I wear. So timeless, lovely, smells great on my body chemistry. I have some vintage edt, vintage cologne, and new edp. Amazing the journey it has had over the years. Flowery yet the aldehydes make it smell different, and that just means it is unique. Love! I loved the book too. If you want to learn more look it up under Tilar Mazzeo. Great read about Coco Chanel.

No5 to me in timeless. It can be worn by all, from (18 to 80) this is because it smells how a woman should smell. Soft, gentle, innocent, warm, powdery sexy, rich etc etc. Its a natural woman smell, its how a man imagines a woman to smell. Men are simple creatures so this appeals to them. You can't really go wrong with it. It's one of those inoffensive perfumes. Its a perfect female scent.

i so long to love cn5 but i just cant the classic of all classics and it just smells awful on me i feel in some way less than as if my skin has failed me but i was somewhat cheered reading that the revised formula was also disappointing to others who had loved the original i had remembered it as better than i found it and had been unaware of the change i do sympathise with those who love it as this how i feel about my beloved shalimar destruction of such beauty in the name of the almighty dollar in the mean time i console myself with wearing eau premier as this smells quite lovely on me and my daughter borrows it frequently so it must be our genetics that this one works better still cant quite make up for the original good luck to all the aficionados hope you can find some vintage

To me it's amazing that some people can love so much this perfume. I've known it all my life but I can't get myself to like it.
To me it smells like a lady's underwear after having been worn the whole day mixed with some ancient perfume of the kind that the women of the streets would use.
I don't hate it, I just could never wear something like this.
Still, I like to give it a whiff now and then, it conjures images of old ladies' boudoirs, of childhood adventures and treasure troves when going through my grandmas' and aunts' drawers and closets... half a century ago... :P

This is one of those perfumes I put on straight when I get out of the shower, it's a little more mature than for a teen but I love to wear this during the spring, it's light and stay's on well. I would consider buying again! ^.^

@misschic: the edt is the closest you can get to the 1921 classic, even if it was sadly reformulated. The edp is actually a less lively recreation by Jacques Polge, launched in 1986 and less faithful to the original. It's also a wonderful fragrance, though, very rich and elegant. What they both do have in common is their poor longevity, I'm afraid.

Last Christmas I asked for Chanel No 5 EDP but got this instead. I actually ended up liking this more. I'm 29 so its a more fresh version of the classic.

“The smell of a woman”, as Coco Chanel commissioned to Ernest Beaux. Surely she meant a new woman, like she herself was, an instance of the emerging sophisticated urban woman, the vivacious, independent female go-getter, enjoying more social acceptance than ever so far in the Roaring Twenties. And Nº 5 was designed to scent her new glamorous aura. This accounted for the huge success of the fragrance together with the olfactory revelation that came with it: vibrant, sparkling aldehydes! Yes, revolution has always been in fashion. By the way, I think this scent is still revolutionary, since most of the perfumistas I know that are not into Nº 5, body chemistry issues aside, are the ones that tend to be more conservative in their choice of fragrance, regardless of their age.

If this was the perfume of the polarized woman, torn between her social role and her newly vindicated right not only for independence from her domestic obligations, but also for pleasure and frivolousness, this scent is as polarizing among us users as it is within itself. Indeed, Nº 5 can be perceived as translucently clean but impure and animalic, vigorously fresh and aldehydic but warmly ambery, old-fashioned but innovatively groundbreaking, skanky but refined, elegant but casual, “synthetic” but organic, fresh but warm, opulent but dry, down-to-earth but heavenly, sour but sweet, luminous but mysteriously dark, deep but nonchalantly shallow, balanced, in the perfect blend of its almost indistinguishable notes, but shamelessly unbalanced in the symphony of its animalic notes, strongly alluring to our senses: the civet, the exuberant but clean soapy floweriness, the musky earthiness, the woodsiness.

Does all this mean that this is a contradictory fragrance, an olfactory mess? On the contrary: this shows that Chanel Nº 5 is and can be everything, and embodies our own contradictions and wishes as perfectly as any other timeless masterpiece in the history of the arts. Even if the fragrance is now but a reformulated shadow of itself, you can tell it’s a classic because ever since its creation it has managed to smell eternally shocking and original. It was meant to be brutally feminine, the scent of the untamed new woman flaunting her carefree, uninhibited sensuality, fighting against conventions and clichés restricting her freedom. By the way, just like the fragrance itself is still fighting today against (too) basic big words like “cat pee”, “old lady”, “musty wardrobe”, "toilet cleaner", etc., mostly brandished, with an unexplainable, unnecessary belligerency, by young die-hard lovers of modern edible frags, the new custodians of “good”, and tasty, taste in perfume.

What is an "old lady" perfume? I'll answer this definitively: it's whatever the adults were wearing when you were a kid. So you date yourself very accurately by what you consider "old lady." One day, sooner than you think, fruit-chouli and marshmallows will be the new "old-lady."

However if you are a person that categorizes fragrances in this manner, you've made a choice. You can't have your cake and eat it, too; either you can tap into the cachet of a classic or you can worry about offending the 18-25 demographic. There are many inoffensive scents available today, some even with the Chanel label; but they won't cut it as a classic and aren't capable of signaling style and confidence.

I had a great-aunt that wore No. 5. She smoked a lot, and her apartment didn't smell right. She must have sprayed this liberally as this was before it ever occurred to anyone to be a prissy perfume-phobic. No. 5 also has a noticeable civet note which I often have a problem with. I've learned to appreciate No. 5, along with a lot of other things since then, but still I prefer No. 22 and Bois des Iles for adding warmth to this chilly composition.

Although I enjoy wearing this privately, I rarely wear it out. It is just too recognizable and people have too many associations with it. I don't want to trigger people's associations with whatever person in their life had this as a signature scent.

However, if you work with a bunch of uptight puritans, you might get some satisfaction replying to their complaints that you're wearing No. 5. If people don't feel like dorks for wrinkling their noses at the perfume of Marilyn Monroe, well..they should. Some fragrances are only for the grownups.

Parfums de Coeur made an imitation of this in the early 90's, called Goddess. It came in a black and blue can. They now have a version of Vera Wang Princess, called Goddess.. but that's irrelevant. I loved the imitation, and wish I it were still available. The real thing is just a touch too gaudy for me to truly enjoy, but it will have to do.

I was laughed at for admitting to loving this, as it is "an old woman's perfume". What rubbish. A classic,although I'm sure it is too sophisticated for a lot of teenagers,aldehydes don't seem to gel with them. (I do try to steer them away from the Britney stuff though to Calvin Klein One and Anais Anais depending on their taste.)
It smells wonderful. I love the house of Chanel and have never smelt a duff fragrance from them.
Gorgeous.

This was my first french perfume. I wore it every day. Comfortable and elegant.

Strange, i consider this EDT version much more similar to Eau Premiere (that should be based on EDP) and i like them both much more than the EDP, for the lack of kind of rubberry and a little bit frigid ylang. There still is ylang of course, but not so dominant. EDP is just colder, more slick than soft. EDT is elegant and cosy fluffy stuff. Those aldehydes in EDT smell like old books! Like an ancient library or secondhand bookshop, the slightly dusty moldy paper.
°~♥~°
edit: pure perfume is made of natural ingredients, the difference between all 3 concentrations is noticable. Perfume is less soapy, less aldehydic, more woodsy-vanillic, super soft. All concentrations of No. 5 have beautiful stylish flacons.

I wonder if MM wore EDT or pure perfume

Chanel no 5 is one heckofa special aldehyde blend. It captures the spirit of Chanel uniquely. It has the high-cheeked classic grace and smooth aloof suavity of a cat-walking super model.
I think what's most remarkable about it is that its familiarity doesn't take way from it. Perfumes such as Youth Dew, Aromatics Elixir, Opium and so on, are less attractive for being so instantly recognizable and hence less capable of being a personal signature. But Chanel No 5 somehow always feels to me like its part of my personality in that time and place.

I didn't get this at all. Tried it for the first time today in a department store and, from beginning to end, all I could get was public toilet, complete with urinal deodorizing blocks. I put it down to skin chemistry...

lukkyme, I feel your pain, as do so many other members of Fragrantica. The IFRA is the corporate front of the reformulations. They are impossible to negotiate with and determined to change the classics. The initial excuse was allergy concerns. Now, its to protect corporate interests so mass production can take place globally. Reputation sells...DO NOT BUY NEW-STOCKPILE YOUR VINTAGES AND USE THEM SPARINGLY!!! Sales will slump. Only then will our voices be heard!

Onto Chanel no. 5 EDT. My bottle dates from 1990 and is the original formula. Its notes are not as well blended as earlier examples, which are superior. The formula is rather simple by todays standard. It never required flankers for winter or spring. It was perfect at every minute of every day of our lives.

Its particularly special wearing it on May 5. The florals used are in bloom on that day-iris, lily of the vally, rose de Mai and that fantastic jasmine that you can almost taste. Lay them on a chypre base, sandalwood and vanilla. Oh, just to keep things sexy, dont forget the civet! The original cannot be described in words. I am stockpiling vintages now for the future to experience.

The final battle began in 2010. You can imagine the results!

One of the many controversies of the reformulation is civet of course. Its no longer there. The jasmine which in its purest state from Grasse, is worth more than gold. That jasmine is a luxury good. It is now synthetic. My precious vintage EDC from the 1950s is easy to detect the differences from the current imposter. The aldehydes seem different. They are already synthetic. This updated version is stark, cold and hollow! Its very soul stolen.

Dont believe any report that it is the same. Its not! History has been rewritten. The corporate overlord that bought the empire forged by CoCo herself has destroyed the very element that built its fortune- Chanel No 5 is no more.

how can we make our voice's LOUD enough 2 say . . . PLEASE STOP ruining the original formula's of classic's . . . . it doesnt bother me that they are putting out all these flanker's at all im sure there is a market for them BUT what about the ORIGINALS the classic's even if i was buying a flanker i would want 2 smell the original as a point of refference . . . although i 90%of the time would want the original also if they have not discontinued them they have took it upon themselves 2 re-formulate them with out even leting you know when you go hand over your money for a product i believe you have the right 2 know when its in the same box etc . . .that the company has changed the product & they have ALL done this 2 there original's esetee lauder- channel- christian dior-D&G--Y.S.L . . . . to me this is equivelant 2 going thru a beautiful lil historic town & bulldozing all the victorian & art decco home's down with all there charm & mature tree's & garden's & buliding cheaply made suburban track home's & bulldozing the cafe & boutique to throw down a strip mall & a starbuck's :( . . . . . it destroying HISTORY

This is 'pure class and sophistication in a bottle' and you don't have to be wealthy to wear it. :)

I've loved this fragrance for about 20 years now. It smells slightly different than the EDP. I find the EDT more soapy, a bit more linear, and the closest to the original Chanel No. 5 I remember from years ago. To me, this fragrance is the ultimate old school glamorous scent, full of vintage chic and feminine strength.

it was definitlely not "love at the first view " ..but at the second smell! :) .. i bought it and i tried ones .. it did not work..it was strange and strong and it was a heavy smell to flowers but also musky.
At the second time (also i have to say it was another season:winter) i had changed my mind. It smells sooo sweet but flowery and a little bit soapy, it smells romantic and lovely. I like it so much altought at the begining i was thinking it was an "old fashioned" perfum, not at all, it smells elegant, romantic, sofisticated, i love it !!

Ah,the battle between the mature women and the young women continues to rage on Fragrantica!! I have encountered it on every review of a fragrance over 20 years old, and it has become tiring. To escape from it, I checked out what I thought was a shoe-in for common ground, Chanel No. 5. Not so!! Honestly, those who label this "cat pee" apparently have never had a deep whiff of the real thing. Coco would roll in her grave if she read these reviews. CN5 is really unlike any other fragrance, then or now, and she knew it instinctively. It is a beautifully amalgamated floral beginning with a brightness that can't be attributed to citrus; it's the amalfi lemon top note but comes across as a cold steel, metallic giving the impression that this is no ordinary bouquet of flowers. This steeliness holds on throughout the dry-down, preventing it from ever becoming too sweet. It's much more apparent in the EDT, which is too synthetic for my taste. I stick to the EP miniatures that are a steal on Ebay. That's where CN5 comes to life as it was intended, in my opinion. This is a city fragrance, the Empire State Building at night, deco moderne sophistication, dry martini and a delivery of a dozen perfect roses with no card. Powdery? Of course! It's always lingering in the background, to give a heavenly touch of soft cashmere. The middle notes bring in a skin muskiness that's very sexy as the aldehydes really kick in. For me, CN5 represents confidence and sophistication. I think this is what Coco intended. Never too sweet, trashy, girly, cheap. Always chic, worldly and yes,French, whether in ripped jeans or little black dress. Black and white is the perfect theme for this fragrance; perfect balance with no interference from single notes that compete for first place. The minimalist packaging says it all; modern then, modern now. References to Chanel as the smell of old ladies drawers break my heart. All that really means is the fragrance was so good, the old lady wore it throughout her life, from a youthful ingenue to her later years. Where's the negative in that?

The EdT is the much better than the EdP.

The EDT is lighter composition, less sweet and more dry than the EDP. It has a soapy powdery feel to it (which is right up my alley). However EDP lasts longer and smells richer. I think both versions are great.

This version of No 5 in particular I fell in love with quicker than EDP because I feel like the opening aldehydes blended together with the composition better. I've always felt like the harsh aldehydic openings of most of the Chanel fragrances are disjointed with the rest of the composition, which I can only appreciate until the alydehydes become softer. The EDT lacks this jarring disjointedness, or rather it blends better with the rest of the notes, and does not make me wait to appreciate the beauty.

My only gripe is that the EDT fades almost to nothing in 3 or 4 hours whereas the EDP is still going strong. But I can't really gripe because it is an EDT.

Dear Chanel N°5,

We've known each other a while, you and I, but I haven't always quite understood or appreciated your beauty. It was only recently that I fully became aware of the depth of your ethereal magnificence. When we are together I am enveloped by a warm, glowing aura that makes me happier than any other fragrance ever has. You make me a better person. You give me, a twenty-one year old who is just about to take her first baby steps into the real world, the confidence and motivation needed to succeed. You are an aromatic goddess. Together, we're going to take New York by storm.

Yours forever,

Me

I love this perfume. I do not understand the negative reviews. Then maybe I do. Fragrances smell so different on different women. Many fragrances I love on others smell like bug spray on me. On me it is a soft floral with a hint of musk. Yummy. I feel warm and sexy. Marvelous fragrance.

I like it upon the initial application. There is no aldehyde blast. Quickly developers into lovely flowers. But...it sits too close to the skin for me to smell in the day. If I apply it more generously, i still can't smell it. Also then my clothes have a weird sour smell at the end of the day.

I will continue to work with it. The opening is so lovely.

Wonder if I apply it over shin lotion if it will hang around longer.

When I first smelled this, only one thing popped into my head: Granny, granny, granny!

This was a total grandma for me. It smells like the cheap powder you get at your local drugstore, only this is more dry, more strong and more long lasting and a million times more expensive.

All the flowers that No 5 has make you expect it to be somewhat like a floral bouquet. However, the huge, pale aldehydes make just a lot of confusion and turn this into baby powder.

I never got the warmth of the woods in the base. I don't even think it has any woods as it does not last very long and woods do provide a base for sillage and longevity.

Definitely not worth the money. The tester smelled good when I smelled the cap, but smelled terrible on my skin.

I have learned that Chanel No 5 is one of those scents that depend entirely on your body chemistry. My experience with this Eau de Toilette was not at all pleasant!

I have had a bottle of No.5 for over 37 years. I am not up to all the jargen of the EDP's and whatever else. I love it and always have. My question is how long does it last, does it go "OFF" at all. I would hate to think I would have to throw it out. I also have Arpege for nearly as long and a bottle of Maroussla, for over 25 years. The reason I have them for so long is I wanted them for really special occasions The maroussla was given to me as a gift, I'm not fussed and I don't think I have ever worn it.
Thanks to anyone who can help me.

Best perfume ever!!!

I tried to love Chanel no. 5 EDP for about three years until I finally gave up, just couldn’t get what the fuss was all about. Then one day while doing my usual testing, I remembered what Luca Turin had said about the superiority of the EDT and thought I’d try it. WOW! Love at first sniff, I had to have it.

The EDT does have aldehydes and chemical civet but they are not obvious and if I can wear something that has anything to do with civet, (albeit chemical) it’s nothing short of a miracle. Oak moss sits so quietly in the background that it’s not the least bit noticeable.

The flowers, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, vetiver, lemon, amber, and bergamot are so well blended that it’s impossible to isolate any one particular note. Being an entire experience all it’s own, it’s no wonder this masterpiece launched in 1921 is still the most popular fragrance in the world. It’s reported by the French government that a bottle is sold every thirty seconds generating sales of $100 million a year.

Long lasting, and developing even more beautifully over the hours as most Chanels do, I never get tired of this little jewel and could wear it everyday if I weren’t such a perfume whore.

No 5 is a graceful, floral classic. It was the only fragrance my ex-husband liked me wearing, so after wearing only that fragrance for like a decade, I can no longer enjoy it! It is floral, but warm probably the patchouli and vanilla. It is sophisticated and can be worn by women of all ages. The newer Premier was created for younger women, but I find that I can wear that one without any problems, because now 5 gives me a headache! Damn my ex-husband! Just kidding. Anyway, the No 5 Premier is a lot softer and more jasmine, so it requires a lot more dipping or spraying, while the original No 5 is stronger and lasts for hours. A timeless scent, hard to go wrong with it.

I am not a fan of the Chanel scents. No5 smells to me as old fashioned hair water that whas availaible in the 60-70s.

Chanel No 5 is my daytime fragrance it is comforting and smells of Mummy, according to my children a classic floral, just beautiful

It totally wears me, and mind you, this is only the Eau de Toilette.
Chanel No 5 is a strong woman, not that I'm weak, but she is just not me. She is a Marilyn Monroe kind of woman, no less, and it's no coincidence that this revolutionary perfume has come to become associated with her. Call it conditioning, but I kinda feel a strong feminine presence around when I wear it, indeed at night, the unmistakeable smell of Chanel No 5 hovering around the room and on my bedsheets, I even had a dream of MM! Eerie, striking experience...
Still when preparing my morning coffee at the kitchen, Chanel No 5 was as quite detectable after all those long hours.
Amazing fragrance...

The remarkable quality of Chanel No. 5 is how it seems to smell different on everyone....no two sniffs are alike. I believe the ylang ylang oil gives it the staying power. It lasts, yet is never overpowering. This perfume revolutionized the perfume world. Hail to Coco!!

Dear meg1969, I couln't agree more. I am 41 years old now and I have just the same feelings about No5, although my really top favourite Chanel is No 19 ( the perfume one ).

I have it because, as a perfume fanatic, I thought I ought to own it. But I don't wear it. Occasionally I spray a little onto my wrist and sniff it on and off over an evening at home. To me No.5 is a bit like going to a gallery and looking at a painting you find ugly but it just sold for $100m so you think you should admire it without really understanding why. I have EDT.

The eau de toilette is so subtle, powdery, a little bit floral, remids me of some soap and clean smell, and somehow of some notes of Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden.

Francis Bacon (the painter one) said: something immensely ugly can charm as well as a pretty one.
I come to No5 this way; while I can't bear this perfume, I can't stop sniffing it. Ernest Beaux definitely had know what he's doing with the world! A masterpiece that I only can't share pleasure with.
If No5 EDP is too heavy, give it a try. It's little lighter and a little different, yet the label EDT doesn't pin it down and it doesn't lack that ground breaking longevity and sillage.

Encircles with a warm, translucent light. A dry, abstract perfume. Not an instant fave for me. Took a while (and lots of experience smelling and enjoying 100's of perfumes) to fully appreciate. Now, at age 42 I am beginning to get the mystery and magic of this perfume. I always disliked this Chanel before now. I didn't understand it. (And it seemed old fashioned). The thing is, it is actually extremely modern. It's like a shapeshifter. Just when you think you have experienced the full range of its olfactory presence, another dimension opens and reveals itself in an unending wave of new scent.

I love the whole Chanel line though, and especially love aldehydes. If that is not your thing, you won't be persuaded to love this classic.

I am sorry, but equating this perfume to any other (Coty, L'Aimant??) is like saying orange is the new pink. No way!

This EdT is my favorite scent! I don't care for the other formulations of No.5. I wear, own and adore many, many different fragrances, but to me, this is the indisputable leader of them all. Not one can touch it. They are not worthy! LOL

Crisp, clear cut, sharpish florals, mainly Ylang-Ylang that are restrained from shriekery by aldehydes. All this on a clean, American-friendly musk.

No5 is at once sour and sweet, It borders on vile for me, yet is also totally chic, possibly the chic-est of all perfumes and is not only Chanel’s flagship, but is the coca cola of all perfumery. No5 is marketed to death and is THE cliché choice for every budding Perfumista who wants to venture into the classics. I was late in sampling no5 though, Guerlain broke me in! But I remember smelling this before my scent obsession and thinking that it smelt of chemicals and posh old ladies who read Vogue, fast forward to today and it still does, kind of. Maybe I'm not chic enough? I don’t really care tbh but no5 leaves me COLD, she is just a nasty bitch ice queen to me, she lacks warmth and I think the aloof, vacant eyed and slightly frigid Nicole Kidman was PERFECT to promote this. Bring her back.

The Eau de Toilette is definitely superior to the "Eau de Parfum" version. I guess the character of the fragrance lends itself to a lighter formulation.
I believe the "Eau de Parfum" was introduced some time in the 1960's or maybe even early 70's when the actual pure "Parfum" sales were in crisis.
A timeless classic, its bottle design an outstanding icon of the 20th century and, it's not just a perfume, it's a whole institution with a fascinating history.

Like it or hate it, no perfume enthusiast can really be without a bottle of this one!

This edt is simply amazing! Sparkling, happy, sweet fizzy aldehydes with a creamy floral sandalwood backdrop. The scent is absolutely breathtaking reminds me of a delectable glass of champagne with my feet up relaxing after a long day of work. i'm continually amazed with Chanel lately, in the past I completely ignored this house in favor of Dior but now my taste is changing. I'm going to be 25 in a few months and I want tradition back in my fragrance wardrobe. I think loyalty to one house is what i'm striving for and I think Chanel is it for me! Don't waste your money on the edp go for the edt it not only smells better but it's one of the original concentrations.

my mother in law gave me a vintage bottle of chanel n. 5 edt. the bottle was bought in Harrods in London 30 years ago by my husband as a gift for her. the perfume is almost gone, but the bottle is wonderful! I've always loved this perfume and having a vintage perfume is really a privilege for me!

A friend of mine gave me the edt and it just will not last on me. I have the lotion and it lasts all day with that or the lotion on it's own. This is a rare case for me where I will only get the lotion of this because it smells so clean and soft compared the sprays both edt and edp. The other perfumes from Chanel I do buy and wear but No.5 I will just be sticking with the lotion. This is like a smooth silk when it settles it's just lovely. It is not sexy but a confident baby powder smell without smelling like baby products if that makes any sense?

smells like peee to me, must be the civet, I really don't like it, sorry! I think this is kinda overrated, I just don't get it's appeal really! And I do love some orientals and classic fragrances, but to me this just smells FLAT, and well...BAD!

Most certainly, everyone has a little story to tell about this perfume (as it is so old) and while most women agree it smells a little bit "passe'" or a little bit heavy or whatever, they still go out and buy it.
One needs no better example of how manipulative, good marketing can be!
That's not to say No 5 is not a good perfume, to be honest I think it is a great perfume!
In a sea of fragrances with a strong public image, (new, experimental, iconic, promising the sky with the stars) every now and then one comes across a woman wearing this perfume and can't help thinking "Finally, a simple, gloriously pleasant smell!".
I find the shower gel just perfect while the deodorant spray could do better with a more focused spraying angle (I know it, as I happen to use both at the gym).
Chanel No 5 is not only "gloriously pleasant" however.
In my mind it smells comfort and clean.
The "American clean", if you know what I mean!

An advice: avoid the "Eau de Parfum" version. This world can do fine without it.

The scent of heaven.

Since Chanel No.5 is probably considered to be the most famous perfume in the world, I so much want to say that I love it, and wear it, but alas I am so sorry and feel like it is a sin to say this.. but honestly in my opinion, on my skin it smells like cat piddle :(

I asked for a bottle of Chanel No. 5 for Christmas when I was 17. And I got the eau de toilette and the parfum! I guess my parents were feeling generous that year. I wore the EdT more often, as I loved its greater sillage and its sparkly, aldehydic opening. The problem was, it never lasted that long on me. It faded to a whisper within two hours. Still, it was as effervescent and fleeting as a glass of fine champagne that is savored for a moment and then finished all too quickly. That is what Chanel No. 5 EdT is like to me.

This is a beautiful light, fresh, floral, classic perfume. I was bought it as a Christmas present by a work colleague (no, he was happily married!) and I was taken aback by his generosity. I would happily wear it all the time, although as with No.19 (I've had both), this sits on my skin and reacts to something within my chemistry because both fragrances turn into eye-wateringly strong cats urine. I felt awful about my boss spending so much so didn't tell him, I just sprayed it on my clothes for a few months (the smell is gorgeous when it's not on my skin!) before passing it on.

I was given a bottle of this when I was 18 years old - I didn't like it, I found it too old for me and gave it away! Now I am older I thought I would try again and to be honest I can't really say I love this but merely like this.

I don't get on with the aldehydes to start off with and then I get the ylang-ylang and the bergamot but not too much of the neroli (which I love)! Then it's dire of dire for me 'urine' smelling Jasmine!!! Thankfully, this evaporates quickly into a rose/iris/lilly enveloping powdery warmth which has me sniffing away at my wrist for ages! Finally I get the vetiver which I love and thankfully I can hardly detect musk which I am not too keen on to be honest! It sits very close to my skin so disappointing sillage and longevity is not as great as I would like.


Not my favourite of Chanel's perfumes but worth a try no less! Better for the day than the evening I think (maybe the EDP is better for the evening) - but can be worn wether you are dressed up or down!

Chanel No. 5 EDT is an such an elegant, comforting scent with a peachy fizziness. Coco Chanel asked for a parfum that smelled like a woman. She accomplished that with No. 5. There is a "wow factor" in the opening with the blast of aldehydes, but how it moves through to the drydown is just beautiful. On me, it sits very close to the skin and just smells like me. Yes, it does have a soft, powdery drydown and I love it. I like the EDT for evenings layered with the pure parfum. I also layer with just a little bit of the Velvet Body Cream.

Wow, the depth of the scent. I think I am missing out not using this fragrance enough! My gift bottle has to get more use.

I had this one and I finished a bottle which is always a good sign for me ;) After that I didn't buy it again yet because I feel like I need a pause. Also maybe my taste in scent has changed. I find Chanel No.5 a real classic. Nice for going out but also wearable as a day fragrance if you are not a teen. It aims definitely at grown up women. Maybe it's worn a bit too often by people, so one thinks it's not so special anymore. I'm probably more of a rare scent wearer/buyer.

That's really a special one - it suits to any occasion and any clothes, no matter is it jeans with white T-shirt or silk dress. It's transparent, powdery, floral, it's so close to the skin, but each small move make it vibrate.

If you don't know the name of any other perfumes, you will know Chanel no.5. It's so iconic it almost doesn't matter whats in the bottle because desperate men who know nothing will buy bottles every birthday or christmas or anniversary, for their wives or girlfriends and think they have made a sophisticated choice, rather than the truth, which is that unless you know your media naranja loves this, it looks like the perfumery equivalent of service station flowers. Some women may love the actual smell of this, but I've never met any. Marilyn saying she wore it alone to bed cannot be the only reason this stuff is still going. CAN IT??

While I do not hate this Chanel, I can't say I like it either. Just not a fan of the aldehydic dominance.

The No 5 EDT has always been part of my permanent, staple wardrobe, since I was young. It remains just as good now as it has been all these years because of its lightness without sacrifice of depth. Indeed, the depth in basenotes is very much discernible, but it seems to float on its topnotes, entirely synthetic, as Coco Chanel had wanted with No 5, and this is its allure. It is mysterious without being coy or secretive, it is assertive without being pushy or uncouth; it is refinement for every season, every hour, every activity, elegance and charm, self-assured and respected, embracing each woman with a uniqueness to match her own. I have had many compliments on this scent through the years, and never leave the house without a small bottle in my purse.

Well- this is a whole new review. I always maintained that I hated Chanel No 5. Today, in the interest of seeing how the world of fragrantica has changed my tastes, I doused myself (neck, decolletage, wrists) in this scent. Either my tastes or the formulation has been altered. I dont get an aldehydic floral anymore but a cool amber. I get the ylang ylang and iris but to me it feels like a 'cool' version of my favorite Rochas Femme!! I really like it and will be requesting a bottle forthwith for my Birthday. Only disappointments were the sillage and longevity which were both meek.
PS realised it's the EDP that I still don't like and the EDT that hits my button!

Chanel perfumes are those types of perfume "hate it or love it" I dont think there's a middle passage with these fragrances.
I own a Chanel nr. 5 a few years back and I hated that smell. It was so strong and overpowering. Just not for me.
I also owned a mini Allure and Chance one ....the same result. For me it just didn't work out. Maybe its just me but to they all smell alike. And whenever I am at the mall or somewhere else and I feel someone walking by and they happen to be wearing Chanel I instantly recognize the smell and I really dislike the scent.
I know its quite a famous scent and well known but for my nose its just common and something expensive that is not worth buying.
Why do I want to buy such an expensive perfume and smell like the rest of the world.This perfume is frequently used by a lot of girls who I.m not sure they like it for themselves or they like for its advertisement and popularity through time .
I would rather try something else!

I love the EDT. It's drastically different from the EDP. It doesn't have that sharp, strong, aldehyde opening. The EDT seems to focus mostly on powder. I would imagine that the EDT has the same effect as the dusting powder might have--a light application. I think this is the perfect compromise for a person who likes No.5 but finds the projection to be too strong in EDP formulation. I also ADORE the chic bottle!

I'm digging into Chanel n°5 incredible story thanks to the great book I received! This made me want to wear it again. I have a good big sample of EdT.
This fragrance is a crazy one. Big contrasts! I always thought of Chanel 5 EdT as a weird creature from a different era. IMO it is outdated in years 2000, not because it is bad or old but rather because tastes in perfume has changed so dramatically that true gems are not often understood as they were in their era. Chanel n.5 EdT is not among the favourite in my aftermaths. Among female acquantainces it is known as jasmine deo-loo. They all compare this one to that old typical smell of soap in public restroom mingled with...ehm.. not so soapy smells!
I also have a male friend who hates it at most because it gives him headache and smells like his mother old drawers.
For me it is a dear one, not often worn as personal scent, but often sniffed for private giggling.
There is something really misterious about this perfume, I mean the perfume itself, left aside the intriguing story.
It starts with a brash of cold smelling notes that recall an intensely smelling snow, if it ever existed. Not just snow, rather more than snow, a super-snow! Those opening notes used to burn my nose when I was younger, now I like that feeling and I feel it fades quickly leaving only a trace. The heard is a triumph of the accord jasmine-rose, simply beautiful, even if in the EdT version it is not so glorious as EdP. Then comes the dry-down... well, let me tell you before that the traditional division head, heart and... toes doesn't make justice to this scent. All stuff is so enticely blended that pointing out single notes is a bit of a rational scientifical approach and also a naif one.
That said, the base of n.5 EdT is a very skanky one! Not just skanky, that would have been relatively easy. It is deliciously, sweetly ferocious skanky. Eventually I found the reason for the public restroom soap edge! Is it civet or heavily indolic jasmine or aldehydes or whatever, my poor knowledge of perfume making doesn't allow me to tell, but as for my own opinion, feeling and impression the magical of Chanel n.5 lays in this superbly blended refined, sophisticated jasmine-y skankiness! To die for and drowl like a dog, and I'm not even a fan of skanky fragrances, quite the opposite! If Coco Chanel stated that a woman shouldn't smell like flower, she probably meant "not just flower". She should smell like flower plus her own animalic essence, kindly provided and actually better made than nature in Chanel n.5. It smells like a slightly unwashed delicate lady skin dabbed with jasmine and rose oils and of course the soapy synthetic edge. Soap and dirt together? Yes! I love Chanel n.5 since I was a young girl, very young actually, almost a baby. My mother owned a bottle probably for perfume's sake, because she was not totally convinced about this fragrance yet in '70s few women missed at least one bottle and I'm not talking about grand dames!
I remember that I was given a very small sample of this to play with, strange way of keeping a curious restless babygirl quiet for a while, but it worked! It was a beautiful simple squared micro-bottle and later I got another one for Coco. I wore small drops and when it was nearly over I secretly decanted some from my mother's bottle. When that finished too I poured water into my small bottle and made a very faint eau de l'eau de l'eau de cologne! I still remember that in spite of crazy dilution that typical smell went on lingering! Then I lost that tiny decant somewhere in the mess of my teenage and almost forgot about n.5.
A few years ago I was given a modern spray sample at some counter and I thought: "Look! They still make samples for a fragrance which is not new at all!" I sprayed it and found that daring skanky jasmine again! OMG! I kept that sample very carefully. A few years later I tried the Eau Premiere and it was a lovely discovery! In Eau Premiere the skankiness is very tamed while the odd yellow Baby Shampoo Johnson’s edge is taken higher.
Honestly since now I never bought a full bottle of Chanel n.5 because... I don't know! Any time I had some money to splurge I bought other scents, mainly Guerlain and Givenchy. Besides that, any time I wore n.5 from tester there were always someone saying that it smelled old, granny, banal or annoying among the ones who told me I smelled good.
These odd ones were men, young men around 30. That made a difference for me. So apparently if Chanel n.5 really is the quintessential sexy perfume, there are good amounts of detractors among the gender that it should appeal! Is it a memory trigger for mom’s perfumes?
Now I don't really care. Now I smell myself in the EdT and giggling between me and myself. I like it, I really like it! And still it is a mistery scent to me. I can't really tell why I like it or not completely. Something escapes my understanding.
But.. I still had to test the Eau de Parfum version and that's another story...

i bought in france at the age of 11 and started daily use ever since. classic one, like the way snow flakes would smell mixed up with jasmine and musk. i would keep trying to find out various kinds of frangrances while this one never goes wrong.

Tried this newly reformulated version on my skin (yes I am a man, a gay one, but still a man) and must say that I LOVE IT!
It develops nicely on male skin as well and can definitely be worn by a man as well.

Very warm, vanilla, sandalwood, musky, civet based fragrance with those lovely florals of jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, lilley of valley, and more....so well orchestrated.

Arguably one of the best fragrances ever concoted in terms of perfect harmony of ingredients: like a well oiled machine or The London Symphonic Orchestra.

This is olfactory anti-depression treatment as it is positively uplifting and ever so sensual and sophisticated.

Nothing can beat this (except maybe "Shalimar" which is raunchier and naughtier)

10/10

Marilyn Monroe when asked what she wears to bed "Why.. Chanel no. 5!"

Just got it and all I have to say is wow!Smells so feminine, clean and sophisticated. I can't believe I didn't smell the EDT until recently! It's soft and sweet not cloying or strong at all! This becomes more of a skin scent. The staying power is not that good on me anyway. I can see using this all year round, perhaps this is more more for warmer weather and the EDP for colder. I think it last longer if sprayed on your clothes.

this is such a wonderfull perfume, 5 stars, very sensualm with a touch of respect and sofistication. the best perfume ever. period.