Égoïste / L'Égoïste (1990)
by Chanel

One of the smoothest sandalwood scents I've encountered, with an almost buttery feel to the drydown. The elegantly composed Égoïste is yet another reason why Chanel is held in such high esteem.

My wife used to wear this about 15 years ago, and I remember it smelling a lot different that the version I just sampled. I remember the top and middle accords being extremely peppery and spicy, to the point of almost smelling like a room fragrance. The recent version is much woodier, and in fact to my nose smells almost like a pure sandalwood fragrance. That being said, I have to say that I prefer the current formulation. The original, though an admirable and unique work of art, was not something I was comfortable wearing. The current formulation, on the other hand, is something I can see myself wearing. It's a bit less complex, but the prominence of the sandalwood gives it a very nice clean but spicy feel that I really enjoy. The drydown, to my nose, is the same as the original - a soft, sweet, colorful, almost kaleidescopic remnant of the sandalwood that dominated in the earlier stages. I'm encouraged that Chanel didn't water Egoiste down - it is still a very strong and long-lasting scent. I'm glad to see that Egoiste is still a very impressive work, and is more wearable than the original. Thumbs up.

Many times I have stayed back and forth on this beauty.
During the 90’s I admired it. Then I thought it was bit on the sweet side. Nowadays can’t get enough of it.
My nose is much more trained today than the first time I smelled Egoiste. Maybe I’ve matured when it comes down to scents.
The sweetness I was cautious about is the reflection of the notes in my mind. Not strange and very true.
Is it sweet, or bitter and smoky?.. I guess it depends on your sniffer. It depends as much as our interpretation of vanilla and rose can be. Vanilla can be so sweet; rose can ONLY be used by a master, otherwise it turns way too candy like, especially when aiming for the masculine version of it. I had the opportunity of walking through some of the most famous rose bush fields used almost exclusively for rose oil. Tell you what, it smells disgustingly strong and overbearing. Put it differently, I will never get close to a girl that stinks like a rose garden. Speaking of the man’s version it really has to be nothing short of spectacular for me to even consider wearing it.
To “pull” this off as the combination of notes goes, it takes an unusual approach to wood. I think this is the key here. Like a scale, if you are trying to equalize both sides, you need a balance.
Strangely enough, my skin loves it. Let me explain. Some friends of mine, the ones that usually don’t have any problem with longevity complain it has no staying power. My skin is very peculiar about fragrances-I usually need a really powerful one to be able to still enjoy it after 3-4 hours. Here, I have absolutely no problem with longevity or sillage. Egoiste is one of the creations that are absolutely gorgeous on clothes as well.
As so many of you mentioned below, Egoiste is Majestic, Brilliant, Beautiful and Mythic. Let me emphasize the fact, that I am talking about The Egoiste, not the “platinum” version which is an absolute GARBAGE compared to Egoiste. Just keep this in mind in case you were expecting for the platinum to be some kind of an “upgrade”.. Ha, they don’t even sell Egoiste anymore in department stores in the USA. What a joke. Tvlampboy is right on the money!!!
Absolutely mesmerizing and one of a kind. A joy wearing it. Strange how people in the States still cannot recognize it, although when I wear it compliments are flying left and right?..
Any words will do no justice-10/10.

A beautifully crafted fragrance that remains the stand out mens production under the Chanel banner. From the bitter-sweet opening to the edgy dry middle notes, the experience is an excellent balance of well formulated accords. The base is stunning, providing a potency and longevity that is all that one would hope for in a fragrance of this class.

neither bad nor excellent nor original
over-rated for sure
i would rather say it's inoffensive
a discreet masculine fragrance fresh and not too sweet

I really don’t rate Chanel fragrances for men – they’ve all disappointed me to various degrees.

With Égoïste, all I get is a mild vanilla and sandalwood base topped with a somewhat sharp (and irritating) metallic rose note. Taking into account that this almost put me off rose scents for life, there’s no way I’m going to be forgiving in the slightest.

I’ve heard rumours that the Égoïste of the early ‘90s was richer, better blended and had greater longevity. Well, I wouldn’t in the least be surprised as the bottle I recently purchased (and promptly sold off) was extremely weak on my skin.

If I could go back in time, I would certainly snag a few bottles of Bois Noir (1987) before the name was changed to Égoïste (or even the concentrée version).

A pathetic shadow of its former self.

[Original submission date: 25 May 2008]