Eau de Cologne (2007)
by Chanel

I am partial to the Guerlain Eaux. However, this Chanel offering holds its own next to them. What sets the Chanel apart from so many other EDC scents available is the huge amount of high quality neroli oil used. This scent is fleeting of course, but great while it lasts.

8th September, 2011.

When I first saw this perfume in a Chanel boutique I was visiting I immediately thought I was just about to smell another micro-variation on the main theme. Another one among billions. I was WRONG! This cologne is simply one of the best around. Yes, it's really a micro variation on the main theme but a substantial one and, more percisely, the one that make it smells contemporary and classic at the same time avoiding the aged and stereotyped feel that many compositions of the same family too oftenly show.

The opening is with a tart and realistic lemon enriched by herbaceous notes. It's really hard to explain it as on one hand it's exactly what you would expect from a cologne, but on the other hand it's not "that obvious". What makes the real difference between Chanel's EDC and others are the conspicuous use of green notes and the overall fizzy vibe, not to talk about the outstanding quality of the ingredients. Delightful. The drydown is musky, very gentle but not too mannered. The overall effect is of a tremendous and very easy to wear modern cologne. My only disappointment is for the lasting power (no more than 2 hours), but it's still perfect for daywear during the hottest months of the year. Go heavy on the trigger...

9th April, 2011. (Last Edited: 25th January, 2012.)

Folks, if you have yet to try Chanel Eau de Cologne and want to, don't expect a bold, dynamic fragrance like Sycomore or Coromandel. This is a beautiful, well-blended Eau that is like 4711 perfected. It just takes the classic Eau de Cologne formula and makes it seamless and refined. This actually does last for over an hour on me, but still, it's an Eau. Douse yourself in it on a hot summer day, or anytime you're stressed out. Expensive, but well worth it in my opinion.

16th March, 2011.

Eighteen seconds of tongue-suckingly sharp lemon. Nice. Then a touch of neroli and a musk whitewash.

If the recipe satisfies, you could pay considerably less for something comparable (pick one of the Guerlain Eaux); if you're seeking the exceptional, get Eau de Guerlain.

22nd February, 2011.

This just smells so good, so beautiful...and passed with the "I'm not really paying attention" test with flying colours. However much I forgot about it, it just kept coming back and I would notice a delicious smell subconsciously and then remember what it was. Very close to perfection. EdCs are the sorbets of the perfume world; not actually very complicated, but when done well with wonderful materials, unbeatable for a delicious, zesty and invigorating kind of beauty.

4th January, 2011.

One of the best eau de colognes on the market. It starts out like a traditional edc with neroli top notes, but then rose and bergamont take over. I always spritz my clothes as well so the scent will last longer.

19th July, 2010.