No. 5 Eau Première (2008)
by Chanel

I feel like I'm committing blasphemy by giving this a thumbs-down.

I tried it at the Macy's counter hoping I'd have a different experience from No. 5 and liked it. At least I think I liked it. I knew I was supposed to like it and that may well have influenced my purchase, which was totally impulsive. Without opening it, I took it back a few days later knowing I could find it at a much more affordable price elsewhere.

When I did finally purchase a mini of the EDP, I valiantly tried to convince myself that I loved it. I tried it again yesterday. I don't. It smells to me like a citrus-dipped bar of slightly watered-down Ivory soap and it just becomes less bearable the longer it stays on. This is my experience with No. 5, but Eau Premiere is just a wee bit less dramatic of an experience.

No. 5 in any form just isn't for me. Color me lonely.

21st September, 2011.

I suppose I should give this a thumbs up because it is pretty good, and better than most perfumes. Sort of a watery pretty version of No. 5 without any of the power.
Wearable but fades very quickly.
I have a miniature of this one, and I will wear but I doubt if I would ever buy a bigger bottle. Not bad.

Edit: I just bought a set of travel sprays of this...I DO like it...just takes some getting used to...

22nd June, 2011. (Last Edited: 28th August, 2011.)

Like every girl on the planet, I cannot resist the urge to be drawn to expensive and exclusive brand names. The name 'Chanel', if mentioned in a conversation can make one sound and appear sophisticated and classy. It had been my dream since discovering the world of fragrances to be able to add a Chanel perfume to my growing collection. However, finding a Chanel perfume that I happened to actually like was starting to look like an impossible task.

I had tested the original Chanel No.5, and although I could understand its appeal, it was far too mature and soapy for my liking. I concluded that it was my young age that made me feel that way.

I convinced myself to try this new version of the original today, to try and prove myself wrong and to make a comparison between the two. The first initial spray, for my nose, is much softer and more pleasant than Chanel No.5. The scent also has a slight tang of citrus in the top notes, that when blended with the aldehydes and powdery softness it creates a warm and creamy fragrance. The drydown is an exquisitely soft vanilla scent with touches of rose and jasmine.

I would describe Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere as a youthful spin on the original infamous fragrance. It is less aggressive with its powdery notes and is much sweeter and more casual. Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere is the fragrance you would wear when you can't wear Chanel No.5; like on a hot Summer's day or in the office.

For those women, who like me, thought Chanel No.5 was far too strong and soapy, this fragrance is your better alternative.

26th April, 2011.

Producing any form of flanker for the No.5 collection is extremely risky. After all, you are dealing with one of the most sacred of cows, and any augmentation of the range had better be fit for purpose.

Personally, I think they did a marvellous job with Eau Premiere, not only in producing something with the requisite Chanel quality, but making it so contemporary and accessible. It’s much softer than the original, is less floral, and dare I say it, it’s even a little sweeter. The aldehydes are retained, but here they seem almost spent, and are just a gentle reminder of the connection to the original. This will appeal to young and old, male and female.

17th April, 2011.

It's taken me several years and several major samplings of this ,to eventually get the smallest sized bottle. 40 ml. It is an exercise in orde rto get to know this jus properly.
Eau Premiere is a lighter and different interpretation of the original No.5 whose blueprint lays hidden beneath a watery vanilla and citrus emphasis.
Citrus, lighter washes of rose and jasmine that exit quickly to vanilla and some sandalwood I am guessing. Again this version of No.5 is nothing like the EDT or the EDP or even the extrait. The vanilla is very evident ,making it sweeter . The softer and fluffy citrus leads the opening .
Longevity is not that good. Several large sprays lasts for a couple of hours..... if that.
I will say this smells rather dilute compared to even the EDT which lasts for ages on my skin. Instead Eau Premiere is softer , it's smell is that of some sort of rosy face cream to me.
I believe I love it for that aspect- the rosy creamy face cream smell.

9th February, 2011.

Clearly No. 5 but softer, brighter, less powdery, more rose and a citrusy edge. This is damn good stuff, and if the original feels too "old-woman-y", this is worth a try. I happen to love the original but find this more alluring, rather come-hither and energetic. This is No. 5's hot daughter. Congrats to Chanel for successfully reformulating No. 5 to appeal to today's clean-is-sexy younger market.

16th January, 2011.