Égoïste Cologne Concentrée (199)
by Chanel

Fabulous stuff. The difference between the EDT and this is like the difference between looking through glass (the EDT) and looking through amber. The amber is is deeper and richer. This perfume has a definite wetness to it. It is rich and dense and... strong. It is a burly beast when you first spray it. The tangerine is sharp and strong; boozy, almost. After five minutes or so the fragrance settles down and the deep, wonderful brazilian rosewood takes over. The damask rose is prevalent throughout. It is a not a "pretty" or "delicate" rose: it is a very dirty one. Very masculine and it works excellently with the woody rosewood. Also, there is a strong animalic presence lurking underneath. It smells like civet, even though civet isn't listed in the notes. This stuff is bold, and is not a fragrance for someone looking for something fresh and light.

The sillage is very good for the first several hours, and then the fragrance stays close to the skin. I get a solid five to six hours on my skin. I was lucky to find three different bottles from three different years. They are all substantially similar in longevity, depth and sillage. This is a strong fragrance, but it doesn't have the potency, sillage, or longevity of Opium Pour Homme EDP. It does, however, absolutely has the richness and depth; perhaps even more richness and depth.

If you like the EDT, I bet you will love this. I strongly recommend it. If you can find it, buy it.

11th November, 2011.

I just got a bottle of this Concentrée from eBay and it's absolutely incredible. It's deeper and spicier than the original-- and my nose detects almost Guerlain-like touch of civet in the base, which gives it a nice roundness to balance the sharp, sweet spices. I get rose and carnation too. Very woody also.

Like Le Grand Duc says-- it's much denser than the current EDT. Kind of reminds me a little of Donna Karan's original Fuel for Men, just a little. This is going to be great in cold weather.

If you see this, GRAB IT!

7th September, 2011.

There are those who will tell you, that the modern Égoïste is both a sillage and longevity monster. That few juices are stronger than that.

But, my dear friends, the modern EdT is like a faint mist of nothing compared to its vintage formulations. And among them, the Cologne Concentrée is the reigning king.
It's very close in smell to the modern one, just way denser - with sillage to match.

Two big thumbs up!

27th July, 2011.