Bleu de Chanel Parfum (2018)
by Chanel

In a time where one new fragrance release leads to another four or five flankers - first the EdT, then the EdP and now the Parfum - Bleu de Chanel is a welcome addition.

Having tried the previous two iterations and being completely underwhelmed, Bleu de Chanel Parfum enters as the crowd-pleaser that Chanel is so good at putting together.

Inoffensive and totally versatile as anything I have ever put my nose to, the top notes of BdC Parfum mesmerise even to this day. Some list mint, others geranium and others just call it Blue (it's not! it's Bleu!!!). Whatever the top notes comprise, I get some very good synthetics combining freshly-squeezed citrus-grade freshness with luscious woods that I can't stop smelling. Some of the citrus is clearly dihydromyrcenol (DHM), but it is so tamed here and used very sensibly so as not to offend (I'm looking at you Dior!!).

The woods and indeed the classic Chanel tonka note in the base of BdC Parfum are what sets it apart from the EdT and EdP. Yes, there is amberwood here, but no harsh "incense" (if that's what you call it), just a classic men's scent - citrus/fresh top with a woody base. Admirers of classics like Chanel Pour Monsieur, YSL Pour Homme, Armani Eau Pour Homme should pay attention and sample this, as should anyone crazy enough to want to spend on Roja Dove's Elysium.

Rarely does a scent like BdC Parfum come to the market this side of the millennium. I bought a bottle the day it was released in 2018 and received a couple of compliments from work colleagues not long after from just 1-2 sprays. Given how versatile/easy to wear this is, I doubt I'll ever be without a bottle. If only I'd gone for the largest size bottle. Top marks, Chanel!

I've always enjoyed BDC but its never been a love or a full appreciation, I found the profile a little too safe and predictable, the EDP tho has some classy darker aspects I really enjoy. I recently picked up a bottle of the Parfum for a good price and entered into things with extremely low expectations, well this version has given me a huge suprise, this is absolutely top drawer Perfumery and probably the greatest blue themed fragrance I've ever tried. The bleu DNA is certainly still intact but it's much deeper and ambery, with a silky sandlewood that may be synthetic but it's a lesson in synthetics, the blending is incredibly smooth and Olivier Polge should feel very proud, the fragrance that arguably sparked a genre of fragrances has reached perfection here with depth, blending and likeability. In the mid there is a slight ambery sweetness that would help keep this suitable for any season and occasion, the base is all about a classy soapyness that will linger on a suit or shirt for many many hours, I get great projection and longivity which also adds to the satisfaction of the fragrance as a whole, well done Chanel.

Soft fresh spicy chic going out on the night fragrance. There is a debonair sexiness in wearing this scent.

Want to impress the ladies and be the man, a suit and a bottle of this and your on way. Very nice!

So smooth. Has the typical Chanel quality use of extremely high quality synthetics to create something of value. The blue base and vibe resemble the original BdC but this is far better as the scratchy-ness of the original is replaced by something smoother and deeper. Lasts long, wife loves it, not overpowering, and is overall an uplifting frag. Great stuff.

BdC is probably the nicest "basic b*tch" fragrance out there. There is nothing unique about any of the versions that particularly excites me. Amber, lavender, citrus. You've seen it all before.

But, Chanel lives up to its name and the scents really are done exceptionally well. The parfum version is no exception. It leans heavily into the sandalwood. Giving it a sweetness that hints at Original Santal or Joop!, but doesn't come close to cloying like those can be. It's clean, fresh, and sweet. If that's what you're looking for then look no further. I personally prefer my scents to be a bit more distinct, but BdC Parfum is definitely worth a try.