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Chanel is a staple in the fashion world and one of the most iconic fragrance houses. Most scents from the brand are considered classics, and each fragrance has its unique Chanel character.
Widely known for some of its most famous creations, such as Chanel No.5, and Chanel Madmossiile, Chanel uses only the highest quality European ingredients and materials.
Join me on a fragrant odyssey as I share the process of selecting and testing the finest Chanel perfumes, revealing the essence of each scent and the artistry that defines this iconic brand.
What are the Best Women's Chanel Perfumes?
How I Selected and Tested The Best Chanel Perfumes
I held on to a few guiding principles, ensuring that the classics like No. 5 and Coco Mademoiselle found their deserving place, while also unearthing hidden gems that could secure a spot among the top 8.
As I curated my selections, simplicity, sophistication, and practicality emerged as the cornerstones of my criteria.
Testing each perfume I considered how the fragrance unfolded over time, its resonance with my personal style, and its adaptability to different settings. A successful Chanel perfume had to be more than a fleeting scent.
As a final touch, I sought feedback from fellow fragrance enthusiasts to gather diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach allowed me to refine my selection and ensure that the chosen Chanel perfumes resonated with a broader audience.
In-Depth Women's Chanel Perfume Reviews
Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 Review
Chanel No. 5 isn’t your typical modern perfume, and for me, it doesn’t really appeal to a younger audience. Chanel introduced variations like No. 5 L’Eau that I think suit the younger market, the original remains a staple for those who appreciate powdery, floral fragrances.
Although almost everyone can agree that the scent is attractive and immaculate, it’s important to note that it can smell slightly different on each person.
Upon multiple people testing, there was mixed feedback from what it actually smelt like, however, these were all exceptionally positive!
The fragrance opens with a prominent aldehyde note, intertwined with a floral undertone. It leans more towards a powdery profile than a traditional floral scent. Keynotes include ylang-ylang, iris, and neroli, giving it a classic ’80s vibe akin to Chanel Coco and Guerlain’s Shalimar.
I love the inclusion of aldehydes. This fragrance made the introduction of aldehydes popular with colognes and perfumes.
You can find the same ingredient in many other overly popular fragrances, such as Tom Ford Metallique, and Amouage Gold Woman.
Top Notes: Aldehydes, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Rose
Base Notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Vetiver
What we liked
- A classic scent for everyday
- Sophisticated feminine aura
- Excellent signature scent
Chanel Coco Mademosielle
Chanel Coco Mademosielle Review
Ranking second to the well-known classic is a fragrance of reality similar status and probably the first on every other Best Coco Chanel perfume list.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is the ultimate statement fragrance on this list, it exudes confidence and turns heads in the room screaming I’m that woman.
One of the distinctive features of Coco Mademoiselle is the presence of Patchouli in the base notes. However, Chanel has managed to present Patchouli in a lighter and more vibrant way, avoiding the heaviness often associated with this note.
I wouldn’t label it as particularly fresh, but it’s undeniably feminine – like, incredibly so. If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof gift, this one’s a winner. I think anyone, regardless of age, would appreciate it.
Coco Mademoiselle is timeless, youthful, and versatile, suitable for any season or occasion. It exudes a glamorous feel, making you feel expensive and elegant. It’s a fragrance that seamlessly balances class and modernity.
Top Notes: Orange, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Orange Blossom
Middle Notes: Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes: White Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Opoponax
What we liked
- Seductive and long-lasting
- Excellent level of intensity
- Perfect for cold winters
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense Review
No, we’re not overdoing it by promoting this fragrance twice, but the lustful notes are just far too extraordinary!
First things first, the Intense version won my heart against the original. People have said the original has been watered down through reformulations, and the Intense version supposedly brings back the essence of the initial Coco Mademoiselle release.
While the fragrance is designed to last around 10 – 12 hours, I’d give it a solid 4/5 for longevity, lasting anywhere between 8 – 10 hours on a cold, windy day.
The dry down is ambery vanilla with spicy undertones, creating a cozy and comforting aura, I just find it a much more alluring fragrance, but it is less classic than the original.
Top Notes: Sicilian Orange, Calabrian Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose, Fruity Notes, Jasmine
Base Notes: Patchouli, Madagascar Vanilla, Tonka Bean, White Musk, Labdanum
What we liked
- A strictly natural scent
- Potent and expressive
- Perfect for layering
Chanel Coco Noir
Chanel Coco Noir Review
Noir is a fragrance that is perfect for the winter and fall seasons, and it is a very classy scent with modern elegance.
Patchouli is the critical enhancer in many great fragrances, but to have a feminine scent built around the ingredient is impressive to pull off.
The fragrance also carries balsamic and warm tones from tonka bean, sandalwood, and cloves. This combination creates a scent that’s sweet, fruity, peppery, and, most importantly, mysterious.
Upon testing this perfume it reminded me slightly of Amouage fragrances and Replica’s By The Fire Place in its royal blend of woody, citrusy, sensual notes.
If you’re going for mature, seductive, and sophisticated, this fragrance may be a perfect match for your taste and preference.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange
Middle Notes: Rose, Geranium, Jasmine, Narcissus, Peach
Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Olibanum, Tonka Bean, Vanille, White Musk, Cloves, Benzoin
What we liked
- Bold and attention-grabbing
- Perfect for cold winters
- Perfect for layering
Chanel 1932 Les Exclusifs
Chanel 1932 Les Exclusifs Review
Despite being light and expressive, Les Excluifs de Chanel 1932 enjoys impressive longevity and still manages to maintain the classical character of Chanel perfumes.
Both elegant and perfect for everyday use, Les Excluifs de Chanel 1932 is a subtle scent that opens on notes of hidden aldehydes and citrusy notes.
The bottle design is simple and elegant, and I love the magnetic cap – a small detail that adds to the overall experience.
The dry down of Les Excluifs de Chanel 1932, however, is woodier than anything else, and it is challenging to find an excellent woody feminine balance.
One of the few season-specific fragrances, Les Excluifs de Chanel 1932 is a summer/spring scent, perfect for formal wear.
While this Chanel Scent lives up to the classical Chanel standard like any other Chanel perfume for her, it’s more of an ageless scent for any and every occasion.
Top Notes: Aldehydes, Neroli, Bergamot
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Lilac, Ylang-Ylang, Rose, Carnation
Base Notes: Orris Root, Musk, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Vetiver, Sandalwood, Opoponax, Vanilla, Coumarin, Incense
What we liked
- It's a rich floral blend
- Balance of feminine woodiness
- Seductive yet formal
Chanel Gabrielle
Chanel Gabrielle Review
Chanel Gabrielle, a modern fragrance that blends vibrant citrus notes with delicate florals, encapsulating the spirit of elegance and youthfulness.
Although I find this fragrance is highly similar to Chanel Coco Mademoiselle in its feminine fruity notes, there are a few significant differences.
It is clean and bright, with sweet orange notes accenting the rather delicate accord of white flowers, a well-blended yet unmistakable scent.
I had read online about the citrusy and green top notes, and upon trying it, I was hit with a lemony and orange blossom vibe. It wasn’t warm initially – more green and floral.
As it settled, the lemony notes faded, leaving the orange blossom, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and tuberose. I struggled to detect the promised woody base notes.
Chanel advertises the fragrance to be the choice for a woman who is attentive to her needs and speaks her mind. A solar woman who truly shines as she fully expresses her personality.
Top Notes: Tangerine, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Neroli, Green Notes, Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes: Patchouli, White Musk
What we liked
- Its seamless blend of white florals
- An inclusion of slightly masculine green notes
- Perfect for layering
Chanel Paris Biarritz
Chanel Paris Biarritz Review
One of our favorite Chanel perfumes is this unisex masterpiece, that balances green citrusy notes like no other in the collection of Chanel perfumes.
Paris Biarritz has a light soapy citrus scent with woody, green, and musky aromas exchanging places during the dry down.
While some might not immediately fall in love with its bitter undertones, it takes time to appreciate the complexity within its simplicity.
It’s something I’ve experienced with plenty of other scents, but the watery/sea vibe I get does give it some distinction.
Opening on both masculine notes, the fragrance then shifts to include everything floral in a flawless blend.
Perfect for everyday wear during the warmer seasons, Chanel Paris Biarritz makes an amazing signature scent you and the people around you will love.
Top Notes: Tangerine, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Neroli, Green Notes, Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes: White Musk, Patchouli
What we liked
- Playful balance of fruit and floral
- Potent, projecting boldly
- Uplifting aura of freshness
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Review
Chance Eau Tendre is a fresh fragrance that features top notes of quince and pink pepper, middle notes of jasmine and white musk, and base notes of iris and vetiver.
What I love most about Chanel Chance Eau Tendre is its impressive longevity. It doesn’t just linger – it outlasts the original Chance, making it perfect for special summer or spring occasions when you want a scent that stands the test of time.
This fragrance has earned its popularity across age groups, but in my opinion, it’s particularly well-suited for younger ladies.
The fruity balance makes it distinctly summery, adding that perfect touch to any collection of Chanel perfumes. If you’re after a light fragrance that lasts all day, this one’s a winner.
Top Notes: Quince, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Hyacinth, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk, Iris, Virginia Cedar, Amber
What we liked
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Light and expressive
- Excellent longevity for its potency