I’ve noticed there’s a growing trend for men’s fragrances to be given the parfum treatment. So it’s no surprise to see Bleu de Chanel Parfum being launched recently. It makes even more sense when you consider that Bleu de Chanel EDT and Bleu de Chanel EDP have been phenomenal successes for the French luxury brand.
Both of these versions of Bleu de Chanel (created by in-house perfumer Jacques Polge) are defined by their refined take on citrus and cedar notes, among others. While they have different emphases, they are not radically different fragrances. And so it is with Bleu de Chanel EDP, created by in-house perfumer Olivier Polge. It’s not a reinvention of this modern aromatic-woody classic, but it certainly offers a new dimension to it.
A STUDY IN BLUE: Chanel’s in-house perfumer, Olivier Polge, at work in the laboratory. Image courtesy of Chanel.
SO WHAT DOES BLEU DE CHANEL PARFUM SMELL LIKE?
The opening of the fragrance pulls you in immediately, with addictive fresh notes of artemisia, bergamot, lemon zest and mint. It’s one of those openings you want again and again, so I have found myself doing more re-sprays than usual.
According to Fragrantica, there’s a pineapple note at the heart of this fragrance. I don’t detect this fruity aspect at all, but I do pick up hints of lavender and geranium.
“It’s a grown-up, big boy treatment of sandalwood. Super-seductive stuff!”
However, it’s the base of sandalwood (sustainably sourced from New Caledonia, we are told) that really sets this fragrance apart from its predecessors. It’s a grown-up, big boy treatment of sandalwood. Super-seductive stuff! Cedar is also present in the dry-down, which further enhances the woody character of this fragrance.
The Fragroom verdict? Bleu de Chanel Parfum is supremely smooth and elegant, with the creamy sandalwood sealing the deal. It will be another huge seller for Chanel. And justifiably so. Like all of the Bleu de Chanel iterations, it nails versatility, wearability and elegance.
Bleu de Chanel Parfum, R1 655 for 50ml and R2 325 for 100ml.
mmmm this sounds like a real goodie as I love the woody base notes of sandalwood and cedar – will have to go and sample it!! Have a good Monday!
Definitely worth sniffing out, Cathi, especially if you have a thing for sandalwood and cedar.
While I consider myself a Chanel fan, somehow their mainstream masculine perfumes didn’t impress me in the past. But I will give this one a try when I see it next in the store.
Bleu de Chanel is certainly a very mainstream release, Undina. Still, I can appreciate it for what it is.
Would you believe me if I told you that I never tried the well known “Bleu de Chanel” in any of its forms? I think because it is famous and I always assume these kinds of fragrances to never have a full-bodied odour according to my taste. I agree that tastes are individual. And you review certainly makes it appealing.
Your first sentence, “I’ve noticed there’s a growing trend for men’s fragrances to be given the parfum treatment” remained me of the people I watch on YouTube who still say “cologne” when refering to men scents. It is understandable why they say so, but I cannot not be amused. 🙂
The problem with very popular (and profitable) fragrances is that they can become a victim of their own success. So I understand perfectly why you have not tried Bleu de Chanel. Your comment about YouTube reviewers gave me a good laugh. I know exactly what you mean.