Chanel No.5 has a special place in my heart, not least because it was my first ever gift from Mr BBB. I love the powdery nature of it, the sweet cotton tones and the orange blossom. I’ve been wearing it on and off for years – every time I come back to it, it’s the right thing. Chanel No.5 L’Eau isn’t, as you might expect, a watered down version of the original – it’s been changed just enough for afficonados to get the essence of something different, without changing the heart of the fragrance.
Chanel No.5 L’Eau launches on 1st September, given its new twist by Olivier Polge. I think you could say it’s a fresher version which sounds not too hard to do, but in fact, allowing aldehydes to shine and banishing metallic notes while turning up the zest and removing the powder (it still smells powdery to me) it’s a little bit greener and more floral. But, it’s still unmistakably Chanel No.5.
I’m not sure anyone would relish the job of re-tuning Chanel No.5 – it’s the world’s most iconic fragrance and if the nose in charge ruins it, people are going to mind! A lot! I don’t think it’s anywhere nearly ruined, but neither, to me, is it better. It’s just different. And lovely. If you like any of the Chanel No.5 versions I think I’m on safe ground to say you will also love this one, Chanel No.5 L’Eau.
The 100ml Spray is £96 and the 50ml Spray is £68. Clearly, the 100ml is better value – don’t you love Chanel maths?
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