WHAT I SMELL: Chanel No. 19 opens with bright aldehydes and a sweetened bergamot that quickly turns to a buttery iris that is so radiantly smooth that it glides on the skin as if it’s surfing just a milliliter off of your body. Right from first spritz the perfume has a big presence, but it’s neither harsh nor abrasive. Instead, it’s incredibly inviting with its positive energy. After a bit, the perfume begins to dry and powder and the galbanum increasingly radiates with a dusty aura. After some more time, the greenish galbanum and the lilting iris begin to flatten and a light sandalwood partners in the mix. It’s here where Chanel No. 19 retreats in this warmed aura of green radiant sunshine. Chanel No. 19 eau de toilette is an incredible perfume that’s easy to wear and easy to love.
From the Chanel website:
Daring, distinctive and uncompromising. A floral, woody, green fragrance with perfect balance.
An ideal harmony between the vibrant, green notes of Galbanum and the soft, powdery notes of Iris.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Happy and perfectly content.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE CHANEL NO. 19: powdery, comfortable, radiant
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CHANEL NO. 19: Now Smell This
BOTTOM LINE: Chanel No. 19 is a classic that’s easy to wear, fresh and completely unpretentious while at the same time is incredibly beautiful and long lasting. To me, Chanel No. 19 eau de toilette is a perfect Christmas present because it’s affordable, delightful and more importantly, because it’s Chanel!
- Bone Rating: 4.5 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Floral Chypre
- Nose: Henri Robert
- Classification: Feminine
- Expense: $110 for 100ml eau de toilette.
WHAT I SMELL: Basilico & Fellini opens with a warmed, sparkling and zesty dragon fruit that is incredibly uplifting in its tanginess and its freshness. The basil comes in quickly to add this great mix of herbal goodness to the tangy fruit. It’s gourmand, but from the garden with the fruit and herb. After a bit, the dragon fruit begins to make way for a soft violet mixed with a fuzzy fig. There’s so much freshness going on here that is so refreshing, delightful and positive in its energy. All the notes within this concoction seem to take turns coming to the surface, from fruit to herb to flower as if they’re involved with a whirling and twirling dance of happiness. This dance continues for quite some time, but it finally slows down to quietly end with a warm and comforting fig infused hay. Basilico & Fellini is a delight of a perfume that’s perfect for warmer weather as well as those winter days when you want to be transported back to the sun-filled splendor of the garden.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Fig and basil garden goodness. So much so that I thought I would include a recipe for a delicious fresh salad.
WHAT I SMELL: Essence Rare opens with what seems to be fading aldehydes that are quickly met by a spiced geranium. The perfume deepens quickly as the perfume moves to a civet and amber making it very mature almost from the start as there’s nothing light nor fluffy about it. As it continues to develop, the oakmoss pushes itself to the forefront and it’s here the perfume puts out a strong forcefield as it’s all powdered and dry oakmoss, spice and civet. After quite some time, the perfume begins to retreat a bit and thankfully a beautiful sandalwood laced with warm florals begins to take the perfume from the overt to the almost sublime. In the end, Essence Rare is still mature, but it’s much more approachable, albeit with a strong personality.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Forgive me, but the image of Dana Carvey’s “Church Lady” popped in my head. The perfume seems stuck in the 70s, is a bit unforgiving and begs to be noticed.
The Scented Hound 