WHAT I SMELL: Le Lion goes on the skin with an ambered bergamot and lemon that is tinged with patchouli in an opening that is is warm, yet light and inviting. There is no mistake that the DNA of Le Lion is aligned with Guerlain’s classic Shalimar. But to me, the biggest difference is the lemon and citrus which remains front and center which lifts the perfume up to something that is lighter, a tad brighter and much more approachable and easy to wear. Le Lion doesn’t morph all that much, but as it does wear, a puttied sandalwood makes it way under the other notes and the entire composition begins to lighten.
From the Chanel website:
Gabrielle Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, under the sign of Leo. Majestic, indomitable and wild, the lion is more than just her astrological symbol; it also embodies Mademoiselle’s radiant personality and serves as inspiration for this powerful fragrance.
Faceted with a rich amber accord and featuring bold notes of bergamot, lemon, patchouli and sandalwood, the scent evokes the spirit of CHANEL.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A chill lion. Modern; made for today.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE LE LION: comfortable, easy, Shalimar-lite
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT LE LION: Persolaise, The Black Narcissus, Now Smell This
BOTTOM LINE: I like Le Lion and could see myself wearing this often as it’s an amber perfume that doesn’t set out to be too heavy. The citrus remains afloat above the patchouli and sandalwood to give it just enough of that clean Chanel finish that is so easy to love.
- Bone Rating: 4 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Amber
- Nose: Olivier Polge
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: $200 for 2.5 oz. eau de parfum
WHAT I SMELL: Delina La Rosée opens with a bright and luscious combo of lychee and pear. The fruit is ripe and not overly sweet, but incredibly juicy as if it’s dripping all of its harvested goodness while being drenched in sparkling water. Bergamot begins to enter which leads the perfume down the pathway away from the fruit and to the floral. As the florals begin to enter the room, a soft and lightly sweetened peony makes the first impression followed by a dry and somewhat chalky rose. But as this transition takes place, the fruits of the opening begin to pop up as if they’re trying to take center stage again. Here the perfume bounces in a lilting manner between the fruit and flowers. The perfume is lightly sugared, pretty and nicely airy so that the sweetness doesn’t become anything but pleasant. At this point the perfume is just so wonderfully enticing as it dances lightly on the skin. At times the perfume glides into a pink bubblegum aura, but it’s just little puffs of candied goodness that grace the perfume from time to time. In the end, Delina La Rosée settles to a comforting combination of the fruity and floral while sitting on a bed of quiet wood and musk.
Top notes: Lychee, Pear, Bergamot Essence
WHAT I SMELL: 24K opens with a warm, soft and tender rose that moves towards a lightly spiced tuberose and jasmine. The perfume buzzes with muted ambered florals that seems to become warmer on the skin with each inviting inhale. As the perfume continues to develop, it becomes more rounded and the florals seamlessly meld into one beautiful fragrant bouquet. At this point the perfume slows it’s progression and it radiates floral energy with a warmth and pulsing force that’s completely mesmerizing. There’s something nostalgic about 24K that takes me back to a bygone era of the 1980s and 1990s. But don’t get me wrong, the perfume doesn’t feel vintage or old fashioned in the least. In fact, it makes me yearn for some of those forgotten floral beauties of the past that you couldn’t help but notice.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: “Dynasty-lite”. The perfume carries all the quintessential aspects of the 1980s; big, bold, large and in command. But instead of being over-the-top and in your face, 24K remains perfectly muted.
The Scented Hound 