WHAT I SMELL: Boy opens with a soft, bright, yet warm citrus which bounces upon a layer of lavender warmed in the sun. The perfume is aromatic and rather herbal and from the beginning it provides a blanket of security and comfort without being overly warm or heavy. As the perfume begins to develop, a geranium note comes forward with a light touch along with a freshness of florals accented by rose. Soon after, a sandalwood note adds a hint of a pencil shaving accord. As the perfume continues to develop, the citrus comes back to brighten the mix along with a lightly sweetened vanilla. Finally, the perfume is covered in a layer of oakmoss which dries the fragrance and creates some added projection. Boy is without edges, making it smooth and incredibly easy to wear.
From the Chanel website:
In her younger days, Gabrielle Chanel met Arthur “Boy” Capel, an elegant British polo player. He was the love of her life and the first to encourage her to pursue her creative endeavors. Inspired by his sophisticated style, Gabrielle Chanel imagined women dressed in tweed, with short boyish hair and flat shoes. Designs that mixed genders, the beginnings of unisex fashion.
BOY CHANEL presents a lavender and geranium accord heightened with exquisite notes of wood. A fragrance that transcends gender and illustrates a personality.
Top notes are Lavender, Grapefruit and Lemon; middle notes are Geranium, Orange Blossom and Rose; base notes are White Musk, Heliotrope, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Coumarin and Moss.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Tab Hunter – fresh, easy on the eyes and always neat and clean and inoffensive.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE BOY: easy, uncomplicated, comfortable
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT BOY: Now Smell This, CaFleureBon, eauxSILLAGE
BOTTOM LINE: Part of the Le Exclusifs de Chanel collection, Boy is one of those perfumes that only get’s better as it develops. It’s warm and inviting and a modern fougere that can easily be worn by a man or a women.
- Bone Rating: 3 out of possible 5 bones
- Scent: Aromatic Fougere
- Nose: Olivier Polge
- Classification: Unisex
- Expense: $200 for 2.5 oz. eau de parfum
WHAT I SMELL: Habit Rouge opens with a bright and sparkling mix of citrus highlighted by a clean barbershop lemon. It feels neat, brisk and fully energetic. After a short time, the citrus begins to mute and a warmth begins to wrap itself around the lemon with a light creamed sandalwood at the center. The perfume still retains its barbershop vibe, but instead of just coming out of the barber’s chair, it feels a bit more like one has prepped for a night out with a great aftershave. As the perfume continues to develop, a light floral note gives the perfume a bit of a softer and more rounded feel. After some more time, the perfume dries, flattens and becomes more herbal and vanilla-woody. Habit Rouge has a proper feel, but not so much as it feels too buttoned up or uptight. And in the end, it’s a perfume that’s easy to wear, gentlemanly and perfect for the office or for any occasion.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: Classic man of the mid 1960’s.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A Victorian rose that begins its life in the young and fresh only to mature into a confident beauty.
The Scented Hound 