By positioning herself as the final word in elegance and style, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel pulled off something revolutionary. The best Chanel perfumes of all time continue to inject a welcome dose of luxury into the day-to-day lives of fragrance lovers 100 years later.
Since 1909, the fashion house bearing her name has remained synonymous with opulence and chic. To this day, Chanel fragrances continue to dazzle, yet always ensure they don’t stray too far from the Chanel magic that started fragrance a revolution.
Using my personal Chanel collection and a visit to the fabulous Chanel fragrance counter in Harrods of Knightsbridge, London, I deep-dive into the wonderful world of Chanel perfumes for this review.
Best Chanel Perfumes Of All Time
After much research and testing, here is my take on the 7 best Chanel perfumes of all time. Each fragrance oozes Chanel style, elegance and should never be ignored.
1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Review
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is an intoxicating combination of citrus, rose, warm orientals and musk that is both seductive and youthful. Launched in 2001, the perfumer is Jacques Polge.
This fragrance opens with a lively combination of citrus fruits and orange blossom leading to a heart of mesmerizing Turkish rose. Dry-down unleashes the exotic earthy/muskiness of patchouli with hints of vanilla and wood.
Settling to a heavenly musky rose scent with zesty orange edges, Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is versatile enough for any season, situation or occasion.
Don’t forget to check out my full review of Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Orange Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Ylang ylang, Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa
Base Notes:
Opoponax, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, White Musk, Patchouli, Vetiver
2. Chanel Gabrielle Essence Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel Gabrielle Essence Eau de Parfum is an elegant white floral fragrance that’s luminous and carefree. This scent was launched in 2019 and created by perfumer Olivier Polge.
This fragrance opens with bright grapefruit that is soon soothed by a bouquet of tuberose, ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange blossom. A light woody/musky base adds a touch of elegance.
Settling to a fresh white floral scent, Gabrielle Essence Eau de Parfum is perfect for spring and summer daytime; subtly sweet and creamy with bright floral freshness. It’s a little soapier than the EDP version.
I have a full bottle of this fragrance and it’s truly stunning. You may also want to consider the original Chanel Gabrielle Eau de Parfum if you want less soapiness.
Top Notes:
Mandarin, Grapefruit, Blackcurrant
Mid Notes:
Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Musk
3. Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel N°19 POUDRÉ Eau de Parfum is an elegant floral fragrance that is bright and powdery but with an assertive green edge. Created by perfumer Jacques Polge and launched in 2011.
The opening brings green slightly bitter galbanum that collides with powdery iris and sweet neroli. A breeze of vetiver and underlying white musk create a smooth and silky scent with bold undertones.
Settles to a divine blend of powdery/green floral scent with musk and light woods. I recommend this fragrance for spring and summer daytime wear.
Don’t forget to check out my full review of Chanel N°19 POUDRÉ Eau de Parfum
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Iris, Neroli
Mid Notes:
Vetiver
Base Notes:
White Musk
4. Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum
Review
It has taken me years to fully appreciate Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum and now I am in love. The EDP version of THE iconic Chanel scent was released in 1986, created by Jacques Polge.
The opening of nose-tingling aldehydes soon settles to reveal a bouquet of powdery iris, exotic ylang-ylang and a touch of lily of the valley. Warming sandalwood, vanilla and vetiver provider an opulent base.
Settling to a clean, powdery, musky floral fragrance with woody undertones, Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum demands to be worn in every season from late afternoon into the evening.
Don’t forget to check out my full review of Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Neroli, Peach, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Rose, Iris, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Patchouli
5. Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum is indeed the nocturnal version of the Chanel Coco collection. This dark spicy/woody/floral feminine fragrance was launched in 2012, created by Jacques Polge.
Opening with a bright blend of citrus and floral, a heart of rose blooms to steal the show, supported by geranium and narcissus. Musky/earthy patchouli explodes from the base to shroud you in its exotic embrace.
Settling to a seductive blend of musky rose, wood and warm spice, Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum should be in every girl’s collection for chilly autumn/winter nights.
I have been wearing this fragrance all over the winter break. Here is my full review of Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange
Mid Notes:
Rose, Peach, Jasmine, Geranium, Narcissus
Base Notes:
Tonka bean, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, White musk, Olibanum, Cloves, Benzoin
6. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum
Review
Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum is a bright fruity floral fragrance that’s feminine, whimsical, and ever-so-delicate. Released in 2019, the perfumer is Olivier Polge.
An opening of sweet jasmine and delicate rose bloom from the outset. Zesty grapefruit and quince bring more summer freshness. A musky base provides Channel’s hallmark feel of feminine elegance.
The scent settles to a dazzling zesty rose fragrance with exotic, musky undertones. I love this scent so much I bought a full bottle ready for spring/summer.
Check out this fragrance and 9 others in my 10 Best Chanel Perfumes For Summer article.
Top Notes:
Jasmine Absolute, Rose
Mid Notes:
Grapefruit, Quince
Base Notes:
White Musk
7. Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum is a dark and sultry amber fragrance that keeps the wearer shrouded in mystery. Launched in 1984, the perfumer is Jacques Polge.
This fragrance opens with coriander dusted rose and a hint of bitter peach. A spicy heart of cloves soon dominates, with amber, sandalwood and spice in the base adding fuel to the fire. Wow!
Settling to a warm and spicy blend of cloves, amber, wood and rose, I recommend this stunning feminine scent for autumn/winter evening wear. Feels incredibly classy and dressy.
Don’t forget to check out my full review of Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
Top Notes:
Mandarin Orange, Peach, Rose, Coriander, Jasmine
Mid Notes:
Cloves, Mimosa, Clover, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Labdanum, Amber, Civet, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Opoponax
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Gabrielle Essence Eau de Parfum
My top pick for the best Chanel perfume of all time is Gabrielle Essence Eau de Parfum because it’s an elegant and versatile white floral fragrance with a creamy (and slightly soapy) backdrop.
Choosing only one Chanel fragrance was difficult as I love so many of them.
Ingrid’s Chanel Collection
Our Chanel Unboxing Video
Conclusion
Leaning towards cleaner notes, yet with surprisingly complex and luxurious scent profiles, the best Chanel perfumes of all time remain modern but in touch with their classic roots. This is just one of the reasons why the Chanel brand has stood the test of time and will still be here in another 100 years.
Also Read: Chanel Cristalle vs Cristalle Eau Verte: Clean & Green Sophistication
I didn’t really like Chance, but my when my friend wears it she smells simply amazing.
She doesn’t like Coco, but when my girlfriend wears it she loves it!
I guess there is a Chanel for everyone, but you have to test them to find out which one!
It has also taken me a long time to fully appreciate Chanel no 5 eau de parfum. I suggest starting off with the hair mist version as an introduction and as a next step you can also try the Chanel no 5 l’eau. Eventually you’ll understand why Chanel no 5 eau de parfum is still a classic today.