Introduced in 1974, the original Cristalle Eau de Toilette was crafted by the legendary perfumer Henri Robert, a visionary who sought to capture the essence of Chanel’s modernity and confident style.
The fragrance was a bold departure from the opulent scents of its era, offering instead a freshness that mirrored Gabrielle Chanel’s affinity for the great outdoors.
In 2023, the Chanel Cristalle collection was reborn with the launch of Cristalle Eau de Parfum, a richer, more nuanced interpretation of the original, and Cristalle Eau Verte, a clean, greener variation.
Chanel Cristalle vs Cristalle Eau Verte
Fresh, luminous and captivating, join me as I take both Chanel Cristalle and Cristalle Eau Verte for an elegant olfactory test drive.
1. Cristalle Eau de Parfum
Review
Cristalle Eau de Parfum was launched in 2023 and is a fresh floral fragrance that evokes the crispness of a green garden after a morning dew.
A citrus opening unfolds into an elegant floral bouquet of hyacinth and honeysuckle that sing of spring and summer blooms.
The scent’s journey concludes on a bed of clean jasmine and gently powdery iris that’s sophisticated yet somehow comforting.
Top Notes:
Citrus
Mid Notes:
Hyacinth, Honeysuckle
Base Notes:
Jasmine, Iris Absolute
Seasons & Longevity
Cristalle Eau de Parfum suits spring, summer and fall. For me, it’s a perfume for bright moments, ideal for daytime wear, whether at work or a weekend brunch.
Its staying power is around 5+ hours, a gentle whisper accompanying you rather than a floral blast announcing your arrival.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Fresh, sophisticated Chanel scent suitable for elegant daytime occasions. |
| Cons | Maybe too clean and fresh for some noses. |
2. Cristalle Eau Verte Eau de Parfum
Review
Cristalle Eau Verte, on the other hand, is the younger, more vivacious sibling.
It opens with the same citrusy zest but introduces crisp, green notes, a freshness that speaks of morning walks in dewy meadows.
The heart of the magnolia accord is its true distinction for me, offering a creamy, lemony floral scent supported by hints of fragrant jasmine.
Top Notes:
Citrus, Green Notes
Mid Notes:
Magnolia Accord
Base Notes:
Jasmine Absolute
Seasons & Longevity
Cristalle Eau Verte is a fragrance for spring and summer, its green and floral notes a informal and formal occasions alike, a versatile accessory in your perfume wardrobe.
Not a super performer, as you may expect from its composition. I managed to get 4 hours of wear before it became a skin scent.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Light and uplifting green and floral fragrance; ideal for spring and summer. |
| Cons | I found this quite a subtle fragrance and had to overspray. |
Conclusion
Each fragrance offers a unique expression of Chanel. They are clean, fresh, and modern yet somehow stick to Henri Robert’s original Cristalle DNA.
Do you lean towards the classic elegance of Cristalle Eau de Parfum, with its traditional floral notes and more complex embrace?
Or does the fresh, vibrant allure of Cristalle Eau Verte, with its green twist on the original, speak to you? I personally would choose Cristalle Eau Verte as I loved the extra greenness.
Price-wise, both Cristalle Eau de Parfum and Cristalle Eau Verte currently cost £145 / $180 for a 100ml bottle.
Also Read: 4 Faces of Chanel Allure: From Eau de Toilette to Extrait
