In 1971, the house of Chanel introduced something rather remarkable; Chanel No 19, a chic blend of green and floral notes crafted by the talented Henri Robert.
This now-classic Chanel fragrance was named to celebrate the birthday of the pioneering Coco Chanel, who was born on August 19, 1883.
Chanel No 19’s enduring popularity is due to a daring scent profile which defies the ordinary, blending the green freshness of galbanum with powdery iris, and a touch of wood.
Over time, Chanel No 19 became a collection that slowly expanded into an exquisite ensemble of fragrances that embody the sophisticated daring of the original EDP.
Chanel No 19 Collection Review
Clean, green, and utterly elegant, I decided it was high time for me to enjoy a close encounter with the Chanel No 19 collection.
1. Chanel No 19 Eau de Toilette
Review
Reformulated in 2023, Chanel No 19 Eau de Toilette is a modern masterpiece from Chanel, offering a lighter, greener take on the original No 19 fragrance.
This fragrance opens with a crisp, green burst of galbanum and fresh neroli, leading into a heart of iris. Dry-down reveals an elegant base of musk and woody tones.
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Neroli
Mid Notes:
Iris Pallida
Base Notes:
White Musk, Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for spring and summer, this Eau de Toilette is ideal for daytime wear, whether you’re attending a garden party or enjoying a casual day out.
This EDT version lasts 5+ hours, ensuring you remain elegantly scented throughout your activities without overpowering the senses.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A light, elegant scent that is perfect for daytime wear, especially in warmer seasons |
| Cons | You might need to reapply throughout the day to maintain its presence |
2. Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum
Review
As the name suggests, Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum is a more powdery interpretation that reminds me of Prada Infusion d’Iris.
The fragrance begins with a blend of green galbanum and citrus, a blast of powdery iris in the heart, and concludes with a musky, woody finish.
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Iris Pallida, Jasmine
Base Notes:
White Musk, Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
I find this Poudre version slightly more versatile than the EDT, making it a lovely choice for spring, summer and fall.
Lasting 5+ hours, this scent provides a gentle yet persistent presence that lingers gracefully.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | The powdery and sophisticated notes make Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum a refined choice |
| Cons | Maybe too powdery for some noses |
3. Chanel No 19 Eau de Parfum
Review
Chanel No 19 Eau de Parfum, created by Henri Robert in 1970, is a luxurious green, powdery scent with an elegant mossy undercurrent.
It opens with the cleanness of galbanum and iris, followed by a heart of ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, and rose. Aromas of moss and wood creep in from the seductive base.
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Iris
Mid Notes:
Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose
Base Notes:
Musk, Vetiver, Moss
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for spring, summer and fall, this classic Eau de Parfum is suited for elegant afternoon lunches, a theatre trip, and perhaps a secret escape to the countryside.
Trust me, this EDP lasts forever (7+ hours), making it a perfect companion for special occasions where you want to make a lasting impression.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A fresh, complex scent profile that is ideal for making a lasting impression |
| Cons | Its intensity may be overpowering for some |
4. Chanel No 19 Extrait
Review
The Chanel No 19 Extrait is the most concentrated form of this iconic fragrance, delivering an intense and luxurious scent experience.
This extrait opens with the familiar green notes of galbanum and iris, moving into a heart of neroli and May rose, and concluding with a base of musk and vetiver.
Top Notes:
Galbanum, Iris
Mid Notes:
Neroli, May Rose
Base Notes:
Musk, Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
I’d wear the Extrait version during any season, and I feel it is suitable for evening wear, too.
This one is a slow burn. At 7+ hours, its longevity is exceptional, offering an all-day scent that remains robust and enveloping.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A concentrated fragrance experience, providing an all-day scent that remains robust |
| Cons | More suited for evening wear or special occasions |
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum
I love the additional powderiness of Chanel No 19 Poudre Eau de Parfum so it has to be my top pick! The clean/greenness of galbanum and powdery floral aroma of iris are a match made in elegant heaven.
Conclusion
During my research, I found that each scent in the Chanel No. 19 collection maintains the original’s clean, green and powdery DNA while introducing nuances that make each offering unique.
From the green freshness of the Eau de Toilette, powdery persona of Poudre or the retro-vibe of the original EDP, Chanel No 19 remains an elegant choice in an often over-sweetened fragrance world.
Also read: 4 Faces of Chanel Allure: From Eau de Toilette to Extrait
