Classical floral green: Chanel no.19

What is the first thing that comes on your mind when you hear about Chanel fragrances? Old lady like, soapy and expensive? That is what I thought for a long time, until I took enough courage to explore Chanel counter at my local drugstore. I was on the mission. My big wish was to actually discover something that I would really like, because I always wanted to own a Chanel fragrance. This may sound snobbish, but I’m just telling the truth. I wanted something different from current trends, by chance something vintage. Yes, their fragrances are pricey, but not all of them are dated and boring (just some ;)).


I hated their current bestseller Coco Mademoiselle and was afraid to even try famous no. 5. Coco edt was very pleasant and appealing, I also liked some versions of Chance, but they weren’t that special. Then I tried no.19 and slowly felt in love, but not in a few first minutes, because the opening of it is not that pleasant. It’s a green sharp punch in your nose. After some minutes, there’s totally different story. My first thought was that this smells so familiar; it reminded me on my childhood and on now already forgotten Givenchy III that my mother used to own. It was a first time I discovered my love to floral green fragrances.


Top notes: neroli, bergamot, green notes
Middle notes: iris, narcissus, rose, lilly of the valley, ylang-ylang
Bottom notes: vetiver, sandalwood, oak moss, leather

No. 19 is very pleasant, shy in colder days and not something I would expect to be made in 1971. Of course this has been reformulated, but I’m sure it still has much in common with original, apparently it’s just lighter and leathery note is toned down. I don’t know how to describe this by notes, and if something is standing out, because they are newer to me.


It is definitely work friendly, almost skin scent (I use just one spray) and appropriate for every occasion. I would say it is very feminine, but not sexy. You can’t make a statement with this one, but it’s a crowd pleaser as long as you survive the opening and give it a chance. For me it works just perfectly in spring so I hope it will do the same magic also in summer. I’m planning to wear it on my trip to Vienna. Classic fragrance goes well with such a cultural city, right?

Old lady like?
I would say no. It is sparkly enough to not being boring.
Chanel like soapy?
No, because it doesn’t contain aldehydes.
The only down side beside the price is the packaging. Sadly the smallest bottle is not that beautiful than classic, bigger ones. It more reminds me on deodorant.




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