Chanel cologne enjoys the same reputation as the famous woman who introduced the world to today’s most recognizable fragrance, Chanel No. 5. During the roaring 1920s, Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel reportedly told her perfumer that she wanted a fragrance that smelled like a woman and not a rose. A century later, as Chanel No. 5 turns 100 years old, the company continues to produce some of the most popular fragrances on the market, including Bleu de Chanel, our “best of the best” Chanel cologne.
What to know before you buy a Chanel cologne?
Chanel cologne straddles the fine line between exclusivity and accessibility. You can find Chanel cologne in most major department stores, including Macy’s and specialty stores such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty. However, unlike other widely-available designer colognes, such as Versace and Ralph Lauren, Chanel cologne is not available at big-box discount stores or drugstores, except through third-party retailers.
The nose behind Chanel cologne
French perfumer Jacques Pologne is known as the nose behind most Chanel cologne. Pologne was head perfumer at Chanel from 1978 to 2015. Bleu de Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle, Allure and Egoiste are among his creations.
Chanel cologne strength
Chanel cologne comes in a range of concentrations, from body spray to pure parfum. The body sprays are the lightest and contain less than 10% of the “fragrance juice,” the concentrated essence of the cologne. Eau de toilette contains 10 to 15% of the fragrance juice. Eau de parfum contains 16 to 20% of the juice and parfum usually consists of anywhere from 20 to 40% juice for a long-lasting effect.
How to avoid buying counterfeit Chanel cologne
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then Bleu de Chanel should blush at all the counterfeit and knock-off cologne produced in its likeness. First, familiarize yourself with the real deal. Most major department stores provide testers and will give you samples of the cologne. Your nose has a better memory than the eyes. Once you know how Blue de Chanel smells, it will be easy to spot a fake. Also, the Bleu de Chanel bottle top should be magnetic and easy to stay in place.
Chanel cologne features
Chanel cologne is long lasting
Chanel cologne has a reputation for its long-lasting qualities. Even some Chanel eau de toilettes remain potent for hours. Eau de toilettes and body spray contain less than 15% of the perfume oil or “juice” of the cologne. Chanel cologne parfums can last 10 to 12 hours. Cologne likes to cling to moist skin.
Refillable Chanel cologne options
Chanel cologne comes in a twist-and-spray package that includes an atomizer you can refill. The atomizer produces a mist, a lighter spray than what you get from the standard cologne bottle.
Chanel cologne accessories
Chanel cologne scents come in deodorant, aftershave lotion and body spray. Availability varies per retailer. However, Bleu de Chanel, Allure Homme Sport and Platinum Egoiste accessories are easiest to find.
Chanel cologne cost
Chanel cologne costs range from $80 for a 1.7-ounce eau de toilette to about $195 for a parfum in a 5-ounce bottle. Gift sets are available from $150 to more than $200.
Chanel cologne FAQ
What is an “extreme” Chanel cologne?
A. The terms “intense” and “extreme” are marketing tools fragrance companies sometimes use to denote a stronger version of a popular cologne. Chanel Allure Sport Extreme is the eau de parfum version of Allure Sport.
Does Chanel cologne contain alcohol?
A. Despite the industry using words like “earthy,” “pure” and “natural,” nearly all fragrances contain alcohol, including Chanel cologne. Perfumers use alcohol to dilute fragrance oil and enhance the cologne’s sillage, the scented mist that lingers in the air.
Do Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum and Bleu de Chanel parfum smell the same?
A. No. Despite being the same fragrance, Bleu de Chanel parfum smells more intense than the Eau de parfum, which is fresher and more citrusy.
Which Chanel cologne should I get?
Best of the best Chanel cologne
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum, 3.4 ounce: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty
Our take: Bleu de Chanel Eau de parfum is a sensual woody aromatic that lingers on the skin.
What we like: Bleu de Chanel cologne’s top notes of pink pepper, grapefruit, lemon and mint provide a fresh, invigorating opening. Meanwhile, middle notes of ginger, jasmine and sandalwood and cedar basenotes blend to give Bleu de Chanel its warm and sexy dry down.
What we dislike: Like a great sitcom, Bleu de Chanel has many spin-offs and copycats. Versace’s Dylon Blue, Dior’s Sauvage, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Ultra Male and many other similar colognes have saturated the market with Bleu-like fragrances.
Best bang for your buck Chanel cologne
Allure Homme Eau de Toilette, 3.4 ounce: available at Ulta Beauty and Sephora
Our take: A versatile, woodsy-yet-fresh cologne that transitions well from day to night. It’s light enough to wear to work and sexy enough to spray for play.
What we like: Although Allure Homme costs the same as Bleu de Chanel eau de toilette, it gives you more options. When layered with Allure Homme Sport, you get an even cleaner, crisper night scent. Blending the two is like having three fragrances.
What we dislike: It’s harder to find deodorant for this Chanel cologne.
Honorable mention Chanel cologne
Platinum Egoiste, 3.4 ounce: available at Ulta Beauty and Sephora
Our take: Not to be confused with the Chanel cologne Egoiste, Platinum Egoiste has a sweet, woodsy smell that features lavender, rosemary, sage, vetiver and tree moss notes. Egoiste is more of a woodsy oriental with smokey sandalwood notes.
What we like: Platinum Egoiste dries down beautifully. You get a subtle sweet scent.
What we dislike: While the dry down for Platinum Egoiste is nice, it takes a while to get there. Out of the bottle, this fragrance is sharp, spicy and a bit overpowering.
Honorable mention Chanel cologne
Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette, 3.4 ounce: available at Ulta Beauty and Sephora.
Our take: Allure Homme Sport is clean, fresh and energizing.
What we like: Allure Homme Sport is a classic citrusy scent. Mandarin, cedar and white musk add a calming aspect to an otherwise invigorating fragrance.
What we dislike: The fragrance is light and fades faster from the skin than any other Chanel cologne.
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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