Of the three new extraits de parfum in Chanel’s Les Exclusifs collection, 1932 seemed most promising, but it turned out that Beige and Jersey held more surprises. As I mentioned in my review of 1932, if you didn’t like the Eau de Toilette, the parfum isn’t going to change your mind, but in the case of Beige and Jersey, the richness, new accents and nuances might make a positive difference for those who were ambivalent about the original versions.
Beige
I already enjoyed Beige for its understated elegance, and while I proclaim my undying love for Coromandel and Cuir de Russie, I wear this delicate white floral far more often. It certainly won’t turn heads the way Coromandel does or make you time travel to the Roaring Twenties like Cuir de Russie, but if you need a well-made fragrance that feels like a comfortable silk slip, Beige is perfect.
The parfum turned out to be even better than the Eau de Toilette, because with the richer notes of flowers, honey and spicy vanilla, Beige has gained several degrees of saturation. It’s still a pastel tinted perfume, but it’s fuller, curvier and warmer. It smells like a handful of white petals, rose scented face powder and honey. It’s a feminine, romantic perfume that instantly blooms on my skin. At the same time, it’s understated enough to work as a daytime choice.
Beige’s gardenia heart reminded me of Gardénia parfum, although the similarity is fleeting. Gardénia decorates its white flowers with green leaves and sweet peach, and whether you like one or the other depends on your preference for powdery vs fresh notes. Beige wins over Gardénia in terms of tenacity, but both perfumes have the same well-mannered, versatile character. These white florals won’t smother you in their embrace.
Jersey
Jersey wasn’t instant love for me the way Beige was, but it’s excellent too. While the lavender and musk scented Eau de Toilette brought to mind fabric softener and laundry detergent, the parfum doesn’t at all. The lavender here is superb, smelling of sweet hay and sun-warmed rosemary, and wearing Jersey on a grey day is the closest thing to a Provencal daydream. The burnt sugar notes coat the lavender in caramel, and while there is plenty of musk, it doesn’t take over the entire composition.
Since feminine lavenders are few, Jersey parfum joins Hermès Brin de Réglisse and Kilian Taste of Heaven as my lavender favorites. On the other hand, before you splurge, try it next to Caron Pour un Homme. They don’t smell alike, of course, but if you’re searching for a sweet, vanilla steeped lavender, Pour Un Homme will deliver. Also worth trying is its parfum version, Impact Pour Un Homme. Made for men but irresistible on women.
Chanel Beige and Jersey extraits de parfum retail for €185/15 ml.
119 Comments
Rowanhill: There is something wrong with my nose. With Beige I smell only hair spray. 🙁 Elnett comes to mind. March 12, 2014 at 7:39am
Victoria: Nothing is wrong with your nose! We all smell things differently. Even professional perfumers trained to describe scents the same way still don’t smell identically. Which only makes perfume more fascinating to me. 🙂
Plus, Beige is based on a classical floral accord with a dose of aldehydes. Elnett is too, hence the possible association. The parfum is different, though. March 12, 2014 at 7:42am
Rowanhill: Better give Beige another sniff. I am off to the Place Vendôme Haute Parfumerie one of the coming weekends so that will be the perfect opportunity. Btw, should you have plans heading that way, I just received an email that the Libeco factory outlet which is practically on the way, will be exceptionally open on the 22nd. March 12, 2014 at 8:39am
Victoria: Enjoy it there! It’s so good to be able to smell at leisure at their stores.
Good to know about the outlet, thank you! March 12, 2014 at 4:07pm
Cornelia Blimber: I love lavender, my favourite is Gris Clair (and was Jicky, the original). So I want to try Jersey, to begin with the Edt. Fabric softener character is okay with me, as long as it is a good one!
The extrait is for the moment too pricey for me. March 12, 2014 at 8:13am
Anne of Green Gables: Hi Cornelia, have you also tried Encens et Lavande from SL? If you did, what did you think of it? I liked the wax sample but haven’t had the chance to test the real perfume yet. March 12, 2014 at 9:27am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Anne! No, I did not: I never buy on line (simply don’t dare it: fear of fishing).
Encens et Lavande sounds marvellous! That could be the name of Gris Clair as well. March 12, 2014 at 9:38am
Anne of Green Gables: I try to avoid buying online as much as possible and I also never buy anything unsniffed. I still haven’t tried Gris Clair because I got confused between Gris Clair and Clair de Musc and thought they were the same perfume! 🙂 I’m looking forward to trying Gris Clair soon, maybe this weekend. Thanks for mentioning it. March 12, 2014 at 1:56pm
Victoria: I keep forgetting about Gris Clair, but it’s such a nice ashy lavender that doesn’t have the “masculine cologne” vibe at all. Encens et Lavande is interesting too, but I never crave it for some reason. March 12, 2014 at 4:04pm
maja: I used up the last two drops of Beige from my sample just yesterday evening after we commented about Chanel 1932. It does smell of white, velvety but shy petals. Gorgeous. (I think it also inspired me to buy a new jar of honey this morning) I can only imagine the extrait! Oh, well, one should not want and need everything, right? 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 9:14am
Victoria: What kind of honey did you get, Maja? 🙂
Yes, alas, the price is making me pause on both counts, and since I already have a bottle of Gardenia parfum and Beige EDT, I can’t justify Beige parfum right now. I love your description of white, velvety petals, though. Off to douse myself in the EDT. March 12, 2014 at 4:09pm
maja: The orange blossom one. 🙂 Tomorrow morning it will be fresh ricotta, orange blossom honey and bitter orange zest. March 12, 2014 at 5:38pm
Victoria: It sounds amazing, especially since I can’t have cheese right now. But I’ll enjoy it vicariously through you. On the other hand, nothing prevents me from dipping into my jar of orange blossom honey, and I even have some bitter oranges on hand. 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 5:42pm
maja: I see. Nothing prevents you from mixing a little bit of sesame paste with honey for a wonderful breakfast spread either 🙂 Lent definitely increases one’s creativity. March 13, 2014 at 4:39am
Victoria: So true! I never feel bored during Lent, because I try new combinations and new dishes. Sesame paste + honey sounds like a great idea. I usually mix sesame paste with pekmez, grape molasses. The sweetness is mild, and there is a delicious hit of caramel. March 13, 2014 at 11:10am
Anne of Green Gables: I still haven’t tested all the perfumes in the Les Exclusifs collection. There are so many of them and now with the addition of these extraits de parfum, there are even more to test! 🙂 The ones I’ve tested so far are Cuir de Russie (tested also the parfum which was exceptional), Bois des Iles, Coromandel, 31 Rue Cambon, Sycomore, Bel Respiro and No 22. Bois des Iles is my favourite so far; it’s so smooth and mellow. I loved the EDT and can’t imagine how beautiful the parfum must be. I really want to make another trip to the Chanel boutique here but because of the unpleasant experience I had last time, I’ve been hesitant to go back. Your description of both perfumes sound so charming (“burnt sugar notes coat the lavender in caramel” yummm…) and thank you for your lavender suggestions. March 12, 2014 at 9:15am
Heather H: Anne,
Go back! I had an awful experience too with an arrogant saleslady. I promised myself I would never go back, and would buy everything on line. However I went back, and met the nicest saleslady ever. She gave me many samples with my purchase unlike the other saleslady. March 12, 2014 at 9:45am
Cornelia Blimber: I am with Heather. Just look the saleslady friendly in her face and imagine there a moustache and a pair of donkey-ears. But maybe she had a headache and will be more polite next time! March 12, 2014 at 10:52am
Ashley Anstaett: Sorry to butt in, but you guys are cracking me up! It’s a shame you had such a bad experience last time. I think Cornelia is giving some very solid advice! 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 11:31am
Anne of Green Gables: I think I’ll have to try hard not to laugh out loud when I try Cornelia’s strategy. 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 2:10pm
Anne of Green Gables: Lol! 🙂 The problem is that the boutique is usually filled with wealthy tourists and when they know that I’m not one of them, they even don’t want to serve me. Last time, the shop was empty and with at least 3 SAs standing there, none of them asked if I needed assistance. When I finally asked a SA, she was rude and had absolutely no idea of what she was selling. She even criticised Cuir de Russie for being too harsh and she was sure that I wouldn’t like it! March 12, 2014 at 2:07pm
Victoria: Well, that’s just bad training on her part! It would make me annoyed too. March 12, 2014 at 5:30pm
Anne of Green Gables: Thank you, Heather. Yes, I’ll have to go back as I can’t and don’t intend to buy samples of everything. I wish that I would have better luck this time. March 12, 2014 at 2:00pm
Victoria: I also agree with others, go back and don’t let one person ruin your experience.
If you have a chance, do ask them for a Bois des Iles parfum tester. Many Chanel boutiques have the opened bottles to let you try and compare. I think that you will enjoy it even more and will notice different facets. March 12, 2014 at 4:14pm
Anne of Green Gables: I visited the boutique last Saturday. Thankfully (?), most of the staffs were busy with other customers so I could test EDTs at my leisure. I tested 28 La Pausa, Beige and Gardenia this time. I don’t know why but I couldn’t smell 28 La Pausa so well. The smell was so faint so I need to try it again next time. Gardenia was pretty but the synthetic fruity, candy-like note bothered me a little. But I liked Beige. It’s the most elegant and refined white floral I’ve smelled so far. It might lack character but it’s such a happy fragrance and the chilled clarity sets it apart from other heady, creamy white florals or other perfumes which give too much of a holiday vibe. I’d like to test it on my skin next time.
The bad news: the boutique in Munich doesn’t have extraits. The SA told me that I should go to Paris or the U.S.! I’ll see if the boutique in Barcelona carries them. March 17, 2014 at 8:15am
Victoria: El Corte Inglés in Barcelona has most of the brands and I think that there might be a separate Chanel boutique too. But I bet that you will find plenty of interesting things to discover, even without these perfumes. 🙂 March 17, 2014 at 11:15am
rainboweyes: I visited the Chanel boutique in Frankfurt last Saturday 🙂
The atmosphere there was horribly stiff (at least compared to the boutique in 31 Rue Cambon) but they were very nice and willing to help.
They had the extraits but no testers (only the EdT which I knew already)! And the only available size of La Pausa was 200ml. But I was able to revisit No. 18 and I wasn’t impressed at all. The first whiff was a sharp rose, then it turned into a beautiful “rose painted in peach watercolors” note, as Victoria described it, for some twenty minues or so, and after that it smelled like Perles de Lalique on me (which is not too bad because I like PdL a lot and it’s only half the price of No. 18!)
I finally got my small bottle of La Pausa at Douglas. I got a sample of Gardenia and found it very synthetic too.
I visited a very interesting art exhibition in Franfurt. It was called Esprit Montmartre and was devoted to the Parisian Bohéme of the late nineteenth century. We have a very idealised, clichéd picture of the of the artistic milieu of Montmartre with its clubs and cabarets but the reality was apparently quite different – a lot of poverty, alcoholism (absinthe) and prostitution. There were many great paintings to see – by Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, Van Gogh and many other less known painters. I was tempted to choose 1889 Moulin Rouge for that occasion but as it is my night out scent I eventually decided to wear the more subdued La Pausa 🙂
By the way, I bought a bottle of 31RC at El Corte Inglés in Marbella last summer but I was told that they were going to discontinue the line at their stores and it would be limited to Chanel boutiques only. But ECI is worth visiting anyway! March 17, 2014 at 1:40pm
Heather H: Ann,
I have to deal with celebrities and their paparazzi . I live in LA. I kid you not the last time I was in the Chanel boutique in December, Paris Hilton and her posse were there. I had to go through crowds of people with my baby, stroller, son, and husband just to place an order for my perfume– gosh darn it. The salespeople admitted they were glad when she left. Paris should wear her own perfume-not Chanel! March 12, 2014 at 9:59pm
Leah: Oh my goodness. I am with Cornelia on loving Gris Clair and Jicky and I have tons of lavender soaps, oils and lotions. Jersey edt killed me though (definitely laundry detergent) as I am sensitive to the new musks. Your description of the parfum makes me want to run to my Chanel boutique. I am going to call today and see if they have testers. Thanks V! March 12, 2014 at 9:20am
rainboweyes: I love lavender in my body care products too! Funnily enough, the only lavender scent in my perfume wardrobe is Andy Tauer’s Miriam. Do you know it? It’s a beautiful skin scent with a very retro vibe. March 12, 2014 at 12:58pm
Victoria: Jersey EDT is my least favorite from Les Exclusifs, so I was pleasantly surprised by the parfum. On the other hand, Jicky is a marvel too.
Would love to hear what you think when you get a chance to sample and compare. March 12, 2014 at 4:15pm
Roberta: I also think that there might be something wrong with my nose. While I really enjoyed Beige parfum, I can’t smell Jersey parfum at all! I tried from different bottles, on different occasions and nothing. Strangely enough this also happens to me with Coco Noir. All I smell is alcohol. (But with jersey not even that.)
So far my favorite parfum from Les Exclusifs is no 22 (although I actually only own Bois des Iles parfum as I find it more wearable). March 12, 2014 at 9:58am
Susiebelle: I’m glad you brought up not being able to smell something! After the recent review of Chloe Roses de Chloe, I hit Sephora for a smell. And smelled nothing! It was strange. I’ve really been wanting to get a nice rose and nothing has hit. And I’ve smelled a lot of rose scents. To my surprise, White Nirvana hit the spot (even though it’s peony). Go figure. March 12, 2014 at 12:59pm
Victoria: I suspect that it might have something to do with the musk Chanel uses in it. There are certain musks to which people are anosmic (they can’t smell them), and this might be one of your “invisible” musks. But this is totally normal; many perfumes also can’t smell some musks. You can ask someone else if they can smell the perfume on you.
Bois des Iles parfum is so smooth and languid, and it’s amazing that it’s been around for so long but feels timeless. March 12, 2014 at 4:27pm
Alessandra: I can barely smell Coco Noir, for example… mind you, I don’t particularly love what I smell of it anyway but when this perfume came out, it was sooo disconcerting for me, because the first time around, I geuninely couldn’t smell anything!!! Then it got better… but not much better. Weird stuff. March 12, 2014 at 6:29pm
Victoria: Coco Noir is another culprit, and although I can smell it, my husband can’t. I’m betting on the musks again. March 13, 2014 at 11:04am
Alessandra: Yes, same here! March 13, 2014 at 12:10pm
Ann: I had a hilarious experience of totally overdosing (overdousing?) in Coco Noir. The SA kept spraying me as I was having trouble smelling it, and apparently she was as well. I then went shopping for shoes in a nearby store and everyone turned and stared at me rather funny when I walked in. Finally one intrepid customer gamely offered, “Wow. You smell…errr. nice…” I looked up to a sea of smirks! Oh well. March 14, 2014 at 3:51pm
Victoria: Sounds like my experience at Caron when a lady practically drenched me in Tabac Blond! 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 4:25pm
Heather H: Thank you for the review Victoria. Beige sounds beautiful. I want to go to the boutique today and try Beige. I actually want to buy Chanel 31 Rue de Cambdon. Maybe they will give me a sample. I guess it depends on the saleslady. March 12, 2014 at 10:42am
Victoria: Please let us know what you think and which perfume you like best, Heather. It’s so much fun to compare them and to revisit the older Les Exclusifs. 31 Rue Cambon is just a gem, and I would love for it to be made into the parfum. March 12, 2014 at 4:50pm
Heather H: Gosh me too. But I don’t want to wait forever, so I will just have to purchase the toilette. March 12, 2014 at 10:03pm
Victoria: Or maybe just a decant for now to tide you over while you save up for the parfum? March 13, 2014 at 11:06am
Heather H: Hi Victoria,
I just wanted to let you know I just got back from the Chanel boutique, and I tried Beige in the toilette form. ( They didn’t have the extract to try.) I thought Beige was absolutely beautiful. On my skin I really noticed the honey note and the white flowers-gardenia. I can’t wait to try the extract at home. I went in ready to buy Chanel 31 Rue Cambon, and I left with Beige.
The sales lady gave me samples of Gardenia and Sycamore, and said I could layer the fragrances with Beige. I guess it doesn’t hurt to try.
I have to say I never planned on trying Beige because Luca Turin gave it two stars in his book. Although I am grateful for his recommendations, I never would have found out about Chinatown or the classic Chanels, I need to form my own opinions. Beige is worthy of the Chanel name in my book, and it is one of my favorite Chanels.
What a lovely fragrance! Thank you! March 14, 2014 at 5:05pm
Victoria: These kind of gauzy, romantic perfumes are too easy to dismiss as “not serious enough,” but they prove themselves in wear. Beige, in particular, seems simple, but it has so many layers and it keeps surprising me. Not a grand parfum like No 19 or Cuir de Russie, but it holds it own when it comes to elegance and comfort.
Very happy that you ended up liking it so much. Gardenia and Sycomore are worth trying it. Now you’ve given me an idea to layer those two together and see what happens. 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 4:24pm
rickyrebarco: Thanks for this review! I was hovering around on the Chanel website last night trying to decided whether to click ‘purchase’ on the Beige extrait de parfum but your review has convinced me that I will like since I really like the EDT.
The Jersey I want to smell first. Surely I can convince Chanel.com to send me a sample- I hope so! Thanks for wonderful reviews!! March 12, 2014 at 11:12am
Victoria: If you can wait to try it on your skin, I’d recommend it, since you never know how it might behave on your skin. But it’s close enough to the EDT, except that it’s a bit sweeter and more luscious. March 12, 2014 at 4:52pm
Sandra Levine: I’ve been wanting Beige for some time now, but a bottle will have to wait until my dental fees have been paid off! March 12, 2014 at 11:12am
Heather H: Thanks for reminding me of my dental bill–but I am still going today. March 12, 2014 at 11:44am
Victoria: 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 4:57pm
Victoria: Yes, it’s pricey, like most parfums. But on the other hand, sometimes it’s good to delay the gratification somewhat. 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 4:54pm
Nancy A.: I’m sorry but I’ll pass on both. I realize that Chanel had great success with the launch of
Beige but it doesn’t work for me. Prior to the Exclusifs Collection became so vast, I remain a true devotee of the original Rue Cambon Collection whether or not I wore it. (Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie & Gardenia). Following this: 31 Rue Cambon & much later in my further discovery: Rue Pausa. March 12, 2014 at 11:27am
Victoria: That’s sensible. If you didn’t like both perfumes that much before, I doubt the parfums will change your mind. And there is enough to enjoy between 31 Rue Cambon, 28 La Pausa and your other favorites, since they’re so multifaceted and interesting. March 12, 2014 at 4:55pm
Ashley Anstaett: I am dying to smell the Beige parfum now! I was hoping you would say, “Oh, the EDT is much better.” :-p If I had a drawer full of silk scarves and fancy lingerie, I would want to open it up and smell Beige. It is so damn refined.
The honey note, as I remember it, was absolutely luminous, but with restraint. It wasn’t like the hot, glaring sun in the desert. There was definitely a coolness to it. More like late afternoon sun streaming in through a window in a cool house. Maybe a cat would be napping in it.
Okay, I am done being a HUGE dork. I’m just daydreaming now. Thanks for the lovely review! March 12, 2014 at 11:29am
Annette Reynolds: Ashley, there’s nothing dorky about being able to describe something beautiful! Keep it up! March 12, 2014 at 11:54am
Ashley Anstaett: Aw, thanks, Annette. Perfume is so fun because you get to create your own story around it! March 12, 2014 at 2:47pm
rainboweyes: I love your description of Beige too 🙂 ! March 12, 2014 at 4:46pm
Ashley Anstaett: Aw, thanks, rainboweyes! I can’t wait to try out some of your iris suggestions. I just purchased a bottle of La Fille de Berlin, and I emailed the person I’ve been in touch with there to see if they would throw in a sample of ISM. They said they would, so I’m eagerly awaiting my package! March 13, 2014 at 6:00pm
Victoria: I totally agree with Annette! 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 4:57pm
Victoria: Your description of the honey note is perfect, Ashley. It’s definitely not dirty and animalic like some honeys can be, but more like the nectar you find inside some flowers.
Thank you for making me daydream too. 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 4:56pm
Susan Labben: Thank you Victoria for these reviews!!
Can´t wait to sniff the extrait of Beige (I might just need a bottle…)!! I fell in love with Beige EdT at first sniff (I bought a largish decant in the summer of 2009 before reading your beautiful review, or any other reviews for that matter). Yes, it was an unsniffed purchase. I just knew I would love it. And love it I did! My decant was in heavy rotation during the summer months. And how those honeyed white floral notes bloomed on my skin on those (too few) warm summer evenings! I l also happen to love anise and I simply love those “spicy warm anisic notes” you mentioned in your review of the EdT. IMO Beige is not “dirty”, but certainly not that clean and proper either. It is elegant for sure, but in warm weather, or on warm skin I find the loooong drydown very warm and sexy…
Ha, wearing the extrait might make me faint… 🙂 If not, it certainly will make ME swoon. I also enjoy the fact that my DH really likes this one.
And I for one LOVE the name “Beige”! I know that many people associate the adjective/color beige with something boring. I don´t. I ENVY those who are able to pull off wearing the color. So incredibly elegant. I can wear warm shades of white (“blanc cassé/crème/écru), but wearing something beige close to my face will make me look as if I have been dug out of a grave…
Sorry Victoria for such a lenghty comment! I got carried away…
Very much looking forward sniffing Jersey extrait as well. Sounds fab! March 12, 2014 at 11:54am
Victoria: Goodness, please don’t apologize! It’s fun to read such detailed descriptions, and I bet that your comment will also be helpful to others to figure out what Beige is like. I forgot to mention the delicate spicy notes in the parfum, but you reminded me about that. That part is so exquisite, even if it’s subtle.
I share your frustration with wearing beige clothes. This color washes me out instantly, unless I manage the color combination correctly. March 12, 2014 at 5:03pm
Nicola: Lovely to “chat” with you here, Susan! There was an amazing programme on Channel 4 last year about Fashionistas whose average age was something like 77. They were inspirational. One of them, an artist, said “Never wear beige. It might kill you.” A sweeping (and funny) statement but true for many of us, including me. Hugs. Nicola March 13, 2014 at 6:23am
Natalia: Thank you for the review, Victoria, I am very glad to hear you share my love for Beige. Since I adore the original EDT (in fact, I wore it a couple of days ago, perfect for spring as always), I am dying to try the parfum version. If asked which one of the exclusives was my favorite, I’d say 31 Rue Cambon, but like you I notice that my bottle of Beige is getting empty much faster. It’s just such a comfortable, bright and warm fragrance that I reach for it all the time – on a gloomy November day to lighten the world up or on the sunny days of spring to intensify the feeling of freedom and happyness.
Never cared for Jersey but, to be sure, will give it a try as well. March 12, 2014 at 12:29pm
Victoria: Beige is perfect for spring, and with the warm weather suddenly here, maybe it’s another reason why I’m craving it. Somehow, wearing Beige and a slick of sheer red lipstick always make me feel put together.
I’m also not a huge fan of Jersey, but I surprised myself liking the parfum. There are other less expensive options for my lavender cravings, though. March 12, 2014 at 5:07pm
rainboweyes: I’m going try both extraits although they’re not my favourite Exclusifs (Beige is tad too sweet to my nose and Jersey has this horrible bathroom cleaner feel). Your review made me curious, though, and I’d like to smell them to see how they compare to the EdT version (so this time I’ll be sniffing for educational purposes only ;)) March 12, 2014 at 12:52pm
Victoria: It’s fun. Wearing them side by side is so fascinating, and you can see what accents were added and what elements were pushed further. Looking forward to your own observations! March 12, 2014 at 5:10pm
IsabelleMi: I’ve been waiting for this review, thank you Victoria. Now I can’t resist Beige! I’d love to have a lovely feminine lavender fragrance, too, so am I right you prefer Jersey parfum to Kiki? March 12, 2014 at 1:26pm
Victoria: You’re welcome, Isabelle! I find Kiki very hard to wear, because on me it turns very pungent, but Jersey smells warm, sweet and velvety. March 12, 2014 at 5:22pm
Ksenija: I will try to get some samples of these you got me interested! Personally I adore Pour un hommeon my man, but I have recently discovered Le troisieme homme also from Caron that gives quite pleasant twist on lavender based fragrances. March 12, 2014 at 2:07pm
Victoria: Le troisieme homme is another Caron gem, and it can work on both men and women, the name notwithstanding. In general, many masculine Carons work well for those who like to plunder the men’s side of perfume counter. March 12, 2014 at 5:29pm
Lucas: You made Jersey Extrait so appealing… I’m tempted! March 12, 2014 at 2:15pm
Victoria: Did you like the EDT, Lucas? March 12, 2014 at 5:34pm
Alessandra: Oh wow. YAAAAAY, I say!! This means I’ll get Jersey as soon as possible again… this time, under extrait form 🙂
I have a question, though, Victoria. I’ve never had a Chanel extrait – nor have I had *any* extrait, unfortunately -, so I am inexperienced re: their usage and I wonder: is it going to last a long time? 15 ml is, of course, nothing, in theory, but in practice I know that it is a lot for an extrait. Given the price, I do of course, worry about the duration of said bottle. How long does one last, approximately, if well used?
Thanks in advance for your kind advice!! 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 4:09pm
Victoria: That’s a good question, and maybe others will have better ideas, but I can easily imagine a bottle lasting for over a year, even if you use only a couple of perfumes regularly. You really need 3-4 drops at most, but it depends on perfume itself. For instance, 2 drops of Gardenia are enough to give me a subtle veil of perfume (perfect for when I’m around other people or simply want a perfume for myself only). March 12, 2014 at 5:40pm
Alessandra: That’s excellent, then, it’s worth an investment. Thank you so much! 🙂 March 12, 2014 at 5:53pm
Nicola: Alessandra, if it is of any use – I bought a small bottle (15ml) of Bois des Iles parfum about 4 years ago. I still have over half left and it is still in perfect condition (kept in its lovely box in a dark cupboard! March 13, 2014 at 6:31am
Alessandra: Wow, that’s fantastic!! 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 8:12am
Victoria: The parfum is definitely worth the extra money in many cases, but it’s still a good idea to compare the other versions, because sometimes the EDT/EDP can emphasize different facets. For instance, I love Shalimar parfum, but I wear the EDT more often. March 13, 2014 at 10:59am
Austenfan: I think I’d better not try Jersey extrait, I just might fall in love and I already own so many good lavenders.
Lovely review. Are you going to save up for Beige?
Was your visit to Vendôme as pleasant as the first time? Such a lovely shop. March 12, 2014 at 5:24pm
Victoria: I’m tempted to save up for Beige, so I’m tentatively adding it to my to-buy list and see how it goes. I have a bottle of the EDT and a bottle of Gardenia parfum, so I really don’t need it, but it’s so good. 🙂
Yes, Place Vendome is always a great place to visit–great service, amazing selection and many interesting discoveries. There is nothing quite like it even in Paris. March 12, 2014 at 5:37pm
Alessandra: I’ve just added Jersey extrait to my list…. which is a VERY embarrasing list, length-wise. I have no idea when I am going to buy all the ones that I want 🙁
I can’t wait to test the By Kilian one you recommended as a great lavender, Victoria, btw! I sense that this one, too, might end on my list. Lord help me! Hahaha March 12, 2014 at 6:21pm
Victoria: Taste of Heaven? Well, when you have your full list, we can help you narrow it down. 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 11:02am
Alessandra: Yes, that one!! And yes, that’d be so useful, thank you for offering heheh 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 12:11pm
Victoria: The least I can do, Alessandra! 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 12:54pm
Henrique Brito: Victoria, you made something that i didn’t imagine it could happen, made me intrigued by Jersey parfum. I thought that the 1932 would be the most interesting one, but i guess that i’ll have a surprise. I definitely need to try them. Thank you! March 12, 2014 at 9:16pm
Victoria: Do try them and let us know what you think, Henrique. You might find it totally different, but either way, it would be fun to know more opinions. March 13, 2014 at 11:06am
Undina: I completely agree with you on Coromandel and Cuir de Russie. And I like Beige EdT – so I’ll probably enjoy the extrait as well.
Actually… I should wear Beige tomorrow – thank you for the idea 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 3:15am
Victoria: You’re welcome! I’m wearing Beige often this week and I’m finding it comforting and uplifting. It’s just so pretty (but not boring) and makes me want to put on sandals and a summer dress. 🙂 March 13, 2014 at 11:08am
Nicola: Thank you for these reviews Victoria. Beige sounds lovely but not me. Jersey on the other hand sounds worth a sniff. I really wanted to like the EDT but it was too laundry and I confess I spray my small decant on my pillows and sheets…..Taste of Heaven is one of my favourite lavenders and Vero Kern’s Kiki too but I am grateful for the mention of Impact since I also enjoy Pour un Homme! March 13, 2014 at 6:27am
Austenfan: Did you ever get the chance to try the now sadly discontinued Nicolaï pour Homme? Another wonderful lavender! March 13, 2014 at 7:58am
Nicola: No – what a shame it’s discontinued (though it won’t stop me keeping an eye out for the odd bottle)! Thanks March 13, 2014 at 10:25am
Austenfan: I could do you a sample, if you are interested. March 13, 2014 at 1:04pm
Victoria: I thought that Jersey would be my least favorite, but no, it’s really good and well-crafted. Basically, a great perfume for those who don’t like overly girly, floral scents. March 13, 2014 at 11:14am
Aisha: Beige sounds so-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o lovely. Is it a heady fragrance in its extrait form?
I’m wearing Love, Chloe today. The snow has finally melted here, the sun is shining and it’s a balmy 43 degrees. I really wanted something light, slightly powdery and airy today. Ahhhh….. March 13, 2014 at 12:43pm
Victoria: I wouldn’t say terribly heady, no. It’s really gauzy, despite its nice sillage. Imagine being wrapped in yards and yards of soft, sheer organza. Same with Beige–it has volume, but it’s not at all thick and heavy.
Love, Chloe is sort of in the same ballpark as far the character goes, by the way. The scent is different, though. March 13, 2014 at 12:56pm
Aisha: Oh, thank you for the comparison! That does help me. Yes, Beige does sound so lovely. March 13, 2014 at 12:59pm
Ann: Random lavender comment: Today I am wearing a sample of Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage I got at Sephora…which is giving me an herbally lavender vibe now that the citrus has faded. Someone mentioned wishing they’d capture a fragrance whenever they opened their dresser drawer… Eau Sauvage has that appeal as well. Maybe it is the rosemary, but I also get a hint of anise which I’ve not seen listed in the notes. March 14, 2014 at 4:02pm
Victoria: Eau Sauvage changes a lot on me throughout the day, and I also notice different herbs and spices. You’re spot on about anise, because Eau Sauvage has plenty of basil, which can sometimes smell anise-like. I love that part too. March 16, 2014 at 4:03pm
Tijana: I never managed to buy Beige EDT as I was “trying” to use up other Exclusifs I have first (BdI, Cuir, Coromandel, Sycomore) during winter. Beige I was going to get for spring/summer, but now I am wondering if I should get extrait version instead. I am so excited given your review, so I phoned my lovely SA at Chanel boutique in Toronto and I am going tomorrow to test it! Can’t wait! Thanks for the review Victoria! March 14, 2014 at 11:01pm
Victoria: It’s so worth trying, if you can. The combination of honey and flowers is wonderful and the parfum lasts much better than the EDT. March 16, 2014 at 4:05pm
Tijana: So I went on Saturday to Chanel boutique and loved it so much that I bought it on the spot. Brought it home and today opened the box, then went to open the bottle and I can’t – the stopper is completely stuck! OMG, so bummed out, I will have to take it back and exchange it for another bottle it seems… 🙁
It’s a lovely fragrance though and I also like Jersey – much more than in the EDT form! 1932 did nothing for me – as you predicted. March 16, 2014 at 6:11pm
Victoria: Oh, no! You can try putting something cold around the neck of the bottle and then twisting the stopper, but if it doesn’t give at all, better not to risk it and take it back. March 16, 2014 at 6:16pm
Tijana: Yes I am debating, I did some research online into the matter, but given it is brand new I am wondering if it is worth risking or just taking it back (which is a pain, but at least it is an option)… Will try your recommendation – very gently as so far it did not give at all even a tiny bit! March 16, 2014 at 6:19pm
Victoria: You can also just ask them to help you open it. But the stopper really shouldn’t be stuck so much that you can’t dislodge it at all. March 16, 2014 at 6:29pm
Tijana: Exactly! I own CdR, 22 and BdI in extrait and never an issue. Hopefully they can open it or replace it. I will keep you posted 🙂 Thanks for your advice! 🙂 March 16, 2014 at 6:32pm
Tijana: Update on my bottle issue – I’ve been carrying it in my bag daily in an attempt to get to Chanel boutique, but it was a crazy busy week. Finally I called the SA to tell her what happened and she suggested I try to nudge it a bit but if it doesn’t work to bring it in.While talking to her I somehow (still not sure how – lol!) finally managed to dislodge it! Yaaaay, so excited, wore it today for the first time – love it!!!!!!! March 20, 2014 at 8:14pm
rickyrebarco: Hi Victoria, after reading your review of Beige extrait I bought it and it is amazing- wow. I love it. I wrote a gushing review on Fragrantica. This is such a gorgeous scent, so much better than the EDT! Thanks so much for your review. March 17, 2014 at 9:17am
Victoria: Yay! Very glad that Beige parfum worked for you. It seems so simple and straightforward, but that’s deceptive. It develops beautifully and has a terrific character. I might have to add it to my birthday wishlist, after all. March 17, 2014 at 11:43am
Melinda: I’m quite curious about these two extraits! I like Beige and I do enjoy Jersey, but I’m pretty sure that I will love the extraits too. I just hope that we will get it in SA. March 18, 2014 at 9:52am
Victoria: If you already like them, then I think you’ll enjoy the extraits even more. Beige especially is a huge improvement on the EDT. March 18, 2014 at 12:30pm
Novice: Thank you for the reviews on the ‘Extraits’. Beige is already my favourite ever since it was launched as the EDT and I invested in the smaller bottle. I always trust your nose, Victoria, but I would like to try Beige parfum before I spend serious money. Sadly Chanel counters in UK haven’t yet received the testers. I have never known any parfumes being given away in decants here in UK , like they do in the US. Will try the Chanel counter at Harrods once more. March 27, 2014 at 1:27am
Victoria: Yes, that would be too risky and expensive for a blind buy. I also recommend trying them on skin first, because the perfume may behave on you differently than it behaves on me. Chanel boutiques in London usually have the parfum testers, but I’m not sure where in the UK you live. March 27, 2014 at 6:30am
Novice: I live in Cardiff – there are no Chanel boutiques here. I am going to London tomorrow. Can’t wait to try the Extrait of Beige! Will report back 🙂 March 27, 2014 at 4:59pm
Victoria: Good luck! I hope that you have a fun sniffing trip. 🙂 March 28, 2014 at 5:27am
Novice: Just wanted to tell you that I finally got myself the exquiste Beige Extrait. July 9, 2014 at 9:49am
Victoria: Hope that you’re enjoying it! 🙂 July 9, 2014 at 11:23am
Kate McTighe: I’m a big No.5 fan, closely followed by DelRae’s Coup de Foudre and Bois de Paradis. After reading your review of Beige I promptly went out and bought a decant to smell for myself. Holy smokes, I was bowled over! It was love at first sight, er smell. I can’t even get through a day now without spraying it on to make myself instantly happy. Would it be blasphemy to say that it ranks #1 on my list even surpassing the incredible No.5? Beige is so ladylike and subtle, as you noted in your review, and I think it’s destined to become a 5 star classic. It even radiates a gorgeous color of beige in my mind whenever I wear it. This is no milquetoast, no wimp when it begins to glow on my body. Well done, Chanel and thank you Victoria for pointing me to it. June 25, 2014 at 6:36pm
Victoria: I’m very happy to hear that you like Beige so much, Kate. I also agree that it’s elegant, easy to wear and yet very interesting. I wear it far more often than No 5! June 26, 2014 at 1:09pm