REVIEW: CHANEL No5 EAU DE PARFUM

We all know this iconic bottle. We all have some memory of it from our childhood or adolescence - whether it's because one of your female relatives used to wear it, your mother mentioned it or you saw a Chanel advert and just distinctly knew it to be one of 'those' perfumes. Even now I look at this bottle and think of walking into a perfumery in my town that always smells of this iconic scent. The packaging is chic and elegant (what else would be expect from Chanel?) and I have to admit that I do love having it out on my dressing table where it looks so pretty.

Chanel No5 was a gift from my boyfriend this Christmas. I'd asked for a perfume as I was running low on scents I liked in my stash and had mentioned Chanel Chance pretty heavily but I assume all he heard was the 'Chanel' part and bought me this massive bottle home instead. It's the thought that counts and I'm definitely not moaning.

This is the epitome of a floral scent that will either suit you or won't. There tends to be a 'marmite' split of opinion over this fragrance. On young skin this is far too heavy and smells terrible (I personally think) but some people believe that it can suit everyone and perfume is very much about individual taste. At first there is a definite top note of roses but as it dies down to the base notes it does present something a little more powdery, almost soapy. Some people like this and spray it on by the gallon but I find I can only wear it with the barest minimum of a spritz otherwise I feel like the perfume is wearing me and not the other way around as it's so strong. I wouldn't have picked it up for myself but it was a lovely gift with a lot of thought put into it so I will wear it and use it. I would just suggest that, if you can, use a tester to spray some on yourself and wait for it to wear down for a couple of hours - have a really good think about whether you truly like it or not - before you purchase it for yourself. 

Chanel No5 Eau De Parfum (RRP £94.50 for 100ml) is available from all good perfumers both on and off the high street. Dave bought my bottle from here.