Allure Sensuelle Eau de Toilette

With Chanels, I'm always more partial to the EdTs, it's no different with Allure Sensuelle. I have a tiny bit left over from my 7 year old bottle. I haven't seen the EDT in department stores these days, which is a shame as I really enjoy this. The EDT is similar to EDP, it's just as sensual, but it's lighter, more earthy and dry, less rose in this version...the focus is more on the woods, vanilla, amber and soft spices, the fruits and florals here are subdued, dry and cozy. The EDP is more feminine and 'formal', the EDT is more comfortable, younger and can be worn by men, so it leans unisex. Something for confident, sensual women, perfect for the boardroom, the bedroom and everything in between. Day to night scent great for all seasons, it's as versatile as it's predecessor Allure (edt). If you are looking for a clean, warm patchouli with some understated sexiness, this is it. Good longevity with moderate sillage. I love the dryness of this scent. It brings to mind another 'unisex-leaning' sweet, earthy scent I love, Elixir des Merveilles...this one is classier and more 'sensual' though.

So mine smells different than the ones currently available to test in store. Not sure if the fresher ones are a different formula, or if mine has aged considerably. Perhaps a combination of both. The EDTs in the store are very different from the EDP. They are very light, sillage and longevity is unimpressive, and they definitely smell more 'fresh' than anything else. My EDT is darker in colour (I suspect it is on the turn), and is more similar to the EDP except not quite as potent. I actually prefer mine with a bit of age on it, have had all sorts of compliments and it lasts for ages. The review down there about the 'perfect patchouli' was right. I have come to appreciate both the EDP & EDT equally. EDT can be worn during the day and EDP for night. (If you're a hardcore fan like me). It is certainly a unique smell. There is what I can only describe as an ozonic element to it. Alluring and sensual indeed. Chanel doesn't 'go off' like other perfumes.

Drydown: a smoky note, a peppery note and a blood-like note, all mixed in a very sensual way. Yes, I know this sounds a bit scary, but this is how I hear the notes personally, and after three long days of testing it...yep, I can't seem to change opinion. It's that disturbed and pretty. You have a spicy peppery citrusy opening and a patchouli that develops right away. This is hands down the best iteration of patchouli that Chanel has ever made, better than the EDP, better and different than Coco Mademoiselle and Coco Noir. Basically it is a peppery,herbal, spicy patchouli. That gets smoky after some time because of the amber and the labdanum. Definitely sharper than the EDP, and the vanilla here is non existent; no sweetness, thank God. Something winey too. Doesn't need to be jealous of the EDP's longevity and sillage. It's so weird. I like it. Does it compete with my favorite Tom Ford Patchouli? No, but it's totally worth having as well.

Spectacular fragrance, so beautiful and feminine I am surprised it is not more popular. Maybe it is the bottle as Coco Mademoiselle's is prettier and the scent is similar in a way. It is the most similar to Allure Sensuelle edp, of course, but lighter and freshier which makes it good for spring and maybe summer evening while the edp is typical autumn-winter with its sweet vanilla and warm notes. This edt reminds me as well of Coco Noir's drydown. It is hard to describe, a sweet floral with rich background and fresh top notes. I feel pink pepper, bergamot and mandarine of the top notes layered on a rose with powdery iris and a patchouli-ambery base. I feel also vanilla and musk, but gentler than in the edp. I like it the most in winter for some reason, like the eau de parfum. It is ultra-feminine and lasts long. The edp can overwhelm, the edt is safe.

I love it. I first wore the EDP but then decided to give the EDT a try. It is quite the same but a bit less heavy on the dried fruits and a little more citrus-vanilla during dry down. I get more vanilla in this one, which, surprisingly, makes it more airy. Delicious vanilla, by the way. The Edp has a bit more density and feels creamier than the Edt. It is, although, still woody and the patchouli is also very recognizable. Very Chanel. I love this fragrance, makes me happy - always happy with Chanel fragrances!- and bold when I wear it. I would wear it day and night, but wouldnt overspray it. It reminds me a bit of Coco Noir, but more citrusy with less discrete syllage. Lasts about 8 h in my skin, more on clothes. Projects better than the EdP.