Chanel N°22

I'm beginning to think I've gone over the edge!! I've been obsessed with Chanel lately, looking for and acquiring several partially used vintages such as Allure EDT and No. 19 EDT, along with almost all of the 4 ml Les Exclusifs mini EDPs. This is on top of several I already owned in various vintages and concentrations.. Along the way I discovered a great love for Coromandel, and was able to purchase an almost full, authentic 1932. Since my state income tax refund arrived, I pulled the trigger and purchased a 2.5 oz No. 22 directly from Chanel, almost impulsively. I decided to generously apply my mini version just to be sure, and "YES!!!" I said, to no one in particular. No. 22 was my wedding scent - first marriage, 30 years ago - and at the time, it came in the white cannister and included various additional products. I had the white cannister, the dusting powder with the powder puff (a luxury I truly miss in perfumery in general), and the body lotion. It wasn't until afterwards that I discovered that it was considered to be Chanel's bridal perfume. I smelt fantastic! This was in 1991, when the big powerhouses reigned supreme. I felt very chic, subdued, and sophisticated in my gorgeous fragrance that was the antithesis of all that was mega popular at the time. Why am I sharing this long and likely boring story? Well, partially to highlight just how personal and evocative fragrance can be, and also to say I have no regrets about purchasing my new bottle. I'm completely prepared for the now unfortunate longevity issues with Chanel, but I don't care. I plan on spraying this on as often and as indulgently as I can. Because it brings me joy. And due to the passage of time, this doesn't smell any different than it did on the day of my wedding - aldehydes galore, stunning ylang ylang, beautiful, heady white florals, and that incomparable Chanel iris. Next on my list is a FB of Coromandel. That one will be on my husband - no. 2 - ; )! I have plenty of samples available to spray on whenever the urge hits me! Thanks for your indulgence if you read through this walk down memory lane.

Early X'mas gift from my husband is a No 22 Parfum in the iconic little perfume. bottle. I thought the original scent (pre exclusives) wasn't available any longer. I was so surprised to find out you can still get it! I contacted Chanel twice just to be sure and the confirmed that it is the original and not the exclusives version. On the site you have to do some digging as they've lumped it in under the exclusives and it is easy to confuse it with the exclusives edp. This rounds out my collection nicely as I have several vintage edt, cologne, exclusives edt and now a new original formula parfum. The lightest is the exclusives edt. It's a very pretty scent and has good staying power for a edt. I have many scents in my rotation but 22 has always been "the one". I was in my early 20s back in the 90s when a generous sales person loaded me up with samples after I had splurged on some makeup (my first coco pink lipstick, RIP my love) It took a while for me to fall....but once my samples were empty, I had found my signature. The opening of the parfum is like all the other versions breezy, metalic cool floral that makes me feel beautiful but underdressed. I'm not getting the thick incense on the dry down but I am getting a little light pepper which is new. Now maybe I'm not comparing apples to apples because I did not have the perfume previous...OR is it because they have changed it even though they claim it is the "original" . Doesn't matter all that much as it is beautiful and I cannot stop holding my wrist to my nose. I am very appreciative of the thoughtful gift. Edit: the picture does not match the description. My review is for the Parfum not the EDP.

No. 22 EDT is heavenly. Much like it's far more famous sibling, No. 5, No. 22 is built on an overdose of aliphatic aldehydes. These are what give fragrances a lift, a sparkle, they are ethereal, the superstars of sillage. Aliphatic aldehydes are organic compounds that have no aromatic rings attached to the aldehyde group. Moreover, these molecules do not have any aromatic ring attached to anywhere of the compound. What does this mean? Well, more simply put, it allows these molecules to fly like albatrosses and exhilarate olfactory receptors in a way aromatic aldehydes and other scent molecules can't. To put it plainly, they are the razzle-dazzle in a composition. In No. 22, they soar off the skin and pull the florals with them, and we experience once more, as with No. 5, the synergy between the aldehydes and ylang ylang. However, no 22 is more about the interplay with the white florals, and is a bit less lusty and more proper. Be that as it may, it isn't prissy by any means, and in fact I would argue that it has more unisex potential than No. 5. due to there being a classic cologne overtone of neroli and a plush woodiness to its dry down. Today, I wear this on a sunny day, with clear blue skies, and it seems rather apt: it has that disposition, elegantly hopeful and confident. This is based on a vintage 19ml bottle, date unknown.

This is perfection in a bottle. And, yes, definitely the vintage over the new exclusif line. I have the new version, too, and it still tops any other fragrance, but there's nothing like the vintage EDT in the white plastic bottle with the refills (if I knew they were going to change the formula and discontinue, I would have bought up a store full of refills ten years ago!) . . . the pure parfum is even more divine and a tiny bottle lasts a really long time. Nothing can top this for me (and I've been searching for years). My husband loves it as well and hasn't liked anything else I've worn even half as much in the 15+ years we've been together. It's soft, powdery, feminine, loveliness-in-a-bottle - just can't even put it into words. My husband says classy, soft, graceful, sensual, beautiful . . . all the words you would want to hear! I just wish they would have never changed the formula and kept the old 1.7 ounce EDT classic refillable bottles. I used to wear it every single day, and that was when it was about $45-$50 for a refill. Now the vintage refills are three times that price if you can find them. But, yes, the new Exclusif version that you can get at Chanel boutiques is *almost* as divine. If anyone knows of another perfume that comes close to this classic beauty, I would love any recommendations. <3 xo

I'm reviewing the vintage extrait. Oh. My. God. This perfume is EVERYTHING. It's almost a paradox, it's magical. No. 22 is incredibly elegant and classy, almost incomprehensibly so, yet it's completely unpretentious at the same time. Ultra rich yet somehow low-key. It's chic, refined, proper, and somehow sexy/sexual at the same time. It's equally soapy/sparkling clean and sultry, indolic, and even a bit. It is equally appropriate with a business suit, an elegant cocktail gown, and scandalous lingerie (i.e. Agent Provocatuer black silk and lace crotchless thongs paired with nothing more than pasties). It is the epitome of the roaring 20's, right there with Caron Nuit de Noel, but NdN is not the jack-of-all-trades chameleon that No. 22 is. No. 22 doesn't take itself as seriously, even though she is a hell of a serious piece of art. How Chanel? How can you make me feel so elegant, sophisticated, refined, womanly, and at the same time, sexual, playful, and easygoing? No. 22 actually kind of blows my mind. The EDT lacks the depth and nuances of the vintage extrait, but manages to retain the character. I have yet to try the EDP and the new extrait but they look extremely promising too. No. 22 has serious potential to become my signature scent.

Slowly, Like Smoke I can tell you right now that I will be very dissatisfied with the words I can muster to describe how absolutely gorgeous this scent is. For every adjective and metaphor I might use, think of a better one, and Chanel No.22 will meet it. The beginning is comprised of fizzy aldehydes and a little bit of heady sweetness. Many claim 22 is similar to No.5. I agree that they are similar but only during the launch and top notes. I can tell they're made by the same house. After the launch subsides, Chanel No.22 comes into its own. The dustiness, richness, and musky powder roll in slowly like smoke. Putting iris and vetiver in the base and having it ease in while still presenting nutmeg lends an incense-like effect. It probably contains incense notes, but they're not listed on Fragrantica. It's incredible, and it reminds me of time spent in church when I was young. I love how harmonious all the elements of this fragrance are. Every inch of this fragrance is perfectly composed. Nothing in Chanel No.22 is clunky or awkward. It isn't obvious or common. It is a glorious delight of a perfume. I can't stop smelling my wrists, and I think I may have moaned aloud the first few times I smelled No.22 on my skin. I want a huge bottle.

Chanel No.22, the vintage stuff. Quite different from the minimalist interpretation of les exclusifs. This stuff is POTENT. The opening volley of aldehydes is intense, to put it lightly. A diffusive aura of aldehydes, citrus, and florals clear the path for a very strange but successful accord - tuberose, french jasmine (the good stuff), rose, frankincense, amber, and woody notes (iralia? iris? cedar?). It's like spraying Joy and Incense Avignon in the same spot. Sensual and religious. A good combination! Longevity and sillage are absurd with my 70s era Eau de Toilette. I get so many compliments with this fragrance every time I wear it, and it lasts all day. A woman who owns an antique store nearby HATES floral fragrances (and has kicked people out for wearing bad ones!) but said my fragrance was wonderful. So let's do an assessment: Unique? Yes. Fresh? Yes. Sexy? Yes. Compliment-getter? Yes. Any-weather? Yes. Diffusive? Yes. Long-Lasting? Yes. No.22 has it all and then some. A must for every perfume lover and definitely my favorite of Mr. Beaux's collection.

Chanel #22 is simply bottled joy. Spritz a spray on your wrists, another on your cleavage and enjoy your day. It is impossible to frown while wearing #22. Wear #22 to a show or on a date, perhaps to the party you've contemplated the last couple weeks. Your make-up is perfect, your dress is spectacular, your beaming smile can halt traffic. Make a wish. Chanel #22. La-la-la-la-love. Edit: I'm editing my review for one simple reason. I have #22 in 3 forms (all vtg.); perfume, spray EDT (1970s), and vtg bath oil. OMG..... the bath oil is perfection. I wish we could share with our fellow fumies that we are wearing this GORGEOUS creation, and how much we LOVE it! Pretty please add to the fragrance selections the option for the bath oil. It may be the best of the best. To the powers that be on this wonderful perfume heaven site, check out your own stashes in the quest for bath oils in your possessions. I just know you'll agree with me. This vtg #22 bath oil is truly The Nectar of The Gods. Thank you very much. 8-D

Boy, I have fallen for this one hard lately. And that considering that I've had a bottle of EDP for some 3 years now, bought it tried and tested, full well knowing what it was, and have been keeping it for special occasions. But lately I am working 12 h days and I want nothing but No.22 to keep it together. It makes you feel like you can do no wrong, you are infallibly fabulous, radiant and beautifully poised. I am not going to pick the flower notes apart because it is impossible for my nose, so seamlessly blended they are, and because enough said down the line anyway. Yes, it is the biggest aldehydes bomb in existence; no, it is not the same as No.5 (I have a parfum), not by a long shot, because of the lack of citrus. However, on me, the aldehydes blast lasts only 10-15 min, after that it smells of what I can only describe as... silk, pearls, sunshine and good manners. 12 h later, the drydown on skin is magical, silky vanilla-and-nutmeg white chocolate with champagne. What a way to finish a long day.

First let me start off my saying this is my favorite Chanel! No 22 is the envy of all ancient Chanel's! This classy beauty is by far one of thee most interesting & highly appealing fragrances I have come across! It opens up with a tremendous burst of Aldehydes in which No 5 can not compare. It then slowly progresses into a soft white rose fragrance which is later dominated by the best part of this fragrance which is the base! Incense, Vanilla & Vetiver form a highly delectable delicious aroma that is soothing to both men & women. No. 22 becomes a skin scent which is the only thing I do not like about it. I wish it could project for miles, however it is meant for close quarters & it preforms very nicely. Dare I say this is far superior than No 5 is a understatement. The vintage formula is best, altho the Les Exclusives line is not bad, I noticed they did tone down the incense in the newer version, however a remarkable structure to a underestimated fragrance IMO! Long live NO 22!

Not sure where to put this review, I can't find the EdT page, so I guess I'll post on the three pages listed for the EdP :( Walk down memory lane today. Mine is the EdT from somewhere late 80's early 90's and from the description everyone else is giving, very different. Then again, mine is old. Yes, aldehydes, yes white florals, (mine come across as creamy, though) but what I'm not getting from reviews is that glorious vetiver that gives this a woody base that just holds everything together perfectly. Like a wood bowel, holding the flowers and slightly soapy, effervescent nuances from the aldehydes. It's classic and classy, different, wearable in a way today's woody bases just are not. I hate the pretentiousness of some perfume collectors today, but it is art. I wear mine, but it's not an everyday kind of wear, which say, No.19 or even Cristalle can be. But back in the day this came in BIG bottles, so I guess it was used and enjoyed, everyday.

It took me years to finally warm to no5. This seems the natural progression. It's an aldehyde party. It gets you straight between the eyes. You then become aware of the iris and ylang. Further down the timeline and you get the jasmine and neroli. The iris and ylang ease off the peddle a bit. There is a lot going on and it is very well blended so picking out notes ain't easy. I'm glad I enjoy it all along its timeline. It doesn't evolve that much on me. This is the scent to wear when you want to be seen as very lady like and pristine. Not a hair out of place. This is one to wear when meeting your significant other halves family. It is quite soapy but I don't mind it. It is very conservative. Its the perfect scent for when I want to be taken seriously but also to underline that I am a woman who means business. I can easily imagine first ladies of the past wearing this to various functions. I get moderate sillage and longevity in 27 degrees.

I never had the pleasure of getting this when still in production, when I could afford a bottle I always got the No 5. I do own this from the Exclusifs line, and I adore it. I've tried several, and bought them full price from the website, and passed them on, I was bored with several, Jersey I liked, but not enough to reach for it often enough. Also had Rue 31 Cambon, nice yet not me. But this one I love! Wore it everyday to hospital while my dh was going through some surgery. Although, I've heard not to wear something you love with such stressful times, it will leave a bad memory, he made it through that well, and thankfully I still have a half a bottle left, just wore it yesterday. Not sure how I landed on this page reading about it discontinued and thought, oh no, I have one, I see it's just a newer reform I suppose. But whatever it is, when a Chanel works on me, IT WORKS ITS MAGIC WELL. Worth a try.

A friend let me have a massive bottle No22 for $15---I know, how lucky! I originally wanted it because I am 22 years old. (I know, how lame haha.) Anyway,I must say that I absolutely love this. I know it was in the running for what became No5, and so has similar notes, but on me they smell totally different. When first sprayed, I get a blast of aldehydes which remind me of popping open a bottle of champagne. After it settles, it's a powdery floral medley. The Ylang Ylang, Lilac, and Rose are the most prominent flowers on me, but I can also smell that glorious Chanel Jasmine, and of course the aldehydes still although they're now in the background. All in all, this is a GORGEOUS perfume. I read someone describe this as how an off-duty European model would smell. I agree! It's classic, feminine (in my opinion), warm, and expensive-smelling (well, it IS expensive!) Tres chic!

I love No 22, usually in the winter. It's strong, somber, and sophisticated. Great for holiday parties, confidence in a bottle. This gloriously hot evening, I just couldn't pick what I wanted to smell like, and reached into my little container of decants (ok, so I haven't had the courage to buy a full bottle of this one yet) and pulled out this little beauty, and decided I was in just the right mood for it. I'm SO pleased I did. This glows on me in just such a way today. It's hot, the silage and generally odd scent, not even a dash of sweetness. I love that this one kind of goes it's own way. This is perfect in the summer in a way I never would have considered. I'm not sure what formulation my decant is, but I can say that time has done it plenty of good. It's turned kind of a darker color than when I received it, and it definitely mellowed out in a very good way.

This one, together with Sycomore, Bois Des Iles and Cuir De Russie IMO stays at the top of the Chanel Collection. Sort of a pushed to the limit version of N.5. The Huge amount of aldehydes in the opening is almost breathtaking. It's like beeing on top of a 2300 feet mountain and having a deep breath. It takes serious and very solid skills to make a fragrance like this and do it perfectly as it moves on a very dangerous territory that can easily turn into disastrous displacements. Chanel N.22 is the apotheosis of aldehydes fragrances and yet a very elegant and classy-classic perfume. Ever wondered how aldehydes smell like? Check this out and, at least, you'll end up having bigger lungs. A masterpiece. I'm sorry but I won't go through the orthodox scent explanation as I think this is the kind of fragrance everybody should at least test. Rating: 9/10

No 22 is the Queen of the Chanels! What makes it so perfect (for me) is that it totally melds with your own unique chemistry. It is incomparable - a contradiction in terms - a paradox. It is powdery,creamy and slightly smoky at the same time - not cloying but deeply magnetic. Dark and light, multi-dimensional. It is the type of scent that draws people in - closer, and closer; hypnotic... My feeling when I wear No 22 is of being a mysterous, black-veiled, cat-like, woman - slinking and floating on a wet-cobbled stone street, with a mist of rain and fog all around. There's a loud hush and awe as you pass...and slink away into the hazy distance...haunting the senses to the point of madness... This is what Perfume should be all about - not name, brand or house, but about the effects it has on you individually and others... Chanel No 22 is TIMELESS...

I will wear this on my wedding day! I am so pleased to have discovered this magnificent scent! It is begging to be my signature, but my beloved coco mademoiselle is my "anytime " and "anyplace " fragrance that makes me feel comfortable and confident! No. 22 is pure indulgence for my nose and I would hate to ruin it's magic by wearing it all the time. It is a scent for special occassions since it is a special scent. I have not smelled anything like it and fear I cannot do it justice by trying to describe it's beautiful aroma in mere words. I do love my no. 5 as well but find that no. 5 is a bit maternal at times (which is fine for me since I am a mommy :)) but when I want to feel innocent and feminine (almost virginity in a bottle) I reach for no. 22. You must try this on your skin to appreciate this intoxicating fragrance! Hats off, Coco!

I wear the exclusives version in order to save my vintage 90s 00s bottles. I tend to foget how truly spectacular the older versions are in comparison. I wore a 90s version yesterday and WOW....so powerful! This beauty can overpower one quickly, which wouldn't happen with the current version unless you really oversprayed. Don't get me wrong, the new version is beautiful but it is much lighter, and almost dainty compared to the original. The older versions had the deep vanilla and incense that are spectacular. I know the aldehydes are the star of the show but it is the combination with the deeper heady notes that have it stand out from all others. A powerhouse that lasts all day in to night and then some. For me the vanilla has always been the beauty note in this materpiece. It was great to visit once again.

For the vintage EDC. An aldehyde bomb, so much so that I have difficulty picking up other notes. My bottle is old, going back to the 60s, so it's likely lost much of what it once was. Curiously, I have a No. 5 EDC from the same period and it's perfect. Smells like the No. 5 of my youth and works well when paired with the current EDP. I am going to have to play around with this one though. I have a small amount of vintage Parfum left over as well as a mini from the Les Exclusifs line. However, I am starting to think that I love this more in my memory than in actuality. We shall see. EDIT - My nose is fickle. Wearing this today, enhanced with a few drops of the current Les Exclusifs EDP, and it is as stunning and beautiful as I remember. Like No. 5, No. 22 is timeless. Love!