Chanel No 19 Eau de Parfum

Today I get play one of my favorite games: a multi format vintage vs. new comparison. The beautiful lady walking arm-in-arm with me today is none other than No. 19. On the back of my left hand and that wrist is an EdC from probably the late 1970s/early 80s, on the upper part of that arm is a new EdP, and on my right hand and arm is an extrait from the early 1990s. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Curiously, No. 19 doesn't get much love, in fact it seems to get quite a bit of hate. I've heard some people say that if No. 19 was a woman, she would be a frigid "b" with no friends. Though I understand what they're saying, I think that's overly harsh and a classic case of being misunderstood. To me this character is more prim and proper rather than cold and mean; it's the difference between us loud and brash Americans versus British royalty, let's say: just because the Brit royalty is typical stiff-upper-lip and very proper doesn't make them cold and mean. This difference of character perception can also be seen across the formats and vintages I'm wearing today. Take my very old EdC vs. the new EdP as an example: though age has most assuredly tempered Ms. 19 in the EdC format, that hyper green claw-like galbanum top note is far smoother and well-rounded in the EdC than the EdP. The EdP is claws out, right from the get-go, and, as you would expect, those claws stay out for longer. Rather quickly, the EdC dries down to a very pleasant and soft powdery woody floral chock full of iris, lily, sandalwood, and oakmoss (real oakmoss - have I mentioned how much I love opportunities to smell real oakmoss?) - making this the easiest of the No. 19s to wear, and that's really the whole story of the EdC beyond this point. The EdC is desperately pretty, calm, and friendly after the last dry down and for the few hours beyond. After about an hour after application, the EdP's claws are still out but they've been filed down, and it's definitely more apparent that the use of synthetics is more prominent in this new EdP versus the old EdC. This is as you would expect, but I must emphasize that the "synthetic" quality of the EdP is more than you would expect. Now, I have a different frame of reference here because I'm smelling a very old EdC side-by-side with the new EdP, so don't take my comments to mean that the new EdP has an offputting fake quality to it, because it still smells amazing; if you don't have an old formulation to compare it to, you are likely not going to notice the synthetics much. The filed-down claws of the EdP that I mentioned are no longer in the form of a sharp green galbanum, but vivid, saturated, thorny florals. The EdP is all about the heart notes of rose, a rooty iris, jasmine, lily, and ylang ylang - but, again, be careful when you go in for a sniff or you reach your hand into that bouquet because there are thorns there. These aren't gentle florals by any means; they aren't going to actively scratch you, but they are fully capable of defending themselves if needed. Ms. 19 is no longer in fight-or-flight mode, but she still has her guard up. Those ylang-ylang and jasmine notes in the EdP are a tour de force team, all vivid and saturated colors of white, green, and yellow. But what about the extrait?! Yes, I know you want to know what the extrait is doing. Frankly, I'm at a loss for words with the extrait, but I shall try. It is just so, so, so good. Absolutely stunning. The extrait opened with the same hyper green galbanum note of the others - the EdP more specifically - but the galbanum is not claws-out like it is in the EdP. There are no claws here. The galbanum's personality is softened and gentrified by some of the most beautiful jasmine, iris, ylang-ylang and rose notes you will ever smell. Every note of the EdP (and EdC for that matter) are presented and accounted for in the extrait, but if I were to rate the materials/accords on realism, quality, and execution, the extrait would be 10 out of 10 while the EdP and EdC make do at 6. I love the EdC and the EdP, so this should hopefully place in understandable context just how good I think the extrait is. While the EdC and the EdP are playing around, drying down and doing there thing, at nearly three hours in the extrait is only just warming up. Remember what I said about No. 19 being prim and proper and not cold and mean? Picture then a beautiful, regal, proud and strong woman in the finest handmade dress and you have the extrait. Monica Belucci in Valentino, basically; the extrait smells the way she looks. It will be a couple hours more even at this point before the extrait begins moving, after the EdC and the EdP have mostly worn themselves out. One curiosity to definitely note, and it should also be mentioned it's quite a hot day here in my part of California, the bergamot and neroli of the extrait have a far greater voice on the blotter than they do on my skin. The same could be said for the EdP as well, but the voices of the bergamot and neroli of the extrait are still greater than that of EdP's. We're going to fast forward to the end of the day, many hours later. The EdC is long gone, the EdP is a very pleasant skin scent of soft sandalwoods and much more pronounced notes of vetiver and animalic musks than the EdC. And the extrait... it's still there. While I'm worn out from an afternoon of running around, this lovely lady on my arm is still there, energized, and ready for an evening soiree. The galbanum and florals are gone, but the vetiver, woods, and mosses are still going. Partly why the extrait is my favorite of the No. 19 formats is because Chanel have made it act like a proper extrait should. While the EdC and EdP tire themselves out in hours, launching themselves into the air and drying-down like they're in a race (a bit exaggerated, but you get my point), the extrait stays close to you. Very close. Insanely powerful, but close. That measured approach to its energy and output, like a real extrait in the classical style should be, is exemplary to the personality I find in Ms. No. 19. She's not cold and mean, she's elegant, proud, strong, and confident - with you for the long haul, so to speak. Those are my favorite kinds of people. And that's why No. 19 is very likely my favorite Chanel perfume.

[300] Chanel No. 19 is one of my favourite Chanels. I have a particular love for green scents, and No. 19 is a classic of the genre. Firmly rooted in the 1970s, it reminds me of Gloria Steinem in her heyday - feminine and powerful, individual and elegant. The green liquid in the iconic square Chanel bottle gives me joy, and the perfume smells even better. I hated this when I first smelled it as a young teenager, but it is a complex, masterful, vintage-style composition - an acquired taste (or smell). During the pandemic, it was hard to find, so I bought two bottles of the current formulation when it came back in stock. I have a vintage miniature EDT, and it is not dissimilar - but the galbanum here is slightly thinner and more bitter while simultaneously being more dewy. The No. 19 of today is still an austere, pursed-lipped lady from the 1970s delivering cold, verdant elegance. No. 19 opens with a rich, dewy green accord featuring a tart galbanum note, and some waxy florals, thanks to the heady hyacinth note. Some green lily-of-the-valley creeps in, complementing it beautifully. Some iris emerges at the heart of this scent, the most prominent floral note after the hyacinth - a nice nod to Chanel as a fragrance house. It is wonderfully powdery and melancholy, but is soft and fleeting. A little clean jasmine is in there too, alongside a nice, polleny narcissus note, but the green-hyacinth-iris accord is the main event. The chypre drydown is thinner and somehow sterile in comparison to the rich drydown of my vintage EDT, but it is still earthy and mossy, with some vetiver and woody notes, providing a nice cohesive development from the green opening. My big issue with modern No. 19 is its performance - for an EDP and at a Chanel price point, it is very disappointing - fleeting and light. Its big, green opening fades very quickly, and it is barely detectable when I arrive at work, having sprayed myself before leaving the house. I keep a smaller bottle in my handbag for reapplication - it is just too good to not wear and enjoy. I must track down a big vintage bottle in the quest for better performance (and maybe also for a richer galbanum note and more well-rounded chypre drydown.) No. 19 is a distinctly 1970s green scent that delivers cold, clean, ladylike elegance that also smells great on a man. Inoffensive and fresh, yet masterfully composed, it is ideal for daytime office wear. A prim and proper lady by day, and a 70s diva by night, No. 19 is understated power in a bottle. One of my favourite Chanels, but points lost for dismal performance. However, the scent itself is too good to give up. Verdant beauty, by way of Chanel. 4/5.

Drips class and sophistication. Simply a masterpeice! This was on my wishlist l remember my mother and aunts wearing it and no 5 in the 80s and they smelled so good. I used to sneak a few squirts out of my mother's bottle it was the vintage one silver plastic square casing with the gold band round it and gold chanel disk on the top. With the removable bottle of liquid inside. I recently bought this a few days back but it was a half bottle as l saw the mossy green notes and thought maybe l won't like it now. I was wrong! This pretty green liquid has a big personality she's classy and sexy. She is better than no.5 and has more complex fragrance notes and projects further than no 5. She is liquid good breeding and class in a bottle, she rides horses and wears tweed blazers, has two carat flawless solitaire diamonds in her ears, shes a rich woman in her 50s living in a country estate mansion, shoots pheasant and mixes with royalty she's aristocratic. This perfume has those notes expected in practically everything neroli bergamot and the corresponding flowers like iris that provide the emmerging powdery phase and then just as your melting into the powdery loveliness a mossy strange note comes through that makes you wonder oh that's strange, what's that? An almost smokey type smell. Its like it shouldnt be a typically female perfume note, something masculine thats fallen into the perfume formula and no one noticed? Its strange, earthy but pleasant then you realise it's oakmoss and leather and vetiver and sandlewood giving it that masculine serious grown up edge, its like a well groomed man, a totally shaggable silver haired fox with suntanned skin and sparkling blue eyes and perfect white teeth, 😆 🤣 😂 a handsome intriguing gentleman in an expensive leather coat and italian gucci loafers (without socks) and trendy jeans and a grey cashmere sweater reading in a secondhand bookstore where you can smell his coat, his male scent, the soap he washes with and the books that have aged in this perfume and a tiny bit of cigar smoke, and oh my goodness it grows in scent and when you move about you smell these soapy, leathery, smokey, mossy, powdery, notes that smell so unusual but expensive. It smells so classy l adore it. I have immediately bought a full 100ml bottle of the EDP so I can fully abuse my half bottle and wear it constantly for a couple of months and not have to worry about it running out. It is the most gorgeous perfume. I've never smelled something so masculine but also feminine in such an exquisite way before. I'm obsessed already! I give this a 10/10

So, I deleted my previous review about the longevity of this scent. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have longevity issues, because it truly does, but I found a remedy in my situation. I’m passing it on here in hopes that this may help to spark ideas for you. I was reading reviews and I came across one where the reviewer stated that in order to correct the longevity problem that they were having, they simply layered this over Molecule 01. That got me thinking. I don’t have Molecule 01 but I do have Perfect Veil in the roll on perfume oil. I thought, what do I have to lose by trying it out? I mean, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? The worse that can happen is that I don’t like it. This morning, I decided to give it a go. First, I very lightly applied Perfect Veil, then I sprayed this over it. The result? Absolutely DIVINE! The scent is truly ethereal AND it lasted all day long. I got whiffs of it through out the day. Perfect Veil added just a touch of sweetness to it, but other than that, it didn’t alter the scent. So very glad I tried it. Edit to add: I read other reviews stating the opinion that this scent smells like it is for a cold hearted, calculating, wire mother, total bitch of a woman who is venomous, poisonous, hissing, and down right vicious who would chew you up and spit you out across a boardroom floor.. I don’t know about Gabrielle Chanel, but anyone who knows anything at all about me knows that description doesn’t fit me at all. The truth is, that is not at all what inspired the making of this scent. I’ve read that this scent was inspired by Chanel’s weekends spent in the French countryside. Namely, the country house that Chanel owned, Bel Respiro. It is no wonder that fragrance in the Les Exclusifs line smells somewhat similar to this. This is an earthy scent inspired by nature and the earth, not by the kind of woman some may think Chanel was. Because of those kind of reviews, it stopped many from even trying this beautiful scent. I don’t find anything evil or cold hearted about this scent. I do, however, wonder about these reviewers’ intentions when writing such reviews though. It’s one thing not liking a scent. We all have likes and dislikes, but to use tactics like expressing that only an undesirable type of person would wear such a scent is a personal attack on those who love and wear this scent. As for everyone else, don’t take just my word for it. Try it yourself and see what you think.

Review for current EdP formulation, tested on a warm, humid evening: The drydown has a creamy, powdery aspect reminiscent of no.5 (it’s the ylang and iris), but here it’s cleaner and green, smoother. There is abit of floral sweetness from narcissus and rose, and the leather note is smooth and subtle. Overall, a well-blended and balanced fragrance. Extremely elegant, but warm and modest at the same time. A ‘proper lady’ perfume that isn’t overtly perfume-y. Reeks of status and refinement, but in an understated manner. I love it! Very comfortable to wear, but I personally would prefer this for spring, summer and early fall, the sweet floral notes come through better when the weather is warmer, I imagine it would lean more bitter-green if worn in cold weather. Perfect for office/professional use, or as a distinctive signature, or whenever you want to put your best foot forward in any formal setting. I imagine a soft-spoken doctor, or a demure professor wearing this scent as a signature... she’s neat, attractive, intellectual and quietly alluring, someone loved and respected by her peers. Not a trend follower, but an individualist. This is a very feminine perfume imho, but a rare sort of femininity these days, and the kind of feminine energy I perceive from this scent is graceful, calm, mature, and down to earth. Not sexy, not ‘cutesy’, not ‘boss-babe’, not self-centered. Very good longevity for a daytime scent, sillage is low to moderate depending how much you spray. Nothing bitter or sharp about this scent (atleast not on my skin and in the current weather condition I’m in), it’s buttery smooth and softly powdery, a fuzzy pale green...you just need patience to let the grass-like top notes fade, give it 20-30 minutes to settle and you will be pleasantly surprised. I was with a friend when I tested this (another perfume lover), he thought it smelled very pleasant and luxurious but ‘too mature’ for me. He said he could see this being my scent 10-15 years from now. I didn’t care, I wanted to own it now. I fell in love as soon as the fragrance warmed on my skin, and it naturally felt like it was a part of me. The other more mainstream fragrances I had tried on that day smelled meaningless and flat in comparison.

You know more than 10-12 years ago there is no way I could of enjoyed a fragrance like this. I just wasn't experienced enough with fragrances and my nose hadn't developed enough. When I first got into green fragrances I hated them and just put them to the side. Now I have adapted and enjoy them so much so that I want to collect them when I can especially if there is a chance of iris being in them. This fragrance is glorious. I got Chanel No 19 Poudre first before No 19 because I knew I wasn't ready for it and I wasn't. I'm so glad that I did that because now I adore this fragrance. It is the epitome of Springtime. It's dense and has way more green galbanum than Poudre, but it has citruses and powder from the iris. No 19 has a bit of sunniness coming from the ylang ylang and narcissus along with the lily of the valley. The iris is similar to Poudre but not as intense. So over all this is a dense greener colder version of Poudre where as Poudre is sweeter because of using more of the iris and yet not as intense on the green. The fragrance is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I don't know why I waited so long to get it..but when I heard there could be a possibility of it being discontinued I knew I had to have it just in case. I couldn't see myself without it. If you love green fragrances I highly suggest you try these two and I'm thinking of getting the EDT in the future just to experience the original No 19. Also try Frederic Malle's Carnal Flower, The Vagabond Princes' Swan Princess, Prada Infusion D'Iris, Maison Lancome's Iris Dragee & Figues & Agrumes, or Mugler's Aura. Many of these are similar with Carnal Flower, Figues & Agrumes & Aura being the most different of the whole bunch besides the Chanel's but very much green. I have them all but Swan Princess and maybe one day I will own that one as well. Anyways, if you are a lover of green fragrances Chanel No 19 is a must have and I can see why it was Chanel's favorite perfume.

Green notes? None here, thank GOD! "Green notes" make me think of grassy scents... THANKFULLY, there are NO grassy scents here as it settles. Maybe they're there at first? But they quickly fade upon spraying. Chanel No. 19 is truly a "vintage-lipstick and rose-cream" scent. The rose is truly a CREAMY rose, and this is what absolutely shines through. If you own No. 19 Poudre, that will be your gateway to the original No. 19... For me, this is SO much better! Chanel No. 19 Poudre has a sparkly-champagne twist to it, mixed with a dry powder aura. Its original version, Chanel No. 19, is creamy-rose made even creamier by iris and lily-of-the-valley. This is what I had always wanted No. 5 to smell like, but that one is too old lady on me (though, the spray lotion version is a lot more palatable to most). No. 19 does NOT feel vintage, it feels very new and modern to me. If you get this, literally no one will smell like you, but everyone will ask you what you're wearing because you smell so clean and pretty. As I mentioned before, there is no green once it's settled on the skin... either I don't know what people are talking about when they say green, or everyone else is crazy, LOL. To my super-smeller nose, this is all lipstick and creamy rose. The creamy part comes from the iris mixed with lily-of-the-valley, and I'm sure the gorgeous soapy-lipstick notes are from the aldehydes that Chanel is so famous for. Throw No. 5 out the window... THIS is what Chanel should be known for! No. 19 can be worn as a day-to-day scent, as it doesn't have long arms, but it DOES have a beautiful skin scent that makes you smell like you're wearing the world's best smelling lotion that lasts all day. Classy, feminine without being overpowering. Talk about a wedding fragrance!! So gorgeous. This is a stand alone fragrance, a master in its class, and if you love to smell really pretty, you should have Chanel No. 19 in your repertoire.

We were warned month's ago early last year about the possible discontinuations or only selling from the Chanel boutique about Chanel No 19 edp. This fragrance has been sold out for about 6-8 month's now at least and hasn't come back in stock since on the US website. If it's not discontinued at the least it may only be available at Chanel boutique. I don't know if it's permanently discontinued though all the way through. So if you do want this one I would advise if you know somewhere that has it to get it. I got some last stock before it was sold out as early as February-March of 2021 last year when I got word on here this was happening but nothing was certain. After all this time I checked back to see if finally they would be in stock and it's still sold out. If you love this fragrance get it while you can. I see a lot of companies are lowing distribution to other countries. Don't know if this is to control sales, financial issues, supply chain getting worse to meet demands, or it's just not a high seller. Either way, some things you can get grey market and some not. With Chanel there are so many knock-off's I wouldn't risk it. Always go department store from a place you trust is legit with Chanel. Especially with Chanel, Dior & many other high ends. If things change update us please. Chanel No 19 Poudre & No 19 EDT is still available on the US site but not the Edp it's still sold out. I see the parfum is sold out too. Look out for these items sold out. Update: I’m getting word that there are production issues from lack of supply chain. But that Poudre is getting discontinued. The others are not available due to the lack of supply chain so production is backed up like all other businesses. The others will not be discontinued from what I hear. Be on the watch for Poudre then. That one is my favorite out of the bunch for No 19 too. :(

This has been my signature for the past year and I think it's going to be for a a long time (along with the No 19 EDT, which I tend to layer, use on clothes, and sport more frequently in summer months). I had always been intrigued by this and was searching for something distinctive and polished early last year after dabbling with Narciso's For Her and sampling some of the trendy, newer "clean girl" musks. I got a decant and was admittedly nervous when I opened it and got a whiff of the top notes. As it turned out, it was the best fragrance decision I've made. It opens very bright green and a little bitter with the galbanum, neroli, and bergamot. I detect a slight aldehydic quality (which isn't listed here, but there is some sparkle up top that fades quickly). The green in the EDP version unfolds into a gorgeous floral – the ylang-ylang, jasmine and iris really pop on me. Then the oakmoss starts to emerge – deep and green and supported by the Chanel sandalwood & vetiver base. Despite many assertions that this is a cold, austere scent, the florals and the base in the EDP really soften it and I find it to be the perfect all-purpose fragrance for me. I've worn it in all seasons, dressed up or down, and generally receive compliments, even though I wear it for myself because I love it so much! There's something really grounding and nostalgic here (without the "old lady" connotations). It reminds me of this vintage 70s green makeup pouch my mother kept in a drawer that I would rummage through as a kid (I'm guessing the iris and rose notes). If No 5 is an abstract floral then to me, this is an abstract spring walk in a bottle – dewy greens, forest floor, and wafts of spring/ early summer blooms in the air. I think if I had tried it a decade ago, it might not have moved me as much, but I'm so happy to have it now.

I have a vintage parfum, a kinda vintage EDT, and a brand new EDP. My EDP seems to perform very well! For anyone who was curious about current formulations. The very first spray of my new 100 ml bottle...Jesus. It smelled like very freshly cut green stems that you’re being made to smell. It was intense, and it took about an hour for it to dry down into the green/white floral/powdery perfume that it is. But after a week that intense green stem opening is not there, thank f***ing god I’m quite smitten with it now. Some of the reviews mentioned the word “sweet” as a descriptor and I was almost scared that I made a bad blind buy as I’m a self admitted gourmand phobe. But how far off could it smell from the EDT? It isn’t that different. A little more powder, and the florals are less nuanced in this one. But I still really like it. I’m so unsure as to what my favorite Chanel line is now. Update 01/14/22 - I’ve worn this a few times during these colder months and have really enjoyed it. I really want to score a vintage edp when I can afford it, but my new EDP actually performs pretty decently IMO. I wore it to work today, and did a few spritz on my clothes. I sprayed it on me around 10 am and could still get wafts of it by 5 pm. Also again, I find it so interesting when people describe this as cold. It’s not exactly a refreshing green scent, but it’s...hmm I’m not sure of the right adjective but it IS in some ways fresh to me. It’s also funny because this is starting to become a signature I believe, and cold isn’t the right word for me. I can come off as intimidating, especially because I have a neck tattoo and I have anxiety about how people might be scared of my appearance. But everyone I know talks about how kind and accepting I am, which is also how I feel. 🥀

SKIN. CHEMISTRY. I have sniffed No 19 at every single Chanel counter I have ever been to for YEARS. always just sniffing the sprayer, thinking it was fresh and gorgeous, but too sharp, too crisp, all lines and angles, too green to go on my skin. It always got loaded on a tester strip and flung in my bag - nearly all my purses smell vaguely of 19. Today, I left the house without perfume on (horror of all horrors) and all I had in my purse was a rollerball of Chloe EDP, which I just could not face today. So I swung by my friend's store to get a few spritzes of 19 Poudre, my current works-any-day fragrance. Absentmindedly, I picked up the wrong bottle, and I suddenly had four sprays of Chanel No 19 EDP all over me. I panicked. I thought, oh no oh no, it'll be too strong and too stark and I have a meeting omg omg. I drove with the windows down to try and get it to waft away. A 30 min drive later... I got to my meeting smelling like perfection. I'm about to use an unexpected word on 19: creamy. Creamy! Were you even ready?! Were you ready for me to call it CREAMY, of all things? Something (I'm pretty sure it's the sandalwood) has softened the edges on my skin, and turned it into everything I had ever wanted it to be. It's green, yes, and it's cold, yes, but it has no 'bite' on my skin. I am so amazed. It's not a hug, but it's a kiss on the cheek. I expected it to be a blank stare. Elegant and aloof, I feel like maybe 19 is one of those perfumes (or women) who appears cold and unyielding, but warms to a select few, in confidence, with that modest sillage she's got. As for longevity, still on my wrists faintly, and still on my shirt very noticeably, 7 hours later. I went back and bought 100mls right after.

I see most people are put off by the initial galbanum scent, which is rather harsh in itself, especially if you come from a culture where fragrances and spices are not loud. And rewarded are the ones who are patient and wait for the perfume to settle down. To me, galbanum was not an issue, as I could immediately imagine the yellow flower from my childhood, and the smell it projected when we tore or smashed its leaves. True, I did not want it to stay there, in my perfume, for eternity - it is an overpowering scent that tends to cover everything else; but it did not last long, just enough to wake me up and intrigue me. And then came the most beautiful and unique blend of aromas. The rose is not too much, the iris is not overpowering - if you pay attention, you can feel each one, but like with a good orchestra, the mix is what is best. Nothing to compare it with, to this day. Its versatility and uniqueness still amaze me. I must admit I do not understand those who perceive it as dated. I discovered it at a rather early age and I found it refreshing from the beginning. At that time, my problem was I found it too good, too sophisticated to be worn among people my age, dressed in jeans or sports shoes or skirts a bit too short. But I did not have to wait long until I could wear it every day. And I was lucky it suits my skin perfectly (in time, I came, like all of us, across perfumes that did not sit well on my skin, although I loved them on paper or other people). It is rather discrete - as elegance actually is - it may not be the love of those who prefer loud, sweet or heavy perfumes. You do need a good nose to enjoy it. I hope Chanel will keep it forever and not alter it.

Chanel No. 19 Eau de Parfum is a green floral chypre that dares to stand apart in a world of warm and sensual perfumes. Launched in 1970 and named after Coco Chanel’s birthday, this fragrance is composed with striking confidence: a bold opening of galbanum and neroli, layered over an elegant heart of iris and rose, and resting on a refined base of vetiver, oakmoss, and leather. Its accord is uncompromisingly green and cold, aloof, almost emotionally detached yet impeccably refined. Truthfully, what I feel from this fragrance is precisely the absence of feeling; it’s a scent that wears like a porcelain mask: distant but dignified, cold but elegant not harsh, just icy in temperament. I had longed to own this scent since childhood, mesmerized by the serene green hue of its juice, yet it was never available in my home country nor in the Chanel boutiques I visited during my early travels in my childhood. Over time, I came to realize this perfume is not made for the taste of today’s youthful, modern women, and it lacks the sugar-coated femininity they often favor, and is rarely seen compared to other Chanel scents. Still, despite its emotional frostiness, I love this perfume deeply, perhaps not for what it is, but for what it meant to me as a child. Its sillage and longevity are moderate, neither overwhelming nor fleeting. And although I cherish it, I can admit there are greener, more evocative fragrances available. If not for my nostalgic connection, I might have chosen differently. Ultimately, Chanel No. 19 belongs in formal settings and the perfect companion to quiet strength and intellectual elegance. I’d rate it 6.4 out of 10.

I am writing this review without ever experiencing the vintage original. And my first experience with 19 was the poudre version, also modern formulation. At first, I couldn’t really detect a huge difference between this and Poudre. I actually had to spray them each on their own arm to smell the differences. And while I do think they definitely have similarities, there are distinct differences between them. I do think the opening is similar, too similar for my enthusiastic novice nose to detect any noteworthy differences. But as they start to dry down, I do notice that Poudre really jumps into that soft irisy powder. The Iris is the star of the show. While 19 still has Iris, it fervently holds on to that little bit of greenery from the opening, as well as allowing some other soft florals to come forward. Here, the Iris while still present and noticeable, is a little bit more like a supporting character. These two fragrances, in my mind are definitely sisters, impossibly beautiful sisters. You think you are in the presence of the prettier one, until you put the other one on. Both absolute winners in my eye for truly remarkable fragrance. Both leave me wanting more when the scent eventually fades. One thing I don’t really get... and maybe it’s because green fragrances really haven’t been considered “in style” in my lifetime... is the almost constant references to this being cold and bitchy. To me it is not. I get beauty, intelligence, confidence, and timeless sophistication. And that’s really with both 19 edp and Poudre as well.

Love love love! I don’t understand why aldehydes aren’t listed in the scent profile. They are the most prominent note. Chanel 19 is like if Chanel 5 gave birth to itself in the woods... it rolled around in the leaves and mossy forest floor. I’m a huge fan of Chanel 5, it’s my signature fragrance. And I’ve worn it for almost 30 years with a little break for some time when I didn’t wear anything while working in the health field. But I’m back! I bought Chanel 19 on a blind buy. I really love all Chanel fragrances and they are, by far, my favorite house. I assumed I’d like 19 and took a chance. I’m so glad I did. Sometimes, Chanel 5 feels heavy and, on those days, I will now wear 19 as it’s a bit lighter. It is quite reminiscent of 5. It’s milder, but still the powdery aroma I love about 5. The green notes are very nice. Upon spritzing, I do smell that vintage lipstick scent that other people have mentioned and I really like it. It’s like powdery lipstick and earth. My Chanel loves are 5, Coco Noir, and now 19. These are the ones I currently own. I do love Edimbourg, but haven’t made the plunge as it’s too light and I can barely smell it on myself without putting my wrist up to my nose. And I do enjoy all the others, especially Allure, Chance Eau Splendide, Coco Mademoiselle and Coco on paper. I haven’t skin tested them yet, but have samples I plan to use. If you like aldehydes, Chanel 5, or vintage scents, you will likely love 19.

I spent a truly glorious hour or so at our city's Chanel boutique, finally getting my nose on to so many scents that I've been yearning to smell for ages. So. the 19 EDP is a scent that I never got around to smelling before because I've always been a 19 EDT girl. Yes, girl - because I started wearing this scent as an older teen way back in the mid-80's and have been wearing it ever since. Unfortunately, I no longer own the vintage, and the current EDT is really something I only wear anymore out of nostalgia. It is only a shadow of its former self. Thus, I decided on this occasion to get a proper sniff of the EDP and to actually wear it to see for myself if, as some posters have written, it is better than the EDT in its current formulation. Well folks, it really is. No comparison in fact. The iris is so much more discernible in the EDP rather than just the suggestion that it is in the current EDT. In fact, every note seems truer in this version. The only thing I miss here is the hyacinth that distinguishes the EDT. Too bad I never was able to smell the EDP in its original iteration but this version is lovely in its own right. I'm about half way done with my current bottle of the EDT. When that is done I will happily go over to the EDP.

This review relates to the modern EDP. A gorgeous green woodsy scent, but disappointing longevity for such a price. Scarcely 3 hours on the skin for an eau de parfum, and even so, that initial, beautiful blast of green notes dry down into a far too intimate skin scent an hour or so in. Occasionally they'll be a little waft of that initial brilliance beyond an hour, but only if caught on your sleeve. Was it a bad batch? Apparently not, according to other underwhelmed reviewers of the modern incarnation. I adore the scent itself. Remarkably unisex to a modern nose, despite its waspy, ladylike connotations for some. It has a particular glamour of its own, one really quite hard to define. Perhaps indictive of the shifting cultural landscape of its early 70s inception, it rests somewhere between a put-together old aunt in a twinset and pearls and her carefree niece who likes a batwing sleeve. Next time I'll buy vintage for the longevity or see if I can secure a sample of the modern pure parfum. Quite disappointed in Chanel. One of the few designer brands I usually trust when it comes to balancing quality, longevity and price while staying true to the character and history of its older fragrances.

When I was younger, many of the current Chanel fragrances had not yet appeared. I was hesitant to wear Chanel No. 5, I thought that the wearer of this fragrance needs to grow up to perceive it correctly. The very first fragrance from Chanel, which I immediately accepted and which still remains one of my favorites is Cristalle Eau de Parfum Chanel by designer Jacques Polge. I was lucky to meet a charming girl from Bordeaux one day, we were young carefree students, having a great time together. It was she who advised me to start getting to know the Chanel No. 19 fragrance. I must say honestly that I didn’t perceive the first bottle as anything special, but the more often I used No. 19, the more I liked it. I get a lot of compliments when I wear No.19. The scent is infinitely romantic and beautiful. I like it at any time of the day or night, in any season of the year. I try to use it in special situations so that it remains for me not an everyday routine, but a constant "holiday that is always with you."

This and No.19 Poudré is what I imagine Heaven smells like. Green floral with a gorgeous woody base that melds with your skin. There's aldehydes, but I think it's just Chanels base or DNA. I discovered this when Chanel still made tiny 5ml bottles and sold them in places like K-Mart (remember them?). I was like 15 and didn't want to be seen with my mom shopping so I went to the jewelry department and they kept them in a turning glass tower. Chanel meant fancy, lol, so I bought it. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say I fell in love. This is green to me, but the woody base is what woody bases should smell like, not the screechy messes we have in today's fragrances. Chanel has done an amazing job of hanging on to its identity. This won't please a lot of people today, it's not easy, sweet or trendy but it's perfume in a time when a house perfumer just throws vanilla in a base and calls it a day.

I had to drop in and leave another really quick review about skin chemistry along with weather/seasons and wearing this particular gem. Some people enjoy wearing this in the winter for various reasons I have read. Every time I have tried, it stays way way too bitter and cold. It feels very melancholic and depressing, to me. Perhaps a winter funeral could be an ok wearing. I have oily skin and it just never blooms on me during the cold months. I have found that this blooms in warmer weather. The past couple of days in Indiana have been in the 50s/60s and today it is very rainy. This scent, along with the EDT and Parfum (still haven’t tried the cologne) just absolutely work this time of year. As well as in summer. But right now it’s just a perfect spring wear (for me). I hope this helps some folks who may have tried it in the cold and found it not to their liking. 🥀

Although it is lighter than decades ago (thanks to EU and IFRA regulations, not due Chanel) you must remember NOT to start using it right after buying. It needs to sit and "marinate" in the shelve few months after transportation since it has a big impact to the composition. Also - Chanel tends to sell its fragrances while they are quite young/fresh, so ideally let it sit in the shelve few years and you feel the difference - it has turned much stronger and greener. It is not only about reformulation but also timing - this lovely gem WILL be strong and powerful in years and decades after its created and bought. No 19 EdP is classy non-sweet green mouthwatering juice. Suits perfectly (nordic European) autumn and winter and not so much warm seasons in my opinion. It needs the smell on wet soil and falling leaves to reach its full potential.

Floral, green, classic, nostalgic..... Remember smelling this as a kid, my aunts would wear this, I find it very nostalgic, classic, beautiful and french. Sampled this at the Chanel boutique, took few spritz on my wrists ran out for some errands and got compliments wish I had purchased it but most likely will add this to my collection. I would describe this a very luxurious, cooling, creamy, exclusive soap wrapped in green silk on a flowery, grassy breezy sunny spring day, this would lean more towards a mature audience, I can also see a younger, original, confident, unisex audience rock this especially if they appreciate these type of scents that lean towards nostalgics/vintage but also has a sense of modern aesthetic to it which is timeless and classic, I for sure do! Wish I had a bottle of the vintage edp to compare to todays formula

I swear, sometimes I think LT writes an essay just to enjoy his own snark. His description of this fragrance as a heartless “wire mother” made me hesitate for years to buy it, even though all the notes seemed to add up to something I would adore. Well, after dipping my toe in with Poudre and loving it, I dove in and bought the OG. And guess what? It’s beautiful and smooth with the sweetness of nature in springtime, and not a wire hanger in sight. It has the same balance between bright and the hint of darker sweetness that 31 RC has- a very beautiful balance and very satisfying. For green and iris lovers it’s a no brainer, get it in your collection, it was absolutely a safe blind buy. Ps. I too smell mint. Very natural, the sort that was sprinkled through my great aunt’s yard when I was little.

What a shame! Chanel how dare you to ask that much money for scented water in the nowadays version. Today i have tested this Chanel no19 at Ici Paris. It was the eau de parfum. Exactly after 10 minutes of applying the parfum was completely gone on my wrist. Nothing to smell. I have had the same experience with the nowadays version of no.5. In my opinion you can better buy a dupe of these parfums. They are much cheaper and probably much more long lasting. Chanel is probably thinking our name sells itself so we can weaken all the parfums more and more. I just can't believe such a marketing. Big big shame on you Chanel. 🤮The perfume blast in the beginning is very nice and very green thats all. Ten minutes of smell voor €150.

Whenever I put it on, I hope I can do it justice to it. It's what I'm convinced a dryad might wear, as she flits among the standing wild iris in the woods. Galbanum at the opening lingers even as the scent evolves into the vintage Chanel curated garden. Leather and oakmoss provide the earth. I collect perfume as much for the each creates. Not sure how it will hold up to the wicked heat of an Egyptian July. For years, Balmain's Jolie Madame was my signature scent because Cellier 's creations are unique, Alas, I had to leave mine in Khartoum. But I noticed, after I plugged it into his website perfume map, that no. 19 floats right beside it, Chanel no. 19, however, stands alone and apart, and needs no comparisons.

What to say that hasn't been discussed here? I'll go with my own experience instead. Although I understand as I myself often use it as a suit of armor (the best way to use your signatures in my personal experience: when you need to be yourself), I can't personally relate to the cold steel lady often described: on me it turns fresh, creamy, lotiony, even a little matronly. A total second skin. I can tell the oakmoss is different but it melds so well that I don't care. One of my objectively favourite perfumes of all times along with Rive Gauche and Paloma Picasso. If given the chance to have two signatures listed it would be sitting right beside Aprés L'Ondée, my other unconditional and relentless love.

Got the 80s formulation as I was disappointed by how emaciated the current one is. As usual, the Chanel base is apparent, well-made and coherent. Also, the older version is deftly replicated by the current parfum. This I think is commendable considering how people complain about Polge’s reformulations. I do think Jacques had a good understanding of 5, Cristalle and 19 far enough for him to do an intense iteration along with the introduction of Coco. All beautifully done. True to other reviews, this is the rosiest of all versions although I’d think stating more floral would be appropriate. Iris and its rootiness still apparent but more persistent and brave. Hoard it if you have the chance.

After having let this sit for 6 months I finally gave it a real try. The opening is very green but rounded and I get a little leather that is also smooth. I smell some flowers also. About an hour/hour and a half It's more floral with lily of the valley being the one I can pick out. The leather is way in the background and smooth. It is still green but in a softer way and I think it is beautiful. In an hour or two it doesn't change very much except the leather is gone and it is slightly powdery in a very good way. A Gorgeous springtime fragrance that is very sophisticated. It's definitely one of the best in my collection, but that seems to be how I feel about all my Chanels.

I've found most Chanel perfumes old lady smelling and/or overwhelming when I was younger, but I grew to love most of them. N° 19 EDP is my favorite Chanel. It opens with some dry grass and horse piss smell (I'm so sorry, but I pick up these smells), but even that phase is strangely addictive. Then it dries down to the most beautiful, floral-green scent I've ever smelled. It has absolutely no sweetness, it's perfect for warmer spring days and cooler summer days. It is my lucky scent, I wore this for multiple important events in the past (exams, dates, etc.), so my brain links this scent to success, relief and happiness and I feel these a bit every time I smell it. :)

This is good stuff. If you've ever smelled Amla Oil (green-colored oil, Indian store) it smells a bit like that. Very herbal, oily, woody, and there's a touch of powder. It smells clean and reminds me of blue/white striped linen and having dinner al fresco (with lots of good olive oil). I like it but some aspects (probably the florals) can be a bit dated, and is probably quite cloying in warmer weather. It's dry white wine, French countryside, matching silverware/plates sort of thing. It's formal, but a weekend. 7/10 for scent, 6/10 performance. It's not very spring/young/sparkly. It's mostly feminine, with a bit of a unisex edge especially at the opening.

Having never smelled the original or its variations my newer formulation smells to me like heaven. All of my favorite green notes blended into a sensuous, lighthearted, and — although adult and no nonsense — utterly approachable blend (not at all serving boss bitch, as some suggest, but then again, I might like that). Smells feminine on me but feels unisex. I knew I would love this and it did not disappoint! Rather, it has surpassed every other fragrance I own and love in this category. My only qualm is its rather middling longevity. Unless I powerspray in the AM, I often “refresh” with her louder sister, Silences, in the afternoon.

Fresh, green, spring-like, v surprised it hasn't got hyacinths listed as a note because it really reminds me of them, like when you press your nose into the flower & inhale. A bit colder than the Poudre obvs, more of a spring summer scent. Very classy but for me also has a natural feeling, whether it is or not don't care. So many things these days smell very 'synthetic', or 'chemical' for want of better descriptives (yes we all know all this stuff is chemicals really) but this smells fresh outdoorsy & good for you, as opposed to plasticised n tooth rottingly sweet. Perfect feminine woody floral.

Fantastic. Mindblowing. I will not reinvent the wheel here in stating that the EDT is sharper, colder, fresher, more "dynamic" while the EDP is slightly less green, and more powdery with a hint of sweetness, fuller and more luxury feeling. As a man, I would wear both, even if the EDT is for sure easier to pull off than the EDP, and definitely easier than the newest EDP Poudré (that one is definitely feminine). As a man, I have a slight preference for the EDT, but the EDP performs way better. Dilemna... To women, I'd recommend the EDP without hesitation. Spring days, 25+

I'm a guy. My entire collection is women's fragrances. This was a blind buy for me. And love at first sniff. The grassy green just won me over. It's spicy, floral, green like gardens. However, it has no projection. It has no longevity. The dry-down can become a little sour. Like the taste of coffee-breath. I love love love this fragrance. I wish it came in an Intense or Essence. The extra it or Parfum version might be more pronounced, but just as weak projecting and short-lived on the skin. You definitely have to over spray, respray, and carry a decant.

Adding another review because I have more thoughts to add - I instantly fell in love with this fragrance, mostly for how complex it is. This is not a one trick fragrance at all, everything is there, greenery of course, but also subtle citruses, woody notes, earthy notes, florals, and the same ylang and sandalwood that is at the heart of Chanel’s No.5 This to me conjures the image of being a young child, carefully exploring through a complex of thorny bushes at the back of the garden on a humid summer’s day - I can almost hear insects buzzing.

No.19 and No.19 Poudré are both beautiful on their own, but for me the real magic happens when I wear them together. The green, distant, and characterful structure of No.19 is softened and balanced beautifully by the gentle powdery side of No.19 Poudré. The result is a fragrance that is neither too sharp nor too powdery, but incredibly elegant, seamless, and refined. On my skin it feels very graceful; it does not speak loudly, yet it never goes unnoticed. When I layer them, they feel less like a perfume and more like a state of mind.

9.25/10. This is my favorite perfume. I have been putting off this review because it is hard to be objective. No.19 was my first serious perfume after college and I have loved it since. Primal addiction. Like No. 5, but with floral on top and cologne, musk and spicy clove underneath. A pleasant bitterness in the middle. Very well blended. Older but not dated. It is not completely perfect. If falls just short of paradise which has led me to search other perfumes but short of Coco Noir, which is very similar, nothing quite makes it.

In its early stages it smells like a thick, humid forest I’d say - very complex - later on becomes more “sparkling” and classically pretty in traditional Chanel manner, not unlike Cristalle. Dry-down is iris-dominant, with the green notes still present, and the chanelade “no. 5” smooth ylang + sandalwood base peaks through. Beautiful and criminally underrated fragrance from Chanel. This for me is the best of their three trademark “green” fragrances (Cristalle, No. 19 & Bel Respiro) Solid 9/10 for me (Review edited three times)

I purchased this gorgeous fragrance directly at that very Chanel boutique at Rue Cambon 31,when I was in Paris in spring) should I say how precious and special this bottle is for me?) It really straightens your back and clears up your mind. I'd also add one more adjective into its description,-arrogant, but in a good, noble way. I have the feeling as if I have been looking for this very fragrance for so long and at the same time I've been familiar with it for all my life! Je ne sais quoi!) just marvellous!

No. 19 was probably my first adventure into the world of fragrance, and it's become my most reached-for bottle since. I'm sure everything I own smells like it at this point. To me, this is the mother of all greens. The vetiver and sandalwood evoke an image of a forest by the sea, with cicadas buzzing and sand mixing with the leaves. The iris and leather are reminiscent of a rainy day in the city, while holding the sophisticated air that Chanel does best. It's Paris meets Provence meets Practical Magic.

Beautiful bitter galbanum, paired with a powdery, sentimental Iris. The most Boss B fragrance you will ever try. So stoic, intentional and sincere with the grounding vetiver and Oakmoss. This is generational legacy, honour, family crest. It has a biting quality that warrants respect but the bitterness isn’t overwhelming. She is a subtle glance, not a loud commanding voice. A perfect balanced and refined fragrance. It isn’t much of a people pleaser but I adore it. Very unisex with moderate performance.

My no 1 favorite perfume from Chanel! When I think about the note of green notes and vetiver, I thought it would be sharp which I hate sharp perfume, but this is not sharp at all. It is very fluffy, rounded, powdery smooth. It was love at the first sniff. The opening is beautiful fresh green, the dry down is very comforting iris powder. Very wearable in all seasons, it never gives me headache even in the hot summer. I bought two bottles and have been wearing it for 3 years. Big Love.

I'm not really a Chanel gal but No. 19 is a thing of beauty. I wear it when I need a little boost in self-confidence in getting things done. There is no sweetness in this fragrance. Green, iris-y and leathery, this perfume smells like understated power, class and old money. Probably wouldn't describe it as a sexy perfume, but that's not a problem - sometimes we don't wear things for romantic attraction! It works wonderfully in hot weather, less brilliantly so in colder weather.

Probably the perfect work perfume. The opening prepares you for a bright, bitter morning, while the dry down is comforting and personal towards the end of the day. It smells sharp and cognitive, gentle and polite at the same time. It's a memorable, unique fragrance that doesn't smell anonymous like a lot of other perfumes recommended for work. My boyfriend thinks it smells exactly like cut ivy; I think the green colour perfectly represents its smell.

Chanel no 19 EDP has become a top offering in my spring & summer fragrance rotation. The very green & sharp galbanum opening is so welcome in the heat but it changes thankfully into the most sublime rose, powdery Iris & narcissus brew, made sweeter by neroli. Effortless & chic is how I feel with this one. Lasts all day on me. I hope it’s never discontinued. I save the parfum version for special occasions. No 19 is a dream.

Green but warm. Crisp yet powdery. What a magical concoction! A perfume I wouldn't have touched with a stick 3 years ago, but now I really appreciate it! Swapped my overly raved about Coco Noir for this and have no regrets! Out of the floral notes I get lily of the valley the most, but it might only be because it's an obscure note for my personal taste as I don't gravitate towards it at all so it now stands out.

I am super lucky to hunted down a vintage splash bottle of N19 EDP where I found the opening is quite different from the current formulation! The old splash bottle is strong on the bitterness especially with galbanum!! The galbanum is super rich and intense in the splash bottle where I don't get much of it from the current formulation. Damn whish I could hunt down more of these vintage splash bottle lol

How weird this is my first frag after covid and the lost of my smell. I don't detect my usual N°5, Angel, Habanita or Opium but really enjoy N°19 EDP... And in 2021, this gem (as an EDT or pure Perfume) turn 50. This EDP is from the 80es, but Chanel pays it no attention. Let's at least hope we'll be able to get it for a long time. Niche quality and uniqueness in the mainstream shelves.

What a beauty! The opening is very... green. Almost harshly green, cold and raw. But once the dry down hits you, you will be enchanted. It's the most elegant, stylish, chic and effortless scent. It's warm and sweet with just a hint of fruitiness. This is pure luxury and sophistication. Mature yes, but like a fine wine, it's expected to be. In love with No 19 Edp.

I am staggered, EdP very similar to Habit Rouge on my skin! But EdT isn‘t. Anyone else noticing that? I knew No.19 (the soap is my childhood memory) and tried current versions several times before I bought it. I find most Chanel scents somewhat “not warm”. No.19 EDP in particular is cool in a good way, and on my skin leather gets really noticeably strong...