Chanel No 5 Eau de Toilette

I understand the commenter right below me... I think, if I was comparing the excellent previous edition and this one, the previous one would feel like a more "real" N5 - the N5 we are used to, with its cool, sparkly, special-occasion vibe. However, looking at the vintage N5 eau de toilette, or rather its notes and the very rare reviews and descriptions, I can see that the new one is probably a more faithful iteration of the original formula. The fact that it is similar to Liu, which is a vintage fragrance issued as a "dupe" to N5 back in the day, confirms this. Purchase-worthy. In fact, I already have the big bottle, which is stunning by the way. To review the scent on its own, I feel the ylang-ylang is only there to enhance the beauty and richness of the hyperrealistic, intoxicating jasmine; I disagree with the votes showing that it's more prominent in the scent or the opinions that it's a sweeter scent than the previous editions. The aldehydes are inseparable from the rich sandalwood, creating, together, the illusion of genuine sandalwood powder or an expensive, artisanal sandalwood scented soap. The scent is warm, stopping short of being oriental-leaning. Sandalwood and jasmine are both very strong here. The animalic side is there but only barely, as in "a pampered body a few hours after the pampering". It's a love and a must-have if you are after the elusive original No5. Not a flanker, but the mothership, perhaps. I find it easy to wear and timeless, fitting present-day living with ease. Far from being modern but doesn't feel outdated, either. No special occasion is required. Just put it on, do whatever and go wherever - it'll be fine.

There is this tendency in the fragrance community to be purists, to be judging a fragrance based on perceived, often imaginary, culturally formed ideas on a legendary scent. For instance, N5 has changed throughout its history, and in the current century, the EDPs and EDTs we have had almost certainly do not reflect the original concept or formula. Even those of us who have the leftover vintage editions, can't form a solid judgement of the perfume as the scent is not fresh out from the production line and has, no doubt, by itself changed its chemical composition over the decades. We got used to the idea that N5 is something for dressing up, going out, being inapproachable, something that wears YOU unless you are more fabulous than the juice itself. One has to conform. Hence the tendency to look down on those that "don't get it" or aren't "elegant enough" to wear it. Yet, being dressed up and fabulous was not the original concept of N5. The original concept was to create a "woman's perfume with the scent of a woman". I think we lost the real N5 a long time ago and no one on this planet has a fresh bottle of N5 from 1921 with completely intact contents. And then comes a new edition - and it gets attacked for being... more true to itself? It contains the essence of pure, unadorned femininity. The recently known editions could not do any of that. They were something else. Something to wear, an add-on to elevate to a certain level, suggesting that, to start with, you are not enough. This edition is when you have nothing on and you can be yourself. THIS is the Essential No 5.

Why does fragrantica seem to think that just because a scent gets new packaging it’s been reformulated? They just did this with the new new Cristalle packaging and have people acting like the scent was altered even though it wasn’t. Then they change the note lists, leaving out some, and people start claiming that notes have “disappeared”

This new version of N5 edt is so good, more yellow flowers here and sweetness with a bit of creaminess, but doesn't loose the sparkle, longevity and projection for this edt is very good. This Olivier Polge is insane, what he touches is gold, the talent is after his brilliant father.

After having this for over a week, the main difference I noticed is the opening is softer brighter. The new version last longer( for me) it’s been over six hours and it’s still going strong.