Gardénia Extrait de Parfum

I can understand why Chanel Gardenia is not among the top most popular perfumes of the house. It is so old fashioned beautiful! It doesn't scream, it's not challenging. It is for the person who loves not only vintage clothes and makeup, but also vintage style. Who knows when and what is appropriate and behaves that way. For most people it may sound boring. For those who share these values, it is a real treasure. And yet, you can't go wrong with Chanel.

A simple yet effective perfume. A full and green gardenia that, at least to me, brings a sense of calm and peace. Beautiful any time of year but truly shines in the summer and winter, in my experience.

It's a very linear scent, but I love the smell of this! It smells just like a gardenia flower and it's fresh and succulent petals. It's incredibly feminine, incredibly classy and incredibly Chanel, but I was super bummed by the sillage and the longevity of this. It's so overpriced, considering that you only get 45 minutes or an hour tops with this fragrance and the fact that you have to put your nose straight up to your wrist like 15 minutes to 20 minutes after dabbing it on yourself, just to be able to smell it. It doesn't help that the bottle is only 15ml, too... The bottle is made of gorgeous faceted crystal though and I admit it does look ADORABLE in this size! Almost like a perfume made for Barbie.

My review is for 2601 batch. Delicate and so beautiful, it almost hurts. This is so thoroughly floral, I feel the petals tickling my nostrils when I breathe it in. This is a beautiful gardenia with notes of jasmine (naturally, as they are related in nature). Slightly bitter, sweeter than a real flower, but unmistakingly gardenia. Yes , it's not a monster in projection or longevity, but it doesn't have to be. If your sense of smell is above average, you'll appreciate it.

Vintage is better!!!!!! I have a new 15ml extrait from Harrods--I was a bit shocked that it only lasted on me for 30 mins! I have a vintage 1999 edt in the 35 ml white cap bottle-and it lasts all day on me. This current extrait smells just like my 2014 Les Exclusifs edt (which also doesn't last on me) It's lovely--sweet and a bit green--just be prepared to carry some with you.