Le Lion Eau de Parfum

Today we're continuing the exploration of Chanel's prestigious Les Exclusifs collection with one of its most commanding and revered creations: Le Lion Eau de Parfum. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel's lifelong fascination with the lion, a symbol that represented both her astrological sign and her fiercely independent spirit, Le Lion has become one of the most celebrated releases in the collection, frequently praised for its unapologetically bold character and remarkably luxurious amber composition. Since its release, it has developed a reputation as a fragrance that embodies confidence, strength, and refinement while remaining unmistakably Chanel in both its elegance and execution. Rather than chasing modern trends or reinventing the amber genre, Le Lion appears to embrace a far more timeless philosophy. Built around a foundation of rich resins, warm woods, and smooth vanilla, it seeks to deliver an opulent interpretation of amber that balances immense depth with the polished sophistication that has long defined Chanel's approach to perfumery. It is often spoken of as one of the house's boldest offerings, standing in contrast to the understated elegance that characterizes many of the other Les Exclusifs releases. Following my experience with Coromandel, another highly acclaimed amber fragrance from the collection, I'm especially interested to see how Le Lion distinguishes itself. While both fragrances occupy similar territory on paper, they have developed very different reputations within the fragrance community. The question is whether Le Lion can justify its status as one of Chanel's greatest modern creations by offering a truly unique interpretation of amber, or if it ultimately finds itself overshadowed by its equally legendary sibling. Let's find out whether Le Lion earns its place among the very best that Les Exclusifs has to offer. Opening: The opening is ambery, leathery, and sweet. The primary notes I get are labdanum, amber, Madagascar vanilla, and patchouli, with the labdanum and amber leading the composition. The labdanum immediately takes command of the fragrance as a rich, resinous, leathery amber accord. It leans heavily into its animalic character while carrying a distinctly smoky, incense-like undertone that gives the opening a remarkably dark and commanding presence. Following closely behind is the amber, expanding upon that resinous foundation with a smooth, golden warmth that feels more refined and enveloping than the raw intensity of the labdanum. The Madagascar vanilla works quietly beneath these heavier materials, introducing a creamy, natural sweetness reminiscent of fresh vanilla bean rather than sugary gourmand accords. Lastly, the patchouli rounds out the opening with a dry, earthy woodiness. While nowhere near as overtly earthy as the patchouli found in Coromandel, it serves a similar structural purpose by reinforcing the fragrance's woody foundation without drawing attention away from the dominant amber accord. The result is an opening that feels considerably darker, bolder, and more traditionally masculine than Coromandel while still sharing its unmistakable amber heart. Dry Down: The dry down is ambery, leathery, and powdery. The primary notes I get are amber, labdanum, Madagascar vanilla, and sandalwood, with the amber and labdanum leading the composition. By this stage, the amber has confidently taken the lead, delivering an even richer concentration of its signature golden warmth while becoming the emotional centerpiece of the fragrance. The labdanum steps into a supporting role but remains highly recognizable through its deep, leathery resinous character. Interestingly, much of the animalic quality present during the opening gradually fades away, replaced by a surprisingly soft, velvety powderiness that gives the fragrance a more refined and elegant character. The Madagascar vanilla continues providing a smooth layer of natural sweetness with little change in either intensity or profile, maintaining the balance established from the opening. Finally, the sandalwood replaces the patchouli as the structural backbone of the composition, contributing its signature creamy woodiness and reinforcing the increasingly powdery texture of the dry down. The patchouli remains faintly detectable as a dusty earthiness beneath the surface, but it has become little more than a quiet supporting accent. The result is a dry down that leans heavily into its amber core, allowing the rich resins and luxurious powdery textures to define the fragrance's final hours. Performance: The initial projection within the first hour of wear is incredibly strong, easily filling a room with very little effort. The sillage matches that intensity, leaving behind a dense, commanding scent trail that ensures the fragrance will not go unnoticed. Even after approximately four hours, the projection remains remarkably powerful at around six feet while the scent trail is a bit lighter but continues to be easily noticeable. By the eight to nine hour mark, the fragrance finally begins to settle, though it still projects an impressive four to five feet with a clearly perceptible scent trail. Le Lion does not officially transition into a skin scent until approximately eleven to twelve hours of wear, demonstrating the exceptional technical performance one would hope for from such a rich and resinous composition. When to Wear: Le Lion is unmistakably a fall and winter fragrance that feels most at home during the evening. Its dark, opulent composition makes it an exceptional choice for formal occasions, elegant dinners, anniversaries, or date nights where its luxurious character can truly shine. Despite its sophistication, however, this is not a fragrance that blends quietly into the background. Its rich amber profile demands attention, making it feel far too intentional for casual everyday wear while also being excessively bold for most professional office environments. Blind Buy: Le Lion is not a fragrance I would consider a safe blind buy. While the dry down evolves into a remarkably elegant and broadly appealing amber composition, the opening presents a very different story. The intensely animalic and leathery nature of the labdanum is likely to be immediately polarizing for anyone unfamiliar with or sensitive to those darker resinous accords. When combined with Chanel's luxury price point, that challenging opening makes sampling on skin an absolute necessity before committing to a full bottle. Final Verdict: Like Coromandel before it, Le Lion immediately announces itself as a fragrance of exceptional quality. From the very first spray, the richness of the raw materials and the meticulous attention to detail in the blending leave little doubt that this belongs within Chanel's Les Exclusifs collection. The commanding labdanum, radiant amber, and beautifully restrained Madagascar vanilla come together to create a composition that feels both deliberate and effortlessly luxurious. It isn't merely the notes themselves that stand out, but the remarkable refinement with which they are woven together into a cohesive whole. One aspect I found particularly compelling was the fragrance's evolution. The opening initially presents itself as bold, smoky, and unapologetically animalic, yet over time it gradually softens into something considerably smoother and more elegant without ever sacrificing its commanding presence. That transition gives Le Lion far more dimension than I initially expected and prevents it from feeling like a straightforward amber fragrance. Combined with its outstanding longevity and projection, the fragrance demonstrates the complete technical package expected from a luxury release of this caliber. What I find especially interesting is how differently Le Lion and Coromandel interpret a similar foundation. While Coromandel leans toward elegance through powdery florals and an almost gender-neutral refinement, Le Lion embraces a darker, more assertive personality built around smoky resins, leather, and rich amber. Neither approach is objectively better; they simply appeal to different sensibilities. For my personal tastes, however, I found Le Lion's more traditionally masculine character to resonate more strongly. Although I already own several outstanding amber fragrances, Le Lion offers a distinctive perspective that feels genuinely unique within my collection. It captures everything I look for in a luxury amber fragrance: exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding performance, remarkable evolution, and a character that confidently distinguishes itself from its peers. For those reasons, I can absolutely see Le Lion earning a place in my collection when the time is right. Scent: 8/10 Longevity:9/10 Sillage: 9/10 Versatility: Average Compliment Factor: Average Gender: Unisex, leaning masculine Value: Way overpriced

Le Lion de Chanel was composed by Olivier Polge for the Les Exclusifs collection. It is a bold (but not bombastic) and elegant amber oriental fragrance inspired by Gabrielle (aka Coco) Chanel’s astrological sign, the lion. It should evoke her persona... both the power she projected and the tenderness she concealed. While it was originally crafted with the Middle Eastern market in mind (as it was a location exclusive, for a while), its artistic refinement transcends regional tastes. For me, Le Lion was a serendipitous discovery. I wasn’t searching for, yet it climbed into my top ten. But that’s another story. Now, let's talk about the juicy stuff. The first spray opens with an elegant but assertive citrus accord. Sparkling bergamot and lemon, neither too sharp nor fleeting. It’s a bright introduction that sets the stage for the weightier story to come. Note that I said the magic word "sparkling"... as we are in Chanel territory, that almost certainly implies the use of aldehydes. After the initial sparkling burst, the core of labdanum emerges. Thick, golden, and resinous. This is the soul of the lion: warm, slightly smoky, and textured like suede - not a rubbery one, like Babycat. The scent here doesn’t shout; it resonates. There's a touch of amber, rich but never syrupy, layered with fine (not listed) incense that gives the fragrance a burnished glow. Hints of vanilla and creamy balsams start to thread through, softening the edges and making the composition plush rather than heavy. Although, I am sure that for some this may sound blasphemous... I think that the vanilla makes this phase quasi-gourmand. As the fragrance settles, vanilla and musk become more prominent. They bring warmth and refinement, never veering into sweetness. The animalic tones from the labdanum remain, but they will become progressively diffused. There’s a subtle, comforting woodiness, which most likely comes from the sandalwood and some touches of patchouli (and here's the similarity with Patchouli of the Underworld) completing a dry down that lingers for hours. Performance wise, it is immediately clear that Le Lion is no whisper. It projects confidently for the first 2-3 hours, then relaxes into a scent bubble that lasts well over 6 hours on my skin - on clothes, it will stay around until the next day. In my opinion, this is a scent that has gravitas, but it never overwhelms. It is never loud, but it is definitely robust and present. Le Lion is suitable for formal events, but I would also consider it in combination with smart-casual wear. If you are confident enough, 1-2 sprays max are good for the office. Date wise, absolutely. I never say to my wife what I am wearing, and she always comments that I "smell expensive" when I spray Le Lion on me... that's not a bad sign. Age wise, this is a +30. If you are playing the gender game, this is unisex leaning masculine. To conclude, Le Lion is a deeply expressive fragrance. It’s confident, comforting, and composed. It is one of those rare concoctions that actually performs a function... and it's not just a scent. Chanel's proverbial form and elegance is all there. That it found me by chance only makes it more special. Based on this long spiel, the price is prohibitive, but (bitterly) acceptable.

Long time Chanel boy to man here. This stuff is 24k gold in a bottle. It's the height of the house's skill and sheer will. There are very few houses who can literally bend the laws of perfumery physics to their will, and Chanel is and has been one of them for a very, very long time. What makes this fragrance so damn good? It's the coiled energy present in it at all times. If you could somehow liquefy flexed muscles gracefully in motion, moving languidly through tall grass with flashed razor edged canine teeth ready to attack...this is what it must smell like. The citrus top is energetic and fizzy, it opens light and sunny but just as you relax and anticipate the inevitable vanilla that you are expecting, infact nearly smelling, as it rolls up to take prominence, a darker, fiercer note arrives instead.., and for a second, you are stunned, even a bit apprehensive but then you relax and remember "ahh no worries, it's a Chanel, it's probably some nice aromatic aldehyde that is their signature" except and ...SLAPPPP (Rick James, Chappell Show style) ..it's MUSK BIT#%ES!!! That's right ladies and gentlemen, the dark, moody dawn that sets in on you nearly 3 minutes in is musk and it's a beautiful musk. It's animalic, it's sexy, it's uncharacteristically up front and it's on you before you can really realize what's going on...then just as you are about to straighten your collar and readjust yourself...the cleanest, brightest labdanum appears and baby, this is REAL Chanel labdanum and it's GLORIOUS. Kids, we aren't even 10 minutes in!!! Now you are trying hard to resist talking out loud to yourself.."what the actual ..." but Mr. Polge was reading your mind, maybe he read his father's copious notes, because at the very moment you are most unsure ...where next Le Lion is going to turn and leap, here in the breach arrives the indomitable Chanel Vanilla ...Bourbon Island Vanilla, laced on its gilded golden edges with those classical Chanel aldehydes ...sweet mercy it's good...it's damn near orgasmic when you feel it...it's the CC spot. The part where dirty, earthy, wet green patchouli arrives in a rush and links up with the arriviste Chanel Vanilla and Chanel Labdanum and BOOM...we have AMBER ladies and gentlemen... and it's rolling thunder over the savanna now and Le Lion is in full muscular flex, it's nearing top speed/acceleration and thus force...and it's shining now ..with that big, BIG, labdanum leading amber, shimmering all over the damn place with shadows of musk and in its wake is a cloud of sandalwood and what to me smells like just water splashed cooled, hot fir woods. This is a wild, glimmering slice of high perfumery art. Wear this when you have your best cashmere coat on, wear it when you have BIG things to do and BIG people to see. Just wear it so people you pass by can feel better about their poor, drab unChanel lives. bon chance

To me Le Lion is like the younger sibling of Coromandel (in a good way since Coromandel is in my top 3 favourite fragrances), they resemble eachother a fair bit to my nose, especially in the mid drydown, but yet they smell entirely unique and great in their own rights, and both do their own thing, much like siblings do as they grow up. It opens up with a bright fresh faintly zingy Lemon with a bit of airyness (undoubtedly Alehydes, as Chanel loves to use them), that soon dries down into a smooth semi-resinous Labdanum, surrounded in smooth sweet ambers that are honestly a bit addicting to smell, I also pick up an Incense or smoky note in general as well like in Coromandel's dry down, however it's less prominent in Le Lion, by notheless it enhances and compliments the sweet ambers and bold (yet restrained) Labdanum flawlessly. Speaking of the Labdanum, it's not that animalic on paper or my skin at all, it does carry a "restrained boldness" as I'd call it, but it's very much a likeable ladbanum in an artistic and mass appealing way. As the mid progresses, small hints of Vanilla start to come out, to sweeten and soften the DNA a little more than it already was, and a patchouli (much like its older brother/sister)note comes into the play too, but unlike Coromandel where it's Omnipresent, it's a lot more mellow and in the back in Le Lion. and Finally, the Mid is complimented by the signature attribute of the 'Les Exclusifs De Chanel' fragrances, that being a clean musk and abound powderyness, but in this fragrance both of them are a bit tamer than it the other fragrances of this line, with them resting just below the Labdanum + Ambers. Good for the colder and moderate weather, can be dressed both up and down, but definitely leans more formal than casual (but I love this almost as much as Coromandel so I'd wear it all the time regardless 😂), perfectly Unisex in my opinion but leans ever ever so slightly masculine. I get decently strong projection on my skin with about 9-10 hours longevity, it creates a nice scent bubble and trail, whilst not being very imperative which I'm a fan of. It just has this comforting and elegant aura of sophistication about it, just like its sibling does, with an equally smooth and beautifully addicting dry down, honestly it pains me to choose between them. In conclusion, it's easily my 2nd favourite Les Exclusifs De Chanel fragrance behind Coromandel, but that's not to discredit this at all, if anything I love this almost as much, and I love both of them for different reasons, but I'll likely be getting a full bottle of this, and when I do I'd probably wear it just as much. If Coromandel is a personal 10/10 for me, then this is a strong 9.5/10 So Final Verdict. 9.5/10

I bought Le Lion back in 2020 and was completely floored. We were dealing with the pandemic and Chanel had the audacity to launch a significant fragrance. I was shocked and proud to be in the know. It took me about 6 months to figure the fragrance out. I had a Fragrantica profile back then and wrote the most beautiful love letter one can imagine. I turned my head on the fragrance industry and forgot about Le Lion. I reduced my collection to a mere dozen or so from around 200. I wiped my Fragrantica profile even. And I regretted the decision. Badly. It is now that I'm missing Le Lion to much that I've had to get a new bottle. For those who have bought samples and write a review based on that... try harder. Some Chanel fragrances take years to appreciate. I can assure those who are seriously calling this a patchouli or labdanum bomb, revisit your thoughts. A fragrance of this reach is a complex thing. Nothing Chanel does is to grab attention. I've had those days when Le lion was smokey and rough. On other days it's comforting and warm. Chanel fragrances all have one thing in common. When I'm reading batch numbers and such, I'm scratching my head. I've bought one of the first ones that were available in Germany and bought a fresh bottle today. I can assure you, nothing Chanel does is even close to being a variation or reformulation. Product does vary, but it's mastery to get it right. I bought Egoiste 40 Years ago and I'm still buying it today. That is saying something. Chanel treats its customers like royalty. 🤴 It's a warm, powerful and unique fragrance. Let it rest. It will get smoother and even more rounded over time. Use it sparingly. When you read the list and try to detect each and every single item. Don't. It's a composition. It varies on your own mood. Le Lion is a Church with benches, it's holy, woody, warm and sacred. Try to resist the urge to hold your nose too close to your arm or wherever you apply it. Your loved ones will know you're present instantly, you don't need to double check. It's a masterpiece. Signature worthy. Clearly Chanel in any aspect. I'm glad I bought another bottle and you will too. If you like my thoughts hit the like 👍 button.

I have just offered myself the big bottle of this for my 50th birthday! Could not resist the temptation to reach out for an almost impossible to buy thing, since I live in Europe and this is only available for now in Dubai and some other markets across the ME. This means it was a blind-bought-nothing-cheap-about-it move, one I really enjoyed taking so to adding to the experience my own invented meaning of a risk-taking way of a lion... plus Coco’s own superstitious attachment to talismans and symbols! The full package, at least in my delusional mind? Le Lion de Chanel screams niche, it is poised to be an absolute commercial flop when they roll it out globally (just saying 😉 LOL), and I just love it. While there is (THERE IS! Now way around it) a Shalimar aura at first cloud projection – something about the vanillas in one and other must be related – there is also a not apologetic leather-musk-resin accord which turns the table big time; making Le Lion walk in an unalike path. Shalimar is a feathered magical being, it is ethereal; yet Le Lion is far more grounded, muscled, and, in some way, treacherous. I simply adore the way Olivier Polge placed here some of Coco’s cavernous and deep voice. Le Lion feels suede, looks beige, not brown-leather, smells straw-like burnt by the sun, not by fire. It captures Chanel elegance, in a powder-musky fashion, but it’s strong handed punch of resin grounds it in a way that Coco’s voice is there in exact same way the few recorded interviews with her unveil: her voice is not music, her voice is that of a judge who is always right. Cuir de Russie is my all-time favorite perfume; it can only be a present from life to have this chance to go leather by Chanel in a surprising fashion, yet again another turn in the merry-go-round. Le Lion is borderline off-limits Chanel signature – there is an undeniable animalic-amber element to it that simply isn’t Chanel-like – but as a paradox of sorts the masterful resin-sandalwood accord feels so utterly Chanel after the dry down. A not so tame Chanel that doesn’t give a dam about political correctness.

brutish, fleshy, and animalistic, this is the one fragrance in my collection i seldom wear not because i do not like to smell it, but because i must earn its company. le lion is a sticky, slightly bracing, and resinous labdanum scent with all of the nuances that comes with it when mixed with amber: leathery and birch wood tar-like qualities, catholic church incense swirling at a wake, buttery-smooth musky patchouli, etc. this labdanum is juxtaposed with a sun-kissed and energizing bergamot at the top (which is startlingly similar to the bergamot in shalimar,) and a sweet vanillic woodiness and dirty patchouli in the base (which is, also, startlingly similar to the patchouli in coromandel, minus the frankincense that is substituted for the almost myrrh-like nuances of the labdanum note). the brightness of the citruses ostensibly fade but forever remain as a thread in the scent, tantalizingly lifting this otherwise heavy and deep composition into potentially signature scent territory. but only for the right person. i MUST be in a good state of mind for this scent. i must be confident. loud, bold, and audacious before ever considering the three sprays it takes to project this extremely tenacious fragrance into every room i walk into for the next fourteen hours. there must be heels, red lipstick, and/or a couple of freshwater pearls. there must be piercing eyes, top buttons done up, severe tones of voice, and rapacious fortifying of my innermost being and spirit. it is a scent that demands a curtsy or a bow, a scent so carnal, ferocious, and austere that it is nearly unapproachable. i believe ardently that this scent encapsulates everything i aspire to be: different, not in the sense that i am camp or otherwise laughable, but idiosyncratically, distinctively different. it is too much for the wrong people. but it is just enough for the right ones. only after its company is earned.

Five years ago, I first came across Le Lion at a Chanel boutique and loved it instantly. Recently, I stumbled upon a great offering at what I consider a fair price (approx. 110 euros for 200ml), and finally fulfilled that long-awaited wish! Many people point out its resemblance to Guerlain’s Shalimar (EdT/EdP/Parfum) , but I find it closer in spirit to Jicky (EdT) or perhaps closer in scent to Shalimar EdC . The opening delivers a strong lemon-citrusy blast with a noticeable retro-tinged oriental accord. Soon after, as the citrus softens, a labdanum-vanilla-citrus blend emerges — very much in the Guerlainade style — giving it a clear kinship with Jicky EdT (though without its signature lavender) and Shalimar EdC. In the drydown, once the citrus is nearly gone, the resemblance to Jicky fades, moving further and further away. What remains is somewhere between the mixed-oriental, old wooden-cabinet atmosphere of Diptyque’s L’Eau Trois and the light smoky-oriental-leathery Guerlainade nuance of Shalimar EdC — leaning more toward Shalimar though. With more time, however, it eventually shifts closer to L’Eau Trois. ***************** And I agree with @scentine 's comment: ... it bears a striking similarity to Shalimar (perhaps particularly the EdT and EdC which are less sweet than higher concentrations) ... but strongly disagree on the comparisons to Ambre Nuit, Coromandel (neither EdT nor the EdP) and 1740 Marquis de Sade. ***************** Rating: 8-8.5/10 An excellent choice for lovers of classic-style orientals who don’t mind a touch of vintage character in the drydown.

Well, I've had a 200ml bottle of Le Lion for a couple of years now and have had the opportunity to really live with it, wear it on all occasions, day and night, to work, for pleasure, dinners and parties and on all seasons. And I love it, I absolutely love it. Le Lion is phenomenal. My bottle is from April 2021, batch code 6301, and the longevity is tremendous. I am wearing it today and I sprayed it on at 13:00, it is 23:18 right now and I can still smell it on my bare chest, I still get those warm smoky vanilla whiffs as the scent is still very much alive. And on clothes Le Lion will stay on forever, especially wool sweaters. I have a wool turtle neck that smells divine and I don't ever want to wash it I would say Le Lion works it's absolute best in the coldest months of the year, December, January and February if you live in Scandinavia that is. During the warmer months Le Lion changes and I've experienced a slight unpleasant gasoline:ish vibe in the complete dry down. At first I thought my bottle had gone bad or turned, but in hindsight I realize Le Lion is not suitable to wear in the warmer seasons, I think the moisture and the temperature affects the scent in a certain way. But it's OK really. Even nature changes from season to season. It is what it is. But come winter time and Le Lion is just glorious, so elegant and so alive, so warm and sensual. Powerful yet comforting. It really is a very sexy scent, without any vulgarity or panty dropper connotations. You will crave it, and it will keep on giving. It is a masterful creation. 10/10.

Prepare to be surprised. This will not be for everyone but many lovers of masculine scents will be thrilled. The first surprise is that is does not smell like a Chanel fragrance. Stylistically, I would place it closer to an old school Guerlain. Put it in an ancient dusty Guerlain bottle with an unreadable label and you'd have the Guerlainophiles scrambling to identify and buy precious decants of what has to be a lost fragrance. The second surprise is the depth, power and concentration of the fragrance. It will certainly stand out among the generally gentle polite Chanel Exclusifs. Coromandel and Cuir de Russie will finally have a friend on your shelf. My take on the experience is slightly different from what I have read so far but I must stubbornly insist that this is what I experienced despite the note list, publicity and previous reviews. I am sticking to it! It starts with a citrus opening but quickly I smell leather- skanky leather-blacksmith's apron. More leather than dirty smell but it is there and it stays. Two hours later that skanky note is still nudging me. Amber develops and softens, vanilla or something vanilla like sashays in quietly from the side. I'm stil not convinced it is actually vanilla. Is it benzoin or vanilla. It's not sickening sweet. The dry down is soft, powdery and close to the skin. Looking forward to other's experiences as more becomes available. I'd love to know what Thierry Wasser and Jean Paul Guerlain have to say about this one. Kudos to Chanel for a bold step.

Cuiromandel Ok wow, this is ballsy from Chanel Easily the most masculine leaning Les Exclusif ever, Le Lion explodes with dark labdanum, amber, sparkling bergamot and lemon, instantly smells classy and rich and surprisingly unusual for a Chanel, also slightly unapproachable, but in a good way, if that's possible. The development is slow and precisely measured, as the opening notes recede over 30-45 minutes it takes another unexpected turn and becomes even darker. The labdanum is huge, its dark and quite animalic. Overall the mid smells like unsweetened smoky tobacco and animalic leather. The leather impression is very real, to the extent that Le Lion can almost be considered an Oriental Leather fragrance. It could have been called Cuiromandel or something along that line and the name would have been entirely appropriate. The base is smooth and long lasting, a touch of sweetness is introduced but it never loses its smoky leathery character. Le Lion is a wild ride i was not expecting, but am seriously enjoying. While i feel this is masculine leaning, it would certainly work on woman, it has classic Chanel levels of sophistication and refinement that can be enjoyed by everyone. Performance is very strong, two sprays on a friend filled the room all evening. On my skin it was still very present after 18 hours, its not joking around. Very pleased with this release and its going to be in heavy rotation as i continue to discover all it has to offer.

I have what I consider to be a great impression of Chanel Le Lion, but I don't have the real thing, or didn't until a kind friend and fellow Fragrantican sent me a generous decant. Sprayed liberally--perhaps too liberally?--on my skin, I am struck by the smoky, animalic qualities in the amber. My Dua dupe is spikier with the bergamot, more like suede as opposed to raw leather, with less of the distinctive "burning tire" aspect. Both remind me of Shalimar EDP, especially the leatherier vintage formulations, but the Chanel is, I must concede, more complex and resinous than my Dua dupe, great as it is. Chanel Le Lion smells expensive and complicated and less like baby powder (which is how my husband sometimes describes Shalimar and its flankers). I have a dear friend who wears Chanel Sycomore when she needs an extra boost of bitchiness to make it through a meeting with bullies, and I could see her wearing Le Lion for the same purpose. This is a grown-ass adult scent, on every level. I do see Le Lion as similar to Shalimar, but it's very much coming from the Chanel perspective, not the Guerlain. For one thing, Le Lion is much more unisex than Shalimar, in any of its many iterations. I know there are many men who wear and enjoy Shalimar, and more power to them, but I think it is much more conventionally femme-presenting than Le Lion, with more florals and less patchouli. Le Lion, like Sycomore, seems to transcend gender altogether.

A queer perfume? I may be wrong terminologically, but it’s the only fragrance in my possession which is, I suggest, queer as if by design. I am obviously referring to the evolution from the resinous, labdanum heart to the sweet vanilic drydown. Surely, many contemporary unisex perfumes play the trick, but I feel like this is the one which is also serious about it, as in how raw can you smell (it), so am not thinking about it as inducing any feeling of queerness... Some famous classic gender-bending perfumes travel similar olfactory routes, particularly those marketed to women, such as Opium, Dune; those for men within the same category like Egoiste or Caron’s 3rd man rather reverse it so that from sweeter spices, jasmine etc. they get to drydowns considered masculine. Overspraying cuts through heavy cigarette-smoke, so that makes it a divisive fragrance: both those who praise and those who dismiss it offer good and valid insights below. It’s not what I would love to smell on others, it’s like entering a room/space where someone is actively living (and sometimes messing with chemicals), but who isn’t around. Yet I am quite amazed every time how mood-altering it is - even that ancient, citrus-bergamot top, as well as by the way its clearly signals its progression: a heart that lasts for over 10 hours, followed by another 5-6 hours to ponder the point raised at the beginning.

This is a very good labdamum and patchouli fragrance. It has great quality notes and excellent blending. I have a large collection with many Ambers and patchouli. I thought this is still special because of the realistic musk and vanilla interplay with the labdanum and patch. So I ordered a small 35 ml. On my 3rd day sampling this, from the mid to dry-down it is mostly a patchouli fragrance with vanilla. So now I'm regretting my purchase somewhat, because I have better patch and vanilla fragrances. I have Dior Ambre Nuit. It is the most similar for me of comparisons made to other fragrances. It has less patchouli, and a bit of rose and peppery spice, but the citrus and labdanum are a very similar accord in Ambre Nuit. UPDATE: I ended up buying a 75 ml of a batch from late 2022. I was told that the more recent batches have more patchouli, and sometimes too much for me. As the sample I reviewed from. My 2022 batch so far is more woody, in accord with bergamot and labdanum. In the mid, more vanilla. Newest batches are more like Chanel Coromandel; old batches, more like Guerlain Shalimar. The best YouTube reviewer Ramsey the Ram, says, "This is one of the very best labdanums out there. It has that Chanel sparkle that may be from some slight, unlisted aldehyde note." Rating: (2022) 9/10 God bless. John 3:16

Le Lion Le Lion leaves no room for misinterpretation of its profile. It makes it's impression with a lemony entangled labdanum blast, that quickly sheds the acidity with the amber and patchouli agreeing to share space with the labdanum. But gaining confidence after realizing that the labdanum is a gentle giant. This leathery and ambery combination courses through the scents veins from beginning to dry down; the patchouli and amber dims (but remains) towards the end, while the vanilla, musk, and sandalwood makes for a cloud of a gentle embrace that is akin to your lover The labdanum however reminds that the said embrace should not be misinterpreted for just gentleness; its a particular embrace that is gentle to an observer yet intense and deliberate to the receiver. Your lovers way of speaking to you without words, and showcasing their love and strong desire to not be without you, if you will Took me a certain amount of time to understand this one despite my genuine interest, but for me it's a fragrance that perfectly describes the sort of bond with your lover that need not many words in times where only the windows of their soul is plentiful A sexy, yet elegant and modest creation that can be given, or be received from both men and women; incredible

... I didn’t go to the boutique the next day but I did get a bottle. How to put this delicately? 🤔 This is an olfactory marital aid. As sure as a BOB is. I generally prefer clean smells. This is not a clean smell, in the best possible way. Here is what I am trying to say. We were already heading towards the bedroom but just to surprise her I sprayed a little on. The second she stepped into the room that look appeared on her face. Then she jumped me and we rutted like pigs. It was fantastic and definitely value added. I think I just discovered ecstasy for the silver hair crowd 🤣 If you associate this fragrance with physical intimacy like my wife and I do may I recommend Salome from Papillion. If Le Lion is the physical love you show in public, holding hands, hands in each other’s back pockets, a soft, lingering, but not too lingering kiss. That kind of stuff. Well then Salome is that hour you paid that professional for. You know the one. The one you were going to dominate. But somehow the tables got turned and now you are the one with the sore hindquarters. You had fun, you want to do it again, but let’s not make this a daily occurrence... That is Salome lol.

Le Lion is the pinnacle of simplicity, demonstrating just how gloriously complex and intoxicating such a humble note as labdanum can be. Chanel certainly took a step into unknown territory for their brand when they released this, it couldn’t be farther from their typical style - and yet they came out with an absolute masterpiece. This is the be all and end all of labdanum perfumes. Labdanum is a gum resin which oozes freely from the underside of the branches of Cistus Ladaniferus. Knowing this really helps to visualise what you’re smelling here as it’s intensely thick, resinous and sappy. The warm, dark, sweet and sensual odour powers through the intense balsamic facets of this powerful note, gently softened and smoothed out by touches of vanilla and sandalwood. This is easily my favourite labdanum scent of all time. It’s so warming and cosy, and yet persists with this brutishly strong dark balsamic facet which is just incredibly unforgiving if it’s a smell you’re not keen on. This is by far one of the best fragrances Chanel have ever made, and with a legacy like theirs that’s seriously saying something.

Ok so this is incredible like pure art form in perfumery. Shalimar is in its own right a masterpiece but this takes it and tweak it to make it more approachable by rounding out the edges and making it softer. Instead of the leather note in shalimar, le lion uses a white suede accord which give is an animalic edge appropriate for the name "le lion". I typically cannot stand this suede accord because of its harshness, but the opening spike furry is short lived and it is subtle in the background. The magic of Le Lion is its stages of scent & during the mid phase, its nearly identical to shalimar in that shimmery amber like effect & notes followed closely by this ultra smooth vanilla. The difference is the powdery note seems to be more of a soft sugary note whereas shalimar powderness is floral iris-like. Then comes the drydown which is my favorite bc this is when the citrus pops out with its tart like nature that is orange/lemon like effect but it is paired so perfectly with the sweet powder in the background.

It took me a few wears to get here but this is the one Chanel product that I think should get all the love and all the hype MFK BR540 and Terre d'Hermes Parfum Hermès get. I say that because I think this is perfect. There is no room for improvement IMO. Balance, notes, longevity, projection, strength, response to how it smells, quality of the bottle and sprayer are all right where they should be. My take on this is that it is labdanum heavy. This is leathery but it is a very complicated leather because it includes musk, citrus, patchouli and amber. Those are the notes that my nose is able tease out. I am getting freshly cut lumber, which I presume is the sandalwood. I have sampled five of the Les Exclusifs line. This is the only one that is worth your time and money. Speaking of money. I live in the states and the best way to purchase Les Exclusifs is from Harrods. If you really want to save wait until they have a 10% sale. A lot of people don’t believe me but it does apply to this line or did in 2024.

Got my nose on this one early on in 2021 and it was love at first sniff. Soon after I bought my first bottle. 2 years later I sniffed it again in the Chanel boutique but it was less strong as if the Labdanum was toned down. My first bottle was from batch 5001 (early 2020) and apparently not long after Chanel did tone down the Labdanum to make it lighter and more wearable for the markets airside of the Middle East. This was later confirmed by Chanel. So I stocked up on bottles with batch 5001 and before and I’m set for life; 5 200ml and 9 75ml bottles. Nowadays I don’t come across them anymore so I’m glad I did. The Labdanum is the biggest star and the all natural quality shines from beginning to end. Because it’s natural ingredient it’s changes constantly depending on the skin, body temperature and season. Fall and winter safe but in spring and summer it becomes a completely different frangrance because the Labdanum releases other natural qualities of the labdanum. A true masterpiece!

I was nervous trying this one. My skin is very finicky with a lot of these notes and patchouli?! My arch nemesis! .... But I had this sample sitting in my drawer for quite a while now and it was time to either give it a go, or toss it. I also will say that I have never really liked Chanel fragrances (the more accessible scents). Alas, I tried this one three days ago and have yet to stop smelling myself. This fragrance is absolutely divine, similar to the divine beast it’s named for. It quickly skirts past the bright citrus opening into something dark and sexy, mysterious and leathery. I’ve heard that this is not a fragrance for everyone and I believe that to be true. These notes are not for everyone. It reminds me very much of Paris, walking to a restaurant at night and all the seductive scents you might pick up on the way there. An exotic cigar, a bottle of amber colored booze, a pastry shop, a cold leather jacket, the magic of the night. This is truly a work of art in a bottle.

Absolutely beautiful. Fred666 below me must've had INCREDIBLE smelling band-aids. Fantastic longevity, and it's just such a great journey wearing this fragrance. It's such a labdanum masterclass. I love the way the citruses are in the opening. The drydown on my skin is leathery, slightly warm, and powdery in that classic Chanel way that comes off as posh as hell. I don't get much stinky or animalic nuances from Le Lion on my skin. It is musky, but not in a way I'd associate with an animal or something that smells animalic. I've heard a lot of super frag-heads call this "one of the best releases of the 21st century" and I can see why they'd give it that honor. This does not smell like Guerlain Shalimar in the drydown. Shalimar is noticeably more feminine and really leans into that vanilla more. I do understand why people say Le Lion is a Chanel that thinks it's a Guerlain though. Le Lion is constructed like some classic Guerlain fragrances for sure.

I am fortunate to have come across a very good-priced 200 ml bottle of this. It's always a pleasure to discover such hidden gems at a bargain. I can see why people compare it to Shalimar and others to the patchouli base of Coromandel. What sets this fragrance apart from the former mentioned, is the "blend" and how it unfolds that creates this image. Like a smeared effect of oil and skin. This labdanum conjures infinitudes of micro textures. I imagine a majestic lion's mane and how you can get mesmerised by all the tiny hairs that make the whole aesthetic beautiful, imposing and yet sophisticated. Those that dislike it or don't give it time to see why it is worth having aside from those other amazing fragrances. Rest easy knowing you have saved yourself a sum of money and left another bottle on the shelf for someone like me. Although I have maybe used 10 ml of my bottle, I am probably going to be picking up a 2nd 200 ml of this soon.

[full bottle/9 global wearings] Le Lion de Chanel from the Les Exclusifs collection doesn’t aim to represent a wild lion but instead captures the elegance and timeless nature of the lion as Chanel’s symbol. This isn’t your everyday fragrance - it demands intention and requires confidence to wear. It opens with bright citrus notes of lemon and bergamot but quickly reveals its true character: a rich, warm amber accord. Made mostly from labdanum, is resinous, slightly leathery, dry, and has detectable medicinal touch. A hint of vanilla softens and sweetens it, making it more balanced and wearable. Le Lion feels like a statement piece - a scent to wear when you want to stand out and feel like the main star of the event. That said, its vintage smartness will feel challenging for those used to modern, lighter fragrances. It’s a throwback to bold elegance, suitable for someone who loves classic, intriguing and powerful scents.

The scent didn't give me anything that I could associate with a lion?? Instead, the very well-rounded, smoky rosin scent gives me a feeling of a painter's fingers -- also, those fingers had cigarettes in between for creative inspiration before he entered his small studio. I have no idea where this imagination came from, but this is what I feel throughout the entire day while I am wearing this scent. Additionally, I didn't find the scent aggressive at all, as many other reviewers mentioned; however, I do understand why the comments are very polarized. If you have ever worked with oil painting products and find the scent nostalgic, or if you are a wine drinker who likes retsina wine, you might appreciate this scent. I understand this is a very subjective review. But isn't this exactly the beauty of scents - we all associate with them so differently, in our very personal way.

This was a surprisingly great fragrance... It's not groundbreaking but it manages to bring something new and very elegant to an very overdone space in the genre... There's no doubt that Shalimar was at least a TINY inspiration for this more masculine take on a very similar style (to be clear I own SEVERAL vintage Shalimar extraits and wear them so I'm not complaining hahaha)... If I had to complain it's only that the longevity (quite surprisingly given the scent profile and strength upon application) is not nearly as long as I'd expect... One of the best Chanel releases. Go try it right away, especially if you're a guy who also thinks Chanel is being extremely lazy for staying on that damn Bleu train for like a decade... What dreck... Seriously? Bleu de Chanel and NO OTHER DEDICATED MEN'S RELEASE IN LIKE TEN YEARS? it's embarrassing for a House as prestigious as Chanel...

This is the rich amber forward scent I’ve been looking for. It’s woody slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla and just a a bit powdery. Many winter fall frags go heavy into spicy, boozy, tobacco, leather or a mixture of the 4. Which don’t get me wrong, I love, but having an amber forward without being too complex is actually really pleasant and addicting. I wanted to like others I’ve tried in this category but they haven’t hit me like this does. It’s delicious and a beautiful evening and cool weather date fragrance. It’s very expensive though so I can’t justify a bottle. I’ll stick with my sample and maybe try and get my hands on a decant. This isn’t the most daring or wowing scent ever, but I love it and niche quality. Well done Chanel! The small spray I did on skin lasted 6-8+hr. Pretty strong projection, can’t speak for sillage. 9/10

I tried a decant of this today. Nice, but not my style. I also question the price having been dabbling with niche for some time. The style just does not resonate with me. Having said that le lion really gets my wife’s motor running. so I am off to the Chanel boutique tomorrow. lol. I didn’t go to the boutique the next day but I did get a bottle. How to put this delicately? 🤔 This is an olfactory marital aid. As sure as a BOB is. I generally prefer clean smells. This is not a clean smell, in the best possible way. Here is what I am trying to say. We were already heading towards the bedroom but just to surprise her I sprayed a little on. The second she stepped into the room that look appeared on her face. Then she jumped me and we rutted like pigs. It was fantastic. I think I just discovered ecstasy for the silver hair crowd 🤣

I wish I could provide a really interesting and complex review of what I'm smelling from my arm but I will keep it simple , most likely austere: this is simply the best labdanum fragrance I've smelled. Maybe there are others, hidden from my reach but for now....I have this on the top. Leathery, smoky, ambery , vanillic. Brilliantly blended and really insatiable. Absolutely phenomanal fragrance. Kind of overpriced these days but if Chanel can charge 263 EUR for Bleu de Chanel L'exclusif , than I can be OK with 263 EUR for Le Lion. The gap in scent is like Michael Jordan and some dude at the park that he thinks he's unbeatable because he watched And 1 mix tapes. Try it. With patience. It will be an eye openered once understood and enjoyed. I won't go into the Shalimar comparison. It's there ...but not really.

Le Lion is the strongest Chanel I've tried, and one of the most beautiful labdanum fragrances. That said, it took time to truly understand and appreciate this bold fragrance. I find it challenging to wear because it feels very formal, and it's easy to overspray. ordinarily I wear cologne on pulse points, my chest, and back of neck. For me, this made Le Lion almost garish, and the experience was very unlike Chanel. on my skin anything more than 2-3 sprays makes this lion roar a bit too loud! 😅 With some maceration and a better understanding of how to wear this very strong fragrance, I have come to love the boundary-pushing, delightfully musky Le Lion. subtlety is key and must try before you buy. btw this is hands down the "warmest" fragrance in my collection, and slices through frigid air with ease.

Greater than the sum of its parts, I don't think this resembles any scents it's compared to. If anything I find this is a polished take on the base of Tauer's ACDD or Lonestar Memories (without their aromatic facets) rather than anything to do with Shalimar or cleaner ambers. Goes into the leathery aspects of ladbanum and incense without much sweetening besides the obligatory vanilla. Patch comes to the forefront in the drydown with the lab persisting as this huge, beautiful central note. I don't find this particularily animalic in terms of the way civet, castoreum or even oud sometimes land. But if leather and smoke land challenging to you this'll be a complete miss. Just a really good, reference worthy darker amber and the only Chanel Exclusif I could get convinced to spend my money on.

With the discovery of Le Lion and Coromandel, my search for the perfect fall-and-winter scent finally feels complete. Le Lion is wonderfully warming and enveloping, thanks to its prominent labdanum and a subtle touch of patchouli. The smokiness-one of the key elements that sets Le Lion apart from Shalimar-ultimately makes it the winner for me. Shalimar is, of course, a classic, but Le Lion has more bite. I don’t find it animalic (perhaps because I regularly wear truly animalic fragrances, with Salome from Papillon as my signature). To my nose, Le Lion reads as smoky and balsamic instead. The citrus top notes linger only briefly before giving way to a gorgeous vanillic amber accord, with distinct patchouli and especially a rich, resinous labdanum. Brilliant stuff.

Wow... what a masterpiece of perfumery. Despite not being a fan of culinary-leaning notes, this fragrance uses them in an incredibly sexy way. It's unique, powerful, and explosively masculine without ever becoming offensive. It has the aura of a lion that doesn't give a damn about what's around him—not because he has anything to prove, but because he knows his worth. Confident, dominant, effortlessly sexy, and completely unapologetic. What I love most is that it doesn't smell vintage—it smells timeless. It reminds me of the rich, resinous, culinary facets often found in Amouage fragrances, yet it follows a completely distinct path. This is a fragrance with character, confidence, and exceptional artistic quality. I absolutely love it.

This won’t win any points for originality, but my word is it executed to PERFECTION. In prosaic terms, it is citrus atop resins, vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood - whilst I want to say that it’s greater than the sum of its parts through perfect balance, I actually like to think of it as beautifully UNbalanced - the labdanum is almost TOO strong and animalic. To elaborate, I imagine it could have been toned down and still work very well as a scent, but it would lack that delightful characteristic of sitting juuuust right at the border between Chanelesque refined elegance and dangerous primal animalic rawness. Le Lion indeed, but just about held in by a chain round its ankle - step too close and you might get bitten.

I have gone through the better part of a 5ml decant. I don’t know why it took me a few wears to really notice but the longevity on this is outstanding. I stepped into the shower and poof, there it was. I like that in a fragrance. I feel like I have gotten my moneys worth that way. Speaking of money, if you live in the US, I have found that ordering from Harrods is the way to go. It already costs nearly 20% less there than here and I wait until they have a 10% off sale. Even with tax and shipping it ends up being a little over 100 bucks less and their shipping is so fast that Coco herself could not have gotten it to me faster. Modern logistics, another miracle we should be thankful for but aren’t. lol.

On my skin it smells like zinc paste(the one that my mum used in late 90's ) with soapy and powdery touch to it. I am not mad about it at all, it is actually the most unusual and addictive perfume I have tried so far. More I wear it, more I love it. It has detectable Chanel DNA to it of course but I have never smell anything like it, I guess patchouli, labdanum and amber combination plus my ph creates this unusual but intriguing scent, although I also could detect this scent vaguely as soon as I smelled the atomiser although citrus note dominated at that point. It is so comforting and strangely addictive. Definitely sample before buying but for me it is big fat yes! 😍

Got a sample of this because I had some interest in it for the upcoming Winter. Wow, what an incredible niche quality fragrance. It opens with a slight citrus brightness and quickly turns into this fantastic smoky labdanum that is very addictive. There is this slight sweetness to it that is blended with the labdanum to perfection. It gives the vibe of a rich campfire with vanilla/amber undertones. But not an overly sweet vanilla. Just enough to take the edge off a bit, but keep that rich smoky and ambery drydown slightly rough around the edges. Which is good. I recommend you test it first, but whoa if you can get something out of this, you will be very delighted.

The beginning is amazing amber with incense (or should I say labdanum). It's simply delicious, but pretty soon the incense overshadows the amber. For an hour or two the incense prevails, but a sweet incense, not the cold, ecclesiastical type. And after a couple of hours it's pure, heady amber. Personally, it reminds me of Annick Goutal's Ambre Fetiche, a perfume I own and adore. Since the reformulations have turned AF into a kitten istead of a wild beast, I'm glad I found a worthy replacement into Le Lion. If you like sweet, heady and perhaps a bit dirty amber, this is definitely a must try. If you like incense as well, this is FB worthy.

I am absolutely obsessed with Le Lion. It does so well with my skin chemistry. I hated it when I smelled it on paper at first, but then I tried it on skin (the kind people in the Chanel boutique sent me on my way with a sample) and was hooked. Bought a bottle the next day. To be honest, this isn't a scent profile I normally like nor seek out. Usually I like very smooth/creamy scents rather than sharper scents like Le Lion, but there is something about it that hooks in my nose and I crave it. This is NOT a blind buy. You really need to try it on your skin and see if it works for you. It's also a powerhouse. Don't overspray.

It took me a long time to get used to this fragrance, and every time I wear it again, it feels like I have to start the adjustment process all over. I wore it for about four months last year, with the most memorable experience being in Marrakesh. I’m not sure if it’s the animalic notes or the amber that I find challenging, but once I acclimated to it and had the chance to experience the second and third phases of the scent, the incense note became very prominent—and I absolutely love that aspect. I agree that this fragrance is best suited for winter or for cities filled with strong and unfamiliar scents.

This is absolutely beautiful. I've tested many of the Le Exclusif range and I feel pretty "meh" about most of them. Some are nice, but I don't see anything special about them to warrant the price. Le Lion is an exception for me. Not that I feel the price is justified, but that I feel it is special and worth of the "Exclusif" title. The drydown is really where it's at with this one. Sweet, smoky leather... So beautiful. I don't normally like smoky scents because they just smell like a bushfire to me, but this one is perfectly balanced in all of its elements. It would make a beautiful signature scent.

I am a woman and this is one of the best perfumes I own and certainly one of the best from Chanel, alongside Coromandel. I was so disappointed when I first encountered Le lion and I found it really similar to Shalimar and a joke on its heritage at Guerlain. However, this was the year I finally fell in love with the smokiness of Le lion and the whole complexity and development of the scent, that made me appreciate it as a beautiful take in labdanum. The beauty of the scent lies in the quality of the ingredients, that shine and play their different facets like the rays of the sun. Stunning.

I adore this. I purchased a tiny vial from eBay. It is very reminiscent of Shalimar so if you don’t like the og Shalimar you almost certainly won’t like this. It arrives with a burst of lemon- not a sweet juicy lemon but the bit of lemon rind that is a little bitter, that softens and opens up the rich smoky musk with a backbone of dark vanilla that is not sugary but dry. Instead of the Guerlainade essence it has that Chanel aldehydic presence, IYKYK. It really is a beauty. When it comes to collecting, if you have the og Shalimar, which is much more affordable, this could be redundant.

Words can't give this Justice It's My All-Time favorite fragrance beside Tobacco oud intense TF....... Animalic Dark Powerful Deep Rich lion like leather (labdanum) with deep amber. The Chanel DNA is there as soon you spray, you'll immediately know it's a very high-end Chanel, pricy? At least you're guaranteed no one ever will smell like you with a cheap disgusting clone ruining your experience as it's a Chanel and no one can cologne Chanel.... Projection is solid for at least 5 hours with heavy scent cloud around you longevity is brutal

So many reviews from people that hate the opening. For me, that’s the best part! The added citrus along with the patchouli, vanilla, labdanum and musk is amazing! It isn’t as loud for me as I expected based on reviews but that makes it even better. There is definitely something leathery or lightly petrol-like but it’s so smooth it just adds to the profile without taking away from it. Hyraceum, maybe.... I love Le Lion and I live in Houston, Texas and it’s already in the upper 80s and I don’t find this suffocating at all. Magnificent!!

I have very little experience with Chanel’s atm but I’ve smelled them all in a boutique before but this is the one scent that I still remember like 6 months later and finally found a reasonable decant and it was as good as I remembered. Starts pitch black labdanum almost leathery but has this underlying sweetness that grows by the minute before eventually hours later becoming almost unrecognizable sweet vanilla amber aroma. Vaguely in the ballpark of Interlude same sort of “dark sweet amber” but whole different style and take. FBW

8,5/10 Superbe, tellement élégant. Hélas en dry down je sens comme un côté crémeux ou lacté de la vanille, dont j'ai horreur, hormis le dry down c'est excellent. J'ai mis du temps à saisir que les agrumes de Bergamote et de citron parasitent cette fragrance. J'adore ces notes mais avec cette pyramide olfactive là je trouve que ce serait mieux sans. Et puis la performance ne me suffit pas. Bref moi et Le Lion c'est toute une histoire, pas dans ma Collection Signature mais clairement un parfum de mon histoire⭐️ Légendaire.

Beauty sparkling opening but turns dark quickly. Not too smokey but it does take the forefront over the leather at times. Mostly in the earliest stages of the heart than the tides start to shift and becomes leather dominant. Puffs of vanilla poke through to balance the composition but are not very noticeable. Personally I feel it's purely masculine. It's rugged and sophisticated. Perfect with a grey suit. Performance is above average and will project constantly throughout if your body temperature rises.

The late dry-down of Chanel Le Lion smells exactly like my grandmother’s mucenici, a traditional Romanian dish served in a sweet broth of sugar, lemon zest, and walnuts. The warm amber and creamy vanilla echo the dish’s comforting sweetness, while the lingering citrus perfectly matches the zesty aromas that permeate any room the dish is served in. Even the earthy labdanum evokes the nuttiness of crushed walnuts. This scent fills me with a deep sense of nostalgia and fond memories. Absolutely wonderful.

Some reviews compare this to Shalimar. The original Shalimar wasn’t a like or a love for me. I bring it up to emphasize that I find Le Lion special enough to stand entirely on its own. It may not follow the traditional Chanel DNA, but yet the house’s signature elegance is still woven throughout. Amber forward, opulent, rich, and impeccably refined, it was love at first wear. So much was my love for the fragrance, I purchased the accompanying oil.