N°22 Eau de Parfum

On a trip to a Chanel boutique earlier this week, I decided to try No. 22. I have been on a bit of a floral aldehydic kick and this stuff was just what the doctor ordered. No. 22 opens with an explosion of aldehydes. Lilly of the valley adds a slight green note and a little bit of neroli hints at what is coming in the heart. But make no mistake, what dominates this opening are the sparkling aldehydes and they do not disappear until the late stages of the dry down. Heart notes are like a remix of the famous Chanel No. 5, with the animalic, indolic jasmine dialed down and the tuberose and yalang brought forward. Indeed, this fragrance was released a year after No. 5 as a more subtle, lighter take on the original. In the time before flankers, what we have here is a flanker packaged as an entirely new scent. At 99 years old, this fragrance manages to smell rather more contemporary than the centenerian original. I'm a guy and the florals here ease right up to the limits of what works for me. But with the aldehydes lending an airyness to the fragrance, the florals stay closer to feminine-unisex on my skin without tiping over into the heady sweetness that causes so many folks to read floral compositions as 'perfumy' or even 'girly.' No. 22 stays cool, smooth and dry even as the florals assert themselves. The base brings things back from the bright floral heights to the grounding of vetiver. There is a nutty, rooty tone to the vetiver here and combined with the last gasps of the aldehydes, this base is transcendent and just a bit soapy. It is also rather masculine. Late in the dry down, the aldehydes and vetiver fade away leaving a powdery vanilla. This fabulous powder lingers with faint projection for hours in hot weather. Lovely, luxurious, high quality ingredients dominate No. 22 throughout and they are all beautifully blended. This fragrance is No. 5's lovely, poised, jazzy younger sister. Charming and special, but forever in her famous older sister's shadow, she deserves a better fate because considered on her own merits, she is spectacular. To sum up, No. 22 is a wonderful aldehyde driven floral with the cool, silky androgynous sexiness of the 1920s flappers for whom it was composed. As such, in today's world, this gender-bending little minx of a scent has to be called unisex--at least for guys who are comfortable wearing floral scents. While No. 22 doesn't demand attention or compell responses like most of the other Les Exclusifs de Chanel, it definitely rewards folks who give its subtle charms time to grow on them. This fragrance offers: (i) great longevity and moderate projection; (ii) the lovely, luxurious presentation of Les Exclusifs; and (iii) for those who care about such things, the surprising ability at attract compliments when worn by a man. Three times on the hot summer evening on which I gave No. 22 it's second wearing, women asked what the amazing scent I was wearing happened to be. Two of the three told me it smelled 'incredible' on me. The third said "isn't that a woman's perfume?". " Not tonight; not on me," I responded. Recommended.

No. 22, EDP, 0401 (May - 2016 batch) #1 My version seems to be EDP before transitioning into Les Exclusifs line. At first sniff, this is very strong Aldehyde, it burns my nose. Yes, this is definitely vintage CHANEL-estique in the most way possible. I remember this kind of smell even I smell this many years ago. But this is much more soft, warm and gentle. It is soapy, in the kind of laundry way but it's still remains aspect of white floral strongly. It is quite easy to wear and understand, welcoming. I do understand now why this classify as Femme. But this is actually unisex, with strong femme floral quality. So It really depends on where you looks at, the soap or the floral. Being my first Chanel perfume from the upper line. I don't regret at all and I do enjoy the scent really much. Clean luxury soap but in the floral kinda of way. Very mild smokiness, so this is very wearable for me after all. As develop further, it become more like white floral powder. Very mild and gentle. Dry down to mildly sweet vanilla. Truly Devine. God, I love this. 9/10 - thank you. ===== Pre blind-buy record No. 22 seems to be the most mysterious scent to me, not in term of how it smell. But how it is presented in the Market. Here's why it make me wondering. - it is one of original scent release by Chanel, 1 year later than famous No.5 in original line. - It is re-release in late 10's in few concentration, in many line (EDT, EDP & Les Exclusifs EDP), it seems very experimental consider this scent release since 1922. It should be release in certain market already - and release the flankers instead. - It contains "Soapy" in most review, I personally like Soapy fragrance - so it is in my must try list. - Some find this quiet Unisex, while someone weight this Heavy on Feminine. - Some says this the Chanel-estique in the most way possible. - Some says this very Celesstial, White-cold. -my 1st from this line, and the oldest formulation in my collection (now oldest is Paco Pour Homme, 1976) I do not know how will the result turn out. I familiar with few note (being Jasmine, Rose, Vetiver, Lily of the Valley, Neroli and Vanilla). I fear Tuberose and Ylang-Ylang, this might be a total miss for me. I wish Vetiver is only ingredients to save me, for a bit of masculine feel. (I am gay but act/communicate in boy style, I do not wear heavily femme fragrance as it can be questionable in my workplace and I personally love blind-buy). My most closes guess now, is smell of Prada Infusion de Mimosa / Infusion de Orange Blossom. USD 88 for 140 ml. / 200 ml. bottles, for the record from my trusted local reseller. Please y'all, Wish me luck... on this one. It speaks to me and also fears me the same time. I will relocate my note to the correct page when I got actual bottle on my hands...

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

Effortlessly chic, unmistakably Chanel N°22 opens on the skin with a burst of glorious, sparkling aldehydes carrying the signature of Chanel. While the opening of N°22 is dominated by aldehydes, here they bring forward neroli and a delicate touch of lily-of-the-valley. Within minutes the aldehylic opening softens as rose, a green and slightly indolic tuberose, and ylang-ylang rise to the surface. As the fragrance continues to evolve, and in entering the dry-down the aldehydes are still present, however by now the fragrance has grown noticeably sweeter in stark contrast to its ‘clean’ opening. I assume the sweetness here largely flows from the addition of vanilla, and how this plays against those florals at the heart of the fragrance. N°22 was released in 1922 created by the esteemed Ernest Beaux just a year after creating the highly acclaimed N°5 now synonymous with the brand. In fact, N°22 takes the best of N°5 and reimagines it for a modern audience. It’s lighter, fresher, sweeter and entirely more feminine. To me N°22 is a timeless classic. It’s a fragrance that will always be relevant. When I smell N°22 I think white linen, sunny days and elegant sophistication. Simply, it’s a fragrance that makes me happy. As for occasions N°22 would suit casual to formal and anything in between. It’s like that perfectly versatile garmet that can you can dress-up or down. Just pick it up and spray it on! N°22’s performance is fantastic. The fragrance lasts all day on my skin, with a heavy to moderate sillage. IG: Nathan__Jamesj

Earlier, I wrote my review based on a sample I got and I am rewriting my review as I bought a full bottle (75ml) of this masterpiece and kicking myself on why I didn't get the (200ml) which was in front of me and it isn't easy to find! The soapiest perfume I've ever smelled. It also smells very clean, comforting, gentle, feminine, friendly (as some Chanel tend to have a "stuck up" feel into it) but this one smells like you're a warm and inviting gentle person. For context, I have the aldehydes Queen Chanel no 5 Eau de Parfum, and it's flankers L'Eau and Premiere and in love with all of them especially L'Eau. But Chanel no 22 is another level of aldehyde and the gentlest and creamiest of the bunch. If you like aldehydes with a floral but creamy/buttery feel then 22 will serve you right. I think that's the effect of the Ylang-ylang and Tuberose. It lasts on me the whole day (on clothes) and I get whiffs of it as I move throughout the day which is really uplifting. I even still smell it the next day on my clothes. It is versatile in my opinion and can be used for day or night and any season. Also office friendly and I don't think it can offend anyone really. It can layer well with fresh citrusy perfumes if you needed an extra lift to make it a bit more young or for extra hot days. I'm getting the 200ml once my 75ml is finished.

This saved my life. I was in deep despair, in a foreign country during the holidays, rejected and left alone in dark solitude, my hopes shattered and minus a few thousand dollars that I invested that can't be written here. I took this as a backup to another perfume (a Lab on Fire scent by Dominique Ropion, a scent I also love), which I usually do in case the main perfume doesn't work. Thank God, as my main perfume didn't perform in the new country as it did back home. I'm not sure why, but smelling N22 EDP made me function and prevented depression from hitting. I already knew this scent, I already loved it, and I already admired it, but I had no idea that it would be a medicine of miracles. Somehow I moved on and was able to find my way around in my dark hole as this scent carried me to a place that made me okay, and if I had not taken this as a backup, I'm not sure I would have made it. Upon returning, I contemplated long and hard about whether I should write this review, as I am quite stunned about what occurred and just held it buried within me. Tonight I feel brave enough to put it into words so that I will always remember how 22 gave me hope to heal. Happy 100th Birthday, N22, and Thank you.

No. 22 is a radiant aldehydic white floral, unmistakably Chanel in style and quite reminiscent of No. 5 (as well as Estée Lauder White Linen). Like a brighter, whiter No. 5 without the iris and mossiness, it is a white floral bouquet, heady, sweet and soapy. Vintage in style, and maturely feminine, it won't be to everyone's taste, but it is a thing of beauty. No. 22 opens with bright, soapy aldehydes and lush white florals. Green muguet and clean jasmine lead the way. It becomes headier as it develops, with sweet ylang ylang coming to the fore. Tuberose is also evident, but it is muted and sweet here - palatable for people who don't like tuberose. A hint of powdery rose follows, bringing it to No. 5 territory. The drydown is woody, with dry, powdery vanilla adding sweetness. Grassy vetiver adds a little earthiness, and it fades to a sweet skin scent with remnants of soapy florals. Sillage is moderate and longevity is long-lasting. A high-quality aldehydic white floral, No. 22 is a beautiful alternative to Amouage Gold. Blindingly white in comparison to the kaleidoscope that is No. 5, it is less of a crowdpleaser - but that's not a bad thing in my book. Excellent. 4.5/5.

Gorgeous. No. 22 doesn't get nearly enough praise or attention since No. 5 is the Chanel people constantly fawn over. Aldehydic, just like it's older and more lauded big sister No. 5, though No. 22's aldehydes are icy, airy, and crisp. If I had one word to describe this perfume it would be refreshing. The combination of those aldehydes, all of the florals, especially the ylang-ylang, and the vanilla and vetiver at the base, is amazingly breathable and somehow never delves into the realm of sweetness - which would be easy to do and easy to expect. The fruity floral ylang-ylang note somehow comes across as citrusy; you could be excused for thinking there is an ingredient meant to reflect bergamot or lemon in No. 22 - but there isn't; an awesome and unexpected feat. It's not light in its density or projection by any means, but despite the heft it is very nimble on its feet and never crowds itself or you. It's impossible to stop going back for another refreshing and intoxicating sniff to propel you into the light-soaked clouds. If you don't love No. 22, if it doesn't make you smile with tranquil joy and lightness of being, there is something wrong with you.

Created by the legendary Ernest Beaux (of N°5, Bois des Îles and Cuir de Russie fame), N°22 was originally intended as a lighter version of N°5. While the scent profile is similar, to my nose it is far warmer and woodier than N°5. N°22 opens with a burst of shimmering aldehydes, and alternates between elegant aloofness and sweet florals. After 20 minutes, when the aldehydes fade, I can smell a beautiful and seductive symphony of indolic jasmine, neroli, the green tartness of lilac and buttery sweetness of rose, deepened by vetiver and Bourbon vanilla. Something about N°22 makes me think of Grace Kelly and other aristocratic Hitchcock blondes. A cool, calm, sophisticated, and poised woman who carries with her an air of mystery and dangerous sex appeal. Like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints. Another Chanel masterpiece.

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

No. 22 is the less mature, but still classy sister of mother Chanel, No. 5. She hasn't any kids, but she hosts the best dinner parties you can imagine. First, it's soap... then, it loses most resemblance to No. 5. The aldehydes persist, but it becomes very cosy and relaxing. Where No. 5 becomes very complex, this becomes something you needn't think of too much. Beautiful jasmine flowers envelop you, vetiver and oakmoss make it both mossy and just a touch fresh. The standard ylang that the modern Chanels have become almost dependent on sneaks a surprisingly short peek before being buried in tuberose gorgeousness. I'm currently wearing a squirt of the vintage No 5 EDT and two squirts of this and, while this is softer, it seems to be developing in a much more beautiful way.

Love this - one of my favourite Les Exclusifs. Fell in love with it in the store, but the weather's been a bit too hot for this lately IMO. A buttery, bubbly, soapy type smell. It doesn't smell like "fresh aldehydes" like Blanche or 724 do, but this one has the classic "fatty" aldehyde smell that Chanel has. Compared to No. 5, this one is less floral, slightly more bitter, and MUCH stronger. This one is so strong you need to be careful not to overspray - it made me sick of it for a while after I oversprayed. Two sprays max for me, and below chest level. Scent profile: No. 5 on steroids but less powdery and floral Polarity: More feminine Longevity: Days on clothes, whole day on skin Projection: Fills a room when oversprayed

I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older (officially closer to 40 than to 30 now), but lately I find myself appreciating Chanel and its classically feminine aldehydic scents more and more. God knows I still don't really feel "at home" in these elegant, classy compositions, and I probably never will, but it matters less and less. And this No 22 seems to be one of the very best! The opening especially is wonderful, with its combination of soapy aldehydes and white florals. So clean and "perfumey", it just makes me really happy. As it dries down it loses that side of it a little, and becomes more generically powdery-floral, which is also very nice, but less spectacular. Maybe this means I'm finally ready for No 5?!

Woo-hoo, I'm on an aldehydic rocket ship surging up into the olfactory heights where everything sparkles like diamonds scattered across plush, mars black velvet. Floating around in this olfactory outer-space, I catch drifts of neroli and ylang-ylang in soapy gusts of chilly air with not a whiff of hot animalic spice or corruption. Once I'm back on earth, No 22 reveals itself to be Doris Day on a champagne high, her laugh a little bit forced, her Chanel dress just above her knees and her diamonds glittering as brightly as her reputation. Not an everyday scent for me, but fabulous stuff when I'm in the mood for it. Distillation: aldehydic surge Doris Day high on champagne bright, breezy diamonds

this beautiful white celestial is truly one of a kind. Aldehyde shining through fractured floral. I don't think it even smells like anything at all and that's why I like it it's cold, clean and at the same time comforting instead of austere and aloof like its older sister no.5 it's welcoming and centered and calm like a lake so still it turns into a mirror for the sky. I just wish I found it sooner because now with its current price even if I could afford it I don't think I would be happy parting with that much money I think it's beautiful but I'd rather be an admirer of no.22 from afar rather than getting a full bottle of it

Dazzling flash of zesty aldehydes; mostly in the realm of citrus peel, but also with facets of orange blossom, spices, and maybe even lily of the valley. When the initial sharp loudness is gone, I get a white floral heart with ionones, lotus, less spice, a greener lemon peel, and a soft soapiness. Eventually, everything blends into a cold yet warmly elegant base. Substantially synthetic. It’s hard to pick up individual notes but, if I had to describe it, I’d say that I get a blurry feeling of ylang, tuberose, benzoin, powder, and woody musk. Chanel No.22 is vibrant, refined, bittersweet, and timeless. (EDT)

Sugary anise and violet infused lozenges in a Victorian apartment. Black lacquered walls, woman in a white gown, early morning. Arriving at the church service, she is dressed in black. The smoke of incense seeps through the black lace that covers her veiled face -the pale skin luminescent. In the early morning light wafts of incense dancing are captured by the hexagonal structure of the rays. Soap, freshly ironed laundry, scalding water steam, and incense - with a bitter bite of sugar on the fringes. This is a Victorian's story.

This is a very special perfume. I don’t enjoy many of the Exclusifs nowadays, I think I am anosmic to a common note that drowns everything for me but this is the exception. I don’t see the incense mentioned but I do get it in the dry down of the new EDP. Edit: definitely the incense is very noticeable. Today I sprayed this in the morning and 10 hours later I kept getting whiffs of incense and kept thinking- where is that incense coming from? Then I remembered I had sprayed Chanel 22 in the morning. This is really lovely.

Surprisingly, I really like this. The first half is stunning aldehydes that go right up your nose like champagne bubbles. The second half is white and yellow florals. When you first get your nose on this, you wouldn't be wrong if you were reminded of your grandmother. I was reminded of mine. However, far from being a scent for elderly women, I think this scent can be enjoyed by people of any age. It's sparkling, refreshing, and very beautiful.

This was a blind buy because I love aldehydes and No 22 is a classic in the category (have never gotten into No 5 myself). While I love the scent I did not know before how thoroughly Estee Lauder duped this scent in White Linen. If 22 and WL were sisters in a very bourgeois family I would say that No 22 stays inside drinking champagne and keeps her shoes clean, White Linen goes sailing, has a tan and is considered "athletic".