Mainstream Monday – Sniffing a Popular Perfume
I’ve always admired the genre of green fragrances but they used to intimidate them. They were sharp, crisp and I always imagined they carry a small clutch and have a really organized desk. You see, I didn’t relate to green perfume. They weren’t “me”. I’m scatterbrained, carry a big bag and have the world’s messiest desk. After being into perfume for over 10 years, green perfumes have grown on me as my experiences have broadened. Chanel Cristalle EDP was my gateway green.
Cristalle opens with bitter galbanum and tart peach. I also get tarragon and muddled Italian basil in a glass of iced lemonade. There’s a big spring bouquet white florals and hyacinth mingling with a luscious jasmine. Being a Chanel, it’s abstract and you’ll still get citrus, bitter greens and tart fruits (lots of peach). And then there’s the moss. It dries down to a summery chypre with dry vetiver and moss.
Notes listed include mandarin, peach, melon, ylang-ylang, jasmine, vetiver and oakmoss. Launch date 1993. PERFUMER – Jacques Polge
*Note the EDT was launched in 1974 and the perfumer was Henri Robert. The EDT and EDP are different. The EDP is sweeter and denser. I say it is more like a “simple syrup” of Cristalle.
Give Cristalle a try if you like green florals. Or if you like perfumes like Vero Profumo Mito, Chanel No. 19, Estee Lauder Estee, Dior Diorissimo, Miller Harris Jasmin Vert and/or Tommi Sooni Jinx. Cristalle is a “classic” feminine at this stage but I view it as unisex. It’s brisk and refreshing. Perfect for a summer day, if you want more crispness, seek out the EDT.
Projection is above average and longevity is average.
The 1.7 oz EDP retails for $85 at Nordstrom and Harrods (UK).
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Peachy green floral. Classic and it will forever belong in my collection.
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Basenotes – Member reviews
Lovely review. I must say, I’ve never got Peaches from it, but the Galbanum and Oakmoss (albeit fake these days) provide a lovely earthy drydwon. You’ve picked one of my favourites- I’m so glad it was your “Gateway Green”!
That’s what I love about these Chanels. There is so much going on, it’s so abstract that sniffing it is a surprise. Who knows what you’ll pick up? 😉 It’s gorgeous and the price is right!
Now I really want to do the side-by-side comparison. I’m not afraid of green, but “peachy” sounds really delicious for spring and summer. (I’m a Chanel fan, but don’t own this yet–yet.)
They’re both good. The EDP is more “me”. I like its fruity sweetness (keep in mind it’s not anywhere near as fruity sweet as all of the new launches).
I’m not ordinarily into green fragrances, but I love Cristalle. I agree with you that it’s summery. As for it’s mood, I’d say it’s brusque, not cold.
Joan recently posted..11 Memorable Meals
Yeah, it always surprises me to see on a community site like Basenotes or Fragrantica that Cristalle is “cold”. Now, No. 19 is cold. Cristalle is jovial, wears a sundress, walks to the farmer’s market with a smile on her face. She’s a happy green to me.
Have never smelled this in the edp and now I want to. I’m really into peach right now, and a green peach with lemonade and herbs sounds so refreshing.
Love that photo of Marilyn, by the way. And your video, too. For some reason, you reminded me a little of Drew Barrymore in this vid. Usually you remind me of an old-time movie star, but here, a little bit of Drew (whom I really like, and I hope you do too, as I mean this as a compliment!) 🙂
It’s so funny because I love peach in perfume but can’t stand the flavor so I don’t eat them! Try the EDP, it’s easy to find and worth the time.
I love this pic of Marilyn too. She’s less “made up” and still drop dead gorgeous.
It’s a compliment! I’ve always thought Drew seemed like a really cool person to hang out with!
[…] EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle. […]
[…] EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle. […]
[…] EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle. […]
This is the only Chanel perfume I’ve ever been able to wear, and was a favorite of mine as a teen in the 1980’s. I should revisit it.
Lulubelle recently posted..Empties! Products I Used Up in April
You should! It’s a good one for spring/summer. I’d be curious to hear if it smells how you remember. I don’t know how much/or if it was reformulated.
[…] EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle. […]
[…] EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle. […]
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