Chanel No 5

Firstly - a huge thank you to BR for sending me this to trial. I think I was in love with this perfume before smelling it and now I own it I don't think I could ever go back to my usual fragrances!

Firstly - packaging. Like you'd expect from Chanel it's classy, it's feminine without being girly and it's timeless. The cabochon bottle looks fantastic on my dresser!

As with any perfume I did the air spray test - it was a bit strange, almost like ammonia. I admit I was miffed. But hey it's Chanel No 5 if it's good enough for Marilyn...

Initially the smell is strong, but it's not overly floral or sweet (like say Dior Dolce Vita or J'adore). Once it settles the smell is clean and crisp. You can smell hints of sandalwood and I've always associated sandalwood as a masculine note, but I think that's what makes this work. The hint of masculinity really pushes the feminine nature of the scent.

The scent lasts all day and I received compliments at work and (more importantly) from my husband! I guess 100 years of customers are not wrong - people complimenting me on the first day of wearing it (not knowing what it is) proves that!

Ok - the obvious. Price. Yes it's a pricy scent - but I think (not to sound like a scent-snob) good perfumes are. From the small amount you need to wear this fragrance, I imagine the 50ml bottle will last ages. I'll definitely be buying this again!

Everyone knows fragrances are notoriously hard to describe - how they make you feel is easier. I wear J'Adore usually and it makes me feel empowered and ready to face the world. Every time I've sprayed Chanel No 5 I've stood up more straight and proud than usual. I feel like I'm wearing a long evening gown and I feel confident.

Firstly, I was so grateful to get the opportunity to trial Chanel No 5 so thank you BR :). From the moment I opened the package, the memories came flooding back. I was transported back to the mid 70-80’s and memories of my Mum, her smell, and my childhood. It actually made me a little teary! I couldn't wait to shower (it was early in the morning), and dab some of this magic on. I distinctly remember the 'powdery' smell which was my first impression. I loved that, but at the same time, I was a little caught up in the fact that it is so vintage and so iconic that it may be dated, too mature and dare I say…cheap smelling, compared with contemporary perfumes. It brought back memories of those less expensive and reputable perfumes, the likes of ‘Tweed’, ‘Panache’ and ‘Tabu’. Although I’m sure that perception is based purely on memory of an era as opposed to quality. I can safely say, I was a little confused and definitely undecided So, on first application, it was very strong and a little overpowering . After about ten minutes the strong scent diminished and left a warm musky smell which undoubtedly resembled talcum powder or soap. As the day progressed however, I found I could barely smell it at all. I’m not convinced I became immune and used to the smell, I think I either put too little on, or the longevity wasn’t great. Tonight, I tried another spritz. This is an account of the the development process from about 2 hours ago. Again, the initial smell was very strong but that has since has since given way to quite a subtle and sophisticated scent which I am growing to like on my skin. It is sweet- but not sickly, strong- but no longer overbearing and musky- but not cheap. It has become a fusion of woody and floral, neither predominant but more a combination. I do think this scent epitomises class and elegance but it is definitely not an everyday perfume. The packaging is simple and elegant but the perfume itself is more complex I think, definitely quite different to the average contemporary scent. Personally, I would tend to wear it more in the winter and stick with my normally preferred crisp, fresh perfumes for the summer. It is maybe more an ‘occasional special occasion ‘perfume, suited to being bold, wearing red lippy and pulling it off like a boss!!

As shallow as it is i only wanted chanel no5 because of marilyn monroe and i thought if a fragrance could be around for so long it must be something special. my boyfriend got me some at duty free and when i got it i was so excited, to think i could smell just like marilyn. The perfume came in a white box with black and gold trimming and the bottle had a classic elegant look about it. But unfortunatly this fragrance was not for me, i feel that your scent should represent your personality and as much as i'd like to be, classic and elegant is something i'm not. There is a lady that comes into my work who wears chanel no5 and it suits her perfectly, she is classy, well dressed, well spoken and all that should represent the chanel name. Chanel no5 has a very strong floral musky smell that didn't work well on me, i felt that it was more of an older lady perfume but nonetheless i used the whole bottle until it was gone (just like my obssesion with marilyn) and i kept the bottle as a reminder of what elegance should smell like if that ever becomes who i am.

This smell reminds me of my mummy...I personally didnt like the smell on me so she got lucky and now swears by this as her daily fragrance.

I don't really like musky, woody fragrances and this just screamed it on my skin. It has a floral undertone...I prefer my fragrances to reek of candy bubbles rainbows and fruityness!

Upon spraying this it was incredibly over powering and ended up giving me a headache. A good point for potential buyers is it lingered on me all day but i kept thinking'what is that smell...oh that's right chances are it is me'.

This is an incredibly pricey perfume for those who wish to try it wait like I did to invest when Farmers have discounts or if you have vouchers given to you. My loss was mummy's gain and she adores it.

So when I get a whiff it always reminds me off my mum. Chanel No.5 wasn't for me but seems way more popular for more mature ladies.

I've used Chanel No 5 for about thirty years. In fact for my twenty first birthday my mother gave me the tiny boxed Chanel eau de parfum and I still have this! The scent is still true as well. I keep it away from light in its box. I regularly buy Chanel No 5 EDT for myself. I love this fragrance and never tire of it. Its so grown up and truly makes me feel good. The packaging is also iconic. I was sent an invite by BR for the trial but missed out on a place as too slow getting to emails that day. But I can honestly say this is still my all time favourite and dare I say 'signature ' fragrance. I'm always going to wear this.

This is such an elegant and classy scent, I bought this as it is such an iconic piece. I find this to be more suited towards older people and although I don't wear it as a everyday perfume I love it nonetheless and adore having it in my perfume collection.

I would say that the perfume probably isn't for everyone and you're either going to love it or hate it.This isn't your light and floral kind of scent therefore younger people may find it a little too heavy for their liking.

I would say its quite musky and almost sexy.

I haven't used Chanel no 5 for a while because I've been given lots of others as gifts and have been trying to use them up. It comes in a plain bottle that is simple but elegant, which also descriebs the fragrance in some ways. It last a long time on the skin and is very feminine and highly suitable for an evening fragrance. It is one of my top 5 and I absolutely love the elegant sweet aroma on my skin. It is a timeless classic and has lasted so many years because it is so lovely. My mother also loved it.

While the price tag may deter some, I think it is worth the price for such a lovely fragrance and the bottle lasts for a while given you don't need to use a lot nor reapply often.

I was given my first bottle of Chanel No 5 for my 18th birthday and have been in love ever since. The most timeless classic of them all. This is definitely my signature fragrance. This is a gentle floral fragrance which lingers for hours after application. The type of fragrance you will be remembered for. Most of all your mood lifts immediately on application. The packaging is relatively simple but sturdy and attractive. It does not need anything else to "sell" it other than the fragrance. To me, to be able to wear this is the height of luxury and worth every cent of the high price you will pay for it! Definitely one for special occasions.

It's a little pricey, but well worth the splurge. This is perfect for almost any occasion, a night out with the girls, a fancy dinner, and can even be worn during the day - though make sure to only spritz one or two sprays for the day, otherwise it may be too overpowering. I love the sophisticated, slightly floral scent (that's not too overwhelming). The packaging too will suck you in, it's a classic, it's simply gorgeous, and the scent is on par with the beautiful design.