Any Chanel perfume fans?

[GoldfishParade]

I love them! Now hesitating between treating myself to Eau Première (which I have smelled) and Gabrielle Essence (I used to have the standard Gabrielle but found the staying power was weak - anyone have any thoughts on Essence?).

I love most Chanel perfumes. Even no. 5 which always seemed too heavy is actually really nice in EDT.

Love no. 19 and 19 Poudré, Coco Mademoiselle is lovely (it's my sister's perfume though so I always feel wrong wearing it!).

Love Coromandel but cant justify the price.

My all time favourite is Allure Sensuelle.

Chanel has had flack in recent years for turning out perfumes that are too "bland" (apparently linked to Asian market) but I think they do a good job of staying away from sickly sweet floral bombs.

My only criticism is a real lack of staying power.

I have about 100 PP dupes of various perfumes (and some are better than the originals!) But having tried some of the Chanel dupes, along with the old Guerlains, they are the only ones that haven't convinced me. The best of the ones I've tried is Sycomore. (Though it was years ago when I tried them- a good 7-8 years ago so they may have perfected their potion!)

You're right, @TheSilentStars: Chanel are famously fanatical about their ingredients and have their own flower fields in Grasse so a dupe is never quite going to match the quality. Nevertheless, some are pretty good if you are on a budget.

There was a thread a month or so ago asking if Jo Malone scent is worth the money. I suppose it's bad luck if you don't like any Chanel fragrances and Jo Malone's style is more to your taste but someone pointed out that ml for ml, JM eau de cologne is very nearly the same price as Chanel eau de parfum and I can't imagine buying the former when you could have the latter!