When I think of Chanel, two things come to mind. The iconic 2.55 flap bag (and being jealous of Lauren Conrad circa 2007) and the brand's iconic scents. Chanel perfumes have long stood the test of time, with Chanel No. 5 and Coco Mademoiselle topping the list of many legendary perfume round-ups. And it’s not only those: Bleu is many a sexy man’s go-to aftershave, while Chance and its handful of spin-off scents are an It-girl go-to.
Today, the brand launches its latest spritz – Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu. We have been testing it for over a month, so we can let you know our thoughts before you add to basket (you will want to). Interested in knowing the lasting power, the notes and how it compares to other Chanel fragrances? Read on below.
How we tested it
I tested the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu for a month and sprayed it each time on my pulse points (wrists and neck), as well as adding a final spritz to my outfit. I noted wear time, as well as how the scent shape-shifted throughout the day.
Notes
The brand describes it as ‘an intense ambery composition, threaded with the sensuality of vetiver and vanilla, the vibrant radiance of grapefruit and lychee, the sensuality of rose and jasmine, and the enveloping depth of patchouli.’
CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU Limited Edition Eau de Parfum 100ml
CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU Limited Edition Eau de Parfum 100ml
Our thoughts
If you’re looking for a sensual but elegant transitional fragrance to take you into autumn, meet your new favourite spritz. Yes, they may be launching the scent today to celebrate Coco Chanel’s birthday (19th August), but I think it’s really because it’s the perfect end-of-summer/start-of-autumn fragrance. The original Coco Mademoiselle hit shelves 25 years ago, but the launch of Crush Absolu gives the line-up a sexy new spin.
I personally have never been a fan of the original Coco Mademoiselle; it was far too… womanly for baby-me. Perhaps because my mum had worn it for a big chunk of my childhood, it was a perfume I associated with older, motherly vibes: the heady mix of jasmine and rose with the warmer base notes. I can literally smell it now, the notes lingering on my mum’s jackets as I reached in for a hug, my nose nuzzled into the crook of her jacket sleeve. As comforting as that scent is, it’s not me, but I was happy to give the latest in the line a go.
Understandably, the scent has a thread of the original Coco Mademoiselle running through the juice – they both share notes of jasmine, rose, patchouli and vetiver, so if you love that scent, chances are you’ll love this one. But it also captures a new audience thanks to the juicy freshness of the lychee and grapefruit at first spritz, which settles into a warm and comforting scent. The vanilla also adds a sweeter touch that gives it a welcome, slightly more youthful feel. The dry-down, however, is really similar to Coco Mademoiselle, in my opinion. It’s warm and powdery and eau-so womanly and maybe I'm mature enough to appreciate it now.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
