Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

I very much anticipated the launch of No.5 Eau Première. Granted, not everything from Chanel has enchanted me. I could live without Chance and the numerous masculine Allure flankers. Les Exclusifs could have possessed more tenacity. Yet, all of this notwithstanding, I am hard-pressed to point out another fragrance house (with the important and notable exception of Estée Lauder in the US) that pays so much attention to the actual contents of the fragrance flacons. The fruity jasmine, the sumptuous rose and the seductively creamy musk of No.5 Eau Première have the kind of richness and quality that seems to be more and more difficult to find elsewhere.

If No 5 has always struck me as possessing a certain restrained elegance, Eau Première has a tender, somewhat vulnerable side. Those who expected a dramatic departure from the original would be disappointed, but on reflection, I find that Eau Première is a perfect update to No 5—it is derived from Chanel’s tradition, which is rare to find in flankers associated with classical launches. It is not a pink fruity-floral like Éclat d’Arpège (Lanvin’s modern take on the legendary Arpège.) It is not a variant on Angel (even if innovative and interesting,) the way Coco Mademoiselle appears. It feels more lighthearted and effervescent than its predecessor, and yet, nothing compromises its depth and complexity. The classical aldehydic top of No 5 has been made softer—think cashmere versus heavy satin, while the base has lost its opaque quality.

With both the top and the base becoming more transparent, the floral accord shines. The clarity of the backdrop throws into relief the beautiful richness of classical Chanel No 5 florals—rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang and iris. Each is striking and faceted, and together they blend into a soft and gorgeous harmony. Although Eau Première is definitely lighter and airier than No 5, it has an outstanding sillage and wears very beautifully on the skin.

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Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023

Love this Chanel

5 perfume. Used it many years ago and still love it! It is not one of those cheap perfumes that go rancid minutes after it hits my skin. Love it so much. Smells beautiful and clean

6 people found this helpful

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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023

Husband bought this for me for mothers day and I love this perfume! wear it often.

3 people found this helpful

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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2023

This perfume has a fragrance that makes me feel more comfortable than others that I have used. Will be purchasing again and again, lt's my go to fragrance.

2 people found this helpful

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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2023

The fragrance doesn’t last! It last about an hour then you can’t smell it anymore it’s like water! I’m furious that there is no return policy I spent way to much to not get a true product

2 people found this helpful

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Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022

This smell is subtle yet classy!!

One person found this helpful

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Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2023

Bought it for my wife for Christmas. Personally I'm not a fan. It smells like old lady.

Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2021

I love Chanel No.5. The only complaint deals with the atomizer. It’s hard to ush down. And then when you get it to go down it comes out in a stream rather than a mist. Maybe it’s just a defective bottle but for the price, I would prefer it work properly.

What is the difference between EAU PREMIÈRE and Eau de Parfum?

If Nº5 (EdP) is an opera, Eau Première is its symphonic version. Still layered, refined and emotion-evoking, but less dramatic and more mellifluous. Any hint of sharpness that peeked from the aldehydic florals in the EdP is completely smoothed over here.

What does Chanel EAU PREMIÈRE smell like?

COMPOSITION. The voluptuousness of ylang-ylang from the Comoros blends into the harmonious and delicate facets of May rose and jasmine. Aldehydes grant the scent a unique presence, and the smooth touch of vanilla and musky notes creates an incredibly feminine sillage.

What age group wears Chanel No. 5?

The fragrance is known as a sophisticated scent worn by older women, and this age group, historically, has been Chanel No. 5′s target market.

Why is Chanel No. 5 so popular?

So why exactly is this fragrance so famous? Chanel No. 5 was the world's first abstract fragrance, which incorporated more than 80 ingredients in a complex, multi-layered formulation process that uses aldehydes to heighten the scents and give an airy nature to the floral notes.