Our take
What does Gardénia smell like?
Gardénia dates back to 1925. N°5 creator Ernest Beaux composed this floral for Gabrielle Chanel. Gardenia yields no usable oil, so its scent has to be rebuilt from other flowers. In 2007 Jacques Polge reworked the perfume for the Les Exclusifs collection. This modern version opens with orange blossom and green notes. The heart gathers jasmine and tuberose around a reconstructed gardenia. Several critics say jasmine does most of the talking, fresh and almost sheer. The base brings sandalwood, vetiver, musk and patchouli. It stays light and fades fast. People who know the old formula describe it as richer and headier. Next to Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, the Chanel is cleaner and less creamy. Its brevity on skin is the main complaint. Published pyramids differ from one source to the next.
When to wear it
A daytime white floral for spring, at the office or a lunch. You'll need three sprays, as the base stays quiet.
It belongs to the Floral family. Gardénia is one of 45 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
