Our take
What does N°18 smell like?
N°18 belongs to Les Exclusifs de Chanel, launched in 2007. Jacques Polge composed it, and the name points to 18 Place Vendôme, home of Chanel’s fine jewelry. It first came out as an eau de toilette, then returned as an eau de parfum in 2016. The perfume revolves around one material: ambrette seed. This plant-based musk smells odd in a good way, somewhere between ripe pear, fruit brandy and warm skin. The opening plays on that boozy pear. A fresh rose and rose geranium drift past, above a slightly earthy iris. The base stays very soft, with creamy sandalwood and white musks. N°5 bets on aldehydes and sparkle. N°18 does the opposite and speaks in a low voice. That choice earned it a reputation as the unloved child of the collection. Longevity is weak on dry skin.
When to wear it
Wear it by day in spring or autumn, when you want to smell good without being noticed. Spray clothing to help it hold.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody, Musky family. N°18 is one of 45 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
