Chance Chanel 2002 Eau de Parfum

Chanel’s Chance is a fragrance that I could never go wrong with. Elegant, polite and sophisticated, it always works for me no matter what the occasion is. The fragrance reminds me of a fine crystal with a simple but elegant construction, clear and precise lines and impeccable symmetry. There are no elaborate ornaments but the clarity of this scent feels relaxing and energizing at the same time. Somehow the focal point of this fragrance is always me, not the scent. It smells fresh, clear, transparent and modern but very sophisticated.

Chance opens with a fresh and aromatic citruses mixed with the pink pepper. The pineapple note is there but it is definitely not overripe or sweet one. It smells fresh and light. I also get a light patchouli note right from the start. I love how patchouli is used in this fragrance. It gives nice accent to the top, heart and bottom notes but it NEVER overpowers the other notes. The heart notes are transparent and light jasmine and hyacinth. The dry down is a mix of woody vetiver and patchouli with just a hint of vanilla.

The sillage and longevity are medium but I normally reapply the scent during lunch and dinner anyway as the dry down gets a bit light with my skin chemistry. I definitely recommend this scent.

(This review is for Eau de Toilette)

It's not my scent.
It's not for everyday use.

And yet- I love it for the feeling it gives:
I feel like a real woman- sexy, confident and beautiful.
I feel like every man can be mine.
I feel like the whole world will be in my hands.
I am addicted to this perfume.

Chanel CHANCE seems to be intended for the same market as ALLURE (which I love) and is quasilinear as well, but somehow it doesn't measure up. My problem with this edp can be summed up in four p's: pink peppercorn plastic patchouli.

Somehow the pink peppercorn mingles with the patchouli and the musk to produce a plastic smell. I love patchouli, but here it really does seem to have the texture of an artificial plant, which will stay green until the end of time, adorned with finely ground pink pepper powder that crescendos all the way to the drydown, the four p's.

I won't say that I cannot wear CHANCE, but there are so many better choices out there. I certainly do not consider CHANCE to be a member of the illustrious chypre category. Not sure where this one falls. Perhaps it is sui generis: pink peppercorn plastic patchouli (I didn't get much pineapple...)

I can understand the popularity surrounding this fragrance. I would classify Chance as being much more of a casual and youthful fragrance when compared to other classic Chanel perfumes. The pineapple, pink pepper and iris are really strong in this composition. It was hard for me to detect any of the other notes.

As I said before, I think this would make a great casual, daytime scent, however it has enough class to be worn during the night-time. Like all Chanel perfumes, this one has great lasting power and a strong, definite and classy smell.

Edit: I have since added Chanel Chance EDT to my collection. My initial observations are still in place.

For me this an ageless scent, perfect for everyday, work wear or leisure. I find this very feminine, fresh and bright. I don’t get any pepper in this at all. This is another great scent from Chanel, alongside Coco Mademoiselle, and one I’ve been wearing on and off for 20 years. It’s an easy reach when I don’t know what to wear.