Sophisticated Scent: Chanel Coco Noir

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A 2012 launch I was extremely excited for was Chanel’s new fragrance Coco Noir. The scent is the third in the Coco franchise, joining 1984’s Coco and 2001’s Coco Mademoiselle. As a loyal servant to Coco Mademoiselle, I had to test it’s counterpart.

Created by Jacques Polge, master perfumer at Chanel, Coco Noir marks a return to Oriental fragrances for the House. Recalling his journey to unveil the mystery of black through fragrance, Monsieur Polge explains, “The night vision of the ‘Orient that starts and ends in Venice’ imposed itself upon me, and that is where I wanted to go.”

Striking top notes of Grapefruit and Calabrian Bergamot accentuate the floral accord with Rose and Jasmine, while Indonesian Patchouli, Sandalwood and Bourbon Vanilla notes add warmth to the seductive scent.

The Coco fragrances by Chanel are very personal to me. My mother has worn Chanel Coco ever since I can remember which is why I believe I am so drawn to it’s younger sibling Coco Mademoiselle. As for the newest family member, Coco Noir is an exquisite fragrance that reeks of sophistication and luxury. Saved for a very special occasion, this is no versatile, everyday perfume. One day I will graduate to Coco Noir’s level of sophistication, but as of yet I feel I am still too young.

Fragrance Tips: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

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Coco Mademoiselle

When it comes to purchasing fragrances and/or perfumes, ever wonder how to make the aroma last longer?

Purchase perfumes in gift sets, where you receive lotions, bath gels even antiperspirants along with a bottle of perfume. To make your favorite fragrance last longer, layering is key.

Identify your pulse points, these are areas blood vessels are closest to the skin, giving off more heat; wrists, behind the ear, crook of the arm/knee and base of the throat. First, apply the body lotion to these areas, then spritz fragrance on top of the lotion. By using the body lotion as a base, when perfume evaporates off the skin, the lotion will still work to provide the scent.

Purchase your favorite fragrance in antiperspirant form. These products are created to work overtime with your body chemistry in which when you sweat, the fragrance is activated. When a perfume works with your body chemistry, the scent becomes stronger. Direct sunlight can unbalance the ingredients in a perfume, store in cool, dark areas. This will also keep fragrance from evaporating.

Fragrances are typically classified according to the strength of their scent. this is normally based on the concentration of scent, oils and levels of alcohol. “Parfum” or “Perfume” contains the highest concentration of these oils. Then come Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette, Eau de cologne and lastly body sprays and lotions.

I grew up with a mother who constantly wore Chanel No5. When I smell this perfume,  it instantly reminds me of her. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent. It has the same notes of Chanel No5 but a much younger version. When I wear it, I instantly feel warm and comforted.