Bleu de Chanel is a perfume that has become synonymous with the luxury fashion house. The timeless classic was introduced in 2010 and has remained a favorite among perfume connoisseurs ever since, thanks to its aromatic, fresh, and unmistakably Chanel grapefruit scent. Fresh, clean, and profoundly sensual, the woody, aromatic fragrance reveals the spirit of a man who chooses his own destiny with independence and determination - a man who defies convention. However, with the popularity of this fragrance, there are also many fake versions of this product available in the market. And it can be challenging to differentiate between a real and fake BLEU DE CHANEL. Therefore, it's imperative to understand the key differences between the two to ensure that the money spent on this fragrance is worth it.
About BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody Aromatic
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Aldehydes and Coriander
Middle Notes: Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine and Melon
Base Note: Incense, Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amberwood and Labdanum
Bleu de Chanel EDP opens up with a sharp blast of citrus fruit, led by grapefruit, and some fresh spicy notes. Mint, ginger, and pink pepper are there. Underneath all of this, is the warm amber.
The citrus notes, dominate the composition, but are joined by the spicier notes in the beginning. Then, it will transition more into a citrus, amber, and smoky incense aroma. It strikes you as sharp and fresh at first, then, it is warmer and smooth. Grapefruit and lemon, when blended with these other notes, can give off almost an orange-like scent at times to my nose.
As we move further along, Bleu, starts to regain some freshness. Not from the spicy notes, rather, the wood begins to emerge. Cedar with some sandalwood. It comes across as quite clean, with the citrus sitting on top, and floating in a sea of amber. There is some sweetness from tonka bean and vanilla, in the latter stages, that got overlooked during that opening act.
The final part of Bleu de Chanel EDP, is a fresh citrus and woodsy scent. Not as much amber, but the sandalwood is nice and creamy and still paired with that clean cedar.
Bleu De Chanel's performance is as good as a designer perfume can get. Its longevity is good with a very inoffensive projection and decent sillage. The versatility, however, is the greatest. Be it summer, winter spring or fall, formal, intimate, clubbing and even day or night, Bleu De Chanel will serve you right.
When buying Bleu de Chanel EDP, you can ensure its authenticity by carefully examining the bottle's physical details and understanding its unique scent profile. Counterfeit versions are common, but the differences are often obvious upon close inspection.
Here is a quick summary of the key differences between an authentic and a fake bottle of Bleu de Chanel :
|
Detail |
Authentic (Should Be) | Fake (Often Is) |
| Purchase Location | Official Chanel/Authorized Retailer | Unverified sellers, marketplaces, deep discounts |
| Cellophane | Tight, thick, precise folds | Loose, flimsy, unevenly sealed |
| Box/Text | Sturdy, dark blue, crisp printing, perfectly aligned logo | Flimsy, color variation, blurred/smudged text |
| Batch Code | 4-digit code laser-etched on bottle and box, matching | Flimsy, color variation, blurred/smudged text |
| Bottle Glass | Smooth, heavy, no bubbles/imperfections | Lightweight, rough seams, poor quality |
| Cap | Heavy, magnetic, CC logo aligns perfectly, CC inside cap | Lightweight, spins freely, logo misaligned or missing inside |
| Scent | Complex citrus opening, evolving woody/incense dry down, long-lasting | Harsh alcohol blast, flat, synthetic, fades quickly |
The Bleu de Chanel EDP Original vs. Fake Guide
Purchasing a high-end fragrance like BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum (EDP) requires careful attention to detail to ensure authenticity.1 Counterfeit products can be very convincing, so check multiple factors:
1. Purchase Source
The most crucial step is to buy only from authorized retailers:
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Official Chanel boutiques or website.
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Authorized department stores (e.g., Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue).
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Reputable, authorized specialty fragrance stores.
Avoid marketplaces, unauthorized discount sites, or unverified third-party sellers, especially if the price is significantly lower than retail.
2. Packaging (Box and Cellophane)
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Cellophane Wrapping: The wrapping on an authentic box is tight, thick, and perfectly sealed with precise folds, not loose, poorly sealed, or cloudy.5 Chanel often uses a fold that results in a neat diagonal line on the top/bottom edges.
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Box Quality and Print: The box material should feel sturdy and high-quality.
✧ Text and Logo: All lettering should be crisp, clear, and perfectly aligned. Fakes often have fuzzy, smudged, or uneven printing. The color of the box (often a deep, dark blue) should be consistent, and the logo should be centered.
✧ Batch Code: A laser-etched or stamped batch code (a 4-digit code) must be present on the bottom of the box. This code should match the code on the bottle. If it's a sticker or looks like it was printed with ink that can be easily scratched off, it's a major red flag (though the box code may sometimes be printed).
✧ Manufacturer Info: Look for the correct full manufacturer address, typically including CHANEL 92 200 Neuilly-sur-Seine. (Note: details like "CHANEL LONDON W1J 6DG" have been seen on authentic boxes as well, depending on the market).
✧ Inside Packaging: Authentic Chanel packaging often includes a high-quality cardboard insert that cradles the bottle securely to prevent movement.
3. Bottle
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Glass Quality: The glass should be smooth, flawless, and uniform, not containing bubbles, rough seams, or imperfections. The glass of the bottle is dark and high-quality, giving it a substantial, heavy feel.
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Magnetic Cap: The authentic BLEU DE CHANEL EDP features a signature magnetic cap.
✧ The cap should feel heavy (heavier than most fakes).
✧ The Chanel logo (CC) on the top of the cap should align perfectly when closed due to the magnetic mechanism. If it clicks into place and is always perfectly straight, that's a good sign. If it spins freely or misaligns, be cautious.
✧ Look for the Chanel logo (CC) molded or engraved on the inside of the cap.
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Lettering on the Bottle: The text and logo on the bottle's front should be sharp, clear, and not easily scraped off. Fakes might have faded, uneven, or overly bold lettering.
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Batch Code on Bottle: The 4-digit batch code must be laser-etched or engraved directly into the glass, usually on the back near the bottom edge. It should feel slightly raised or recessed to the touch. This code must match the one on the box. Printed or stickered codes on the bottle are highly suspicious.
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Atomizer/Sprayer: The atomizer tube inside should be thin, clear, and cut straight, running close to the bottom of the bottle.
4. Scent and Performance
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Color: The liquid (juice) color should be consistent with the authentic product (typically a light, yellowish amber tone for the EDP). Counterfeits might be too dark, too light, or have an unnatural tint.
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Scent Profile:
✧ Initial Spray: Authentic BLEU DE CHANEL EDP opens with a complex, crisp burst of citrus (grapefruit, lemon) and mint. Fakes often have a harsh, immediate, and overpowering alcohol smell that takes time to dissipate, or they may smell overly synthetic, lacking the authentic complexity.
✧ Dry Down: The true EDP evolves with woody notes (cedar, sandalwood), ginger, and a warm amber/incense base. A fake often smells flat, lacks the subtle evolution of notes, or dries down to an unpleasant chemical or "cat piss" smell.
- Longevity and Sillage: Authentic EDP is known for good longevity (lasting for many hours) and a noticeable, but not overpowering, moderate sillage (scent trail). Fakes typically fade quickly (within an hour or two) and have poor projection because they use cheaper, less concentrated ingredients.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that when purchasing BLEU DE CHANEL EDP you should be wary of counterfeit products. These fake perfumes are not only a health hazard but also mean a loss of investment. To ensure authenticity, consumers must purchase from authorized dealers and reputable stores. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to the fake market.