No.46 by Chanel

Today I am wearing No.46 by Chanel

I am only just wearing it – I have held the perfume tester strip against my warm skin and some of it has rubbed off onto my wrist.

Delicious (but then I’m easily swayed by most things Chanel).  Rare.  Hugely rare, extremely hugely rare, this is a collector’s perfume.

Launched in 1946 to bring a little luxury to the world after the war ended.  It is described as a soft floral aldehyde, but I’d say it definitely has a deeper rich musk element to it too, steering it away from the other great Chanel floral aldehyde we know and love.

There is something so familiar about this perfume and yet I know I have never smelt it before.

Researching the ingredients I find that there is a huge overlap with No. 5.  Not just the wonderful aldehyde content, but both perfumes contain bergamot, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang, lily of the valley, rose, vanilla, sandalwood and vetiver.  No 46 also includes orange, orris, coumarin and musk.  It’s like two members of the same family, same eyes, same mannerisms but with different personalities and hair colour.

Of course containing exactly the same ingredients but in different proportions can make two perfumes smell completely dissimilar, however there is such a welcome familiarity with No.46 that it fills me with warmth and comfort – like returning home after a horrible, jam-packed train journey home.  No.5 does that to me too.

A fleeting citrus spins a layer of sherbet through the opening, whilst the florals bolster the perfume making it instantly feminine and delicious.

But the plush luminosity of the perfume is in the base notes and the perfume positively radiates warmth and a feeling of comfort.  The sensual notes of musk, sandalwood, vetiver and vanilla bring depth and richness to the perfume.

It’s a shame that it isn’t still marketed by Chanel.  I would definitely add this to my collection without a second thought.

But……there is an empty bottle of Chanel No.46 being sold on ebay for just over £150.

A very big thank you to Roja Dove for sharing his full bottle of Chanel No.46 with us.  We feel very special.