My latest in fragrance is the Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige ($160 for 2.5 fl oz). There’s nothing quite like a bottle of Chanel fragrance, I’ve been rationing a couple deluxe-sized samples I’ve acquired for quite some time and decided it was time to splurge on a full-sized bottle. I had narrowed down my picks to Beige, Gardenia and No. 22, I decided on Beige. There are three different sizes for most of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel, I purchased the smallest option because it usually takes me forever to go through a perfume, although now that I’ve been spritzing this for a few days now, I think I should have purchased the larger 6.8 fl oz size as I know for sure that I will run through this one.
Beige is a lightweight natural sweet floral. According to Chanel named “beige” because it’s “an elusive colour with infinite variations, beige may seem quite ordinary. And yet, behind this apparent simplicity, it hides a discreet sensuality that builds slowly before revealing itself fully. This sensual outburst is interpreted by Jacques Polge through a bouquet of Hawthorn, Freesia and Frangipani, with shimmering hints of honey. A stunning blend of white petals and yellow gold…in other words, a breath of beige.”
I couldn’t find a better way to describe it. Beige does seems like it could be very ordinary but I like soft scents that seem to meld with the scent of natural clean skin. Beige is a white floral but the mix of honey makes it sweet and not too cloying so it’s not overly floral. The power is quite strong and it’s one of those that doesn’t fade within an hour, it remains noticeable on me for several hours with just 2 spritzes (I do recommend 3 to 4 though, as I do with most fragrances).
The packaging and bottle design are stunning. There is a classic simplicity in the sharp clean lines of a simple glass bottle that make the Les Exclusifs de Chanel stand out. It looks beautiful on my dresser or bathroom counter and it makes me really happy when I wear this.
On the nails Chanel Desirio
If you’re a fan of Frederic Malle Carnal Flower I think you will like Chanel Beige. The two are quite different from each other, but both have this smooth floral dry down that gives these a soft well rounded and mellow feel. Carnal Flower is more complex with strong tuberose while Beige is sweeter and lighter with freesia and honey. I don’t typically find myself drawn to florals because I find they pull powdery on my skin. These two are the exception.
Bottom line perfect for right now as we transition into warmer weather. It’s a lightweight sweet floral that brightens my mood and something my husband really likes on me (huge plus). You can find the Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrances at Chanel Boutiques and stores with Chanel Beaute Studios (like Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills or Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza). Also online at Chanel.com.
Have you tried any of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel? What are your favorite ones? If not, what’s your favorite fragrance for right now?
I have adored Chanel Gardenia eau de parfum for years, but have held off repurchasing because I was gifted Michael Kors last Christmas. There really is no comparison, but I have a harder time justifying the splurge when I have a large bottle of another gardenia-centered fragrance to work through! I would love to test the pure parfum and see how it differs.
Another great gardenia is Annick Goutal's Un Matin D'Orage. It's just lovely. She makes another called Gardenia Passion which is quite good as well.
Thank you, Lindsey, I've tested some Annick Goutal perfumes in the past, but don't remember those two! I'll check them out.
Hi Sabrina,
I can definitely imagine you wearing CHANEL Beige! I last tried it over a year ago, but if I do remember correctly, it seemed like a simpler mellower alternative to, say, No.5 or Allure.
In general, Les Exclusifs seem to be well made scents that are easy on the nose – beautiful, though perhaps a touch conformist. I often find myself drawn to them, but I haven't found the perfect fit yet! I guess I'm just a Hermes girl at heart 🙂
This definitely sounds like something I would adore. And the bottle … Simplicity is everything!
X Alice
SYCOMORE! I would die for Sycomore. Bois des Iles is also a absolute gem. Beige is lovely as you know. Coromandel gives me a headache but is glorious. I really like Chanel Les Exclusifs if you couldn't tell!
I like almost all Exclusifs and adore several: Cuir de Russie, Sycomore, Rue Cambon, La Pausa (although it doesn't last), Coromandel, Bois des Iles, Bel Respiro… Incidentally, Beige was the first one I bought.
And speaking of gardenias, I highly recommend Boutonniere No 7 by Arquiste.
I love Chanel perfume! It is my absolute favorite! Xo
This sounds lovely, although perhaps too floral for my taste. I adore No. 5, it is what I wore on my wedding day so it will always be special 🙂 Your photos are great in this post.
This is my go-to scent for the office. It's so pretty and easy. Have you sniffed Guerlain's Rose Barbare? My favorite honey rose, it's quite delicious!
This sounds amazing! Do you know if they plan to sell this in Nordstrom stores in the future? I would love to try this out in person.
I bought a bottle of Beige back when it first came out in 2009–when it only came in the giant bottle. I wore it every day that spring and then one day couldn't stand it any more. I still have an enormous amount left…so I really appreciate your post because it's encouraging me to give Beige a chance again. My favorite Exclusifs are Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie, and the Eau de Cologne. That's the best, best, best eau de cologne in the universe. Summer in a bottle.
I'm so glad you like this Sabrina! I adore it – like you said, it makes me happy when I wear it. It's the most beautiful fragrance I've found….and I have a hard time with perfume giving me a headache or activating allergies…no issues with Beige. I'm on my 2nd bottle. I'm anxious to try the new les exclusifs scent, Misia. Do share if you check it out!
hmmm…interesting. What I love in Chanel is their Chanel no. 5. I am thinking of trying this out. Got to find samples of it first before deciding to buy the whole bottle.
Beautiful pictures. The scent sounds amazing!
I'm in love with Misia from Les Exclusifs. Every time I wear it, I feel that I'm so small under the universe but I'm being embraced by Mother Earth. The perfume is a perfect blend of rose absolute, iris ( as usual as other Chanel's ) and violet, my favorite childhood flower. I found that Misia is quite similar to Kenzo Flower and YSL Paris but Misia is more subtle and less powdery. I should stop saying here or it will take me 1001 nights to tell about how happy I am to find Misia.
I've been using this perfume for two years now and I still love it. At first I didn't think I would like it but with time it really got under my skin. It really stands out if you take a look at my perfume collection but that's what makes it perfect. 🙂