Égoïste: An original fragrance for men with mysterious and amber charms... Chanel's Égoïste was born from the meeting of Bois des Îles, the 1926 fragrance by the talented Ernest Beaux, and Bois Noir in 1987, which did not meet its expected audience.
In perfumery as in haute couture, the house of Chanel is a sure bet that never disappoints. It stands as a guarantee of elegance, quality and craftsmanship worldwide. Yet, by giving the name Égoïste to a fragrance released in the 90s, the risk of disappointing was great. Dedicated to a man of character and boasting excellent longevity, Égoïste has nonetheless become an icon of masculine perfumery. So, what earns it such a name and what is the secret of its longevity? Here is our review.
Olfastory’s review
Égoïste, a determined and charismatic man
But what an idea, to give the name Égoïste to a men's fragrance? Moreover, if its powerful scent is to be believed, this juice has absolutely nothing egotistical about it, but rather enjoys being noticed. Synonymous with sharing, it is far from discreet. In reality, if it bears such a name, it is simply because the house of Chanel asked women what they believed to be men's foremost trait. The answer that won the most votes was: Égoïste! The anecdote is surprising, but it does nothing to diminish the success of this fragrance.
More concretely, and far from stereotypes, Egoïste is the fragrance of a man of character, asserting himself through his power of seduction, his elusive and independent side. Chanel's Égoïste seems crafted for all men who make no compromises and who are ready to do anything to achieve their goals.
Égoïste, a fragrance for lovers of woody scents
Chanel's Égoïste rests on a woody, spicy and amber composition. In other words, it is a masculine eau de toilette built of strength and fire. Its untamable character first shows itself in the vigorous freshness of mandarin and coriander. This interplay of light and shadow then quickly transforms into a warmer, more enveloping heart, dominated by Turkish rose. In a sweet, oriental register, Chanel's Egoïste then pairs New Caledonian sandalwood with Madagascar vanilla as well as ambrette seed. The result is a sensual and seductive sillage, as persistent as it is voluptuous.
Chanel's clean and elegant bottle
Unlike many Chanel fragrances, Égoïste is not presented in the legendary Chanel N°5 bottle, designed in 1921. Its bottle is just as understated but transposes Chanel's elegance into a sturdier, more masculine vessel. As such, the Égoïste bottle is topped with a black cap carved from raw wood, a perfect echo to the fragrance it holds. Understated and refined, this vessel has not aged a day since its creation.
Note also that it has only been reinterpreted once, in 1993, in an Egoïste Platinum edition, more akin to an aromatic fougère signed Jacques Polge.