Le Lion

First Impressions & Dry Down

Le Lion by Fragrance World is a pretty solid attempt at capturing the spirit of Le Lion de Chanel. The opening is bright with bergamot and lemon, maybe a touch more acidic than the Chanel. The heart focuses heavily on labdanum, giving it that characteristic amber warmth, and this is where it gets close – I'd say 85-90% similar. The drydown is a comforting blend of patchouli, vanilla, and sandalwood. It's good, but the vanilla is a little more prominent and slightly synthetic-smelling compared to the original. The Chanel has smoother edges and higher quality ingredients.

Projection Power

Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, creating a nice scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, which is respectable for a clone at this price point. Don't expect all-day performance; it needs a respray for a longer wearing.

Final Thoughts

If you like Le Lion de Chanel but can't stomach the price, this is a great alternative. It's not a 1:1 dupe, but it captures the essence well enough. The slight synthetic vanilla is noticeable if you're looking for it, but most people won't care. it's a practical way to enjoy a similar scent profile. Worth the buy if you're on a budget. If money is no object, the original Chanel has superior quality and blend.