No. 035E

First Impressions & Dry Down

No. 035E opens with a recognizable grapefruit and lemon accord, mimicking the bright citrus blast of Bleu de Chanel EDP. The addition of mint adds a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge than the original's refined citrus. The heart attempts to replicate the ginger-nutmeg spice, but lacks the depth and natural warmth found in Bleu de Chanel. Jasmine is present, but plays a muted role. The drydown is where the separation is most apparent. While it includes incense, amber, and sandalwood, the blend leans heavily synthetic, lacking the creamy, woody sophistication of Chanel's base. I'd rate the overall similarity at about 91%. The differences lie in the quality of ingredients.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I got about 5-6 hours on skin with moderate projection for the first hour, settling closer to the skin thereafter. This is noticeably less than the original BDC, which easily lasts 8+ hours.

Bottom Line

No. However, the synthetic character is undeniable, especially in the drydown. This clone is suitable for casual, everyday wear when you don't want to use your expensive bottle, or for those who are on a tight budget but curious to see what the hype is about, it's a very cheap way to scratch the itch.