Head to head
Chanel Bleu de Chanel and Hermès Terre d'Hermès are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the woody family, and they share grapefruit, cedar and vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Bleu de Chanel stands apart with lemon, mint and bergamot, while Terre d'Hermès brings orange, pepper and pelargonium. They are rated the same for longevity (long-lasting), and Bleu de Chanel projects more (strong against moderate). Terre d'Hermès is the cheaper one: about $125 against $155 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| Bleu de ChanelChanel | Terre d'HermèsHermès | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $155 · 3.4 oz | $125 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Toilette |
| Launched | 2014 | 2006 |
| Family | Woody, Aromatic | Woody, Citrus |
| Top notes | Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, Bergamot | Orange, Grapefruit |
| Heart notes | Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine | Pepper, Pelargonium |
| Base notes | Incense, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vetiver | Vetiver, Cedar, Benzoin |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Projection | Strong | Moderate |
| Best seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Occasions | Office, Everyday, Formal event, Date | Office, Everyday, Formal event |
| Style | Elegant, Urban, Fresh | Natural, Elegant, Classic |
Chanel
$155 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Men · Woody
A woody aromatic of quiet elegance. Sparkling citrus settles onto incense and creamy sandalwood: the navy suit of perfumery.
Choose Bleu de Chanel if you want stronger projection, a fragrance that covers more occasions and a more urban and fresh character.
Hermès
$125 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Earth, mineral and bitter orange. A walk between the vegetal and the mineral, sober and deeply elegant.
Choose Terre d'Hermès if you want a lower price, a quieter scent that stays close to the skin and a more natural and classic character.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizThey are rated the same for longevity (long-lasting), and Bleu de Chanel projects more (strong against moderate). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Terre d'Hermès is the cheaper one: about $125 against $155 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share grapefruit, cedar and vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer they are about equally suited. For fall and winter they are about equally suited. Bleu de Chanel is at its best in spring, summer and fall, and Terre d'Hermès in spring, summer and fall.
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