Head to head
Chanel Bleu de Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum are often compared by people choosing between the two. Bleu de Chanel is a woody fragrance and Y Eau de Parfum a fougère one, and they share bergamot, ginger, cedar and vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Bleu de Chanel stands apart with grapefruit, lemon and mint, while Y Eau de Parfum brings apple, sage and juniper. They are rated the same for longevity (long-lasting), and they project about the same (strong). Y Eau de Parfum 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 | Y Eau de ParfumYves Saint Laurent | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $155 · 3.4 oz | $125 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 2014 | 2018 |
| Family | Woody, Aromatic | Fougère, Aromatic |
| Top notes | Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, Bergamot | Apple, Ginger, Bergamot |
| Heart notes | Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine | Sage, Juniper, Geranium |
| Base notes | Incense, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vetiver | Cashmere wood, Tonka bean, Cedar, Vetiver |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Projection | Strong | Strong |
| Best seasons | Spring, Summer, Fall | Spring, Fall, Winter |
| Occasions | Office, Everyday, Formal event, Date | Everyday, Office, Date |
| Style | Elegant, Urban, Fresh | Urban, Fresh, Seductive |
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 something better suited to warm weather, a fragrance that covers more occasions and a more elegant character.
Yves Saint Laurent
$125 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Men · Fougère
Fresh apple, sage and ambery woods. A modern, versatile fougère with a much-praised trail.
Choose Y Eau de Parfum if you want a lower price and a more seductive 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 they project about the same (strong). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Y Eau de Parfum 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 bergamot, ginger, cedar and vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, Bleu de Chanel is the better fit. For fall and winter they are about equally suited. Bleu de Chanel is at its best in spring, summer and fall, and Y Eau de Parfum in spring, fall and winter.
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