Chanel and Dior are two of the most iconic brands in the world of fragrance. Today each fragrance maker has an expansive collection of unique perfumes and colognes that are popular around the world.
When it comes to men’s fragrance, Bleu de Chanel and Dior Sauvage consistently top the charts.
Whether you’re seeking an everyday fragrance to wear to work or you need something extra special for a romantic night out, you’ll want to make the best investment possible.
We’ve gathered all you need to know about these two fragrances in this Bleu de Chanel vs Dior Sauvage review to help you decide which best suits your style.
The Makers
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see how these two brands got their start on their fragrance journeys.
Chanel
The French brand Chanel began its fragrance journey during the Roaring Twenties. In 1921 the brand launched its infamous Chanel No. 5, which remains a classic to this day.
It wasn’t until 1995 that the company launched its first fragrance for men, Chanel Pour Monsieur.
Since then, Chanel has made a wide variety of men’s fragrances, though they’ve made us wait a few years between each.
Bleu de Chanel was created in 2010 by the renowned French perfumer Jacques Polge. It was the first men’s fragrance the brand released since 2004 and the first men’s masterbrand since 1990. The wait was worth it - the fragrance instantly became an emblem for Chanel.
Dior
The legendary Christian Dior first transitioned from fashion to fragrance in 1947. As the story goes, Dior had no name for his upcoming first fragrance.
The day of launching, his sister Catherine walked in, and Christian’s friend and confidante Mitzah Bricard exclaimed that “Miss Dior” had arrived. And voila, the evocative Miss Dior fragrance was born.
Dior’s first men’s perfume collection, Parfums Christian Dior, was introduced in 1966. Dior Sauvage emerged in 2015 as part of the collection.
The name for Dior’s debut men’s fragrance, similarly to his debut women’s perfume, was inspired by someone close to the designer.
Percy Savage, a dear friend of Christian’s, is said to have visited one evening and was announced by the butler as “Monsieur Sauvage.” Dior thought the name had a certain appeal and used it to launch his first fragrance for men.
The Difference in Scent Notes
Each of these fragrances has a distinct combination of essential oils that makes them stand out among other fragrances.
What Does Bleu de Chanel Smell Like?
Bleu de Chanel has a citrusy, woodsy scent. It’s spicy with hints of fruits. The main notes you’ll detect are:
- Mint and pink pepper
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
Its middle notes include ginger, nutmeg, and jasmine. Meanwhile, base notes include sandalwood, Patchouli, Labdanum, and White musk.
What Does Dior Sauvage Smell Like?
The most overwhelming scents in Dior Sauvage are Bergamot and pepper.
Middle notes of the fragrance include pink pepper, lavender, vetiver, geranium, and patchouli. Lastly, its base notes include cedar, ambroxan, and labdanum.
Who Are the Scents Made For?
You may be wondering who can pull off wearing each of these fragrances. Read on to see the specs on each one.
Bleu de Chanel
Bleu de Chanel is a universally loved fragrance and can be worn by men of different ages. That said, it is most popular among men in their twenties and thirties.
Don’t let that stop you from trying it out, however. With its spicy and sultry aroma, it’s great for any man with good taste.
Dior Sauvage
We all remember Dior using Johnny Depp in their 2015 Sauvage campaign.
Though the famous ad caught the attention of younger men, the fragrance is a timeless classic that can be worn by men of any age.
Where Should You Wear Them?
Both of these fragrances have similar notes despite being quite different. Because they both include fruity and citrusy undertones, they’re best for warmer months.
Spring and summer would be the ideal season to wear these, especially since their subtlety might be too underwhelming during colder weather.
Though both fragrances are malleable and appropriate for casual and formal settings, they’re also very sultry and romantic, making them ideal fragrances for a date.
Packaging and Presentation
Bleu de Chanel and Dior Sauvage both opted for contemporary packaging: sleek and dark glass with classic white font.
These are simple but chic bottles that exude modern vibes while retaining classic elements.
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Launched 2010
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Launched 2015
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Personal Impressions of Each
We love Bleu de Chanel’s spicy, woody scent that epitomizes romance. However, Sauvage on the other hand is sensual without trying too hard.
Because its notes are more subtle, we find it to be the most versatile of the two. If you want to amp up the drama, though, Bleu de Chanel may be right up your alley.
The Bleu de Chanel price is on the higher end of the spectrum, as is Dior Sauvage’s. However, that’s expected for a luxury scent with such great longevity.
Performance
You can expect hours of sultry fragrance from each of these scents. Each has a wide dispersal and is amazingly long-lasting. The longevity and quality are top-notch.
Selena Marc is a fragrance enthusiast, freelance writer, and dog mom living in Houston, Texas. When she's not writing about her favorite new perfumes, you can find her enjoying yoga or a morning hike.
