Table of Contents
Introduction: Which Bleu de Chanel Is Best For You? EDT vs EDP vs Parfum vs L’Exclusif
New release: Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif (first impressions)
Latest Realese
So, before talking about Which Bleu de Chanel to Buy: Lately, a lot of people who come to the counter ask me the same thing:
“I saw there’s a new Bleu de Chanel… what is L’Exclusif and is it better than the others?”
Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif is the newest flanker in the line. It takes the Bleu DNA and pushes it into a denser, woodier, more ambery direction. Think:
less “fresh shower” and more soft winter cashmere over the original Bleu structure.
On skin, L’Exclusif feels:
Warm and resinous, with sandalwood and woody-amber facets in the spotlight
Smoother and thicker than EDP/EDT
Designed clearly for cooler weather and dressed-up evenings
It’s luxurious, it smells high quality and it does have that Chanel polish.
But I’ll be honest the same way I’m honest with clients:
As a first Bleu, it’s not the smartest choice.
It makes sense only if you want a winter-focused Bleu and you don’t already own several strong cold-weather fragrances.
For most people, Bleu de Chanel EDP is still the best place to start.
I’ll go deeper into L’Exclusif later in the article, but I wanted to address this new release right away, because it changes how people look at the rest of the line, and sometimes makes the decision more confusing than it needs to be.
Suppose you already know you want a heavy, winter Bleu and you’re comfortable with the price. In that case, you can always check current availability and sizes for Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif here and then compare it calmly with the others below.
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If You’re In A Hurry: Quick Recommendations
If you don’t want to read everything, here’s the short answer based on real use. If one of these already sounds like you, you can check its current price and available sizes here once you’ve finished reading, just to compare before committing.
Best all-rounder for most men
Best fresh, clean and classic option
Best for intimate, mature evenings
New luxury winter option
Created first by Jacques Polge in 2010 and later developed further by Olivier Polge, Bleu de Chanel reshaped men’s perfumery. It’s elegant, clean, versatile, and distinctly French. The advertising films directed by Martin Scorsese and later starring Gaspard Ulliel captured its message perfectly: Bleu de Chanel represents freedom and understated confidence.
How The Bleu de Chanel Flankers Differ At A Glance
Think of the line like this:
EDT – freshest, airiest, most classic “blue fragrance” feel
EDP – richer, smoother, slightly warmer, great day-to-night balance
Parfum – deeper, creamier, more intimate and mature
L’Exclusif – densest, most woody-amber, clearly winter-leaning and more niche in use
Now let’s go through each one the way I’d walk you through the testers at the counter.
Bleu de Chanel EDT – The Clean, Fresh Classic
If you’ve smelled Bleu on the street or in an office sometime in the last decade, there’s a good chance it was the EDT.
On skin, Bleu EDT feels:
Clean and professional
Relaxed but still elegant
Very “I take care of myself, but I’m not trying too hard”
It’s the most traditionally “fresh designer” version of Bleu.
How it smells
Bright grapefruit and citrus in the opening
Aromatic, slightly spicy heart with mint, ginger and pink pepper
Clean woody and slightly smoky base, with incense and cedar giving structure
Performance
What I typically see:
Projection: moderate – people around you will smell it, but it doesn’t shout
Longevity: about 6–8 hours on most skins
Works well all year, especially in spring, summer and mild weather
When EDT makes sense
Choose Bleu de Chanel EDT if:
You want a fresh, clean, office-friendly signature
You prefer something lighter and more airy than the heavier concentrations
You care more about smelling well-groomed than having a huge trail
You like that classic blue-fragrance profile: versatile, safe, stylish
If you’re considering EDT as your first Bleu, you can see current price and sizes here and later compare with the EDP to decide which direction fits you better.
Quick summary
Smell: bright citrus, aromatic spices, clean woods and incense
Best for: office, daytime, mild climates, “always appropriate” use
Pros: extremely versatile, classy, easy to wear and recommend
Cons: a bit safe for collectors, not the strongest in performance
Bleu de Chanel EDP – The Versatile Sweet Spot (Best Overall)
If someone tells me:
“I want one Bleu that I can use for everything; work, dinners, dates, travel…”
my mind goes straight to Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum (EDP).
How it smells
EDP keeps the same DNA as the EDT, but with more depth and richness:
The citrus is smoother and slightly darker, less sparkly but more elegant
The incense and woods are fuller, with more body and presence
There’s a subtle warmth and creaminess that makes it feel more luxurious on skin
The result is a Bleu that still smells clean and modern, but with more character.
It’s the version that, in my experience, gets the most “You smell really good” comments
Performance
On real skin:
Projection: moderate to strong – noticeable, especially in the first hours
Longevity: around 8–10 hours on most people
Works almost year-round, day and night, with a bit of spray control in very hot weather
When EDP makes sense
I place Bleu de Chanel EDP at the top of my ranking because:
It’s the best balance of freshness, depth and elegance
It works in almost any situation: office, date, dinner, trip, casual weekend
It feels slightly more premium and “finished” than the EDT, without becoming heavy
Choose EDP if:
This will be your first Bleu, or even your first “serious” designer fragrance
You want one bottle that can do almost everything
You like compliments but don’t want to smell loud or teenage
Your style is somewhere between smart casual and polished, and you like that clean, modern masculine vibe
If this already sounds like you, you can check current pricing and bottle sizes for EDP here. In most cases, if you’re undecided, this is the one I’d tell you to get.
Quick summary
Smell: deeper, smoother, slightly warmer Bleu with richer incense and woods
Best for: almost everything – office, dates, dinners, everyday use
Pros: my best overall pick; very versatile, polished, feels premium
Cons: if you love ultra-light freshness, you may still prefer the EDT
Bleu de Chanel Parfum – Smooth, Creamy and Intimate
Bleu de Chanel Parfum is what happens when you take Bleu and dial the volume down, but enrich the texture.
How it smells
Compared to EDP:
The citrus is softened; you get less brightness, more creaminess
Sandalwood and woods are rounder, smoother, almost buttery
Incense and spice are more subtle, turning the scent into a warm, skin-close aura
On skin, Parfum feels:
Intimate and calm
Mature and understated
Like a quiet confidence rather than a statement
It still smells like Bleu, but it’s definitely the most relaxed and “whispered” interpretation.
Performance
In everyday use:
Projection: soft to moderate – more of an aura than a trail
Longevity: around 8–10 hours, but mostly close to the skin after the initial phase
Best in evenings, cooler months, and in more dressed-up or intimate settings
When Parfum makes sense
Consider Bleu de Chanel Parfum if:
You like Bleu EDP, but want something softer, more cozy and intimate
You prefer fragrances that people notice only when they’re close to you
Your style leans smart casual / formal and you enjoy understated luxury
You already have fresher scents covered and want a “quiet evening Bleu”
Personally, I rank Parfum below EDP and EDT not because it’s bad, but because its use is more specific. It’s beautiful at what it does, yet less universal.
If Parfum still sounds exactly like what you’re missing, you can see current availability and pricing here to decide if it deserves a slot in your rotation.
Quick summary
Smell: creamier, smoother, warm and intimate Bleu
Best for: dinners, dates, quiet evenings, more mature wearers
Pros: refined, comfortable, subtle luxury
Cons: less “blue-fresh” and less versatile; not ideal if you want a noticeable trail
Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif – Dense, Woody-Amber Winter Luxury
Now that we’ve seen the core line, let’s go deeper into the new kid: L’Exclusif.
How it smells
On skin, L’Exclusif leans strongly into:
Dense sandalwood and woods
Resinous, slightly leathery, ambery warmth
Less focus on bright citrus; more on deep, smooth wood and resin
It feels like Chanel took the Bleu idea and dressed it in a heavy cashmere coat for winter:
Rich
Warm
Cozy, with a darker, more serious tone
You can still recognize the Bleu signature, but it’s wrapped in a thicker, more luxurious texture.
Performance
What you can expect:
Projection: moderate, with a thick, smooth aura
Longevity: strong, especially in cooler weather
Best suited for autumn/winter, evenings, coats and knitwear, more formal settings
When L’Exclusif makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
From my perspective behind the counter, Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif is really worth it only if:
You already love the Bleu DNA and want the most luxurious, winter-focused version
You want Bleu specifically for cold evenings, formal dinners, special occasions
You don’t already own several strong woody/amber winter fragrances
You’re comfortable paying a premium for this very specific role
If:
You mainly want a versatile daily Bleu, or
You already have other winter heavy-hitters,
then L’Exclusif is not the best value. In those cases, your money is usually better spent on Bleu EDP as your main Bleu, and then a completely different fragrance for winter.
That’s why, in my personal ranking, L’Exclusif comes last: not because it’s low quality (it isn’t), but because it’s expensive and quite niche in use.
If it still sounds like exactly the luxurious winter piece your collection is missing, you can check current prices and sizes for L’Exclusif here and decide calmly if it’s worth it for you.
Quick summary
Smell: dense, woody-amber, resinous, darker, more luxurious Bleu
Best for: winter, cold evenings, formal wear, Bleu collectors
Pros: high quality, rich, elegant, very comfortable in cold weather
Cons: expensive, less versatile, not essential if you already have good winter scents
Bleu de Chanel EDT vs EDP vs Parfum vs L’Exclusif: Fast Comparison
Here’s the “snippet” summary I’d give if you asked at the counter:
Most fresh and classic: Bleu de Chanel EDT
Best overall, most versatile: Bleu de Chanel EDP
Most intimate and creamy: Bleu de Chanel Parfum
Most dense and winter-oriented: Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
If you only want one bottle and you’re not sure which one to pick:
Start with Bleu de Chanel EDP.
Then, if you fall in love with it, you can decide later if you want a fresher partner (EDT) or a heavier winter piece (L’Exclusif).
If You Already Own One Bleu de Chanel, What Next?
A lot of people land here already owning at least one Bleu. Here’s how to expand without wasting money on redundant flankers.
You own Bleu de Chanel EDT
Want more depth and “wow” without losing versatility?
→ Add Bleu de Chanel EDP – it’s the natural upgrade.Want something softer and more intimate for evenings?
→ Add Bleu de Chanel Parfum.Want a luxury winter Bleu and don’t have other strong winter scents?
→ Then consider L’Exclusif, but only if that’s the gap in your wardrobe.
You own Bleu de Chanel EDP
You already have the best all-rounder.
You might add:
EDT – if you want a lighter, fresher version for hot days or more casual settings.
Parfum – if you want a gentler, close-to-the-skin Bleu for quiet evenings.
L’Exclusif – only if you want a dedicated winter Bleu and your collection is still light on cold-weather scents.
You own Bleu de Chanel Parfum
Want something more versatile for everyday and office?
→ Add EDP (or EDT if you prefer very fresh).Want a heavier, winter-oriented Bleu?
→ Then L’Exclusif may fit, as long as you don’t already have several woody/amber winter fragrances.
You own Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
You’ve already got the densest Bleu.
If you need something lighter and more daily-friendly, add:
→ EDP as your main, balanced signature, or
→ EDT if you only want a very fresh, clean daytime Bleu.
If any of these combinations sound like your ideal Bleu “mini-wardrobe”, you can compare prices and bottle sizes for each flanker here and build a small lineup that actually makes sense instead of duplicates.
Best Bleu de Chanel If You Own A Version
A lot of people land here already owning at least one Bleu. Here’s how to expand without wasting money on redundant flankers.
You own Bleu de Chanel EDT
Want more depth and “wow” without losing versatility?
→ Add Bleu de Chanel EDP – it’s the natural upgrade.Want something softer and more intimate for evenings?
→ Add Bleu de Chanel Parfum.Want a luxury winter Bleu and don’t have other strong winter scents?
→ Then consider L’Exclusif, but only if that’s the gap in your wardrobe.
You own Bleu de Chanel EDP
You already have the best all-rounder.
You might add:
EDT – if you want a lighter, fresher version for hot days or more casual settings.
Parfum – if you want a gentler, close-to-the-skin Bleu for quiet evenings.
L’Exclusif – only if you want a dedicated winter Bleu and your collection is still light on cold-weather scents.
You own Bleu de Chanel Parfum
Want something more versatile for everyday and office?
→ Add EDP (or EDT if you prefer very fresh).Want a heavier, winter-oriented Bleu?
→ Then L’Exclusif may fit, as long as you don’t already have several woody/amber winter fragrances.
You own Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
You’ve already got the densest Bleu.
If you need something lighter and more daily-friendly, add:
→ EDP as your main, balanced signature, or
→ EDT if you only want a very fresh, clean daytime Bleu.
If any of these combinations sound like your ideal Bleu “mini-wardrobe”, you can compare prices and bottle sizes for each flanker here and build a small lineup that actually makes sense instead of duplicates.
Best Bleu de Chanel For Different Buyers
For beginners in fragrance
Best choice: Bleu de Chanel EDP
It’s the easiest version to use as a one-bottle signature: office, dates, dinners, weekends. You don’t need a huge collection; this one can do almost everything.
For a one-bottle signature scent
Top pick: Bleu de Chanel EDP
Alternative if you like lighter scents: Bleu de Chanel EDT
If you want one fragrance people will associate with you, EDP is hard to beat: clean, masculine, modern, and appropriate in almost any situation.
For gifts
For gifts, I think in terms of age and style:
If you don’t know his taste and want something safe:
→ Bleu de Chanel EDPFor younger guys (late teens – mid 20s) who dress casual:
→ Bleu de Chanel EDTFor more mature men (30+) who dress smart casual or formal:
→ Bleu de Chanel Parfum or, if he already has several fragrances, L’Exclusif as a special winter gift.
You can quickly compare prices and sizes here so you pick something that feels generous but stays within your budget.
For office and daytime professionals
Best options: Bleu de Chanel EDT or EDP
Both are excellent for office wear:
EDT if you prefer a lighter, fresher cloud.
EDP if you want something a bit richer that still stays professional with moderate sprays.
Parfum and L’Exclusif can work, but I’d keep them more for evenings and colder days.
For nights out, dates and colder weather
Best versatile choice: Bleu de Chanel EDP
Best for intimate, close-up evenings: Bleu de Chanel Parfum
Best for cold, dressed-up winter nights: Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
EDP will handle most date scenarios. Parfum and L’Exclusif are better if you want something more intimate or more winter-heavy.
For collectors and Bleu superfans
If you already have a few fragrances and really like the Bleu theme:
Core must-have: Bleu de Chanel EDP
Luxury winter extension: Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
EDT and Parfum are still solid, but if you’re building a collection around Bleu, the EDP + L’Exclusif duo covers most bases: all-rounder + winter luxury.
Short FAQ About Bleu de Chanel Flankers
Which Bleu de Chanel lasts the longest?
Bleu de Chanel EDP, Parfum and L’Exclusif all have good longevity, with L’Exclusif often feeling the densest and most persistent in cold weather. EDT is lighter and a bit more fleeting.
Is Bleu de Chanel EDP better than EDT?
For most people, yes. EDP feels more complete, more refined and more versatile. But if you love ultra-fresh, airy scents, you might personally still prefer the EDT.
Is Bleu de Chanel Parfum worth it if I already own EDP?
Only if you specifically want a softer, more intimate Bleu for quiet evenings and close encounters. If you’re chasing more power and winter performance, L’Exclusif or a different winter fragrance may be a better use of your budget.
Is Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif worth the price?
It can be — in the right context. It’s mainly worth it if you want a luxury, winter-focused Bleu and you don’t already have other strong woody/amber winter scents. As a first Bleu, or as your only designer, it’s not the smartest choice.
Can I use Bleu de Chanel all year round?
Yes, especially the EDP and EDT. Parfum and L’Exclusif lean more towards evenings and cooler weather, but EDP in particular can handle almost any season with the right number of sprays.
Final Thoughts: Which Bleu de Chanel Should You Actually Buy?
Bleu de Chanel has become one of those rare lines where every version works, but not every version makes sense for everyone.
If we strip away the hype and collector FOMO, my recommendation stays simple:
If you want one Bleu that can do it all – office, dates, dinners, trips, all year –
→ Go for Bleu de Chanel EDP. It’s the most balanced, the most useful, and the one that feels “finished” on real skin.If you prefer something lighter, brighter and more casual – especially for warm weather and daytime –
→ Bleu de Chanel EDT will feel fresher, easier and a bit more easy-going.If you already have a few fragrances and want a softer, close-up evening Bleu
→ Bleu de Chanel Parfum is your quiet luxury option, better for dinners and calm nights than for loud clubbing.And if you truly love Bleu and you’re missing a luxury, winter-only flanker
→ Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif can be that thick, woody-amber coat over the Bleu DNA – but it only really earns its price if you’ll actually wear it in cold weather and don’t already own several heavy winter scents.
If you’re still unsure after all this, here’s the most honest advice I can give you as someone who spends his days putting perfumes on real people, not just blotters:
If you don’t overthink it and choose Bleu de Chanel EDP in the right size for your budget, you’ll almost never regret it.
From there, you can always come back to this guide later, see how you actually wear your EDP, and decide if you need a fresher partner (EDT), a softer evening option (Parfum), or a dense winter piece (L’Exclusif).
Whenever you’re ready to move from reading to testing:
You can check the current prices and sizes for each flanker here, compare them side by side, and choose the one that fits your wardrobe, your climate and how often you’ll really wear it.
Best all-rounder for most men
Best fresh, clean and classic option
Best for intimate, mature evenings
New luxury winter option
Bleu de Chanel is designed to make your life easier, not more complicated. The right choice is the one that will actually live on your skin, not just look good on a shelf.
