Gabrielle Essence

Gabrielle Essence opens with tart red currant, citrus so bright that it's practically neon, and a very gentle, natural peach that isn't candy-like or syrupy in any way. If you've ever smelled the opening of Chance Eau Fraiche, the citrus note here is the same - blindingly bright until it settles down a bit 15-20 minutes in. The peach starts to kick in a little more then, and the white florals emerge. The coconut is very subtle, and adds a slight creaminess to the mix. As time passes, it becomes warmer, sweeter, and creamier, and the aroma of sun-warmed peaches blooms on the skin. A hint of vanilla infuses a touch of sweetness, and the musks add a slightly soapy, diffuse quality. The dry down reminds me a of a more sparkling, peachy, less musky version of Ex Nihilo's Lust in Paradise. If you like one, you will probably like the other.

I'm really loving Gabrielle Essence for a hot summer day. It's a solar, slightly tropical mood lifter that still retains the refined Chanel DNA. This is an easy wear for daytime in spring and summer. It is a crowd pleaser, and I am certainly in that crowd; I think this is so effortlessly pretty. The more I smell this, the more I'm convinced that this is like if Chance Eau Fraiche and Lust in Paradise had a baby - take the opening of Eau Fraiche and the dry down of Lust in Paradise and you'll get something very similar to Gabrielle Essence. That's probably why I love it so much, as those are two of my favorites.

Projection is good, but this is not overly heavy in the air. It projects well for around 3 hours and lasts on my skin for around 8-9 hours.

9/10 rating from me, but likely won't pick up a bottle as I already own Chance Eau Fraiche and Lust in Paradise (otherwise I would without hesitation).