Chic For Men by Carolina Herrera

A sensual scent where a fresh and warm symbiosis combines to create a unique essence. Leaning towards unisex-masculine, I find it versatile for semi-formal occasions or dates in any climate, however, certain notes will show their best facet in one season while others shine in another, giving it a mysterious and chameleon-like character, which is why its originality lies. This is an underrated fragrance for the sensations it awakens and the quality of its composition. The changes during its development are very marked; there is no linear perception here, and in each facet it reveals the great quality of its components, despite not being an expensive fragrance, which denotes why it is a classic of the 2000s. Watermelon, cinnamon, and sandalwood give it a balanced, subtly sweet touch very attractive to women. It is a fruit-and-spice fragrance excellently balanced, making it a unique scent very easy to like, yet it envelops the wearer with the peculiarity of carrying a fragrance with a character different from the rest.

Reviewing the 2008 CHIC (probably original). I know they reformulated it and the bottle changed (mine had a dark base, now it’s transparent), but mine was wonderful. Long-lasting, suitable for any season or time of day, girls loved it and above all I did. I met it through a friend we went partying with in 2008; before going out, we’d drink Fernet with coke at his place and he’d wear this gem. Several sprays, then he left it on his old television. I was so amazed I grabbed the bottle to memorise the name. A few days later I already had the 100ml version. It was my first designer perfume and for the following years I bought others to fill the void of not finding it in my beloved Argentina. I think it’s THE perfume for me, the first of this level that reminds me of my best years. It’s for the evening, women loved it. I plan to buy it on eBay or internationally, preferably vintage like mine. Worth paying for. 10/10.

Exquisite, sexy, semi-formal fragrance. Although discontinued, it can still be found in some perfumeries. Please note that the latest batches no longer have the performance of the earlier ones. While every skin is different, on mine the latest batches lasted around 3 or 4 hours, whereas the first ones reached 6 or 7. It is not a fragrance known for strong sillage and projection, even with the first batches. Nevertheless, if it is your signature scent, it is solved by reapplying. I do not agree that perfumes must last 8 hours; there are plenty of niche examples that do not reach 4 hours. That said, if you can find it and don’t mind reapplying, go for it, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find and its aroma is masculine and sexy.

With this fragrance, I have mixed feelings… although it is not one of my favourites, it does have a quite pleasant, very wearable scent. Personally, I consider it suits fresh climates better, without reaching cold; in summer, it can become cloying. It is an elegant fragrance with very prominent notes of pepper, cinnamon, and cedar, which, in my opinion, feel very warm. Ideal for the office if you control the sprays; it is not a fragrance that stands out for its unique personality, as there are better proposals on the market, but it will not leave you indifferent.

CHIC is an underrated and forgotten gem, what a pity. It was my favourite in 2004; perhaps they reformulated it? It smells very friendly, nothing intrusive, with formidable sillage and contained projection that still leaves a trail. After collecting scents, I confirm it was always my top. The best part is its warm amber-fruity base (watermelon) over woods, where the sandalwood is sweet and creamy, tonka bean adds smoky and dark notes, and cinnamon closes with a powdery finish.

It is a unique fragrance, I believe it was very good; it was not marketed further in Argentina, as experts say it did not go well. I have looked after the bottle like gold, it has good projection and I always received positive comments, feeling it was something different. As far as I can see, they reformulated it and, judging by what I read, everything came out worse. It has not returned to sale in Argentina, one of many that have been discontinued.

It can certainly be a signature: versatile, different from current trends, and 100% timeless. What does it smell like? It’s not sweet watermelon, but fresh green watermelon with cardamom and creamy masculine sandalwood that adds elegance. Pleasant, ignored, and underrated. A safe purchase because it’s not complex or challenging. Normal performance: 6 hours with moderate sillage.

I hadn’t tried it in 20 years until a friend passed it to me today. The bottle was nearly empty; I’m not sure if it was due to use or age. It brought back immediate memories. It remains timeless without being cheesy. Its name defines it: Chic. Fresh, spiced with a touch of sweetness. If I try it again, I’ll analyse it better, but I already want my bottle back.

Contrary to all opinions, it only smells good at the start; it doesn’t last, has no sillage, and by evening it smells like nothing. My bottle arrived with a broken spray; terrible materials. Sad to be left with Antonio Puig s.a. as the distributor. Hope this helps anyone considering buying it. Batch 12011 from 2021.

The Carolina Herrera CHIC fragrance smells so good you can’t go wrong. It opens with fresh citrus and watermelon, then after about 15 minutes, shifts with a hint of pepper and cinnamon, drying down to a sweet musk. It’s moderate with a warm base, perfect for spring and autumn. I truly enjoy the scent.

An old-school fragrance but well-crafted. At first, it smells sharp and green, but as it dries down, the pepper and woody notes emerge. It’s a great option for warm climates, and even better if your budget is under $50.

An exquisite Carolina Herrera fragrance, super versatile and loved by 99% of people, so it never misses. It smells a bit like Antonio Banderas’ Diavolo, which I wore in my younger days. Highly recommended.

One of my favourites; I already have my third bottle. Both men and women have given me nice compliments. Despite being on the market for years, it’s still in its prime and never goes out of style.

Undoubtedly excellent; I recommend it blindly. The longevity is poor for the price; you have to apply it over 12 times for it to last. Scent: 9/10, Sillage: weak, Longevity: 5/10, Overall: 7/10.

Although it made me gag, I always recommend trying them. It smells like spilled and dried grapefruit soda with lots of sugar. For me, it was simply too unpleasant.