Is Armaf Shades Blue a dupe of Chanel Bleu de Chanel?

Bleu de Chanel EDT

Chanel by Jacques Polge Original Favourite

Shades Blue EDT

Armaf   Inspired Favourite
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Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette bottle Bleu de Chanel EDT
EDT Concentration EDT
M Gender M
2010 Year 2016
££ Price Tier £
Shades Blue Eau de Toilette bottle Shades Blue EDT
Our Verdict

Bleu de Chanel (BdC) and Shades Blue share a 'blue' DNA, but diverge in quality and refinement. BdC prioritizes sophisticated balance, delivering a smooth, versatile experience. Shades Blue, an affordable alternative, can be inconsistent, sometimes smelling synthetic or generic. BdC's higher price reflects its superior ingredients and construction. If you value a guaranteed, polished experience, BdC is the clear choice. If you're willing to gamble for a potential steal at a fraction of the price, Shades Blue might be worth a try, but approach with caution.

$115.00+ tax from
1.7 fl oz (50 ml) at Amazon US
Buy Bleu de Chanel Check price on →
$20.99+ tax from
3.4 fl oz (100 ml) at FragranceNet
Buy Shades Blue Check price on →

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Bleu de Chanel EDT
View Liquid → Shades Blue EDT

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Bleu de Chanel if...
  • You want a guaranteed high-quality, versatile fragrance.
  • You appreciate a refined and balanced composition.
  • You prefer a fragrance with natural-smelling ingredients.
  • You want a signature scent suitable for any occasion.
Choose Shades Blue if...
  • You're on a tight budget and want a 'blue' scent.
  • You're willing to risk inconsistencies for a bargain.
  • You don't mind a potentially synthetic-smelling fragrance.
Our Verdict - Bleu de Chanel EDT
Effortlessly versatile and instantly recognisable, Bleu de Chanel EDT is the blueprint for modern woody-citrus masculinity. Its crisp freshness and understated depth make it a contemporary classic for any occasion.
Favourite
Our Verdict - Shades Blue EDT
This budget-friendly 'blue' scent is either a beastly bargain or a cheap, synthetic miss. Performance is a total lottery, so you might get a gem or you might get air freshener. Buy at your own risk - some love it, some regret it.
Favourite

Scent Profile

How they compare
Bleu de Chanel EDT A Shades Blue EDT B
Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Bleu de Chanel EDT
Shades Blue EDT

Notes

Shared Notes
Ginger Ginger 29% vs 20%
Lemon Lemon 26% vs 19%
Grapefruit Grapefruit 26% vs 38%
Nutmeg Nutmeg 24% vs 20%
Mint Mint 24% vs 17%
Cedar Cedar 14% vs 18%
Vetiver Vetiver 14% vs 22%
Sandalwood Sandalwood 14% vs 18%
Patchouli Patchouli 13% vs 20%
Shared Notes
Lemon Lemon 26% vs 19%
Grapefruit Grapefruit 26% vs 38%
Only in Bleu de Chanel
Mint Mint 24% Pink Pepper Pink Pepper 23%
Only in Shades Blue
Cardamom Cardamom 23% Bergamot Bergamot 19%
Shared Notes
Ginger Ginger 29% vs 20%
Nutmeg Nutmeg 24% vs 20%
Shared Notes
Cedar Cedar 14% vs 18%
Vetiver Vetiver 14% vs 22%
Sandalwood Sandalwood 14% vs 18%
Patchouli Patchouli 13% vs 20%
Only in Shades Blue
Spicy Notes Spicy Notes 20%

Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.

Performance

Bleu de Chanel Shades Blue
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Bleu de Chanel

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Autumn

The bright citrus and aromatic facets make this a natural fit for spring and summer, while the woody-resinous base gives it enough depth for fall. In winter it may feel too airy or crisp for those seeking warmth.

Occasions

Best For:
Office Date Casual
Also Works:
Formal

With moderate projection and universally appealing freshness, it's perfect for office and casual wear. Polished enough for dates and formal events, but not ideal for sports due to the woody-resinous drydown.

Shades Blue

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Autumn

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and autumn.

Occasions

Best For:
Casual Sport
Also Works:
Office Date

Its fresh, clean, and inoffensive profile makes it suitable for office wear, though varied performance means some might find it too fleeting. It's a casual scent by nature, described by some as an everyday go-to, and its potential for a strong opening makes it less ideal for formal settings.

Similarity Breakdown

Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.

Overall scent match
87%
Key Similarities

Shares 9 of its 14 notes, including Grapefruit, Lemon, Sandalwood

Key Differences

Adds bergamot and cardamom, drops incense and iso e super

Where to buy

Bleu de Chanel EDT
Shades Blue EDT

Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.

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