Cabotine Gold by Grès

A friend has been wearing Coco Mademoiselle for years, and yes, it smells just like it. I tried it dry, and it still reminds me of the Chanel original. It’s a perfume for elegant girls, nothing too edgy, a bit distant. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t give me the vibe of the ultimate cool, fun, rebellious, or sensual lady; it sounds like a basic girl to me. Maybe it’s just the person I associate it with. It’ll suit many for daily wear, and for the rest, the good thing is that this works well anywhere. You get 100ml for 10 euros, I won’t say more. If you like this vibe, it’s great.

I tested this Cabotine Gold at the perfume counter a few days ago. I sprayed it at lightning speed while walking down the aisle. I’m not sure if it was the rush or that I was thinking about paying, but the opening didn’t seem great, and I barely noticed it. However, once I stepped out and smelled my hand, I thought: ‘But this is Coco Mademoiselle!’ Setting aside differences in longevity and complexity, it’s a pretty good alternative to Chanel, especially if you want to try it out without spending a fortune or if you’re already a user looking for something very similar for daily wear without going broke. The projection is softer, but the longevity isn’t bad at all; on me, it lasts about 5 hours. I’d also say it’s a bit more youthful than the Chanel version.

I bought it because I already own the Green Cabotine. But Gold has no sillage or longevity on my skin. I’m starting to be disappointed. I’ll give it a chance with the heat and see how it performs.

My nose is trained on 80s perfumes, but this option, despite declaring few notes, isn’t easy to wear or like. The melon is very noticeable, and the pink pepper (upon application) makes me sneeze. The floral accords are there, but the patchouli and vetiver, being so prominent, take away some strength from the flowers. It’s an economical fragrance with a transition. Although the opening wasn’t one of the most pleasant, after about two hours, the dry down becomes lovely. I liked the flowers accompanied by vetiver. I know it’s not for every nose, which is why I don’t recommend buying it blindly.

I bought it years ago blindly and remember it was very strong, like for an older lady. I didn’t like it at all and had to give it away.

I bought it blindly, and honestly, it was a hit. At first, it feels a bit strong to me, I’m not sure if it’s the pepper, but after a couple of minutes, I feel a sweet citrus note, and then the jasmine emerges. To finish, I perceive something masculine from the cologne, which I imagine is the vetiver, and I like it. It lasts quite a while, about 5 hours softly and intimately.

If you treat it right, no note is ugly: in Cabotine Gold, the pepper and melon—which I usually don’t like—come out super fresh and enjoyable. It starts with that 90s classicism: non-spicy pepper, very refreshed with tangerine bringing clean, well-blended florals. I like tiaré and peony, but if there’s too much, they overshadow everything; here, that doesn’t happen. Patchouli shines without being intrusive. It lasts 5-6 hours on skin and longer on clothes (it’s divine). It reminds me of Ramón Monegal’s Massimo Dutti Woman (1997): false simplicity with lots of elegance. I feel clean and presentable, even in jeans and a t-shirt. It’s one of my favorites for daily wear, the one I’ve used the most, proof that quality and good price go hand in hand. As my Katharine Hepburn-esque companion used to say, the Grès house knows its stuff. Thanks to the previous reviews for guiding me; satisfaction is maximum.

This Cabotine smells like pure Lush, their Karma line: a dusty hippie, orangey scent that smells like an Ayurvedic massage room and dreamcatchers. It’s classic and well-structured: a scratchy, strange opening that piqued my interest until the blazing patchouli arrived, reminding me of Karma. In the end, it stabilizes into something familiar, a bit vintage with a touch of the youthful vibe from Chanel’s Mademoiselle that never fades. It’s not for me, but it’s a good perfume in terms of quality/price and trail.

From the Cabotine family, this is the most ‘wearable’ without causing havoc, the only one you can buy without trying if you like Coco Mademoiselle, Miss Dior, or gourmand scents. Like all Cabotines, you might short-circuit if your pH is very acidic. But it will never smell bad; in the worst case, you can kill it, and it will last less or the middle notes won’t stand out. It’s fresh in the opening, caressing, sparkling, and very heavy, just as much as Vie Est Belle, though they’re more alike in the opening than anything else. It’s not intoxicating, but caressing, as if its sillage hugs you (and everyone around you). It’s not powdery like Mademoiselle, but the white flowers stand out, especially the jasmine. It’s an affordable fragrance that smells like a traditional, timeless perfume, and not necessarily for an adult woman. Of all the Cabotines, the best without a doubt.

Very potent opening, fresh and sparkly due to the pepper; I think it even dilated my nostrils. Then delicious white flowers emerge, highlighting the jasmine. In the end, the flowers lose strength and let loose an invasive patchouli with a bold vetiver that gives it a rough, earthy accord. This phase reminded me of the lotion my grandfather used after shaving (no idea which one it was) that I, being very small, perceived when hugging him tightly; it gave me tenderness and melancholy because I lost him when I was a child. On my skin, it lasts 4-5 hours with moderate projection that softens; in the last hour, it’s only noticeable up close. Ideal for daytime use in spring/summer and maybe autumn. It radiates maturity without being ‘stuffy’. Sincerely, I like it, but it doesn’t dazzle me, and I think the fragrance isn’t aiming for that either.

I’m using it and it looks great. I own a small perfume shop and use them all to test and make recommendations. It’s the first time I’m using it, and I must admit it resembles the Coco Mademoiselle EDT. I had reservations because Cabotine Classic seemed heavy and a bit stuffy to me, but the truth is they don’t resemble each other. The price is super accessible. Very good projection and longevity.

I’m a total Grès fan. You can tell this was crafted with intention, care, and good taste. Cabotine Gold has nothing to envy from many white florals that cost twice as much. It reminds me of Coco Mademoiselle, but I prefer this one; it has a classic touch without losing freshness, perfect for daily wear or a daytime wedding. I also think of 5th Avenue, but Cabotine is less generic, making it perfect for gifting since most people will love it.

I’d say it clearly has orange blossom even if it’s not declared, maybe to avoid revealing it’s a clone of others; I perceive it. I like it a lot, this is a steal of a perfume.

I bought it blindly based on the price and description, but it just doesn’t work for me. I don’t feel that melon freshness on my skin. However, I gave it to my mom and it suits her perfectly; it’s right up her alley.

Fresh; I wear it during the day for work. It has great trail and longevity. I have to apply it half an hour ahead to avoid being overwhelmed by the patchouli. Once it dries down, it leaves a soft, very rich scent.