Chanel Égoïste is said to be the more advanced version of the Bois Noir, which has been out for over 20 years. Modestly launched back in 1987, this has become a classic that can now fetch a thick wad of cash per bottle. As Égoïste was launched around 3 years later, it replaced the memory of Bois Noir except for a lucky few who had bought an original bottle of it.

Bois Noir consists of mandarin, rose, lavender, coriander, Bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, rosewood, and ambrette seed. Comparing the two frangrances can be so subjective as to cause riots amongst fans of either the two. It is worth taking note though that they do smell virtually the same.

If smelled side by side, the subtle differences start to pop out. Bois Noir has a richer smell of a parfum, while Égoïste has a more Eau de Toilette vibe. Bois Noir has notes of rose, cloves, and spices make up for a more rounded smell than the Égoïste. It has more syrup and smoke components in it, as well as stuff like sandalwood and rosewood. Égoïste has more citrus components. However, as both dry down, they start smelling identical, especially if you put more Égoïste to compare with some Bois Noir.

It is worth noting that Bois Noir is a bit more potent in every drop, which can have people thinking about the good old days when they still made stuff specifically for the customers and not just for profit. Mind you that there really should not be any of that because despite favoring the Bois Noir, you will be torching a hole through your wallet. The bottle itself is a collector's item of pretty high value, so settle down first. Since they smell similar, you might as well go with the Égoïste since they smell pretty much the same. This means that you do not have to regret not having smelled the real Bois Noir since it would be silly to not take a sniff at Égoïste before you start chastising yourself.

If ever you get your hands on a cheap Chanel Bois Noir from some questionable source, then that means you have just bought a fake. It would most likely be evaporated or aged Chanel Égoïste. Just let it go and get a bottle of Égoïste. You are guaranteed not to be disappointed by that.