Gucci Guilty vs Guilty Intense

In this edition, of the head to head men’s cologne comparisons, we have to entries from the Gucci line: Guilty vs. Guilty Intense. Which of these fragrances smells the best? The original or it’s flanker descendant? Which has the better performance? Out of the two, which is the better buy? Please continue below for my full break down, as well as, the original reviews of both scents.

Guilty vs Intense: Tale of the Tape

Gucci Guilty

Notes include: lemon, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, cedar, pink pepper, neroli

Click here to try: Guilty By Gucci EDT spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

Gucci Guilty Intense

Notes include: lemon, lavender, coriander, amber, orange blossom, neroli, cedar, patchouli

Click here to try: Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Guilty Intense

Opening

Gucci Guilty opens up with a blend of lemon, pink pepper, and lavender. It’s a light, warm, and calming fragrance with added base notes of cedar and patchouli. While it feels simple, it’s actually fairly unique in how it comes across when compared to other scents.

Guilty Intense obviously has a lot of similarities to its predecessor, however, it goes lighter on the lemon. Also, the lavender and amber notes are heavier, with addition spice from coriander and patchouli.

Which do I enjoy more? While I think the original is nice with the citrus note, I think that the use of the amber and lavender in Intense is just a better mix. Also, the extra bit of spice really adds more substance to the fragrance.

I really like the amber quality of Intense, coriander is a spice that I usually enjoy, and it plays well off of the calming lavender. Guilty’s lemon and pink pepper is good, but not great, in comparison.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Obviously, in this category, Intense should have the upper hand. It does. However, neither cologne is particularly powerful. The original is pretty moderate for a few hours and then light and airy.

Intense, is stronger and more persistent, probably on the upper edge of moderate. I guess it is, technically more intense than the original, but is by no means a huge fragrance.

To get a massive version of the Guilty name, you have to go with some of the flankers, that don’t really compare to the original release in how it’s structured.

Overall, the strength of Guilty Intense is good, just don’t expect a crazy sillage from it. Nonetheless, it is the clear winner in this category.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

Gucci Guilty lasts 5-6 hours on my skin. Meanwhile, I get 7-8 from Guilty Intense.

I like the original Guilty, but performance has never been all that good, especially at this price point. Guilty Intense will stick around for more situations, one will find themselves in. Pretty much a standard work day and can make it through a night out, just fine.

None of the fragrances from this Gucci lineup seem to have insane longevity (Absolute does, though, it’s an entirely different type of scent), but the winner is certain, in this battle.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Both of these scents have great versatility and are basically identical, in that regard. Seasonally, they can be worn year round pretty much. Are fine for casual wear, work, and smell good enough for dates. Also, both seem best for guys in their 20s-30s to wear.

I think that I enjoy wearing either of them in the warmer weather. The extreme cold and extreme heat, probably aren’t the ideal scenarios to wear these…but it’s not too much of an issue.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Gucci Guilty, but it never really impressed me. It is a simple and clean fragrance, that is a good go to for a wide variety of situations. The main attractions are the lemon, lavender, and pink pepper note.

It has a slight woody/earthiness to the aroma, but also some nice floral sweetness. Not a bad scent, just nothing spectacular.

Guilty Intense, is just a better cologne. The performance is better, but also, the composition is just much nicer. It’s probably my favorite from the Guilty line. It’s very warm with amber and floral notes led by the lavender.

I like the orange blossom in this one and how the light the lemon note is. I find it to be a very enjoyable fragrance to wear, even if it is pretty simple as well.

Winner: Gucci Guilty Intense

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.