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Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme by Gucci

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Guilty Elixir de Parfum is a 2023 release from Gucci. Today, I will be reviewing the Pour Femme version of this title, after I’ve already done the men’s cologne. I grabbed samples of each to test them out and put each through its paces.

But, how does Elixir Pour Femme smell? Does this Gucci perfume actually last long? Is it even worth a try?

What does Guilty Elixir Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: violet, mandora, bergamot, wisteria, rose, osmanthus, patchouli, vanilla absolute, tonka bean

Click here to try: Elixir at Nordstrom’s

My Full Wear Review

Guilty Elixir opens up with an interesting mix of citrus, violet, and osmanthus. The osmanthus acts sort of how it does in Flowerbomb, helping to create a fruitiness that has a ‘jammy’ like quality.

It definitely doesn’t come across as being too much in the direction of the orange and bergamot notes.

It is interesting that Guilty Elixir will become more floral dominant. The early stages are a cooling freshness of the wisteria, a bit spicy, and a rather powdery violet note. Yet, it never feels completely heavy on the powder on my skin.

This will shift from the initial sweetness of the opening, to something that is a tad soapier. The floral notes here do have a slight plasticky kind of aroma at times. Kind of strange, but wasn’t that noticeable throughout the wear.

That’s basically what I get for the dry down. A soapy and slightly powdery floral fragrance with a vanilla and tonka bean mix in the base. Not nearly as interesting and a lot of what I was enjoying simply fades away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I’d say this is above average with its sillage and projection. Not a super heavy fragrance, as it does have a bit of freshness to it. Yet, it still does have plenty of substance (vanilla, tonka bean, violet) and never feels airy.

The projection will extend pretty far in that first hour. Very noticeable to those around you. It will end up more moderate, let’s say, three to five feet from the skin for a good portion of the total wear.

The longevity here is over 8 hours on my skin. Maybe, it hits 9 hours, but doesn’t go beyond that for me. It’s fine. For the price and the ‘Elixir’ title that they use, I did expect it to venture into the double digit hour territory.

Seasonally, it’s better when it’s a bit chilly out. I think that Elixir would work in the springtime, as well, but the heat and humidity of summer would be too much. Let’s call it autumn through spring, for its range.

If you do enjoy the scent, Guilty Elixir Pour Femme does have the ability to be worn in many scenarios. Maybe not the most formal or sexiest scent out there. Though, it can work as a daily wear for many, and can venture into the nightlife as well.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Elixir Pour Femme

I’m not sure that everyone is going to like this edition. Personally, I think it’s among the better Guilty releases on the women’s side. Which may not be saying all that much, there’s maybe two or three that are quite good (Absolute followed by Intense), and the rest…maybe not.

Not my favorite, but I was pleasantly surprised by what this one had to offer.

The citrus, the wisteria, the jam-like aroma in the opening act. All very nice. That’s the highlight of the wear for me.

It does get a bit boring and uninspired in the dry down. Not nearly as sweet, more of a straightforward and smooth floral/vanilla scent.

And at the price that it’s going for, is another reason for me not to give it a full buy recommendation. Definitely one to try out, if you’re interested, but I’d check it out first.

The performance is at least good enough, even if the rest of the back half, isn’t anything too amazing. I’m not sure this will ever go on discount, but it might be worth waiting for, if you absolutely must have Elixir in your collection.

Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme by Gucci

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Guilty Elixir Pour Homme was released by the brand in 2023. I picked up samples of it late last year to test it out and see if it lived up to its early hype. It sort of took the line in a new direction versus what you get with others in the series.

How does Elixir smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Elixir Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, orange blossom, nutmeg, ambrofix, pimento seeds, orris butter, benzoin, patchouli, osmanthus

Click here to try: Guilty Elixir

My Full Review

The opening of this Guilty fragrance is spicy, warm, balsamic, with the iris and vanilla notes already making themselves known. Interestingly, on my skin at least, the benzoin note really comes up from the base at this stage.

I’m actually reminded a bit of Body Kouros by YSL in the undertones of Elixir, at this early stage.

The spices here are nutmeg, and for me, the more prominent pimento. Same sort of spice found in K by D&G and Xeryus Rouge.

After this initial burst, it does become more floral. I was expecting to get more of the orange blossom note before the iris came fully into play.

Actually, the osmanthus comes through more for me. It’s much less of the fruity smelling type, actually it gives a suede/leather scent to Guilty Elixir.

The spice tones down, this Gucci cologne is fully in its floral, powdery, vanilla phase. Less warm, smooth, fresh, with a touch of fuzziness. Here’s where I do pick up some more of the orange blossom, since the nutmeg and pimento have toned down.

Guilty Elixir isn’t fully a ‘baby powder’ type of fragrance. Orris butter, vanilla, and orange blossom do lend a creaminess here and this cologne does have more of a sweetness to it for a good portion of the wear.

The dry down is pretty simple. Orris, vanilla, the ‘Ambrofix’ amber note, some leftover benzoin and patchouli. Mainly, it’s the vanilla and ambrofix.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s substantial, while having a definite light feeling to it. Guilty Elixir, does however, project quite far and creates a great scent bubble around you.

Not a massive reach, but well above average with just how far it will jump off of the skin. With a normal amount of spraying, I don’t think this Gucci disappoints.

Elixir performs well in terms of its longevity. I get somewhere in the 8-9.5 hour range, each time that I’ve sprayed in on.

It might be capable of more than that for some people, but it’s not elite status. Still better than others in the series, though.

Seasonally, I’d say this one can go autumn to pretty deep into springtime (depending on where you live). It’s not a scent for the hot weather, but Elixir can hold up on a reasonably warm day. Though, I’d mostly wear it when it’s chilly to moderate outside.

It’s very versatile outside of that. Not really a nightclub beast or necessarily one for romantic wear and not completely formal. But, as a daily wear and just about any other situation Guilty Elixir Pour Homme can fit in.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Elixir

Overall, do I like it? Sure, it’s different from the rest of the Guilty Pour Homme series, but it also doesn’t strike me as incredible. Likeable, for me. Other people might love this, especially if you are a fan of scents like Reflection.

I came back to this one after having the sample for a few months and forgetting about it. I’m a bit more positive on it than the first time, but I still don’t think it’s incredible. The opening act is my favorite part and the rest of it isn’t too exciting to my nose.

There’s no inherent weaknesses with Elixir. Performance is good across the board, its pleasant, and one that you can get plenty of use out of.

Since this is a higher price point than others in the Guilty series, I would try to test it out, to see if this one actually appeals to you.

The softer floral, powdery, vanilla scent isn’t going to be for everyone. This one is actually pretty unisex and if you want something more masculine, look elsewhere.

Gucci Guilty vs. Acqua di Gio

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, we have two popular choices from Italian designers, Acqua di Gio vs. Gucci Guilty. Which of these scents ultimately smells the best? Performs better? Is the top buy? I have worn each around, reviewed them (linked below), and now will compare each in a variety of categories to select the best.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Gucci Guilty

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

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

Opening

Gucci Guilty starts off with a strong blast of citrus from the lemon note, that is flanked by warm amber, and calming lavender. It smooth and fresh with a bit of spice lurking underneath the surface. Guilty has a floral tinge from the orange blossom and neroli, with a cedar base. Very nice.

Acqua di Gio opens up with a blend of citrus notes of bergamot and tangerine. These notes are accompanied by marine notes, which gives this fragrance its aquatic aroma, and some jasmine undertones.

As it moves along, it will develop more of its aquatic elements and slight smokiness. Guilty stays with its bright and warm disposition. I have always loved that sea breeze accord and the way that it plays off of the citrus.

Which do I prefer? I actually like the way that Gucci Guilty starts off, better than, Acqua di Gio. The lemon note is great, it’s soaked in amber, with a nice lavender coming through. It’s simple and effective.

Yes, AdG has a lot going for it, and this is a close contest. But, that start from Guilty has something special about it to me. Not a massive edge, but the Gucci takes this one.

Edge: Guilty

Projection

At the start, both of these fragrances have pretty similar sillage, that could be characterized as in the moderate range. You notice it, but not overpower a room.

Guilty, however, lightens up quicker than does the Armani. It becomes more light and airy, a few hours in.

If we were talking about the original formulations of each, AdG would take this one pretty easily. Even in there latest states, the edge for Acqua is pretty apparent.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Longevity

Wearing Gucci Guilty, I only seem to ever get 5-6 hours of wear, from it. Pretty average, not spectacular. Acqua di Gio is somewhat better, clocking in at 6-7 hours, on my skin. Not a massive difference, but it’s noticeable.

AdG used to be even better, than its current incarnation. Nonetheless, it can still outdo the original Gucci Guilty, with its performance.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Versatility

Each of these fragrances, is extremely versatile in its uses. Both mainly fit in during the spring/summer months, but can easily be worn year round without problem.

Neither is a formal fragrance, but they’re also not only for teenagers. They can appeal to a very wide audience, which explains the massive sales success of each over the decades.

They are also both safe to wear to class or the office, casually, or even out on a date. There’s not really an edge in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is a pretty close call between these competitors. I really like Acqua di Gio and it is a classic, at this point in time. It’s got a great citrus marine profile, with supporting floral and wood notes. It also has better performance than does Gucci Guilty.

I like how Guilty smells. I prefer how it starts out, with the great lemon, floral, and amber notes. It’s very simple and straightforward, but that orange blossom and lavender, plays very well off of the citrus. Clean and bright.

However, I still think the Acqua di Gio is the better fragrance. The dry down period of Acqua di Gio and the better performance, gives it the edge, in my opinion. Is it miles better?

No, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Guilty is a pretty basic scent. It is unique in how it presents itself, but not much depth there. I think that I’d pick Guilty Black and probably Intense over it, but not the original Guilty.

Even then, that’s not a sure thing, as I really do like AdG and it can still be a signature daily wear for a lot of people.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Guilty Cologne by Gucci

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Oh, Gucci, you never do stop with the Guilty flankers do you? For 2019, the subject of today’s review was released, Guilty Cologne. Not a very original name, nor does it have any real connection to the rest of the Guilty line of fragrances. But, how does it smell? Does this scent have good performance? Is it worth a buy?

What does Guilty Cologne by Gucci Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, juniper berries, rosemary, violet, cypress, cedar, patchouli, heliotrope, musk

Click here to try: Gucci Guilty Cologne by Gucci, 1.6 oz EDT Spray for Men

My Full Review

I first tried out Guilty Cologne back in August, while I was out shopping. My first overall thought upon smelling it was, why do they keep using the Guilty name for fragrances, that don’t smell at all like the original Guilty?

Secondly, I was actually kind of taken aback, as to what I was smelling. It felt unique and different, while having familiar elements. I wasn’t sure if I enjoyed this fragrance or not.

As such, I’ve put off doing any sort of review for months, until I could spend much more time with it.

Guilty Cologne opens up with a fresh and rather sharp burst. Bergamot comes out really strong, to my nose, along with a fresh juniper. The juniper brings to mind Luna Rossa Sport, without the layer of lavender on top. 

The second layer in the opening, I get a lot of rosemary, but it seems to be wed to the cypress note. The tree note, will definitely come more into play later on. However, the rosemary and bergamot dominate the opening 20-30 minutes for me.

After that, they relinquish much of their initial power. A lightly powdery heliotrope comes in, the herbal spice/citrus sharpness gets toned down, and the woody freshness is amped up. Cedar, juniper berries, and cypress will do that. It becomes quite a green and clean aroma.

Finally, I get a very woodsy fragrance in the dry down. On my skin, the cypress comes through as the strongest note, with violet working in conjunction. Juniper, rosemary, and heliotrope follow. It’s dry, somewhat herbal and powdery, with a light sweetness around the edges. 

Not a super complex fragrance, but it is an interesting one.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatilty

I find that Guilty Cologne starts off strong and the sillage, can cover a large area around you. This is the case for the first hour. Second hour, is still moderately strong. After that, it’s pretty average. You’ll notice it, but it isn’t going to be a cloud of fragrance.

That opening act will definitely leave a solid scent trail in your wake. 7+ foot radius at its peak, before settling more into that 3 foot range later.

Longevity, sits in the 6-8 hour range. It’s good, but not amazing. A lot of the other Guilty scents, don’t seem to have a long life either, but this is such a distinct scent from those. It’s sort of in the middle of the pack, out of the Guilty lineup.

Seasonally, I wouldn’t be opposed to wearing this year round. However, on mild to slightly warm days, this Gucci cologne seems to be in top form. I like the idea of this in spring and early autumn, the air isn’t too thick with humidity and it will be the right temperature for Cologne to do its thing.

I like it as a casual to semi-formal fragrance. If you don’t spray too much, it would be fine for office wear. Has a fresh and masculine disposition, but not really a club beast, nor romantic wear. It could work in a variety of situations, but not really built specifically for such a purpose.

Overall Impression of Guilty Cologne

Do I like this scent? The more time with it, the more I lean toward it being enjoyable. Yeah, that sounds weird, but this is a unique smell and not the usual style that I personally go for. 

The opening act is pretty sharp and if you don’t like rosemary, this one will almost certainly be a pass. I have grown fond of the cypress, I enjoy juniper, and the violet doesn’t bother me in this composition.

The performance is above average, also. The whole thing comes across as interesting, just not excellent. Guilty Cologne will for sure have its dedicated fans.

It’s overall a good fragrance. Not the best, but certainly one, which can be a solid wear for the right guy. I would check for this one, when it’s getting discounted way down and price. Then, I’d say it’s a buy, but probably not for full retail.

4 Best Smelling Gucci Bloom Perfumes

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Gucci Bloom has become a tremendously popular product for Gucci over the past few years. As a result, the brand has released several flankers, based on the best selling formula. One critique of the releases has been that they do have lots of overlap between one another.

Which is true. So, how does one select a Bloom perfume and which fragrances are among the top picks that have been brought to market thus far? Here is my list of the top options, after testing them out.

What are the Top Gucci Bloom Perfumes?

A Bolder Option

Ambrosia di Fiori– Very similar to the original Bloom, but definitely a bit different, and with more power behind it. Ambrosia di Fiori has a great opening honeysuckle note, with a less green-ish smell than Bloom, and a big use of tuberose later on in the wear.

Ambrosia also has a rose note, which makes it distinct from the original, and does add something to an already familiar blend. The rose doesn’t completely overpower everything else, though. It has a nice balance.

If you want a bigger, bolder, and heavier version of Bloom with some slight differences, this is the one to get. Very solid performance to go along with everything else. Ambrosia di Fiori Review

top gucci bloom

Best Seller

Gucci Bloom for Women Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Bloom is obviously the original and the most popular option, from the brand. However, it is still absolutely among the best of the entire line, and very worth trying out.

It is a tuberose led fragrance, that maintains a balance, and becomes a gorgeous floral perfume.

It’s a clean floral with a solid dose of jasmine, with a hint of honeysuckle. Fresh, green, with some spice at the top.

Bloom gives a good performance, with a not too powerful sillage, and a creamy sandalwood ending. All of which have become hallmarks of the other flanker scents, that have subsequently been released.

best gucci perfume for women

Pure White Floral

Gocce di Fiori– Bloom Gocce di Fiori, is like the stripped down version of Bloom EDP. It does away with much of the ancillary notes and goes for the trio of floral notes at the heart of this line. Honeysuckle, tuberose, and jasmine.

Gocce di Fiori is one for those who want the pure bouquet effect and something that is lighter than the rest of the line of perfumes.

It has an airy type of feel, with more jasmine in the mix, than the original. It’s still got some of the sweeter elements in there, but they are very faint and short-lived.

Still very much like the original, but if you want a sheer option, with a heavier weighting to jasmine, than Bloom EDP; this can be a great bet. Gocce di Fiori Review

Best Newer Bloom Release

Profumo di Fiori– Alright, so this is the newest of the Gucci Bloom scents. Like, brand new. I had a chance to smell this a few days ago, but based on first impressions, I’m putting Profumo di Fiori on the list of best. I was impressed. Update: I’ve now tried again and reviewed it.

Jasmine and ylang-ylang are already very familiar to me, but Rangoon creeper is more of a factor in this one.

Wow, I really enjoyed that note, when paired with the the other two main floral ingredients. It is also in Ambrosia di Fiori, but really was not much of a factor comparatively.

The opening really goes strong with the usual white floral notes. One change is the ‘sun-drenched wood’ accord. This gives a sunny a energetic feel to Profumo di Fiori.

You will get a period where ylang-ylang and sandalwood are strong within the composition, along with the Rangoon Creeper. But, that will shift more towards the jasmine and tuberose during the dry down phase.

It feels bright and has a creamy warmth to it, with enough woodiness to make things interesting. I don’t think that it’s ‘mind-blowing’, but this is a fantastic release from Gucci. Profumo di Fiori Review

Green Naturalistic Floral

Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori for Women 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– Yes, the Gucci Bloom DNA is built around the white floral notes. But, what if you want something along those lines, just less reliant on tuberose?

Bloom Acqua di Fiori is one that I’ve come around on, since giving it a go. This one has a more citrus/green/grassy/aquatic profile than the others in the Bloom line.

Early on, it features a light lemon note and heavier galbanum. The effect is an aquatic aroma, that I likened to sitting by a pond, in the middle of a flower garden.

That lemon and galbanum up top give it a cold and bright freshness, with a slightly grassy finish. Then, the cassis and honeysuckle also come into the picture.

The one main distinction is the much lighter use of tuberose versus other editions. That gives Acqua di Fiori more of a green floral aroma than the usual white. Freesia and lily of the valley provide the watery qualities of this perfume.

Those two floral notes will really come to dominate the composition. Moderate in its sillage and longevity. I got between 6-7 hours of wear from Acqua. Very nice. Acqua di Fiori review