guerlain

Idylle by Guerlain

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I’m back with another review of a ladies’ fragrance. This time it’s Idylle, a release from Guerlain Paris which came out in 2009. It comes in a water droplet shaped bottle and features many floral notes. I’m going to explore how it smelled, performed, when it could be worn, and if it is worth a purchase.

What does Idylle Smell Like?

Notes: freesia, rose, raspberry, lily of the valley, musk, peony, lilac, patchouli, litchi

Click here to try: Idylle by Guerlain, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

I’m not a huge fan of the smell of roses, so when I saw that it was a not in Idylle, I thought that it might overpower the rest of the composition and make me not enjoy it. That actually wasn’t the case.

The opening is like a bouquet of floral notes with some raspberry and litchi to give it a slightly fruity aroma. The main floral that stands out is the Lily of the Valley note which is accompanied by a tempered rose.

What I like about Idylle, is that, as a floral it doesn’t become to ‘green’ and plant like. Nor does it fall too much into the trap of overdoing it with white flowers.

It’s a great mix of several different floral notes that creates a bright and upbeat fragrance. It is a sophisticated and very feminine scent, that never strays into grandma or little girl territory.

As it dries down, Idylle picks up more of the musk note which I feel rounds it out and doesn’t overwhelm. Idylle seems to be very well blended and while the lily is the main player, it is more of a team effort between all of the notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection on this perfume falls somewhere between moderate and strong. It isn’t a beast but I was always aware of its presence.

I think that first hour or so is going to produce a nice scent trail for the wearer. After that, it’ll be above what the average fragrance provides, but not hitting elite levels.

The longevity is also solid but not insane, probably 6-7 hours of good wear. Testing Idylle out a few times, this is all that it seemed capable of. Better sillage and projection versus how long it actually lasts on skin.

Idylle is a bright womanly scent that could be worn in mostly casual or just daily wear situations. I honestly like it enough that I would want to smell it on a woman that I was dating. I don’t think I’d call it sexy, more like very pretty and attractive.

But, it is one that should offer plenty of opportunities to spray it on before you leave the house. Not a super unique standout, though it can certainly serve a function in one’s perfume rotation.

This is a warmer weather scent, so spring/summer. The florals, fruits, greenish qualities all make this Guerlain ideal for these two seasons.

Overall Impressions of Idylle

Overall, is Idylle worth a buy? If you like florals, yes. This Guerlain perfume does a great job at not becoming dominated by one note or just making you feel like you’re stuck in a garden. A good balance and very wearable.

Idylle is feminine and enjoyable while also being a pretty nice performer. If spiciness or sweetness is your thing, look elsewhere, but everyone else should like this fragrance and not be too offended by it.

Lily of the valley and some periods of rose, are really the two standouts from the balance of this fragrance. Even then, it’s a slight advantage over the other notes. A nice musky period to add to the cleanliness of Idylle’s floral arrangement.

To me, this is a pretty good scent across the board. I’m not overly enthusiastic about Idylle, while I do like it to some extent. It’s sort of a dumb reach floral scent. Easy to wear and will fit in many occasions.

Shalimar EDT by Guerlain

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Shalimar EDT is a flanker of a different concentration to the original Eau de Parfum. Lots of similarities, but how does it differ? What does the EDT version smell like and is it actually worthwhile to try? I grabbed a sample recently to test it out for a full site review and share my thoughts below.

What does Shalimar EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla, tonka bean

Click here to try: Shalimar EDT

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: A vibrant contrast between the fresh flight of citrus and the bewitching sensuality of both vanilla and powdery notes. Shalimar, let you senses take over…

Shalimar EDT opens with a strong use of the bergamot note up top. Obviously, it’s quite similar to the eau de parfum version. However, this one has a spicier kick early on versus the smokier aroma I get with EDP.

It also has some leathery facets to the aroma, courtesy of the tonka bean and vanilla, but less so than EDP. The bergamot here calms way down, on my skin, and this shifts more towards a powdery floral fragrance.

The iris, leads the way, and it seems like any rose and jasmine sort of just blend together into a more generic floral accord.

It becomes powdery, fresh, sweet, warm, with a light dynamic citrus still lingering. Mostly going to be all about that iris and vanilla combination, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Another difference with the EDP, is with the performance. Shalimar EDT isn’t a weak scent, but there’s a noticeable step down versus the original.

Still, that first hour or two is plenty strong. It isn’t a complete bomb that’s going to reach across of the room. After that, this one will be much more mild. Noticeable, but not popping hugely off of the skin.

The longevity is pretty good, just not great. For me, Shalimar EDT will last somewhere in the 6-6.5 hour range max. That is one drawback, with the EDT, it’s not a great performer by any stretch.

Seasonally, you’re more likely to get to use this one in the autumn and wintertime. Though, I think that it’d be just fine during the spring months too. Summer, is too hot and humid in most places for this to be very useful.

Within this timeframe, Shalimar can be used as a daily wear, casual, and pretty much whenever else you’d want to wear it. Not really a party perfume but it is attractive scent that is clean and non-offensive. Very versatile scent.

Overall Impressions of Shalimar EDT

Overall, is this one worth it? Absolutely. Shalimar is one of my personal favorite classic perfumes and the EDT is a great representation, with some of it’s own unique touches.

However, I do still prefer the original to this, and I think that Parfum Initial is about neck and neck with Shalimar EDT.

With EDT, I enjoy the bergamot and spicy top a lot. You get a nice amount of time with the citrus note and some more dynamism when compared to the EDP. Powdery and sweet with the iris and vanilla finish. It’s enjoyable as well, just not to the same level as the totality of EDP.

It might not be different enough for some people to warrant having a bottle of both. In that case, I’d definitely go with the Eau de Parfum first. But, if you want a somewhat gentler finish (less smoke and leathery aroma) with plenty of powder, then the EDT might be a good bet as your first option.

Shalimar Parfum Initial by Guerlain

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Shalimar is a fragrance line that is approaching 100 years and is beyond famous, at this point. However, Guerlain does still create flankers of its classic formula, like 2011’s, Parfum Initial. I got a sample of this one, since I hadn’t ever tried it out before. How does Shalimar Parfum Initial smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Shalimar Parfum Initial Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, orange, iris, vanilla, caramel, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean, musk

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: An initiation into Guerlain’s most legendary fragrance. A luminous interpretation with ambery floral notes

Parfum Initial opens up with a focus on its citrus notes, but I catch a good deal of vetiver, in the opening moments. Fresh, somewhat smoky vanilla, with a slight greenish vibe, and an additional patchouli.

The iris in the midst of this environment, smells dustier than the eventual more powdery dry down. It’s all dynamic and interesting, without too much connection to the original Shalimar. Though, you can tell it’s related.

The citrus notes fade, the vetiver calms down, and I start to get more of the floral notes and sweeter touches. Rose, never takes over the iris, but it certainly has a place in the first 30-45 minutes of this one.

Vanilla, tonka bean, with a touch of caramel. It is interesting, sometimes that caramel feels stronger, and other wears I basically get none.

Anyway, we start to get more of the powdery force of the iris note. Powdery floral warmth, with musk, and the sweeter notes start to clump together. I do like that the woodiness sticks around to provide Shalimar Parfum Initial a solid base.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I found this one to be pretty powerful for at least a few hours, and above average for the rest of the way. Not weak stuff, but will comfortably pop off of the skin and leave a trail in your wake.

Pafrum Initial is really good with how long it lasts, but doesn’t hit the double digit hour mark for me. During testing, it was somewhere in the 8-9 hour range. Which is what you’d need for just about anytime you’d want to use it.

Seasonally, with the iris and vanilla and whatnot, this Shalimar is best for the autumn and winter months of the year. It’s just fine in the more moderate temperatures, but is at its best in the chillier weather.

It also does have plenty of versatility within that. It does lean more feminine, but could be a unisex type of wear for some people. As a man, I’d personally go with something like Dior Homme Intense instead, if I wanted an iris fragrance. Though, this works too.

This Shalimar is also quite approachable as a daily wear. It’s has style and class, but isn’t too heavy or serious. Can fit a variety of situations and not feel out of place.

Overall Impressions of Parfum Initial

Overall, do I like Shalimar Parfum Initial? I do. This is a great perfume from Guerlain, with nice balance, and a more modern interpretation of the fragrance.

From the citrus, to the smoky vanilla, the vetiver opening, and the use of the iris note. This is a perfume that does everything well. It’s not going to be declared my favorite scent or anything, just one that is enjoyable the whole way through.

The performance doesn’t disappoint, and while you know it’s a Shalimar perfume, it has enough of its own character to stand as a distinct and separate fragrance.

It’s one that’s worth trying out, if you can still get a hold of it.

Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDP vs Extreme

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Ideal Extreme and Eau de parfum are two of the most popular and sought after colognes from this Guerlain line. The question is, which fragrance is really better? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy? In this post, I break down and compare each cologne based on my experience in testing each.

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme Ideal EDP vs. Extreme

Notes include: cherry, almond, lavender, vanilla, incense, rose, rosemary, leather, tonka bean, and more

Click here to try: L’Homme Ideal EDP at Selfridges (ships from UK)

Ideal Extreme

Notes include: plum, almond, tobacco, heliotrope, leather, cinnamon, bergamot, pink pepper, patchouli, cedar

Click here to try: Ideal Extreme from Selfridges

Read my review: Ideal Extreme

Opening

Ideal EDP opens with its natural cherry and almond blend. The opening features a slight spiciness, but it is overall a very smooth and refined opening act. Leather, vanilla, and other warmer hints are coming through from the base.

I actually get a nice dose of leather with Extreme early on in the wear. It’s not a total dominant note, but it is there. With that you get pink pepper and cinnamon spice in the background.

The dried fruit aroma of plum, with a dash of citrus at the very beginning, and the signature almond note. The mix isn’t a juicy fruit and that plum note adds a tart quality versus something sweeter like EDP.

Which is better? It is a very close call for me. The opening of each, is my favorite aspect of both scents.

Yet, I think that I slightly prefer the cherry, almond, and vanilla blend more so than that of the plum and leather ingredients.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Before trying each out, I would’ve thought Extreme would’ve been an absolute powerhouse, based on the name. Not so much.

Both of these are actually pretty moderate with the sillage. Strong openers, sure. After that, noticeable and solid, just nothing beast mode. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

The longevity with both of these fragrances is in the 8-9.5 hour range, on my skin. There’s no real difference in this category. Each provides a nice, albeit not elite amount of wear.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these are autumn and winter wears. Each can be versatile within that time frame. Casual and nightlife options are about equal.

However, I think that Ideal Extreme is a bit better for something like the office, with less of the sweetness that the EDP can have. It might also be better for dates, as cherry can be hit or miss for some people.

Edge: Extreme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes do I actually prefer? This is really neck and neck between them.

With Extreme, I like that opening act. That leather note, the later tobacco, and the presence of the Ideal almond. Everything about the fragrance is at least good. There’s no particular flaw with the scent.

But, I do like Ideal EDP just a tiny bit more. I’ve long gone back and forth between them, but after this last round, I can safely say that I like EDP more.

The cherry note is what does it for me. Vanilla, almond, and the floral accords only further seal the deal.

The performance of each is about equal, so this one really does come down to which scent you prefer. For me, it’s EDP.

Winner: Ideal EDP

11 Best Smelling Guerlain Perfumes for Women

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Guerlain is a French design house which has been around for seemingly ever. They have a ton of fragrances for both men and women, many of which are simply fantastic.

Seeing as they have had decades upon decades to put out work, it is no wonder that any attempted list to capture the best would be incomplete no matter what.

However, for this one I have selected eleven of what I feel are the best smelling perfumes, that are available today, representing different styles and levels of popularity.

Favorite Ladies Fragrances from Guerlain

Most Popular

Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum–  Mon Guerlain has become a best seller since its release over the past few years. The EDP opens up as a very sweet and warm fragrance, in a similar vein to both, Black Opium and BonBon.

As it moves along, it moves away from those two, but the opening are quite a bit alike.

What Mon Guerlain ultimately becomes, is a blend of vanilla, lavender, and jasmine notes. The perfume is very smooth and a sweet floral. It isn’t too heavy of a fragrance or overly complicated.

Mon Guerlain is a scent that is great for daily wear and obviously enjoys a mass appeal. Even with its moderate sillage, this is one that can indeed last a full work day and go beyond. Great balance and an easy choice. Mon Guerlain Review

Sunny, Salty Ylang-Ylang

Embruns d’Ylang by Guerlain– This one is a high-end ylang-ylang fragrance from Guerlain. The company itself, seems to be the only one selling full bottles right now. With the price, you’d do well to track down a sample on eBay or somewhere else.

That being said, Embruns d’Ylang is a bright and coastal yellow floral fragrance. It has a beachy sea salt ‘spray’ note that gives the perfume a nice contrast with how it plays off of the ylang-ylang note.

I have only smelled this once, but I didn’t find it to be all that salty. Beautiful, just not heavy on that aspect.

It’s a bit sweet, but that saltiness seems to pair with the wood, upon first applying. Then, some jasmine. The ylang-ylang feels pretty thick in this and it has a rather strong sillage, at least early. Still, I’d try before buying to see if it vibes with you.

Springtime Floral 

Champs Elysees By Guerlain Eau-de-toilette Spray, 1.7-Ounce– A moderate floral fragrance featuring notes of mimosa, black currant, lilac, and almond wood. A green powdery type of scent reminiscent of a spring day.

It opens up with soft and sweet fruits, with that light almond note poking through the aroma. Then, the floral notes being to emerge, mainly lilac at first. Mimosa follows with lily-of-the-valley, before the whole thing blends together in a beautiful oneness.

Leans more floral than fruity, but it does have enough balance, to actually enjoy the fruit notes. Champs Elysees has undergone a few incarnations, over the years, and this latest iteration has been a well-loved edition for over 20 years now.

The Orange Blend

Aqua Allegoria Nerolia Bianca– One of my newer entries to the list, from the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria collection. The orange blossom note here actually shares the spotlight with neroli and bitter orange notes.

Very orangey and each seems to get its own time to shine in the top weighted spot.

Petitgrain joins the mix, but the overall scent is pretty darn linear with how it presents. Bitter orange early, orange blossom middle, and neroli is probably the most prominent during the ending stages of Nerolia Bianca.

This has a great freshness of orange and has a definite greenish aroma in the beginning. The soapiness isn’t to the same degree as some of the others on the list. Nice performance for this style of scent, also.

A Classic Guerlain Perfume

Samsara By Guerlain For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces– One of the most popular choices on this list. Violet, vanilla, sandalwood, rose, and iris. Floral, woodsy, and slightly spicy. Oriental in its aroma. Feminine floral with sandalwood.

Intoxicating jasmine and iris create that familiar powdery aroma with a creamy finish. It’s been around for decades, so, there are different formulations at this point…which yield slightly different results.

Samsara still opens with it’s fruity notes of peach and citrus, leading the way, and its light floral ingredients just beginning to come through.

That phase is short-lived and the flowers really take on a stronger role, with ylang-ylang, iris, rose, and jasmine being the major players.

Finally, the rest of the wear becomes sweeter and warmer, with tonka bean, vanilla, and our sandalwood note. Powdery, fresh, warm, creamy, and sweet. Beyond that, a fantastic performer, that will last for many hours.

Creamy Sweet White Floral

L’instant De Guerlain By Guerlain For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 2.7 Ounces– Another floral that is sweetened by a honey note. Definitely a feminine scent for daily wear. L’Instant de Guerlain opens up with its fruity notes soaked in a honey sweetness.

Light citrus and apple, which soon fades in favor of the floral ingredients, iris and magnolia. It is super smooth and warm, at times powdery from the iris, but more about the honey and magnolia. Plus, a creamy vanilla note, which only adds to the appeal.

Coconut Awesome

Aqua Allegoria Coconut Fizz by Guerlain– A unique smelling coconut dominant perfume, that seems to be getting tougher to track down in stores, nowadays. Yet, it is a great option from Guerlain.

Rather than the usual vanilla creaminess getting paired with coconut. This one has a fresher and watery element to it. Bergamot, coconut fruit, coconut water, and what I think are melon notes? Something smelling sort of like watermelon, at least.

Light and airy, freesia delivers the floral aspect and some of the watery elements to this one. It doesn’t go too aquatic for that long and you do get some of the usual creaminess between the coconut and later tonka bean in the base.

I imagine this one will be pretty expensive soon. I wouldn’t pay a very high price for a bottle as it becomes scarce, but if you can find one at a lower cost, it can be worthwhile to pick up.

Bold Smoky Classic

Guerlain Shalimar Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3 Ounce– An absolute classic of a scent. Shalimar is an exotic blend of vanilla, citrus, rose, jasmine, leather, and musk. It’s got a nice bit of citrus, that floats around in the smokiness of incense, and plays well off of the leather note.

The citrus is pretty strong up front, but then the smoky, vanilla, and leather trio will move in and push the fruits aside.

The EDP is still my favorite. I like Parfum Initial, also. EDT is good, but not to the same level as those two.

At times, you will get more of a powdery feel from Shalimar, then, the smoky and warmth with sweet vanilla. It’s been around forever, still appreciated, and still a great performer.

There have been many flankers of Shalimar, that have been released over the years, but I have to give the original its due. Shalimar EDP review

Powdery Berry Scent

Insolence By Guerlain For Women, Eau De Toilette Spray, 1.6-Ounce Bottle– A sweet blend of juicy berries and floral notes like violet, iris, and orange blossom. Insolence is long lasting and has a pronounced powdery finish, as is to be expected, when violet and iris get together.

Nonetheless, it isn’t a stuffy or overly-heavy fragrance, the raspberry and other berry notes keep things dynamic. Towards the end, there is a light musk, and a great sandalwood note at the base. This is a great floral fruity wear, rather simple, but delightful.

 

Pear Delight

Pera Granita– Pera is another one that I’ve tried and enjoyed from the Aqua Allegoria series from Guerlain. And, I’m not even a huge fan of pear as a note.

It starts off with a host of citrus note. Lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit. Those notes will have more power than the pear, in the very opening of the scent.

It’s a sour/tart beginning, but it will become sweeter rather quickly. Sparkling pear, jasmine, and cedar notes will be the main attraction. The tail end is the pear, musk, and floral notes coming through.

Not super complicated, but a really nice wear for the spring and summer months. Bits of spice and greenish aspects are also hear, but plenty enjoy with the pear alone.

Best Woodsy Perfume

Mitsouko by Guerlain 75ml 2.5oz EDP Spray– An earthy/woodsy type of scent which dates back to 1919. This is another classic, which has been somewhat modernized, over time.  Has a bit of spice up top and some sweetness provided by peach. More of a mature scent.

The oakmoss and vetiver, are the real stars of the show, providing a fresh woodsy dryness to the wear. As it dries down further the spices, including cinnamon, really support the woodsy notes well.

Hints of floral ingredients, such as rose, have their time in focus before they recede back into the mix.

Nevertheless, even with updating, Mitsouko is still going to be a niche wear for many who aren’t used to the older styles. It is a big time performer, with a loud sillage, that can take a while to settle in.