Eau de Guerlain was one of the first fragrances I purchased after becoming seriously interested in fragrance in 2003. It was created by Jean Paul Guerlain and launched in 1974, and is the most recent of the Guerlain Eaux range, which also includes Eau Imperiale (1853), Eau de Coq (1894), and Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat (1920). It is easily my favorite of them all, and one of my favorite summer fragrances in general. The notes for Eau de Guerlain are lemon, bergamot, verbena, neroli, thyme, oakmoss and tonka bean, although there are wildly varying lists of notes (as always) to be found online.
There isn’t so very much to say about it, and hopefully that will make up for yesterday’s unreasonably long post on Guerlain. Eau de Guerlain is a simple fragrance based on the traditional cologne theme, and the notes just about tell the story: citrus, lightly sweetened, a little rush of aromatic herbs (I have seen tarragon and mint listed in addition to the thyme, and possibly caraway as well), a blur of vague florals, a warm but not heavy dry down of moss and tonka bean, with maybe some light amber.
It smells like a summer day: earthy and grassy and mossy and fresh. It is hard to imagine a day too hot to wear it, but it has enough substance to stand up to chilly spring weather. There are a million other fragrances along the same lines, but none are quite so perfectly done.
Eau de Guerlain isn’t strong, and it doesn’t last. There is no sense complaining about it. It is sold in Guerlain’s iconic bee bottle, and you can find it most anywhere; try Froogle for a price comparison.
Note: image via CouleurParfum.
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Yes, I like this very much, but Oh, do I wish it lasted. I smelled this at the EPCOT boutique in Florida and loved it. I went to smell du Coq, but this one captured me more. If I could find a bottle for pretty cheap, I'd buy it without thinking twice, but normally I like my fragrances to last because I can't afford too many of them on my student budget. (Not like there's much that would stop me, but you know – I have to say that to sound human.)
R.,
I also like Eau de Guerlain very much. I am quite enamoured with all 4 of their Eaux actually. And as for poor lasting power, the very lovely Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat is even worse, it disappears on me within seconds
Simple is good. This is one of the few Guerlains that I have not tried, so I will keep it simple and stop right here. LOL!
Hugs!
I like my fragrances to last too, but usually a citrus that lasts is too brash. EdG hangs around for a couple of hours at most, and at the end there isn't much left but a bit of oakmoss — but on the other hand, it isn't outrageously expensive. Understand the student budget though!
Another range calling out for a coffret set in smaller bottles! I rarely see these in less than 100 ml, although I think they are made in 50 ml too.
I like Eau de Guerlain very much too. It has the kind of refined simplicity that is very pleasant on days when I crave something understated and uplifting.
Yes, it is very cheerful too. I suppose in a few years I'll be hunting for a vintage bottle of it, right?
You and I are both citrus fans. I feel about Cedrat the way you feel about this one. Sunshine in a bottle!
Oh how I love their citrus fragrances! I also love the bee bottle. I must invest in one of these when I have another lemon craving.
Do you know what the notes in Eau de Coq are? I haven't heard of this one.
Cedrat is lovely too. I'd like to have all of them.
Citrus, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, musk. I think it has oakmoss too. As with all the old Guerlains, it is hard to find a definitive list of notes online.
Oh good lord, your version of “unreasonably long” is still unreasonably good. While the rest of us tend to bloviate all the live long day, even your “long” is still pretty darn concise
Eau de Guerlain sounds lovely, btw.
I've wanted to get this ever since reading about it on Luca Turin's blog. And your recommendation makes me want it more. How does this compare, by the way, to another one of your faves and my lemming's, Carthusia Med…? Also, does it last any longer if you layer it with lotion?
Well thanks K
It is closer to a traditional cologne with citrus & oakmoss, like say, Borsari Acqua Classica or Eau de Rochas. It is much lighter and simpler than the Carthusia, and the dry down is warmer.
I am always wearing lotion, but haven't tried putting it over something really thick.