Our take
What does Eau de Guerlain smell like?
Jean-Paul Guerlain composed Eau de Guerlain in 1974, when the house already had several colognes on its shelves. This one stands out for its structure. Lemon and bergamot open brightly, while basil and petitgrain bring an aromatic green. Guerlain describes it as a nod to Provence. Caraway, an aniseed spice you rarely meet, bridges the gap. The heart hides darker flowers than you would expect: carnation and jasmine, rose and a touch of patchouli. The base is even more surprising for a cologne. Oakmoss, amber and musk give it the staying power and roundness of a proper perfume. The citrus fades fast and leaves that musky base behind. Against Eau de Cologne Impériale, which is fizzier and simpler, Eau de Guerlain feels more grown up and woodier. It has been reformulated, and recent batches are said to sit closer to the original.
When to wear it
A summer cologne to spray generously after a shower, on skin and shirt collar. It suits men and women alike, and the base lasts longer than you might think.
It belongs to the Citrus, Aromatic family. Eau de Guerlain is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
