Our take
What does Idylle smell like?
Idylle came out in 2009. It was one of the first feminines by Thierry Wasser, who became Guerlain's perfumer in 2008. The house highlights Bulgarian roses picked at dawn. The opening is fruity and clear. Lychee and raspberry bring a light tartness and freesia a fresh veil. The heart is a spring bouquet of lily of the valley, peony and lilac around jasmine and rose. The rose ends up on top, with a honeyed texture. The base rests on what Guerlain calls a chypre accord. In practice that means clean patchouli and white musks, with no real oakmoss. It smells expensive and smooth. Compared with Narciso Rodriguez For Her, its closest relative, Idylle is rosier and fruitier. Critics have said it follows trends rather than setting them, and that's fair. It's still a real pleasure to wear.
When to wear it
A spring floral for the office or lunch. Two sprays at the base of the neck. It lasts well without taking over the room.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Idylle is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
