Our take
What does L'Instant Magic smell like?
September 2007 saw Guerlain release L'Instant Magic as an eau de parfum, in a bottle close to L'Instant de Guerlain's but tinted black. Randa Hammami of Symrise composed it with Sylvaine Delacourte. Delacourte said the new scent shared only its freshness with its older sibling. She even nicknamed it 'Muscinade' as a nod to the Guerlinade. Bergamot opens alone, bright and brief. Rose and freesia then form a light heart that is more sheer than heady. The base is where things get interesting. Almond brings a soft marzipan note over cedar and sandalwood. White musks wrap it all up like clean laundry. L'Instant de Guerlain played the floral oriental card with honey. L'Instant Magic prefers skin and cotton, which makes it far easier to wear every day. It is a quiet scent that rewards close sniffing.
When to wear it
A daytime scent for the office or a low-key date. Three sprays is not too many since the musk stays close to the body.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody, Musky family. L'Instant Magic is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
