It has now been almost 8 years since I’ve started a love story with Guerlain. My first encounter with this prestigious perfume house was when my boyfriend gifted me with Idylle for my 20th birthday (brownie points for him!). Since then, I’ve discovered many more wonders from Guerlain including Après l’Ondée, Aqua Allegoria, Jicky, Shalimar and Mon Guerlain, just to name just a few. The fragrances never disappoint and truly showcase the excellence in perfumery.
For this second perfume series, I’m excited to share with you my olfactive journey on Guerlain’s latest fragrance: Mon Guerlain Eau de Toilette. Continuing to pay tribute to a contemporary femininity, this perfume explores a new facet of femininity, one of a free, accomplished woman. The Eau de Toilette is a fresher take on the original Eau de Parfum and has a boosted dose of lavender blended with joyful mandarin notes. It’s the perfect fragrance to wear when transitioning from summer to autumn, especially since we’ve been having quite a mild September.
Key Notes
Top: Carla lavender, mandarin
Heart: Sambac jasmine
Base: Tahitian vanilla
Olfactive classification: Oriental Citrus
What to expect
Mon Guerlain Eau de Toilette opens with an overdose of lavender in the best possible way. The floral character of lavender is very present here, bringing smoothness to the perfume. Very quickly there is a distinct note of mandarin zest, just like when you’re peeling a mandarin. This slightly green note adds a sparkling and joyful character to the perfume. A fizzy freshness. Following this burst of freshness, a mysterious, sensual jasmine comes into play, adding a touch of complexity and femininity. Finally, a spicy and sophisticated vanilla bean note dances with jasmine. If you’re a fan of gourmand fragrances, but those on the lighter side, you will love this new Eau de Toilette!
My olfactive journey
As soon as I spray this perfume onto my wrist, I’m immediately transported to the South of France. It reminds me of the time when I went horseback riding around the lavender fields in Provence. I couldn’t stop obsessing over the endless strips of deep purple and how beautiful they looked contrasting with the blue sky. And oh, that heavenly scent! I wanted to experience this moment again and decided to go to the Hitchin Lavender field just outside of London. It’s such a pretty place and you can even pick your own lavender!
I decided to do a little outfit change (because one outfit is never enough) to symbolise the arrival of the mandarin note in the perfume.
Upon smelling my wrist a second time, I’m now surrounded by pastel coloured houses in the South of France. I can never resist the urge of getting lost in charming little alleys, on the hunt for hidden passageways or stopping at every other boutique.
I also wouldn’t miss the excitement of the morning market. Happy merchants, fresh local fruits and vegetables, spices, the inevitable olive stall, artisanal soaps, essences, fabrics…
And then we have the Cure Gourmande. It’s THE ultimate candy store for adults. Sweet tooth satisfaction guaranteed. There’s a full spectrum of traditionally made pastries ranging from calissons and berlingot sweets to shortbread biscuits with raspberry filling and chocolate covered almonds disguised as olives. This reminds me of the gourmand aspect of Mon Guerlain Eau de Toilette. It’s just the dream!
This Eau de Toilette isn’t your typical gourmand fragrance. It maintains its freshness and leaves a romantic trail, just like a peaceful walk through beautiful nature. It’s a true ode to femininity. What an enchanting journey!
Outfits & Accessories
Dresses: DigM by Hempel, Coast, Zara
Top: La Perla
Trousers: Zara, Devernois
Sweater: Mango
Belt: Morgan
Shoes: Zara, Mango
Bag: Bagus, Tommy Hilfiger
Scarf: Hermès
Jewellery: H&M, Frangos, Ikita
Beauty
Face: Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 01 Gold Dust, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Concealer in 2C Light Medium, Lumene Invisible Illumination Nordic Glow Palette
Eyes: Estée Lauder Pure Color Instant Intense Eyeshadow Trio in 08 Sterling Plums, Too Faced Natural Eyes Neutral Eyeshadow Collection, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in 01 Onyx, Benefit They’re Real mascara in black, Estée Lauder Brow Now Brow Defining Pencil in 02 Light Brunette
Lips: Estée Lauder Pure Color Love Crème Lipstick in Hot Rumor, Dior Dior Addict Extreme in 356 Cherie Bow
Nails: Essie Nail Lacquer in Fiji
Disclaimer
Sample and images are my own.
Again beautifully written and illustrated Josephine. I bought Mon Guerlain a few months ago and adore it but you have definitely brought it more to life in this review. Well done 😄
Author
Hi Morag,
That’s so kind of you! I’m glad you like the review. So excited to share the dessert next week, it’s quite different. Healthy again though 😉
Josephine x