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Cruel Gardénia by Guerlain
2008 • Women

GUERLAIN
CRUEL GARDÉNIA

Guerlain's Cruel Gardénia opens with a delightful burst of juicy peach, complemented by the soft floral nuances of rose and the bright freshness of neroli. This initial impression sets a vibrant tone, giving way to a heart dominated by lush gardenia, complemented by the delicate sweetness of violet and the tropical warmth of ylang-ylang. As the fragrance evolves, it settles into a rich base where creamy sandalwood, sweet tonka bean, and warm vanilla intertwine with a musky undertone, creating a sensuous finish that lingers close to the skin. Best suited for women who appreciate a refined yet approachable fragrance, Cruel Gardénia shines in the warmer months of spring and summer, ideal for daytime wear. With moderate longevity and an intimate sillage, it wraps the wearer in a gentle cloud of white florals and subtle sweetness. This fragrance stands out in its category for its powdery elegance and soft complexity, making it a perfect choice for casual outings or brunches. If you enjoy fragrances that evoke a garden in bloom without overwhelming intensity, Cruel Gardénia is a lovely option worth exploring.

Community Rating
4.1
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(7,023)
person Perfumer Sylvaine Delacourte
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edit_noteFragranova Take

verifiedBy Fragranova Editors

The opening leans on neroli and rose, then a gardenia and violet accord takes over within the first hour. Musk, tonka bean, and sandalwood carry the base, which is where the wear ultimately lives. Expect a reasonable, well-behaved wear, not a beast, not a whisper. Hits hardest across summer and spring and leans daytime. Most wearers settle on liking it (4.1/5) rather than loving it, a safe rotation addition.

timerLONGEVITY

4-6 Hours55%
FLEETINGETERNAL

wavesSILLAGE

Moderate36%
INTIMATERADIATING

wc GENDER MAP

FEMININE UNISEX MASCULINE

calendar_month SEASON MAP

spa 28.3% SPRING
wb_sunny 35.8% SUMMER
eco 22.6% FALL
ac_unit 13.2% WINTER

schedule DAY / NIGHT

light_mode 65% DAY
dark_mode 36% NIGHT
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