Favourite

Guerlain 2008 EDP

F £££££

Cruel Gardénia

by Sylvaine Delacourte , Randa Hammami

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Guerlain Cruel Gardénia is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2008, created by Sylvaine Delacourte and Randa Hammami. Cruel Gardénia opens with Neroli, Rose, and Peach, settles into a heart of Violet, Ylang-Ylang, and Gardenia, and dries down to a base of Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Tonka Bean. Guerlain's Cruel Gardénia carries a Favourite verdict, a white floral-led wear.

Don't let the name fool you, there's nothing 'Cruel' about this; it's a soft, clean, musky floral. While many adore its elegant, creamy scent, others find it too subtle, fleeting, or just overpriced soap. It's a divisive scent, so sample it before you splurge.
  • Subtle
  • Elegant
  • Clean
  • Relaxed
  • Sophisticated
Cruel Gardénia Eau de Parfum bottle

Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Formal
Also Works:
Date

Its soft sillage and clean, understated floral-musk profile make it perfect for office or casual wear where you don't want to overwhelm. While elegant enough, its intimate nature and perceived poor longevity by some might make others prefer a stronger scent for formal events or nights out.

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Layer

Building a fragrance wardrobe? See what layers well with Cruel Gardénia Eau de Parfum - the best pairings, where to apply each, and how the blend scores.

Where to buy

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About

Cruel Gardénia opens with a gentle whisper of rose and neroli, softened by a creamy peach. The heart soon unfolds with a delicate bouquet of white florals - a restrained, almost powdery gardenia, intertwined with violet and exotic ylang-ylang. It settles into a warm, musky base, accented by creamy sandalwood, tonka bean, and a hint of vanilla, creating a clean, skin-like aura.