Guerlain 2008 Edp

U £££££

Cruel Gardénia

by Sylvaine Delacourte , Randa Hammami

Guerlain Cruel Gardénia is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2008, created by Sylvaine Delacourte and Randa Hammami. The fragrance opens with Rose, Peach, and Neroli, settles into a heart of Violet, Gardenia, and Ylang-Ylang, and dries down to a base of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, and Tonka Bean.

Our verdict on Cruel Gardénia: Favourite

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

ScentArt

Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 6%
Floral 46%
Fruity 12%
Green 4%
Sweet 35%
Warm 3%
Woody 7%
Earthy 2%
Animalic 14%
Fresh 10%

Mood Profile

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

Performance

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

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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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.