Guerlain 1860 EDC

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Imperiale

by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain

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Guerlain Imperiale is a Cologne launched in 1860, created by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain. Imperiale opens with Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, and Neroli, settles into a heart of Citrus, and dries down to a base of Cedar, Tonka Bean, and Rosemary. Guerlain's Imperiale carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This legendary Guerlain eau de cologne is an absolute masterpiece in scent profile - bright, refreshing, and utterly timeless. Just don't expect it to stick around; its fleeting nature is both its charm and its biggest drawback. Love it for its invigorating embrace, but prepare for frequent reapplication.
What our verdicts mean →
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  • Clean
  • Classic
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  • Relaxed
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Imperiale Cologne bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Short (2-4h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Light

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport

Its refreshing, light character makes it perfect for casual wear, office settings (due to its non-existent sillage) and post-sport invigoration. However, its poor longevity and extreme subtlety mean it's not ideal for occasions where you want your fragrance to make an impression, like dates or formal events.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Lippia citriodora absolute from Lemon Verbena
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

A vibrant burst of zesty lemon and bergamot greets you, brightened by delicate neroli and a hint of green verbena. This electrifying citrus symphony soon settles into a subtly aromatic heart where fresh rosemary mingles with the clean, grounding scent of cedar. The experience culminates in a whisper of tonka, adding a touch of smooth warmth without losing its crisp edge.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Imperiale Cologne - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Imperiale Cologne - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 6 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.