Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

Notes: peach, neroli, damask rose, ylang-ylang, white musk, violet, tonka bean, sandalwood

I got to try a dab of this in February and then again in April.  Both times, I thought I loved the scent, but not quite enough to need it.   When the opportunity to get a sample vial of the stuff came up, I jumped at the chance to try it again. I still like it - mostly - but not as much.

Cruel Gardenia is the most non-gardenia gardenia scent that I've smelled, and that might be part of what I like about it.  It's not vulgar nor voluptuous nor is it creamy and sweet. The opening is quite rosy - a gentle rose, like an old-fashioned scented cold cream or lipstick. It's soft-spoken and elegant yet somehow playful.  There's a definite white musk note, and a bit of powdery violet and the faintest whiff of woods in the drydown.  But there's also a floral quality that begins several minutes after application and escalates into a shrill note that's like sticking a knitting needle up my nostril into my brain.  It wasn't there in the tiny dabs I had experienced before, but is in full force with a more generous application.  Very Cruel indeed.

I suppose I should be thankful that it's keeping me from spending beaucoup bucks on another Guerlain fragrance, huh?  

I haven't read any similar experiences, so it's probably just me.  I think it's safe for you to try. :)