I’m extremely grateful for all the fragrances I’ve acquired over the years as a beauty editor. Although I have a nice stock I can choose from to suit my mood, I always find that I come back to the same handful of fragrances and wear them on repeat. What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. It’s always a special feeling, though, when you spritz on something new and instantly know it will be part of that handful.
I had such an instance occur when I doused myself in Gucci’s latest addition to the Guilty family, Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme ($175). Not only did I immediately fall in love with the rich, heady scent, but I also received a compliment from a friend that I’d never gotten before. The first thing she said to me when I went in for a hug was, “OMG, you smell like an angel!” The highest praise coming from someone who has exquisite taste in fragrances.
If you love the Guilty line from Gucci, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on a few new fragrances from it that are sure to turn heads. Keep scrolling for my thoughts on my fave, Guilty Elixir Pour Femme, and its sister product, Pour Homme.
I’d previously sampled a few fragrances from the Guilty line, including Guilty Pour Femme ($100) and Guilty Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme ($175). I really loved how warm and soft the original two smelled on me, but Guilty Elixir Pour Femme offers something a little more intense. The sweetness of tonka bean and patchouli really stands out to me in this latest formulation. It blends beautifully with the top notes of rose and wisteria. These notes give it an airy, floral layer so it isn’t too sharp. I also have to talk about its lasting power—one word: impressive. I wore it to the launch party for the fragrances, and it truly lasted all day without even a touch-up.
If Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme sounds a little too sweet for you, worry not. Pour Homme offers something a little more floral and woodier. Pour Homme is intended to be a bit more “masculine,” but it features notes of orange flower and vanilla to soften up the otherwise spicy, woody notes. Each of them smells completely divine, and I love that there’s something for both gourmand lovers and those who like something a little smokier and woodier.
Key notes: Rangoon creeper, tuberose, jasmine bud. I sampled this once at Sephora and had to stop myself from buying the biggest bottle they had. Tuberose isn’t always my favorite note, but it blends so beautifully with the other notes that it isn’t too overpowering. It’s a true floral scent if that’s what you’re into.
Key notes: Dewberries accord, magnolia accord, patchouli essence. This is more of a wish list item since I’ve only gotten the chance to sniff the original Flora in this family. With almost a perfect five-star rating on Sephora, though, this iteration of the classic is a winner.
Key notes: Blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum, bourbon vanilla. This Valentino fragrance is fruity, fresh, and warm to me. My only complaint is that I wish it lasted longer.
Key notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord. Remember that handful of beloved fragrances I talked about earlier? Yeah, this perfume is absolutely in that handful! It’s one of my all-time favorites. It’s so warm, inviting, and creamy. It’s my most-worn fragrance besides Parfums de Marly’s Delina Exclusif ($210).
Key notes: Neroli bud, white amber, white musk. I’m sure you’ve noticed a pattern emerging here, but sweet floral fragrances are kind of my jam. This Prada offering is right up there on my list of favorites, with notes of neroli, white amber, and white musk.
Key notes: Cinnamon bark oil, ylang-ylang, Australian sandalwood. This Tom Ford fragrance is truly something special. I don’t normally gravitate toward woodier scents, but the additional notes of cinnamon bark oil and ylang-ylang make this scent so pretty and unique. Word on the street is that it’s also loved by none other than Taylor Swift.
Key notes: Orange, patchouli, Turkish rose. The top notes of orange in this classic Chanel fragrance are so vibrant. I always feel so sophisticated when I wear it, and it has a softness to it that feels so beautifully feminine.
Key notes: Amber, bergamot, green pear, vanilla pod. Juicy, fruity, and a little zesty, this Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance smells so deliciously sweet. A little goes a long way with this one, and it definitely lasts all day.
