Guerlinade (1921)
by Guerlain

This is a wonderful perfume. At first it seems like a simple cheery floral with a little powder, but it soon reveals something going on underneath that gives it an interesting edge, as well as depth without any trace of heaviness. My nose was instantly struck by the quality, which in this case is as good as it gets. This beautifully made fragrance is devoid of any hint of pretentiousness, and seems to be all about simple beauty, as opposed to the ravishing grandeur often associated with Guerlain.

Like a lot of people, I was surprised that this perfume had very little in common with the great Guerlain classics, but after trying it for a while I recognised it lurking underneath other Guerlains, especially Vol de Nuit -although it wasn't what I would have considered one of the defining notes.

While this might not be a ground-breaking masterpiece, its refinement and delicacy mean it is an exquisite perfume.

The joke is on me. I completely expected powder. After all, Guerlinade is the term for the Guerlain base, right? This lovely perfume is clear as a bell and vigorously floral. Here my most surprising discovery: Guerlinade is the best lilac perfume I have ever smelled. To me, it is almost a soliflore (yes) of lilac. Whatever ingredients were used to re-create this difficult-to-imitate flower, Guerlinade has succeeded. Wasn't that the intent? Don't tease me, Guerlain! I have been burying my face in the big, fluffy, purple masses of intoxicating lilac blossoms since I was a child. This perfume is a lilac bush in full bloom, coming straight from a tiny bottle. I could tell you that I smell notes of honeysuckle, spicy rose, or tonka. I could tell you that I smell elements of Chant d'Aromes or Vol de Nuit in here, but primarily, I smell a wonderful, amazing, lilac perfume.