French Women Swear by This Perfume Brand for Expensive-Smelling Scents

Has anyone else noticed that most of the best perfume brands on the market are French? The Parisians certainly know what they are doing when it comes to creating expensive-smelling scents. Especially Guerlain.

Founded way back in 1828, this French fragrance house has a rich history and is widely considered one of the most luxurious perfume brands in the world. So, it's no surprise that both French women and beauty editors turn to Guerlain when they want to smell as elegant as possible.

I have long been a fan of the brand, and I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to the best Guerlain perfumes. The thing is, the brand has different collections depending on what you're after, and I understand how confusing it can be if you're new to Guerlain and want to know which scent might be right for you.

Below, I've broken down what I believe to be the very best fragrances from the brand, alongside lots of info on each of the collections to help you make an informed decision. I guess you could think of me as your Guerlain fairy godmother. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling to add some Parisian flair to your perfume collection.

The Best Guerlain Perfumes, Chosen by an Editor

1. Guerlain Shalimar L'Essence

Guerlain

Shalimar L'Essence Eau de Parfum Intense

Key notes: Bergamot, almond, rose, iris, vanilla, tonka bean, musk

Shalimar is probably one of Guerlain's most iconic scents, having launched in 1925. While I am a fan of the original fragrance, this year, to celebrate the 100th anniversary, Guerlain has created Shalimar L'Essence, and it has easily taken the top spot as my favourite perfume from the brand. To add a modern touch, the original scent has been heightened by notes of vanilla, creating a smooth, warm, sensual aroma that I can't get enough of this winter. While opening notes of rose and iris smell like a sophisticated Parisian powder room, once the creamy base of tonka bean and musk unfurl onto the skin, you are suddenly transported to a late-night jazz bar.

2. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver

GUERLAIN

Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Neroli, vetiver, tonka bean, fig accord

I want to ensure that I include something for everyone in this roundup, so if warm, gourmand fragrances aren't your thing, but fresh, invigorating scents are, I highly recommend Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver. Part of the Allegoria collection, these fragrances "celebrate the wonders of the world," working to capture the beauty of nature throughout each scent. This particular perfume is my favourite from the collection, with citrusy, green notes of neroli taking centre stage. It feels like a breath of spring air on the skin, radiating sunshine and happiness wherever you spritz it. The addition of vetiver and fig brings an earthy, 'freshly cut grass' element that I can't get enough of, with a sophisticated undertone of tonka bean. If your senses need a boost this winter, add this to your perfume wardrobe ASAP.

3. Guerlain Angélique Noire

Guerlain

Angélique Noire Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Angelica, vanilla, pink pepper, cedar

Guerlain's L’Art & La Matière fragrances are easily the most luxurious scents from the brand. Each fragrance uses the finest raw materials in perfumery to create what can only be described as a work of art. My top pick? Angélique Noire. While angelica flower feels earthy and crisp on the skin, it is soon enveloped in vanilla's warm embrace, grounding the scent in this rich, heady, unique way. This is the kind of perfume that cannot and will not be put into a box, and I think that's the reason why I love it so much.

4. Guerlain Absolus Allegoria Florabloom

Guerlain

Absolus Allegoria Florabloom Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Tuberose, sandalwood, patchouli

Absolus Allegoria Florabloom is a floral fragrance lover's dream. It's one of the brand's newer releases and is perfect as we head into those dark winter nights. I personally think this fragrance is a great example of how Guerlain takes you on an olfactory journey with each scent. While it opens with a somewhat fresh, sweet, floral aroma, suddenly you are plunged into a sensual bouquet of tuberose and patchouli. It becomes velvety and mysterious on the skin, with hidden depths that are only revealed once it fully unfurls.

5. Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille

Guerlain

Spiritueuse Double Vanille Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Pink pepper, bergamot, frankincense, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, vanilla, benzoin, rum, cedar

This is quite possibly the most sophisticated vanilla scent I have ever had the pleasure of wearing. A grown-up gourmand in every sense of the word, Spiritueuse Double Vanille explores the note of vanilla from a new angle, amplifying its smoky, woody, sensual personality like never before. Heightened by spicy pink pepper, cedar, and boozy rum, spritzing this feels like opening a secret door to an underground bar where curls of smoke fill the air.

6. Guerlain Cuir Béluga

Guerlain

Cuir Béluga Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Aldehydes, mandarin, patchouli, vanilla, amber, heliotrope, white suede

Want to smell like a chic French woman? Cuir Béluga might be the answer. While this wouldn't usually be my go-to scent, when the brand introduced me to Cuir Béluga, I was immediately intrigued. It has a quality that, although hard to put a finger on, feels incredibly luxe. The name translates to Béluga leather; however, this is not your typical leather fragrance. Citrus notes mingle with white suede and vanilla, creating a soft, smooth, sparkling scent that has now become a staple in my collection.

Shop More Guerlain Perfumes:

Guerlain

Absolus Allegoria Ambre Samar Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Frankincense, ambergris, amber accord, vanilla, honey

Dark and enchanting, Absolus Allegoria Ambre Samar is the ultimate date-night scent.

GUERLAIN

Pêche Mirage Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Peach, leather, amber

Bright, ripe peach meets its match in notes of warming leather.

Guerlain

Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum

Lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla all come together to create this popular Guerlain perfume.

GUERLAIN

Cherry Oud Eau de Parfum

Turn heads with this unique composition of red cherry and black oud wood.

Guerlain

Absolus Allegoria Santal Royal Eau de Parfum

I'm a big fan of santal scents, and this Guerlain perfume is no exception.

GUERLAIN

Tobacco Honey Eau de Parfum

Another bestseller, Tobacco Honey combines contrasting notes to create an intoxicating finish.

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