I have never been a fan of fruity perfumes. They have always seemed a bit young to me. I have especially never been a fan of citrus notes in perfumes. They seem to have a strange reaction with my skin chemistry and end up smelling quite harsh on me. So, it was probably a strange choice to review Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin, as it was clearly going to be both a fruity and citrus based perfume, but I had recently reviewed Glamorous Magnolia from the same collection and was keen to try another one. I am glad I did as I genuinely love this fragrance. I was not expecting that at all, but it is such a happy, joyous fragrance and is perfect for wearing in this glorious spring weather we have been getting.
Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin is one of five spin off fragrances of the original Flora by Gucci that make up the Gucci Flora Garden collection. According to Fragrantica, the Gucci Flora Garden collection includes five most important blossoms outlined on the legendary Gucci scarf designed by Vittorio Accornero for Princess Grace of Monaco (a picture of this scarf can be seen in my Glamorous Magnolia post).
Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin and Generous Violet were originally only released for purchase from Gucci boutiques but have since been released for sale along side the other three, Glorious Mandarin, Glamorous Magnolia and Gracious Tuberose.
What they say: With Mandarin and Violet completing the collection of five beautiful perfumes, the Gucci woman has an opportunity to explore and enhance her many facets – hidden and revealed – her gorgeousness, grace, glamour and now also her generosity and glory. In plucking a flower from this secret, scented garden, she reveals her soul. A gloriously juicy fruit: Gucci captures the exhilaration of mandarin.
- Top notes: mandarin, peony
- Middle notes: jasmine, pina colada accord
- Heart notes: ambergris, white musk, creamy wood
This magnificent scent blends joyful mandarin with the tropical rum and pineapple of the pina colada. In place of the traditional coconut, the cocktail is completed with creamy wood notes that are at once contemporary and sumptuously feminine. Glorious Mandarin is an exuberant expression of the fruit’s effusive energy. The euphoria it imparts is glorious. The Glorious Mandarin woman is inspiring and intoxicating. Time in her company is enlivening. Her spirited approach to life is utterly thrilling.
What I say: Though mandarins are a winter fruit, this is the ideal spring/summer fragrance. It is such a fresh and deliciously fruity fragrance. It is happy, full of joy - really fitting for the party season.
I definitely can detect the mandarin top notes although they are not purely fruity. The peony adds a floral element which I think is what makes me love this fragrance. The mandarin note really makes the fragrance sparkle. The mandarin lasts a long time throughout the fragrance. As the top notes mellow into the middle notes the mandarin can still be detected and is complimented by the pineapple. It is the pineapple that keeps the fruitiness going. After about an hour of wear, the fragrance starts to loose its fresh fruitiness and it is replaced by a warm creamy fruitiness, thanks to the white musk.
I found this fragrance to be very unique. I have never smelt anything like it. It does not have any of the sharp, harsh notes that I usually associate with a citrus fragrance. It is genuinely one of those mood altering fragrances that you just can't help smiling after you sniff it. This is a wonderful daytime fragrance that would work equally well as an evening fragrance for all the wonderful summer parties we have coming up.
It has average lasting power on me. I would get about 3-4 hours before all I could detect was the musk heart notes. The silage is initially ok - medium strength; however, after an hour or so when it mellows from the fresh fruity to the creamy fruity it then wears much closer to the skin.
If you, like me, have always avoided fruity or citrus fragrances I highly recommend you give this one a sniff. I honestly think that it will be the one to convert you! And, if you are in the market for a new scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe this summer, this one epitomises the happy mood of the party season.
Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin Eau de Toilette is available in100ml for $AU161.00 and can be purchased from MYER, David Jones and Gucci Boutiques as of 9th September 2012 for a limited time (so you might want to try it ASAP!). I have previously written about the risks of buying grey market cosmetics - if you want to know whether your local stockist is an authorised reseller you can ring (02) 9695 5678 to confirm.
What are your thoughts on fruity perfumes? Like or loathe?
All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. This perfume was provided to me for consideration.