Guerlain
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
The absinth hits with herbal bite—an almost mentholated sharpness that catches you off-guard, whilst lemon and bergamot splash across the top like winter light on ice. Pine needle adds an unexpected woody crispness, and the plum grounds everything with deep, jammy undertones that hint at the sweetness to come.
As the green notes recede, jasmine emerges with unusual restraint, never quite floral in the conventional sense, held taut by bright cranberry that reads almost tart against the surrounding sweetness. Sandalwood begins its climb from the base, introducing a subtle creaminess that softens the composition without surrendering its elegant spine.
Tonka bean and vanilla settle into a pillowy, skin-scent base supported by white musk and sandalwood, creating a warm, almost powdered effect that lingers softly for hours. The sweetness feels earned rather than imposed—a gentle caress rather than an embrace.
Baiser de Russie unfolds as a paradox wrapped in silk—a fragrance that channels the theatrical decadence of imperial Russia whilst remaining utterly contemporary. Thierry Wasser has crafted something genuinely rare here: a gourmand that doesn't collapse into saccharine mediocrity, instead maintaining a skeletal elegance through its green, spiced top notes.
The absinth and pine needle create a bracing, almost medicinal opening that feels distinctly Slavic—think frosted winter mornings and the sharp bite of herbal liqueurs. Beneath this astringency, lemon and bergamot provide citric brightness, whilst plum introduces a dark, almost brambly sweetness that refuses to dominate. This is the scent's architectural brilliance: the top notes establish intellectual rigor before the composition surrenders to its creamy heart.
Add fragrances to your collection and unlock your personalised scent DNA, note map, and shareable identity card.
3.8/5 (146)