Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin

...so, I’ve just bought this Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin. I am a huge fan of Jean Paul’s Gaultier’s Ma Dame and to some extent, Gucci’s Glorious Mandarin reminds me of that perfume. The head notes are mandarin and peony and indeed, it’s absolutely fresh and sparkling in its opening. At the beginning, the prevailing note is definitely mandarin otherwise the name wouldn’t be Glorious Mandarin. After a while, I stated to perceive the floral notes, especially the jasmine that is far more noticeable than the peony. As for piña colada, I think it must be the sweet note that I perceive as it starts drying down. When it dries down completely you can feel the musk. It reminds me of Ma Dame because it develops in the same way: citrus > flowery notes + beverages > musk. Sillage and longevity are different though! They are both EDT but Glorious Mandarin is definitely less intrusive and more like a caress. Glorious Mandarin is not a bold statement, it’s a perfume that doesn’t scream, it whispers and gently seduces you. It’s extremely tender and feminine. It inspires joie de vivre and lightness.

MMMMmmm I love this fragrance, but I have rose-tinted nostalgia glasses on. It was my signature scent 7 years ago, back when I thought a few sprays were enough (oh how wrong I was). I still have my bottle from then and the scent hasn't changed or become discoloured. It starts off with a juicy mandarin, accompanied by peony. Within 10 minutes the perfume becomes a fizzy, smooth cocktail on my skin but intriguingly still retaining the Flora DNA (minus the osmanthus). Yes it's pina colada...I smell frothy coconut cream, but 'Glorious Mandarin' is more of a sparkling creamy tangerine drink! Performance is OK...arms length silage that drops down to skin scent after 1-2 hours. Lasts maximum 3-4 hours before completely disappearing on my skin. Overall a very happy, sparkling scent! Reminds me of hilariously fun times with friends in the city. Also received so many compliments with it, including my ex haha! A true summertime carefree fragrance, suitable for all occasions and the most humid of weather 💖

I somehow agree with the reviewers saying this is not terribly original, it's done before and possibly cheaper. However, to me, it's floral fruity done just right, and done with taste, and I just can't help smiling when I put it on and words like dainty and lovely come to mind. It's sparkling citrus without being sour, it's sweet flowery drydown without being sickly sweet or synthetic. I don't get any pina colada at all, but I do get the fizzy tropical drink idea and it's toned down so it doesn't feel too childish. Most importantly I find it to be one of those mood lifter fragrances, that changes one's disposition for the better and transports to a warmer and nicer environment, which is so welcome during winter.

I really enjoy this fragrance. It is so fresh and crisp! I'm not particularly fond of floral scents at all, but find this one extremely refreshing! It starts off with a wonderful citrus peony that reminds me of spring flowers blooming, and then settles into a bouquet of oranges in a flower garden while sipping on a pina coloda! PERFECT for the Spring and summer!!! I cannot wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear this!

This is one of my favorite fragrances from my favorite nose Olivier Cresp. The tragedy of it being discontiunued has been lightened a bit by a few excellent eBay scores. The citrus and peony sparkle in this. I LOVE the dry down which is so rich and lingers on my clothes sweetly. The scent is not at all powdery or too white floral forward for me. It's a light, sunny celebration of early summer sunshine.