Guerlain released Petit Guerlain in 1994. It is usually attributed to Jean Paul Guerlain; Olivia Giacobetti said in an interview some time ago that she worked on it as well. The notes are citrus, lavender, camomile, violet leaf, mimosa, rose, jasmine and vanilla. The top notes are a bit sharp, but it quickly softens to a sheer, delicate floral with a subdued Guerlinade base. It would be perfectly appropriate on a young girl, but there is nothing particularly childish about it — an adult who preferred something very soft and quiet could easily wear it. It is an Eau de Toilette, and the lasting power is good. I think it used to come in an alcohol-free version, but I no longer see that listed on the Guerlain website.
Petit Ange is by Parfums de Nicolaï, and has notes of tangerine and lilac. It starts with lightly sweet citrus, then takes on the candied smell of black licorice. Hints of citrus and licorice remain as it fades into a soft lilac with a dusting of powder. It is a bit less conventional than the Petit Guerlain; but it is an Eau Fraiche and somewhat shorter lived. I wear it once in awhile and find it refreshing on a hot day, but I've never been tempted to buy a full bottle. I think I have read that it is alcohol-free but I cannot find confirmation on the Parfums de Nicolaï website.
Both of these are nicely done. Either would be a perfect introduction to perfume for a small girl, although I would not be surprised if your average modern girl would prefer a bottle of the latest Barbie scent or perhaps the Mary Kate and Ashley duo.
I have recently worn and love the Petit Guerlain.
However, I found it extremely old-fashioned and can't believe it was only made in 1994! It clearly reminded me of my grandmother Nanna C. — something about it reminded me of just how she smelled when you dove in for a nice hug with her — I cherish it for that. The softness only gets more intense with time. It's lovely.
The Petit Ange sounds wonderful and is on my “to try next” list.
Another one I tried along the same vein was Burberry Baby Touch. I found it very disappointing, have you tried it?
Very interesting about Petit Guerlain. I also heard from a couple of other sources that Olivia Giacobetti worked on it. I often stir clear of children's perfumes because they just do not last. Moreover, some have a baby powder scent, which I do not like that much.
Would agree that Petit Guerlain smells old fashioned — and what a lovely reminder of your Nanna!
Haven't tried the Burberry, and would also love to try the new Baby Guerlain.
V, You should try the Petit Guerlain, the lasting power is reasonably good. The Petit Ange is powdery but doesn't remind me of baby powder or baby wipes, and in fact, many “grownup” powdery scents (KM Loukhoum) do.
Hello R! These are both lovely!! BTW I tried new Baby Guerlain which Olivia G has created and it is lovely!
Hope you are well.
xoxo
PS Must add that I cannot wear these any longer – too old for babying around!
N, If you are too old for babying around, no doubt I am too!
I tried Burberry Baby Touch and didn't like it at all either. There was nothing “baby” as in “very gentle, delicate”, just like there was nothing at all “tender” in BurberryTender Touch. The original Touch was bearable, but these two variations of it were rather unfortunate.
LOL! Wait till you try Baby Guerlain – we may want to get back to those icky nappy days!
These sound lovely, R. It strikes me that there's hardly any need to have special scents for children – so many of our modern fruity-florals seem expressly designed for kids anyway! Things like Britney's 'Curious' both smell and LOOK like something a fashionable nine-year old would go for. My own daughter just nicked my perfumes for years – so she never really got an 'easy start'. She's just back from her gap-year to India with more sophisticated tastes, and has discovered my l'Artisans with small exclamations of joy – I think I may never see Passage d'Enfer, Bois Farine or Voleur de Roses again! I feel rather proud…
N, That is so true. What is interesting about these two in particular is that they are *not* modern sweet fruity florals. On the other hand, they are probably also going for a younger target group. By 9, I would think the celebrity fragrances are all the rage.
And you should be proud!
I received yesterday a bottle of Petit Ange. I like it a lot. For small girls is fine, odorous, reminding in a way the smell of the Penaten products for babies. By the way, it contains alcohol, as I can see on the package and on the bottle (50% vol.alc).