Gentlewoman is the newest perfume from Juliette Has a Gun. It’s a “masculine fragrance dedicated to women”. It’s a modern “eau de cologne”. This sort of marketing usually irks me for many reasons. Number 1, it plays on gender marketing which is rather annoying in the fragrance industry, especially in the niche market.¹ Number 2, if one wants to play with societal and cultural gender norms, then just wear a “classic eau de cologne” or whatever. Go shopping where men go shopping. I feel like these sort of fragrances exist to say, “You’re still lady because this has ‘WOMAN’ on the bottle!”. I’m not picking on Juliette Has a Gun here, lots of brands have done this because this also exists in the fashion world. And it works. I mean, just look at how many things are labeled “boyfriend” this or that – boyfriend jeans, boyfriend sweater, boyfriend watch, etc.

Anyway, I’m digressing. This is supposed to be a review of this new fragrance, not a discussion on gender-based marketing. There’s no way that I can tackle that today…

Gentlewoman is a take on the classic eau de cologne. It opens as bitter orange blossoms, petitgrain and a neroli. It’s spicy, floral and fresh. And honestly, it reminds me of a few perfumes (like 4711 or Tom Ford Neroli Portofino) in that it has a sharp citrus blossom opening that immediately brings to mind “eau de colognes” and the Mediterranean. However, Gentlewoman is different than the other “new breed” of fresh colognes. There’s a prominent bittersweet almond note that is more fruity than nutty.  As it dries down, it’s more of a powdery almond neroli with clean, fresh musks and a laundry-like lavender.

I’m actually really surprised by how much I enjoy wearing this. Actually, I’m not surprised at all. I have a long history of wearing what many people may consider “boring” in the warmer months. I crave fresh, light and “classic” fragrances in the summer. I ride mass transit. I walk around a lot. This means I sweat like made. I just want to feel comfortable and scents like this make me feel comfortable. Juliette Has a Gun admits that this isn’t a new theme. But, it’s a nice take on an old theme. I love how it’s a fresh citrus blossom with bitter, green petitgrain. But, what I love the most is the addition of the green almond and powdery musks. This is a fresh fragrance that actually lasts throughout the day, even in 85º+ heat. Considering this, Gentlewoman is actually a “good value”.

Notes listed include bergamot, bitter orange blossom, neroli, almond, coumarin, orange blossom, lavender and woody musk. Launched in 2015. PERFUMER – Ramon Ricci

Give Gentlewoman a try if you like citrus blossom or fresh scents. Or if you like Chanel Homme Sport Cologne, Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino, Cartier Declaration, Roger & Gallet Amande Persane Eau Fraiche and/or HEELEY L’Amandière. And of course, this one is unisex and rather refreshing to wear in the warmer months.

For a perfume in this genre, projection and longevity are above average.

Gentlewoman comes in two sizes (1.7 and 3.4 oz) with prices ranging from $100 to $135 on Amazon.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Almond and citrus blossoms. I actually see myself buying the small bottle of this. This is the sort of thing, as boring as it may be, that I wear the most of during the summer. And this one actually lasts on the skin. How many other “eau de colognes” do that?!

¹More reading on the cultural associations of gender marketing here. 

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*Disclaimer – Sample provided by PR. I am not financially compensated for my reviews. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Birchbox. Leatrice Joy from www.fanpix.net. Post contains an affiliate link. Thanks!