Short answer: Violet Rebellion is D&E Fragrances' Extrait de Parfum take on Guerlain Insolence. It runs from £14.99 (5ml sample) to £44.95 (50ml), against an RRP of about £133 for 75ml for the original. Shop Violet Rebellion →
- Smells like: juicy red berries over violet, rose and a soft, powdery iris base
- Best for: anyone who loves a bold, fruity-floral that still feels elegant
- Honest note: inspired by, not an exact clone
Guerlain Insolence is one of the house's most talked-about modern florals: bright, flirty and unmistakably violet. It is loved for its fruity opening and powdery drydown, but at roughly £133 for 75ml (and sometimes hard to find in stock) it is a serious spend for a scent many people want to wear often.
What does Guerlain Insolence actually smell like?
Insolence is built around a violet accord with a juicy fruit opening and a soft, creamy finish. The notes for our Violet Rebellion interpretation are:
- Top: Raspberry, Red Berries, Bergamot, Lemon
- Heart: Violet, Rose, Orange Blossom
- Base: Iris, Tonka Bean, Resins, Musk, Sandalwood
The result is a sparkling berry burst that settles into a velvety, powdery floral with a warm, slightly sweet base. It feels playful in the first hour and more grown-up as it dries down.
Why people look for a Guerlain Insolence dupe
The original is a statement scent with a statement price, and designer stock of Insolence can be patchy. If you want that violet-and-berry signature for everyday wear, for work, or as a gift, a dupe lets you enjoy the style without paying luxury prices for every bottle. A 5ml sample is also a low-risk way to try the character before committing to a bigger size.
Guerlain Insolence vs Violet Rebellion at a glance
| Guerlain Insolence | D&E Violet Rebellion | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About £133 for 75ml (RRP) | £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Style | Fruity, violet, powdery floral | Fruity, violet, powdery floral |
| Sizes | Typically 50ml, 75ml | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Violet Rebellion - Insp by Guerlain Insolence
Violet Rebellion is our own composition inspired by the fruity-violet family that Insolence belongs to. It opens with raspberry, red berries and bright citrus, moves into violet, rose and orange blossom, then rests on iris, tonka bean, resins, musk and sandalwood. It is available as a 5ml sample at £14.99, a 12ml roller or 15ml at £19.99, a 30ml at £34.99 and a 50ml at £44.95. As an Extrait de Parfum it carries a higher concentration of fragrance oils than a typical Eau de Parfum, which generally means a richer, more lingering wear from a smaller application. Try Violet Rebellion from £14.99 →
Being upfront about the comparison
We are not claiming Violet Rebellion is identical to Guerlain Insolence, and it is not a replica or a clone. Different ingredients and different formulation mean you will notice differences, particularly in how the berries and iris sit against each other. What it does aim to give you is the same mood: fruity violet, soft powder and a warm base. Order the 5ml sample first if you want to compare it against a scent you already know.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait, Violet Rebellion is made to last. Expect several hours of wear on skin, longer on clothes, with moderate-to-strong projection in the first couple of hours before it softens into a close, powdery skin scent. Longevity always varies with skin type, climate and how and where you apply it, so treat this as a realistic guide rather than a promise.
The verdict
If you love the idea of Guerlain Insolence but not the price, Violet Rebellion is a very affordable way to wear the same fruity-violet style, from £14.99 to try. It is a different scent from the original, but a close enough in spirit for many people to reach for first. If you enjoy Guerlain's gourmand side too, see our Guerlain Vanille Planifolia dupe guide. Shop Violet Rebellion →
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Guerlain and Insolence are trademarks of their respective owners. D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with Guerlain. Violet Rebellion is D&E's own original composition, inspired by the fragrance family.