Julia Garner has built a career on playing women who refuse to sit quietly in the background. From her Emmy-winning turn in Ozark to the magnetic chaos of Inventing Anna—and soon playing Madonna in the hotly anticipated biopic—the actress gravitates toward characters with sharp instincts and a sense of independence. It is the kind of presence that makes her a natural fit for the latest chapter of Gucci Guilty.

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Created by master perfumers Quentin Bisch and Natalie Gracia-Cetto, the new Gucci Guilty Absolu de Parfum Pour Femme introduces a darker, more indulgent interpretation of the house’s signature fragrance line. At its heart of this intensely floral-ambery composition is a coffee amaretto accord that lends a velvety warmth and rich depth, layered with creamy tonka bean and sweet wisteria for a composition that feels intimate and quietly opulent.

Garner says the note of coffee immediately resonated with her. “Those who know me know I love starting my day with coffee. The smell of coffee really lifts me up,” she says. “When I put Gucci Guilty Absolu on, I feel alive, alert and ready to tackle my day.”

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Alongside the women’s scent is Gucci Guilty Absolu de Parfum Pour Homme, a woody amber fragrance centred on a rich rum accord. Orange flower absolute lifts the composition, while red chilli pepper introduces a subtle spark of heat. It settles into a warm trail that feels bold without being overpowering.

In the campaign, Garner appears alongside A$AP Rocky and Elliott Page in a series of images that explore connection and sensual tension between the trio. The atmosphere, she explains, was built on instinct and collaboration. “We wanted people to feel a sense of sensuality and connection between the three of us,” she says. “An almost telepathic connection…. [filled with] pure creativity and joy”

Below, she talks to ELLE on scent rituals, minimalist beauty, and why routine is the one thing she misses most when she is deep in character.

How many perfumes do you own? And what occasion do you like to wear Gucci Guilty?

I don’t own too many perfumes. I like consistency, and I often find that a little spritz of Gucci Guilty in the morning gives me the pep in my step that I often need after a long workday. That said, I also love wearing it before an evening out. I feel confident and sexy.

The Gucci Guilty bottles come in bold, lacquered red and green. If your mood for 2026 was a colour or texture, what would it be?

It’ll have to be a soft, cashmere pink.

Do you have any personal perfume hacks—the unexpected spots you spray, the way you layer scents, or a trick you’ve picked up on set?

I wouldn’t say it’s an uncommon perfume hack, but I like to spray perfume, and then step into the cloud scent. I find that it provides the perfect balance of fragrance on the body—the scent feels more “lived in.”

What’s your everyday beauty philosophy when you’re not in front of the cameras?

My everyday beauty philosophy is “less is more.” Minimalist, if you will. I like being comfortable— you’ll often find me in a black turtleneck, jeans, and flats. I also like having a clean face, especially given that I am often in a position of wearing a lot of make-up for work. If given the option, in my every day, I’m stepping out with very little make-up: sunscreen, concealer under the eyes, a little lip balm, and maybe a touch of colour on the lip.

What are the beauty essentials you always travel with or keep in your bag?

I always travel with a sleep mask, a silk pillow, my favourite sweatshirt, face cream, and a book.

You’re known for disappearing into roles. What’s one beauty ritual that helps you return to yourself after an intense character or shoot?

I miss my routine the most: [Just] immersing myself in the simplest pleasures of life that are often disrupted when I’m working. Relaxing my brain and practicing self-care is the most effective way for me to feel like myself.

What can fans look forward to from you next?

I just wrapped a Netflix series called The Altruists that I’ve been shooting for the last six months. I’m excited about another film that will shoot early 2026. It’s too early to talk about but will be revealed soon!