GUERLAIN Samsara Eau de Parfum Review

GUERLAIN Samsara Eau de Parfum Review

Full of beguiling backstories and dynamic ingredients, GUERLAIN Samsara Eau de Parfum is a worthy inclusion to GUERLAIN’s library of legends. Deemed the first-ever woody female fragrance, Samsara is both exciting and soothing, making it a firm favourite of fragrance experts.

This Fragrance Smells Like…

Samsara really takes you on a scent journey. Starting with heady jasmine, there’s also an unexpected air of freshness as the cloud of perfume washes over you. As Samsara hits the skin, it transforms to become warm and inviting as bright, sunny ylang-ylang melts into the heart. The initial jasmine note works its way throughout the perfume to sit in perfect harmony alongside the soft woody tones, creamy vanilla facets and subtle powdery iris.

What’s The Story Behind This Scent?

Reinventing women’s fragrance to include the natural warmth of sandalwood – which was typically only used for religious offerings up until this point – Samsara is a tribute to distinguished, radiant and generous women. Pushing the boundaries of women’s fragrance when it was released in 1989, Jean-Paul Guerlain’s Samsara is an ode to his one true love.

You Will Love This If…

If you love woody-floral fragrances, you’ll love Samsara; it’s mastered the careful balancing act between sweet and rich tones.

This Perfume Smells Similar To:

Samsara also comes in an Eau de Toilette, which the Eau de Parfum naturally smells similar to. However, the EDP is less powdery and maintains a more prominent scent of jasmine compared to the EDT. The EDP is also warmer and spicier overall.

Is Samsara Eau de Parfum Unisex?

Though designed to be the first woody fragrance for women, Samsara Eau de Parfum can be seen as unisex as its delicate sweetness is balanced by an earthy richness. However, the floral elements throughout the scent structure are more traditionally enjoyed by women.

What’s The Longevity Like?

Samsara Eau de Parfum is deceptively long-lasting. One spritz is on the lighter side, but add a few spritzes and it’ll last for hours and hours.

What’s Special About The Bottle?

Exhibiting an unrivalled elegance and artistic flair, GUERLAIN’s iconic ‘inverted heart’ glass flacon epitomises the legendary status of Samsara. The bottle is beautifully offset by the pale golden hue of Samsara and underscored by soft scrolls typical of Art Nouveau.

More from GUERLAIN

GUERLAIN Samsara Eau de Toilette Review

GUERLAIN Nahema Eau de Parfum Review

Back to blog