Samsara

Samsara, inspired by Guerlain Samsara Eau de Parfum (1989)

Samsara is built on two materials leaning against each other: sandalwood and jasmine. The wood takes the edge off the flower, while jasmine keeps the wood from going flat. Bergamot gives a brief lift at the start; after that, ylang-ylang and narcissus add a buttery, slightly hay-like richness. Creamy yet fresh-skinned, it has none of the spice or resin found in many ambery classics.

About the original

Jean-Paul Guerlain composed Samsara, which launched in October 1989. Guerlain describes it as the first woody fragrance for women, and sandalwood is reported to make up around 30 per cent of the formula. The original relied on Mysore sandalwood; when supplies from India were restricted the formula was reworked. The current version is sold in Guerlain's Les Légendaires collection in Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Guerlain stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

It is rich and enveloping rather than light, and Guerlain rates the intensity as high, and the vanilla and tonka sweetness of the drydown is noticeable, so a fresh or transparent scent may serve anyone wanting something lighter better.

Related scents

• Le Labo Santal 33
• Guerlain Shalimar
• Guerlain Insolence

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Bergamot

Heart notes: Jasmine, Narcissus, Rose, Ylang-ylang

Base notes: Sandalwood, Iris, Tonka Bean, Vanilla

Bergamot opens briefly before jasmine arrives, full and slightly fruity.

The heart deepens with ylang-ylang, narcissus and rose, all sitting on a growing bed of sandalwood.

Sandalwood dominates the drydown, rounded off with iris, tonka bean and vanilla into a smooth, buttery finish.

Is Samsara more woody or more floral?

Both, in roughly equal measure. Jasmine leads at first, but sandalwood carries the scent from the heart onwards.

Which Samsara concentration is this based on?

The Eau de Parfum, the richer of the two concentrations Guerlain sells.

Is Samsara still made?

Yes. Guerlain sells it in its Les Légendaires collection, though the formula has changed since 1989.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Guerlain and Samsara are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Guerlain in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.