Samsara Eau de Parfum

I have never smelled the vintage version of this, so I don’t really have the luxury to compare this to its original version. That may just be a blessing though, since now I can appreciate this formulation for what it is without comparison ruining it for me. This perfume is shockingly more layered than initial sniff would have you think. On my first wear i felt like this was quite boring and stale compared to other guerlain classics like l’heure bleue, chamade, vol de nuit, shalimar etc... it felt dry and woody with just a hint of sweetness, very reminiscent of iris poudre by frederic malle which is a scent i’ve grown to dislike. After wearing it a few times, suddenly I started noticing a very realistic, strong and heady jasmine. This appalled me because 1. most jasmine perfumes suck and dont smell like actual jasmine flowers spreading their scent in the air 2. i did not know it would be this prominent 3. I never knew samsara would be about jasmine at all. The top notes say ylang ylang, the accords mention yellow floral, but to me this is much more about jasmine. Yes i get this sticky waxy ylang ylang note in the very first hour of samsara and i love it, but the jasmine takes it to another level for me. And then the sandalwood in here is nothing like the nuclear dill pickle inflection having sandalwoods of today. I’m 100% this part boring for those who have smelled the formulations with real mysore sandalwood, but i think it still smells amazing in here. Calming, creamy and meditative while being woody and dry at the same time. Later on the waxy ylang ylang gets replaced (or usurped) by a waxy iris with more violet inflections than usual. The scent becomes warmer and warmer, completely straying away from the initial blast of iris poudre that i still experience in the first few minutes. The jasmine is still present in this phase and it is just so beautiful. A creamy waxy powdery sweet warm sandalwood with strong jasmine. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? As time goes on the vanilla definitely starts coming more to the forefront while still only being a complimentary note to the sandalwood jasmine combo. It is wonderful. This vanilla isnt cupcake esque or ambery dark, just a warm sweetness without too much depth. Yet the scent carries so many more layers that i keep discovering each time i smell it. It is wonderful. I’m surprised that i love it this much, i remember smelling it 2 years ago in a store and not being impressed by the stale woody quality of it all. I find this type of warmth just perfect for sunny weather. Somehow i find stuff like this to work better in hot weather, its like you’re matching the season instead of fighting against it by wearing sharp clean fresh citruses or musks. Definitely perfect, and also very strong! I never feel overwhelmed by it, but it stays on me forever and doesn’t really ‘thin out’ like many scents do. It just starts projecting less. Still not my favorite from this house, but its hard for me to like something more than l’heure bleue. I think it is a 9.3/10 whereas chamade is 9.2 vol de nuit is 9.5 shalimar is 9.9 and l’heure bleue is a 10. If that helps!

When I first reviewed Samsara, I looked all over the site (or thought I did) for the reformulated version in the bouchon coeur bottles that I have for the EDP and EDT, and didn't find them, so I mistakenly posted my reviews on the pages for the vintage bottles (the much more appropriate bottles) of the EDT and EDP instead. At this point, I have only the current versions of each concentration of Samsara (Legendaires Collection), and it's hard for me to imagine being able to love them any more. I find Samsara uniquely soothing, calming, serene, and beautiful, like being inside a beautiful piano. It smells rich, woody, and resonant--it is to my nose as a gamelan orchestra is to my ear. I put this on as a palate cleanser after scrubbing off (in a Karen Silkwood-style shower) a vile fragrance that I won't name, out of respect for Samsara, a real sacred temple of a scent. UPDATE: A generous friend and fellow Fragrantican sent me a generous vial of a 1990 formulation. Yes, it is superior, especially in its base notes, which almost made me weep--the deepness of the woods against the slightly smoky vanilla just sends me! But I am relieved to report that as much as I treasure the vintage (and am considering hunting down a bottle someday soon, before they disappear forever), I am still just as impressed with my current formulation. Hats off to Wasser et al. for a beautiful take on what would otherwise be an impossible perfume, given the scarcity of real Mysore sandalwood. I think the new Samsara, both in EDT and EDP forms, is a revelation, and a million times better than most of today's trendy perfumes. It isn't the same as the vintage Samsara, but it's a beautiful approximation, and I will be distraught if Guerlain ever stops making it. I just noticed that Fragrantica classifies this as a "woody floral musk fragrance for women" now, whereas the original formulation is classified as an "amber woody fragrance for women." Personally, I would describe this as a woody-amber-floral fragrance for women. I'm not sure where they got musk, which I don't believe was ever listed as a note in the original. It's powdery because of the orris, presumably. On second thought, not necessarily for women. I would love this on my man, even though he wouldn't wear it under any circumstances. Update: I still love this, and it irritates me to no end to see it ranked as low as 3.84. A travesty! This is so much better than 99% of the fragrances on this site with four-plus ratings.

Dear Fragranticans who reflect upon the legacy of Samsara, I would like to contribute my thoughts based on owning a 1989 100ml bottle of Samsara, a 90s 7,5ml splash miniature and several tests of the current Eau de Parfum, including spraying both side by side on one day. Disclaimer - I wasn't even born when Samsara appeared on the market, thus I have no memory of the scent as it was, my judgement is based on how the 34-year old, well kept perfume I own smells NOW, compared to the current EDP. This was even before the red bottle, my vintage Samsaras both have transparent glass flacons. 1. Do not worry about differences in the actual fragrance profile. Yes, they are there, but very minor! Despite the change of ingredients, the scent profile remained very well preserved. To me however the differences I observe concern mainly the intensity and sillage. These are noticeable: my 1989 Samsara is more intense, more potent, only one spritz required to smell it for hours. It is a masterpiece of perfumery. I like the current version a lot, although it doesn't have this power. There is something slightly softer, more coccooning in its blend and expression, which suits me personally very well. The longevity, intensity and sillage is good, just less intense than the 1989 version. Some ladies may even enjoy the current blend more, I believe. 2. There are also slight differences in the 1989 Samsara and 90s miniature. I probably enjoy the 90s miniature the most! There is something lively about it, more élan vital as one would describe it in French. I would say that the sandalwood in these both vintage versions is indeed creamier, more opulent, than nowadays. 3. To me personally the ylang-ylang flowers are more pronounced in the 1989 version. Overall, I will be happy to get the now available bouchon coeur flacon very soon. I hope it was helpful! Best wishes!

This review is for the newest version of Samsara EDP with the inverted heart cap, exactly as in the photo above: A very well-blended scent-- warm, inviting, elegant but not overly formal. It has a slight scent of powdery aldehydes, citrus, yellow florals, and a smooth sandalwood. Brightness and creaminess simultaneously. It feels like the rising sun. A comparison with the newest EDT, also in the inverted heart cap bottle... Newest Samsara EDT is much more loud and sparkling to start. Powerfully soapy-aldehydic in the top notes and throughout the base notes if you're in a cold climate. I wore this out the other day and I overheard someone say they could smell Chanel No. 5 when I walked past them. Then I realized new Samsara EDT really does smell a lot like that perfume on me. Of course, Samsara EDT is a beautiful fragrance, but I do not want the scent of aldehydes taking over the sandalwood. I want to smell the sandalwood. The EDT might be better suited for summer because I did notice some sandalwood towards the end of wear time, but only if I was cleaning house, or feeling warm. A little strong in the beginning, but only lasts 4 hours on me. Newest Samsara EDP is much more linear, the notes are woven together like a basket, and it's smooth. All components of this fragrance dance together with the sandalwood present throughout the duration of the wear time, and neither the bright notes nor the creamy sandalwood are shouting above the other. EDP is more calm and introverted in feel than the EDT. Projects more like a skin scent, but does waft just a little. Feels like a comfortable golden cocoon. Lasts longer but less sillage. I prefer the EDP.

I have a client who is a perfumer. One day we were talking about which fragrances we disliked. I mentioned Santal 33 by Le Labo. It’s so repulsive to me. I’m sure it’s just a matter of my particular sense of smell because so many people adore it.....kind of like how people either love or hate cilantro, which is a genetic disposition. To me, Santal 33 smells exactly like pickle juice and pencil shavings. I despise it. My client recommended Samsara. She said I would get the sandalwood I was looking for, but Samsara would have a creamier and more lovely blend of notes. So I did a blind buy, and it arrived the other day. I’ve been wearing it nonstop since then. And I have to say, my client knew what she was talking about. It’s dreamy and light, and is giving awesome unisex vibes. I’m already thinking about what to layer it with. I realize this is a new formulation of the old Samsara. I realize people are comparing it to the old, and don’t like it as much. But the type of sandalwood that had been used is now endangered. Climate change and consumer demand has left far fewer trees, and it’s now prohibited for use by the perfume and incense industries. So Guerlain remade Samsara with a different type of sandalwood, and also made it less complex to suit this new woody note. Since I’ve never enjoyed the old version and have nothing to compare the new Samsara with, I’m just gonna enjoy it because it is utterly lovely. I’m very pleased to be adding it to my collection.

Great Gatsby's femme fatale. The scent chooses you, definitely signature worthy if it is a match. I love the current reformulation, better than the bee bottle. Something that Lana del Rey would wear. Something that imprints in your brain upon smelling for the first time and you will never forget. This is how old money smells. Don't judge straight from the bottle your skin makes it unfold the full complexity. I am 40, wearing it since I was 18. Never really could wear anything else. It is a great option if you doesn't want to wear Baccarat Rouge or Black Orchid. Not to mention Black Opium or Libre. Don't get me wrong, all great scents, but they are too omnipotent, nothing new or unique about them, just like Coco Chanel line. And what I highly appreciate there is amber, vanilla without drowning in patchouli! The sandalwood is Guerlain's own Plantage in Australia. High quality. Masterpiece was when it came out in '89 and Thierry Wasser preserved the essence of it. Which by itself is an art, replacing the old components that are banned with modern ingredients. It is rounded and balsamic, great sillage and staying power. The scent is the sexiest beast on the market! I own and cherish a vintage bottle, this formula is very close and repurchase, full bottle worthy. I am proud of having my own scent that is a head turner, conversation starter and it doesn't come across twice every time I enter a mall. Never stop producing it!

This, for me, is one of those things that I just cannot fathom the thought that some people actually dislike this gorgeous fragrance. I happen to think that it’s borderline magical. It has elegantly sophisticated quality to it that honestly reminds me of the chanel dna... but keep in mind, my experience with guerlain is limited to modern offerings and Mitsouko, so I’m definitely not the most well versed on the house. I definitely get the sandalwood, but it’s done in a much more vintage and feminine way than modern sandalwood fragrances. It’s highlighted with some pretty strong floral notes, ylang-ylang is prominent to my nose because I’m getting a very creamy and textured scent. It’s a texture that reminds me of banana peel. This fragrance is also very powdery, but to me, that is part of its charm. I get great comfort and tranquility from powdery accords, and the way this all comes together, it presents itself as a retro type of fragrance... one where it really does smell of the era it came from. It has a late 80s/early 90s vibe for sure, but in the best way. I can’t believe I didn’t try this years ago. It’s quite simple my favorite perfume ever, and I have been wearing this, and the edt practically nonstop since I received them. I own somewhere around 100 fragrances... and now... this is all I want to wear. Ugh.

I love this so much. This is the second time I am sampling this, the first time was almost a year ago, and it already feels like being reunited with a dear familiar scent. It is very distinct (like most guerlain perfumes) and it dries down to a gentle powdery base. But what I love about about it is the blast of ylang ylang in the beginning, and how that beautiful sunny ylang ylang lingers to the end until, somehow it morfhs seamlessly into soft iris. To me this perfume is like a fine piece of classical music, perhaps by Schubert. Or perhaps like a glass of good wine. Or like a sophisticated layered cake, with cream and vanilla, and done just right with skill and the finest ingredients. Or like a beloved woolen coat which is both flattering and comfortable. This feels timeless, never old, and a door into a world of fine pleasure. Complex and layered, yet distinctly recognizable. Now having worn this scent for 6 hours I feel it has become part of my microenvironment. The scent is still there -- warm, creamy, and natural -- and I notice that it complements my intrinsic skin scent instead of clashing against it. It feels like it has become part of me. Note: I have never smelt the original. I would love to if I get the chance. I understand this is a reformulation, but it is the first of its kind for me.

To answer the previous comments: they do not necessarily choose to reformulate, but the regulation of the materials the fragrance companies allowed to use has been changed. AND I disagree. It is my signature scent, and I currently own three formulations; one from the 90', a bee bottle edition and the latest. The bee bottle was the least fitting in the line. The current version is a beautiful interpretation of the original scent. In fact,wearing side by side I only smell one difference: the original Mysore Sandalwood is replaced with Australian Sandalwood (because Mysore woods are protected and not allowed to harvest them anymore). This makes the current edition more modern (as all the sandalwood has been changed for the same reason). To me it smells similar to Byredo Animalique and Tom Ford Santal Blush - but for an amazing price tag. To the nayers: approach this scent without expecting what is impossible, and enjoy the current formulation without comparison.

I've been on a roll with Guerlain fragrances lately. I originally had gotten a travel spray of Samsara EDT along with Insolence EDP from fragnet, and that got me hooked. Samsara is woody and powdery, somehow even though it is not close to Dior Dune, but it sorta brings the same kind of feeling for me - warm, cozy, clean, mysterious but huggable too. Samsara EDT and EDP are similar, however EDT has a little more spillage, EDP is softer and more rounded, and to my nose there're more layers to it. Both are gorgeous. If you are into woody type of scent, I think it'll be hard for you to not like Samsara. It seems that there are a lot of discussions regarding the vintage Samsara versus the current day versions. What I have here is the inverted heart cap EDP from the Les Legendaires collection, which I enjoy very much. Also lasting power is a beast. I can spray Samsara around 9am, and it is still very much noticeable at 10pm.

This is so beautiful and special. I'm not a fan of the opening, but after 10-15 min it dries down to a beautiful well blended Powdery ylang-ylang, iris, sandalwood and jasmine. This is a masterpiece and would be lovely in the spring and summer time too, because of the ylang ylang and citrus. It smells clean and fresh, but have depth. Classy and expensive smelling. It have a vintage quality in it in the best way - where modern fragrances foucus too much in the opening, and "forget" the dry down where the dry down is too linear and generic (everything smells the same) update 25.12: this is so addictive. It's now one of my most treasured fragrances in my collection, and I love it the more I wear it. I love the opening now as well. If this ever get discontinued, I'll buy all the bottles I can get my hands on - it's that good.

haha really cool. i just don't get the name. samsara is the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. suffering and death. totally not the impression i get from this fragrance. just smells like pure joy. youthful. i get so much ylang here. straight up banana peel. but it's so pleasant really don't shrug it off reading that. the jasmine is clean n sensual its right there with it, and prevents it from going full banana mode. but the further it goes iris dominates. creamy smooth lactonic sandalwood. honestly it's quite simple. not too complex but blended really well. guerlain quality all the way. i haven't smelled the older ones but smelling this. to be honest i cannot care to wanna know how different or better old formulations are. this is quite lovely but if you don't like ylang might be a big miss as stated below me.

love this perfume, recieved it as a gift and quickly became obsessed. its a nice floral woody fragrance. while i find it to be an intimate scent that does not mean it doesn't boast impressive longevity and sillage. it's an amazing perfume with versatile wear for day and night and can almost be year round. i just find it's not suitable for summer heat. the ylang-ylang and sandalwood notes are very prevelant, but not overpowering. the overall perfume is very classy and elegant but it still feels youthful and doesn't fall dated or old. it's a perfect signature scent and is good for scent layering so long as you find the right products. the longevity is good however the edt does fall significantly weaker atleast on my skin. the scent doesn't last the longest on clothing i find.

look, my introduction to samsara was an almost-finished OG bottle from the 90s given to me by my beautiful mother, so i'm slightly biased and i miss the red bottle formulation. while this new edition doesn't evoke the same bold and sensual smell of the original, it's not the worst reformulation, not at all. in an era where bold, deep, high projection perfumes will get people around you complaining, this does a good job being a modern take on the original. especially when skin scents are the biggest craze - and i do love them - i feel as beautiful and elegant in the new edp as i did in the original, just a little more demure. by far my favourite of the current guerlain collection, and probably won't ever be surpassed.

I have a feeling that this page might be more positive towards the newer versions of Samsara, so therefore I write here. I am so tired of only reading about how wonderful the old Samsara was - let's face it: that version is no more. I never tried it; if so, maybe I too would be complaining..! But now, this and I think still the bee bottles, is what we have. I have the bee bottles of both the edp and the edt. And I love them!! I will buy this newest version too, eventually. I never want to be without it. Many say, that Samsara is mostly for winter. I don't agree. To me, it is of course lovely at any time, but I enjoy it the very most for summer! A beautiful summer dress and this - edp or edt. Just lovely.

This is truly one of my all time favorite floral fragrances. It's a bouquet of fresh picked flowers. I always get complimented on this (and I'm speaking about the new reformulation, since I couldn't find the original). I LOVE it. After this one in the floral department I really love Estee Lauder Pleasures (although that one is crispier and more 90's), as well as the all time favorite of my teenage years, Tommy Girl. I wear these 3 perfumes in the summer because not only are they gorgeous floral perfumes, they cut right through the horrendous heat and humidity where I live in Miami. I'm SO glad this blind buy from Guerlain turned out to be a huge hit for me. It's now one of my staples.

Ive never smelled the vintage version but i actually really enjoy this new version, i think its lovely. Found a vintage edp and and am excited to see the difference. Edit; So i got the vintage Edp and maybe my nose isnt that trained or my taste refined but i prefer not to get the sharp opening of the vintage one and have to wait for the drydown to get the warm, smooth lovelieness that the new version offers right away.. my nose cant detect a huge difference although the vintage one definately is more woody, wich makes it a little less warm and sweet and more unisex. I guess its the mysore sandalwood that makes the most difference. I enjoy both.

i went to sephora to sample this as i recently opened my vintage samsara bottle, and fell in love. the first impression was of "what did they do to you?". it smelled metallic, more feminine, less vintage. i was quite disappointed. BUT in about an hour it started to develop and oh boy😍 i like it even more than the original! it elegant and sweet without being nauseating, luxurious, warm, and truly signature scent worthy, for me. i sampled this TWO DAYS ago and i can still smell it on my wrist, this is crazy, i ve never had this happen with any perfume! and i swower daily!!! i am obsessed! and i will get a full bottle 🫶

I never witnessed Samsara that tender! The 90s version with full red bottle was an extreme beast that gave me happiness but a grand headache at the same time because of its strength, but this version is just tenderly beautiful! I get a light floral airy sandalwood, with a touch of soft tender leather. It has that peach touch that makes me go crazy! & i think that's why it is quite light & tender! because of the peach note! & the sandalwood is lightly creamy and very fragile. This blend is beautiful in away that i just can't get enough sniffing it. Amazingly beautiful.

A reminder that the Guerlain (and Chanel and Dior) masterpieces smell like humanity’s long history of traveling the world to find (and grow and chemist) the finest scent ingredients. Sweet ylang ylang, ethereal cashmeran, spectacular iris, and smooth sandalwood. More creamy than powdery. A cirrus cloud of next level beautiful. Levitates between Apres L’ondee’s barely there prettiness and L'Heure Bleue’s big gorgeous. Samsara is mythological beauty, fairytale mist