Vega

Vega is absolutely gorgeous. It shares much in common with its Guerlain sister, Liu. They are both very "Guerlainish" (re: vanillic, bright, more citric) takes on the famed aldehydic floral Chanel mold. Both Liu and Vega have that traditional, floral core of ylang, jasmine, and rose. Vega has more ylang and some slightly grape-ish orange blossom. It also dries down to a more resinous, incensy finale. Liu, on the other hand, has more of the Guerlain herbs (especially what reads as rosemary) in the top, and a woodier drydown. I also must say--Vega is absolutely the perfect name for a bright, shining, metallic aldehydic bouquet. I appreciate that it's been revived a couple times in the recent past and Vega is a beauty in every form I've smelled it in--vintage parfum, the newer revived parfum from the late 90's or early 2000's in the traditional "inkwell" bottle, and then the apothecary bottle EDT "Once Upon a Time" collection. It's also smelled surprisingly consistent throughout all of these incarnations. I understand why this isn't in the current Legendaires collection since they chose to stick with Liu, but I treasure the samples of it I have.

Personally, I strongly dislike this particular type of ylang ylang. It's too buttery. The softer, more watery version seems like it would work better here. BUT, Vega is overall truly exquisite. The original vintage does have civet and either gray or white ambergris in the base that aren't mentioned elsewhere online. The Carnation note is absolutely beautiful with the Iris and Orris root. It becomes a soft, spiced, powdery vanilla skin scent. It's not overwhelmingly perfume-y. It's also incredibly versatile and would wear nicely on men and women, day/night, is good for work or for a night out, and is piquant enough to be worn during summer. Blissfully cozy. Highly, highly recommend. It's worth the price and one of the few niche perfumes where it's genuinely reflecting of quality. The older the bottle, the better!

I love this! At first, I get a whiff of Johnson and Johnson Baby Oil and Chanel No.5. But I don't dislike this, I think it's quite lovely. The dry down is gorgeous - creamy, smooth, ambery/vanillic/sandalwoody with a hint of floral note. Very warm and easy to wear.

Actually starts dirtier than it ends. I get heliotrope, clove/carnation, and sandalwood as dominating notes. Agree with Roshap re: Samsara resemblnace. Then- - - ylang-ylang shows up and stays, and stays. If you love ylang-ylang, this is your fragrance.

★★★★★ I just bought it because after trying it twice. Don't know if i will wear it very often, but I had to have it in my collection; it's exceptionally different: smelling it, you travel through time and places, you forget about everything else.