Samsara (1989)
by Guerlain

My signature scent. Even though I do have other permanent menbers in my collection which I could never part with, it is with Samsara that I have been with the longest (probably around five years). I was given a sample of her by a Guerlain counter consultant and it was love at first smell. Between the EDP and the EDT, the EDP wins hands down, but of course, as with all fragrances nothing can top the parfum, as that is when all the notes can all be truly come through in their own ways. Sensual,serene, and sexy (but in a refined sense) the whole concept of Samsara appeals to me as the gold stopper of the parfum bottle is said to represent the eye of Buddha - which for someone of my spiritual persuasions is particularly endearing.

What I love about Samsara the most is how, during the drydown, the sandlewood element comes roaring through, stays there, yet never overpowers anything else, plus the way it joins up beautifully with the heart note of jasmine - truly wonderful.

A big surprise. This is excellent--magical. I love it. I once tried a store tester on papar and hated it--I thought the terragon was revolting. On the skin, it is a totally different story. Samsara is a wonderful fragrance. It has won me over. Fascinating, cool vanilla and sandalwood with florals and spice. Overall, the fragrance affects me in the same manner as heliotrope, smooth and cool like vanilla ice cream. On my skin it becomes a shifting melange of flowers (feminine but not cliched) with a creamy/spicy base. Smooth, slick, sleek. Blends totally with my skin. Sinks in, takes hold, and spreads its fluid layer of seductiveness. Warning, buy the EDP. Unlike most Guerlains, the pure parfum is actually inferior, with a strange plasticy, coconut note. The EDP was truer to the intent, with the emphasis on the vanilla and jasmine notes.

I totally agree with tvlampboy about this lovely fragrance - there really should be a men's version! However, there's already something available that's very similar (and closer to the unisex arena). It's called Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior.

Both are truly wonderful creations but a man could easily pull off wearing Hypnotic Poison, in comparison to Samsara.

I don't want to offend anyone who loves Samsara but this fragrance is by far the worst I have ever smelled. I am sure some women smell good with it but I haven't met one yet. I think the jasmine note is overpowering. In my opinion, there is nothing subtle about the entire composition. I like many of Guerlain's classics but I hate Samsara with a passion. Some perfumes are heady, this one is headachy. Nasty.

I tried this at a local departmental store and was figuratively blown away, so to speak. Its very rich and sensual, and had my lady friend looking at me differently. She had only one thing to say, "It's so sexy, you're looking attractive to me," :)

I think what made me smell this perfume twice and more on my wrist was its woody notes that are of course one of my best preferences in a fragrance. What made my friend very interested in the perfume was its androgynous quality, its almost like a perspiring man wearing Samsara.

Interested, I am for sure. This is a perfume that needs a real woman to wear it and make it whole. I love it.

This was a gift from a dear friend, so I really should wear it. Didn't care for it much at first, too rich. But over time, I realized it was one of the few florals I reached for, and the only jasmine I could stand. It's a powerful floriental and very intense, but it's just wonderful. It seems to be a fragrance that needs time to grow on one. Just give it 3 tries....