Samsara Shine (2001)
by Guerlain

Kudos to the last two reviews. Samsara Shine is one of my favorites for the late summer months.

23rd November, 2005.

I find this, as with Samsara, to be a fully bodied fragrance thanks to its intense signature base - vanilla, tonka bean and sandalwood. Blended on top of that is a compendium of fig and red fruits, and I find that the red fruits are dominant. In particular, the pomegranate - simultaneously tart and powdery - and the redcurrant, with its sweet, vaguely hot warmth - really rule the composition. The fig and citrus topnotes are perhaps the most low-key elements here, which gives some idea of its overall richness since fig in and of itself can often be a dominating note. I get many, many compliments on this fragrance and it is indeed lovely in small doses, though it can quickly overpower if applied too liberally. I enjoy it most in the cooler months and also enjoy layering it, from time to time, with other fragrances to play up a certain aspect of the Shine; one very nice combination in particular is this with Molinard's Senteurs Vanille, either in fragrance or body lotion form.

25th August, 2005.

Lighter, fruiter version of Samsara. More suitable for day/summer wear.
Much niceness!

29th August, 2004.