Shanghai Lily
| Edp | Concentration | Edp |
| U | Gender | U |
| 2013 | Year | 2016 |
| ££££ | Price Tier | ££ |
Black Calamus
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
Tom Ford Shanghai Lily is a deeply polarising scent. While many hail it as a devastatingly beautiful masterpiece, others find it too bitter and overwhelming, smelling of dentist's offices or burnt incense. This isn't a safe blind buy, but for those who love bold, oriental florals, it's an enchanting and unforgettable experience.
Black Calamus is a serious, sophisticated scent for those who appreciate dark, complex fragrances. It's not a crowd-pleaser and definitely not a safe blind buy, as it polarises with its potent mix of unique notes, but for the right person, it's an addictive, magical experience.
Scent Profile
| Citrus | 4% | 2% |
| Floral | 21% | 18% |
| Fruity | 2% | 3% |
| Green | 3% | 7% |
| Sweet | 20% | 14% |
| Warm | 34% | 31% |
| Woody | 15% | 18% |
| Earthy | 12% | 14% |
| Animalic | 8% | 6% |
| Fresh | 4% | 4% |
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Accords
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
This is a strong, projecting fragrance that's best suited for occasions where it can truly shine and intrigue, such as dates or formal events, especially in cooler weather. Its intensity makes it largely unsuitable for office wear or casual daytime activities.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.
Occasions
Its powerful, woody-spicy character and strong performance make it less suitable for casual or office wear, where it might be overwhelming. It truly shines for date nights or formal events, offering a unique and sophisticated presence that commands attention without being overtly loud.
Similarity Breakdown
Both share Amber, Woody, Warm Spicy accords and Rose, Labdanum notes
Subtle differences in overall composition
Where to buy
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