ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
This discontinued gem is divisive from the outset; some find it a cosy, spicy 'happiness in a bottle', while others are met with an 'overburnt vanilla' or a 'sickly' orange peel. If you can get your hands on a bottle, it seems like a must-try for oriental fans.
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.
Scent Profile
| Citrus | 5% | 4% |
| Floral | 21% | 21% |
| Fruity | 4% | 2% |
| Green | 2% | 3% |
| Sweet | 24% | 20% |
| Warm | 34% | 34% |
| Woody | 20% | 15% |
| Earthy | 11% | 12% |
| Animalic | 3% | 8% |
| Fresh | 6% | 4% |
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Base Notes
Accords
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its warm, spicy profile with moderate sillage makes it well-suited for cooler weather and intimate settings. While some find it office-safe due to its gentle nature, others describe it as a 'sex bomb' more apt for evenings out.
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.
Similarity Breakdown
Both share Warm Spicy, Amber, Floral accords and Benzoin, Jasmine notes
Subtle differences in overall composition
Where to buy
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