Is Maison Alhambra Zeno a dupe of Shiseido Zen?
Zen EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2007 | Year | 2022 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Zeno EDP
Zen by Shiseido and Zeno by Maison Alhambra, despite a high similarity score, cater to different preferences. Zen, from 2007, is more divisive, with some finding it clean and elegant, while others perceive it as generic and sharp. Zeno (2022) is a modern, versatile, and crowd-pleasing fragrance that offers a fresh yet grounded experience at a budget price. The key difference lies in the overall composition: Zen leans into a Coco Mademoiselle-like experience, while Zeno provides a more balanced and contemporary take.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a fragrance similar to Coco Mademoiselle.
- You prefer a more established brand.
- You like a sharper, more distinctive opening.
- You want an affordable, versatile fragrance.
- You prefer a modern and crowd-pleasing scent.
- You want a fresh yet grounded experience.
- You want a fragrance that punches above its price point.
Zen is a divisive scent, polarising reviewers between a clean, fresh, and elegant vibe and something generic, sharp, or ‘old-lady-like’. If you're after a budget-friendly Coco Mademoiselle-adjacent experience, it's worth a sniff, but be aware of its poor performance for some.
This isn't just another Middle Eastern hidden gem; it's a versatile, grown-up fragrance that punches way above its price point. It's a classy crowd-pleaser that manages to be both fresh and grounded, perfect for those who want elegance without a high street price tag.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its fresh, clean, and often subtle profile, coupled with moderate projection, makes it ideal for office and casual wear. While some find it elegant enough for dates, its limited longevity and lack of overt formality keep it from being a top choice for formal events.
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its versatile and elegant profile, balanced between fresh citrus and grounding woods, makes it suitable for almost any setting. While some find its projection strong enough for compliments, its overall clean and sophisticated character fits well in an office or casual environment. It might be a bit too much for active sports due to its earthy base.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 18 of its 19 notes, including Hyacinth, Bergamot, Orange
Adds apple, drops red apple
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Zen EDP
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International (3)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work
Zeno EDP
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No other shop we track that delivers to you has it in stock.
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International (3)
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United Kingdom. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 7 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work