Guerlain 1989 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Samsara

by Jean-Paul Guerlain

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Guerlain Samsara is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1989, created by Jean-Paul Guerlain. Samsara opens with Green Notes, Bergamot, Lemon, and Ylang-Ylang, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Iris, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vanilla. Guerlain's Samsara carries an Acquired verdict, a floral-led wear.

A legendary scent that's loved, longed for, and occasionally loathed. Vintage bottles are considered masterpieces, while newer formulations are seen as a shadow of their former glory. It's truly a perfume that transcends mere fragrance, provoking strong emotional connections.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Sensual
  • Sophisticated
  • Luxurious
  • Mysterious
£55.50 at Notino 75ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Samsara Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its strong sillage and remarkable longevity, Samsara is best suited for evenings and special occasions where its rich complexity can shine without overwhelming. It's too potent for casual daily wear or the office, but perfect for making a memorable impression on a date or at a formal event.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Samsara opens with a smooth, sun-drenched peach and creamy ylang-ylang, brightened by a whisper of bergamot. The heart unfolds into a sophisticated floral blend of powdery iris and violet, alongside rich jasmine. It settles into a profoundly comforting base of warm, creamy sandalwood, soft vanilla, and sensual amber, with a subtle musk lingering on the skin.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Samsara Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Samsara Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.