Tom Ford 2013 EDP

F ££££ Acquired

Shanghai Lily

by Antoine Maisondieu

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Tom Ford Shanghai Lily is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2013, created by Antoine Maisondieu. Shanghai Lily opens with Bitter Orange, Pepper, Pink Pepper, and Clove, settles into a heart of Floral Notes, Spicy Notes, Rose, and Jasmine, and dries down to a base of Cashmere Wood, Vetiver, Guaiac Wood, and Vanilla. Tom Ford's Shanghai Lily carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

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.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
  • Sophisticated
  • Sensual
  • Warm
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Shanghai Lily 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

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.

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

  • Geraniol from Rose

Other declarable allergens

  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Bitter Orange
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

Shanghai Lily opens with a rich, spicy kick from pink pepper and clove, soon embraced by the opulent heart of tuberose and jasmine. As it settles, a warm, amber-laced vanilla emerges, intertwined with smoky frankincense and earthy vetiver, creating a smooth, dark, and utterly intoxicating oriental floral. The cashmere wood and resins lend a creamy depth, avoiding any harshness.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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