Samsara Eau De Parfum

Where does one start when in presence of royalty? With expectation, nervousness or awe? Or with all that is happening in one's mind in those first few seconds of such an encounter? The "double-door" entrance is made by the green citrus notes, with bergamot at the forefront, setting the pace. It may appear somewhat linear during the first few minutes, as a procession of Prussian ceremonial masters. Ylang-ylang and peach most certainly soften the top note, so you will not be able to confuse it with the one from Mitsouko try as you might. Samsara's citruses are more indulgent and voluptuous. Confident without being loud, luxurious without being vulgar, classic without being musty. I can see the red carnation opening the heart, despite the fact that it is not (supposed to be?) there. It may well be the orris and iris blended with narcissus playing a jovial trick on me. All I can say with (my) confidence is that the heart note is the one of spiced florals, in shades of gold and carmin red, - majestic, assured and impossible to tear off one's gaze (or nose) away from. It is so wonderfully multifaceted and nuanced, that the only comparison I can draw is of the perfectly cut gemstone, which, despite its singular/dominant colour, shows the hues and tones under different angles and lighting, that were never expected or perceived until seen in person. The projection builds up as the perfume is opening, - like a flower that builds up its fragrance with its blooming period. Jasmine is of a golden type, on level with yang-ylang and narcissus, with all three remaining distinct but perfectly balanced notes, not squabbling for the prime place or dominance, but walking in step with each other, confident and splendid. I have no sight of violet and rose. It seems to me they are the ethereal additions, and play the roles which I am not sophisticated enough to behold or understand. Be it as it may, I am enjoying all the others just the same. Sillage is tricky to evaluate, with this being an extrait (which I bought at Guerlain's head boutique in Paris) I can only apply it in drops (not by spraying) and I just love the intimacy and exclusivity it affords. The scent is like a crepe-de-chine palatine wrapped around me, so light and weightless and yet impossible to ignore and captivating. It also gives the sense of enigmatic power - for the lucky few who can behold the scent must be allowed closer than the rest. This is a perfect wear for flirting and courting on a warm July night! Unlike so many others the transitions from one note to another, from one step to the next is almost impossible to detect. One is never certain where one ends and the other one begins. I say - this is a sign of the Haute Perfumery which nowadays is nearly impossible to find. I cannot tell you where or when the dry down starts even if my life depended on it. I simply bask in the notes and overtones of the perfume until I finally come to recognise the glint of sandalwood, sultry tease of musk, and unmistakable glow of Baltic amber, cascading from my skin into the air around me. Samsara is a perfume of a 1000 and 1 nights, where the wearer becomes the main protagonist and is announced by the brilliance of Jean-Paul Guerlain's creation executed with utmost taste and panache. For as long as the scent is on one's skin - the fairytale keeps unfolding, colouring the world around with indescribable hues and unforgettable experiences and emotions. It's like a magical lamp which one must use sparingly lest one runs out of the wishes. It is to be treasured, admired and (most certainly) worn when the time for magic and drama is nigh, when one is to be beheld in awe and revered by the rest. I adore my Samsara, and even though the bottle is a dainty one - I know, - it will never run dry.