Samsara (Extrait) by Guerlain
Bottle Design:
Robert Granai
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Samsara 1989 Extrait

9.0 / 10 116 Ratings
A popular perfume by Guerlain for women, released in 1989. The scent is woody-floral. Projection and longevity are above-average. It was last marketed by LVMH.
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Main accords

Woody
Floral
Creamy
Sweet
Oriental

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes Top Notes
Ylang-ylangYlang-ylang Green notesGreen notes PeachPeach BergamotBergamot LemonLemon
Heart Notes Heart Notes
CarnationCarnation JasmineJasmine NarcissusNarcissus Orris rootOrris root RoseRose VioletViolet
Base Notes Base Notes
SandalwoodSandalwood Tonka beanTonka bean VanillaVanilla AmberAmber IrisIris MuskMusk

Perfumers

Ratings
Scent
9.0116 Ratings
Longevity
8.7107 Ratings
Sillage
8.1105 Ratings
Bottle
8.8110 Ratings
Value for money
7.527 Ratings
Submitted by Deefit · last update on 12/23/2025.
Source-backed & verified
Variant of the fragrance concentration
This is a variant of the perfume Samsara (Eau de Parfum) by Guerlain, which differs in concentration.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to
Samsara (Eau de Parfum) by Guerlain
Samsara Eau de Parfum
Samsara (Eau de Toilette) by Guerlain
Samsara Eau de Toilette
Guet-Apens by Guerlain
Guet-Apens
Tuscany per Donna (Parfum) by Aramis
Tuscany per Donna Parfum
Bois des Îles (Eau de Parfum) by Chanel
Bois des Îles Eau de Parfum
Ungaro (1977) (Parfum) by Emanuel Ungaro
Ungaro (1977) Parfum

Reviews

5 in-depth fragrance descriptions
MutMaat

35 Reviews
MutMaat
MutMaat
1  
The Royalty
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.
0 Comments
Ttfortwo

90 Reviews
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Ttfortwo
Ttfortwo
Top Review 45  
Winner of My Heart: Samsara Extrait. But the EdP Holds Its Own...
8 AM: I'm on my way to the home office (a very short journey, indeed) and decide to pit my freshly acquired Samsara Extrait against Samsara Eau de Parfum (the current version). I've had the EdP since last year and I love it.

So I apply a spritz of the Samsara EdP to my right wrist - just one, and probably applied rather cautiously - and for a brief moment, a cheeky cloud rises, a hint of nose-fresh lemon, paired with the matte floral and slightly dusty bergamot and the wonderful Guerlain peach (everyone always talks about the famous Guerlain vanilla, which is indeed done very well, but has anyone noticed how well Guerlain does peach - a fragrance direction that often tends to veer into the synthetic-squeaky peach gummy direction (sour)?). The accord quickly turns medium-dark - I can only catch the fresher notes with my nose on the skin after just a few minutes. By the way, it’s different when I spray on clothing, as the lighter notes remain noticeably longer. But I want to test it on skin.

On my left wrist, I swipe a hint from the cap of the Samsara bottle, the Extrait. Just a hint, but it's a statement: The subjective scent impression of this almost homeopathic application is at least as present as that of the sprayed EdP. Here, I almost search in vain for the fresher notes; the Extrait starts (when sprayed, it probably appears a bit fresher) right with the actual statement, and that is: sandalwood. Strong, dark, spicy sandalwood; the other notes are mere embellishments and wonderful accessories, I can still detect the iris powder as a single note.

9 AM: Both fragrances are neck and neck and have developed into a rather similar soft, dark, colorful scent impression. The warm sandalwood dominates; the Extrait now seems spicier and perhaps denser, softer, a bit velvety, while the EdP is a bit more floral; the jasmine has made good use of its opportunity, I would say. The projection of both fragrances is quite noticeable - sandalwood-tinged spicy clouds puff up repeatedly, and I can't tell whether they ultimately come from my right or left wrist.

10 AM: There's really nothing new to report yet. I'm sitting blissfully in this matte floral-spicy sandalwood cloud, sniffing left and right, and hardly noticing a difference.

11 AM: Look at that, the Extrait seems to be weakening a bit. The EdP is now clearly ahead in terms of scent intensity, a surprising turn in a competition where the winner seemed to be predetermined.

12 PM: All clear. The EdP has ignited the last stage and is slowly sinking back towards the base note couch.

The Extrait, on the other hand, still seems very rested; the heart notes smell present and it seems to have gained some strength again: it is also more noticeable from a distance.

And: I finally find an expression for what I have felt throughout the entire scent journey with both, namely, security. Softly spiced vanilla, sandalwood embrace, powdery peace.

1 PM: The EdP is resting and will do so for many hours to come, and the technical winner is clear. It is the Extrait; it has more endurance, even though the floral notes are slowly becoming quieter.

2 PM: The Extrait also begins to retreat. A buttery soft glide into the base notes begins, which approaches completion around

3 PM.

Around 4 PM, both versions are back on equal footing. Both base notes smell wonderfully comforting, embracing, peaceful, warm, and cozy, and I sniff left and right, knowing from experience that I will be doing so for a long time. And a small miracle: completely unexpectedly, even now, a sandalwood cloud puffs up from time to time - even the base notes still have a certain outward effect.

Conclusion: Both have performed fabulously on my scent-eating skin - many other perfume-tested scent monsters have given up much earlier in many tests.

The Extrait scores with maximum scent development at minimal dosage - a tiny swipe has sufficed for the entire day, and it smells a little softer, gentler, more comforting, and slightly darker than the Eau de Parfum, which presents itself a bit brighter and a touch sharper.

However, the EdP costs only a fraction and is - on its own - a wonderful soft-woody, velvety fragrance of great beauty.

My heart's winner remains the perfume. Because it - aside from this brief 11 AM dip - always had a nose advantage and because it is capable of making the world - and especially this dreadful, gloomy, and rainy pre-autumn day - a little bit more beautiful.

Lastly: I will publish this text verbatim for the Eau de Parfum, as it pertains equally to both versions. So don't be surprised. And: If this contradicts any rules, just let me know, and I will delete one article.
20 Comments
Jumi

41 Reviews
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Jumi
Jumi
Top Review 38  
The Art of Dreaming
His hand wandered slowly and lovingly along the leg, gently tracing the body contours, the steep ups and downs of the hips, the soft curve of the shoulder, the smooth cheek...

For months he worked, lonely and obsessed, on the great, fragrant piece of wood. Hardly slept and carved, hammered, scratched, sanded, polished. Gradually, the tools became finer, were detached from the fine sandpaper, and then polished extensively with a soft oiled cloth. Now, highly sensitive fingertips made their final journey, searching for last invisible imperfections. But she was perfect. He stepped back and admired his completed work. Now she lay there, his sleeping sandalwood goddess, on her right side, resting her head on her elbow, her long hair spread around her, with a carved narrow scarf modestly covering her loins. As real as the shadows of tightly closed eyelashes on her cheeks, as true as the relaxed fingers on her chest. From a bowl, he poured flowers over her, carefully, almost out of fear of waking her. And sat, and remained silent, and stared for what felt like an eternity. The sun peeked through the leaves at the window into the workshop, casting small flickering lights inside and shimmering on her smooth, flower-dusted “skin.”

The day bowed before Her Majesty, the night. And slowly and exhausted, our master fell asleep... Psst...

The eyelashes trembled, the finger twitched gently. The old table creaked softly. The silk scarf glided silently to her feet. On tiptoes, she sneaked to the door, paused briefly at his bed. Sleepily, he smiled, murmured “what a beautiful dream!” and turned to the wall.

Meanwhile, she stood in the doorway. Stretching indulgently in the soft pearly light of the moon, she shook the flower dust from her hair.

'Beautiful is what you see. More beautiful is what you dream!' (c) Luc de Clapiers, Marquis de Vauvenargues

------------------------------------

So extensive is the Guerlain portfolio. So great and so beloved are the old names... Often far too grand for little Jumi. Enthusiastic about many of them, I am, as always, very hesitant to wear them. That one is not me. That one does not suit me. And that one feels forced. And that one casts me in its shadow. Some of the newer ones, however, often make you want to shake them awake and shove their family tree (or even their puddles) in their faces... This one crept on tiptoes, very, very late, into the heart. As the best vintage version, ahead of the EdP and EdT, in the old rich red, not in the new uniform “clone bottle.” I do not know the new version and do not wish to get to know it. Out of fear it might destroy the dream for me. My sandalwood dream, initially carried by the cool, green wind. Dusted with the finest flower dust - in its entirety unbreakable, only jasmine and ylang can I recognize - which lays like a silk veil over the wood. The sandalwood - here an ode. Those who do not like sandalwood will find nothing to say in Samsara. A perfect, unique balance between creamy, slightly soapy sandalwood and strong, but not overwhelming flowers, which, with their rounding, Guerlain-typical, mature, this time very subtly applied sweetness, provides an in-finite long (well over 20 hours!) fragrance pleasure and weaves a dreamily creamy soft sillage silk cocoon around me. Not a bit out of date and not old-fashioned (goddesses are known to not age :)) And if all Guerlains were to disappear overnight, and only one could remain, my choice would fall on this extrait. On Samsara.
20 Comments
Snownowa

2 Reviews
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Snownowa
Snownowa
2  
Samsara - stunning fragrance with phenomenal longevity
I have rediscovered Samsara. I stored all my extraits dark and cool, and I put away my last bottle of Samsara (already used) about 20 years ago. Incredible, the perfume has still retained its amazing scent. I am using it again now and I am totally thrilled once more.
As a fan of extraits, I am now on the lookout for remaining stocks in flacons (- which I greatly prefer to a vaporisateur). Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire the classics as extraits.
3 Comments

Statements

27 short views on the fragrance
49
45
Opulent flower dance
In the sandalwood palace
You wait by the rose gate
Caressing
Peach-soft
Fresh-green leaves
Balsamically drenched...
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45 Comments
35
48
Eternal love, haven’t sniffed it in ages.
And still just as in love,
as on the first day.
The most beautiful sandalwood cream,
the most beautiful blossoms ever.
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48 Comments
33
25
Samsara
Queen of Sandalwood
Your hair so silky
Floral-glowing your skin
You spray a peachy scent
Spreading eternal love across all realms
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25 Comments
25
9
A true cornucopia of spicy blooms, dense, complex, in perfect harmony with this dreamy sandalwood base. Simply divine.
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9 Comments
24
9
Time stands still. One's gaze brushes eternity. The earth dreams. Celestial bodies smile. Comfort and warmth beyond earthly confines.
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9 Comments
22
5
In the case of Samsara, I definitely prefer the extrait, which isn’t true for all Guerlains: flowers perfectly balanced with sandalwood.
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5 Comments
19
5
My mom's signature scent from the 90s. A complex floral accord on a lovely sweet sandalwood base. Beautiful, but too much like my mom.
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5 Comments
17
10
Valentine's eternal dream
Darkness blossoms in colors
We whisper the outrageous to each other
Flower-heavy & sand-satin matte
100 years of togetherness
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10 Comments
18
4
Creamy-woody, the sandalwood from Guerlain is fantastic & combines beautifully with jasmine. Pure sensuality.
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4 Comments
17
2
That's how I remember Samsara from the 80s. Velvety, sandalwood, elegant, subtly spicy, lasts a loooong time. A queen enters the room.
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2 Comments
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