Zen Shiseido 2007 Eau de Parfum

Zen has been on my wish list for ages. Although it is not particularly expensive, it took a long time for me to add it to my collection.

Now that spring is coming, I struck at just the right time. The fragrance is slightly woody and very clean right from the start; I feel like I've just stepped out of the shower when I wear it. It reminds me of saunas, spas, and wellness, probably due to the cedarwood. I find it somehow mature, as it has a slightly herbal note and is not sweet at all. Although it is marketed towards women, I find it absolutely unisex - so here’s my recommendation to men to just give it a try.

I can't pick out individual notes - except for lily of the valley and cedarwood. However, it is super well-balanced and envelops you throughout the day with a floral-woody freshness.

In fact, I would say it feels balanced and calming to me, but I am certainly a victim of marketing here - if it says Zen, especially from a Japanese company, you tend to imagine Zen. But whatever, what matters is the result, and I like it.

The bottle is okay, but not eye-catching. At least I have the latest version with a wooden cap, which I like a bit better. However, the square design is super unwieldy for spraying, especially the smallest 30 ml bottle. You almost need both hands to spray properly. But for me, in a fragrance at this price point, that is a minor issue.

Longevity and sillage are in the good middle range; it accompanies you discreetly throughout the day.

Overall, a wonderful everyday fragrance with signature potential!