Zen

Zen by Shiseido is a feminine-leaning eau de parfum from 2000 in the designer price tier. It opens with bergamot and grapefruit, moves into jasmine, orange blossom and violet and dries down to sandalwood, musk and amber. Expect around 7 hours of wear, and it projects at a moderate level.

Notes, explained

Opening

Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
Grapefruit Bitter, slightly sweaty citrus. More grown-up than lemon.

Heart

Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Orange Blossom Sweet, soapy and sunny. Neroli's warmer sibling.
Violet Powdery, sweet and a bit retro. Parma Violets in flower form.

Dry-down

Sandalwood Creamy, milky wood. Soft and almost edible.
Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.

Smells like this

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