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Ralph Lauren Safari vs Shiseido Zen Original
Too close to call on ratings — choose on character.
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Notes
Top
GalbanumMarigoldNarcissusHiacynthOrangeBlack CurrantCassisMandarin Orange
Heart
NarcissusOrris RootRosemaryRoseItalian JasmineOrange Blossom
Base
VetiverAmberSandalwoodCedarPatchouli
Accords
Aromatic
100%
Green
91%
Woody
80%
Fresh spicy
66%
Balsamic
65%
Floral
61%
Performance
LongevityLong lasting
SillageModerate
Best Seasons
fallsummerwinter
About
Safari by Ralph Lauren is a Floral Green fragrance for women. Safari was launched in 1990. The nose behind this fragrance is Dominique Ropion. Top notes are Galbanum, Marigold, Narcissus, Hiacynth, Orange, Black Currant, Cassis and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Narcissus, Orris Root, Rosemary, Rose, Italian Jasmine and Orange Blossom; base notes are Vetiver, Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar and Patchouli. The scent of Safari, just like many other Ralph Lauren fragrances is inspired with American life style. Safari symbolizes another American myth, the call of the wild planes, the spirit of freedom and adventure, the joy of discovery. For all that Safari has enjoyed a great success in the States, just like the Polo and the game of Polo as those are topics that are dear. Safari for women is a floral aroma with light breeze scented by grasses, freedom and romance of open vast space. The top notes are galbanum, mandarin and hyacinth. Aldehydes cheer up the composition. The heart brings a gorgeous bouquet of rose, lily of the valley, narcissus and iris. The base is composed of vetiver, moss, Tonka bean and styrax. Safari was created in 1990 by Dominique Ropion.
vs
Notes
Top
HiacynthGalbanumBergamotOrange Blossom
Heart
CarnationOrris RootNarcissusJasmineMimosaVioletRose
Base
OakmossMuskSandalwoodCedarAmber
Accords
Floral
100%
Green
93%
Powdery
89%
Woody
86%
Earthy
74%
Mossy
70%
Performance
LongevityModerate
SillageModerate
Best Seasons
fallspringwinter
About
Zen Original by Shiseido is a Chypre fragrance for women. Zen Original was launched in 1964. The nose behind this fragrance is Josephine Catapano. Top notes are Hiacynth, Galbanum, Bergamot and Orange Blossom; middle notes are Carnation, Orris Root, Narcissus, Jasmine, Mimosa, Violet and Rose; base notes are Oakmoss, Musk, Sandalwood, Cedar and Amber. Zen is the first Shiseido’s perfume released at the world market. It was created in 1964 in a black bottle with a floral pattern. This is an intensive floral scent, with hyacinth, orange blossom, jasmine, mimose, daffodil, violet and woody-musky base, which is not produced anymore. A newer, modern version was launched in 2000 and the creator is Nathalie Lorson. This version is lighter, more pellucid, with a general resemblance with the original. The bottle of the second Zen is white. The third version of Zen was created in 2007 by Michel Almairac of Robertet. Top notes: bergamot, galbanum and orange blossom. Heart: jasmine, rose, violet, narcissus, hyacinth, carnation, orris root and mimosas. Base: sandalwood, cedar, oak moss, amber and musk.
Notes in Common
36% sharedShared (9)
GalbanumNarcissusHiacynthOrris RootRoseOrange BlossomAmberSandalwoodCedar
Only in Safari
MarigoldOrangeBlack CurrantCassisMandarin OrangeRosemaryItalian JasmineVetiverPatchouli
Only in Zen Original
BergamotCarnationJasmineMimosaVioletOakmossMusk
Rating
4.14vs4.20
Ratings
3,317vs451
Concentration
EDPvsEDP
Launch Year
1990vs1964
Which should I buy?
Too close to call on ratings — choose on character.
- The community rates them about the same (4.14 from 3,317 ratings vs 4.20 from 451).
- Longevity votes lean "long lasting" for Safari and "moderate" for Zen Original.
- Sillage is comparable: "moderate" is the most common vote for both.
- Both are voted best for fall.
- Both houses are mid-range (typically $40–100), so price won't be the deciding factor.
Compare the notes and accords above and pick the one that reads closer to what you already love wearing.