Zen by Shiseido

Adorable fragrance 💚 totally versatile and timeless 🍀

Reading that it smells like Coco Mademoiselle? Not even close! It doesn’t resemble it in scent, longevity, or trail; this is in a lower league. It’s true that Zen has good projection and longevity, but the scent isn’t similar at all. Also, the name doesn’t fit: it’s definitely spicy, pleasant, and distinctive, but Zen would be softer, whereas this is powerful. In my opinion, it’s decent, but regarding scent-to-price, I wouldn’t buy it again because it doesn’t fully convince me, and certainly not at that price.

😍 Exquisite! I own Coco Mademoiselle and they’re similar; my friends ask what perfume I’m wearing and don’t realize it’s the same family. The big difference is longevity: Chanel lasts longer and has better sillage. Shiseido Zen is more citrusy and feels better for daytime, while Coco feels fresher at night. Zen is more youthful, Chanel more elegant, though I recommend both for all ages and occasions.

Never heard of it, so I took a blind leap and fell in love. It smells like Coco Mademoiselle but more citrusy and juicy at first, then soapy as it dries. Honestly, I prefer it because Chanel gives me a headache. Performance is amazing and the price is unbeatable.

One of those rare perfumes few people wear but absolutely delicious. Not identical to Mademoiselle, but reminds you of it with that citrus-floral touch. I find it more sophisticated, whereas Chanel feels more cheerful—that’s just my take. I wear what I like, regardless of the season. But for me, evening scents need to spark something mysterious. It’s delightful, hands down.

Just finished this gem. Everyone said it smelled like Coco Mademoiselle. It’s quite similar, but this patchouli is drenched in pineapple juice and sparkling grapefruit. It’s most alike when dry, though Zen is woodier. I also detect apple, giving it a bitter twist. For me, zero incense. I hate comparisons; it’s more of a summer scent. I’m stocked for this summer, but I’ll be repurchasing next year—it’ll be my staple, I promise. Good longevity (6-8 hours) and lasts forever on clothes. Recommended.

The other day we tested it with friends to gift to a girl, and it was fun. Everyone loved it at first, but over time most started to dislike it. It’s a special citrus patchouli. The opening is rich in nuances, fresh, and full of colorful notes, easy to please. Then it gets complicated, gaining intensity and character. In the dry down, I notice a dry, lifeless patchouli, not meaty, with a pineapple that’s neither sugary nor exotic, not sweet or tropical. It seems to add only harshness, almost no scent, lots of acidic, fibrous water (darker than lemon) and a touch of incense. It intensifies with incense and cedar: a woodiness without warmth and somewhat theatrical citrus. I love this wolf in sheep’s clothing. I tested it on my skin, and if asked what it is, I’d say without a doubt it’s masculine. I want to smell it on my friend’s skin to see her reaction. I’m considering buying it; it’s hard to find a woodsy, fresh, summer patchouli that feels understated and refined.

Fresh and great for mild or hot days. It starts subtle, sweet, and fresh, but dries down to something intense and special. A floral woody scent with a delicate freesia that blends perfectly with fruity and woody notes. The best part is the trail hours later: a clean, fresh patchouli that makes it well-balanced. Unlike others that start strong and fade quickly, Zen grows with time. Elegant, refined, and bright—a truly exquisite work.

I picked it up at a duty-free shop and thought it was different, though I hesitated a bit at first. I know it’s a fragrance about harmony and zen, as the name suggests. I bought a 100ml bottle and got unlucky: an ex-boyfriend threw it off the shelf almost new, so I didn’t get to wear it much. Maybe I won’t buy it again, but it is definitely original.