Amouage: Guidance
Continuing my Reviewing Random Samples series of posts and the latest scent I drew is Guidance by Amouage. I’ve spent some time with this fragrance before, so this is not a first impression.
There is a special kind of richness to Guidance that strikes from the opening. The first spray gives juicy pear and a bright, sweet floral mix that feels vibrant and luxurious. Think a bowl of ripening fruit aside a bouquet of bright pink roses. As it develops, the scent moves into a densely layered combination of fruity, flowery, and nutty notes. The juicy top notes dry into a resinous, glowing heart, which gives way to a base that feels warm and nutty. It’s sweet, bold, and decadent.
The most distinct aspect of Guidance is how much it changes as you wear it. It keeps moving through those layers, which makes it really interesting. It’s always sweet, bold, and bright, but it comes in waves, so there’s always something new to notice. I expect nose blindness is rare with this one.
The Notes:
Top notes: Pear, Frankincense, Hazelnut
Heart notes: Saffron, Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Osmanthus
Base notes: Ambergris, sandalwood, vanilla
Projection & Longevity:
The performance of Guidance is immense. From a small sample spray, it lasted over 12 hours on my clothes. It projected boldly for the first two hours, living at more than an arm’s length, and stayed noticeable on the skin for over six hours. It’s a powerful fragrance, both in scent and staying power.
Who is it for?
Guidance is a definitely a statement scent. It’s unlikely appeal to those who prefer subtle, clean, or natural fragrances. Its brightness and intense sweetness will likely repel those who lean towards woody, earthy, or understated perfumes. However, for lovers of bright florals, or bold, sweet, and luxurious fragrances that garner attention it’s a perfect fit. It’s unapologetically vibrant and well suited for those who want to make an entrance.
Final Thoughts:
Guidance is an experience. It is densely layered, expertly crafted, and undeniably high-quality. It’s not for everyone, as the bright sweetness and long-lasting intensity will overwhelm some wearers. However, if you enjoy bold and luxurious scents, it’s worth sampling. Given its price point, it is one to savour and save for rather than take a chance on.
For me, Guidance is a masterpiece in its own way, but it is polarising nature and it won’t be a daily go-to for most people. Still, as a statement scent, it excels.
Star rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Review disclosure:
This review is based on a 2ml sample, which I bought as part of an Amouage discovery set - it was picked at random from a large collection of sample vials and miniatures.
