Ginza by Shiseido

It smells like Mon Paris at first, then it fades, but every time I wear it, I get compliments and don’t realise how well it suits me.

It is a lovely woody fruity floral that brings back childhood memories and a Barbie doll cream. On my skin, it smells like fruity shampoo, which sometimes surprises me. I could wear it without fear, but it is not my daily fragrance. The opening reminds me of Eden Sparkling Lychee 39, but in Ginza the fruity notes last all the time, whereas on my skin the Kayali version becomes more masculine. I regretted the purchase because that sweet fruity note soon became overwhelming; I will not repeat it.

I thought a lot about buying it because I had a sample that did not quite convince me… life’s coincidences, they gave it to me, I kept it without appreciating it and forgot about it. This summer, looking for a perfume for lunch, I tried it after a shower and the miracle happened. I was surprised: it leaves no strong trail, it is pleasant, fresh, fruity and not intense. I can smell the pomegranate and magnolia, and as it dries, the sandalwood starts to show. The trail lasts at most an hour or two, but as with other perfumes, you reapply and you are done. For me, it is a daily perfume, not for dinners, yes for work, family gatherings or eating outdoors. I am not something I would buy; I liken it a lot to Mon by Guerlain, although I notice this one is a bit sweeter. It is a youthful perfume, it gives me that feeling. Ginza is an icon for many collectors, but for colour lovers, I have it, I will use it, but I will not buy it.

Okay. Here, despite a certain obviousness, there is a strange hint, a pleasant discord, a clean kitsch and a carriage ride at full speed through phases that I hate and desire equally; well, hate is perhaps a strong word, let’s lower it to ‘bore’, but not really. Oh, I don’t know what is here, Ginza, but you have me a bit intrigued. This smells so much like a mother in a four-wheel drive and pompous who sells organza blouses in a pop-up on Calle Goya, as it does to a gallery owner dressed in neutral tones with poplin oversized shirts. There is nothing Japanese, but there is a delicate fruity note that turns into woods soaked in talcum soap, light, comfy, luminous and distant woods. I like it more now. There are animalic hints, paper, Hermès, pencil shavings after emptying; a deceptive fruity floral with a little twist. Sometimes thick notes emerge, like sweet cream, rich and incomprehensible. Much noise and few nuts or vice versa, I don’t know what is happening here. Distinguished. With a slow, clean, classic but no, death with elusive citrus and powdery accents… and yes, here it comes. The same thing that happens to Lagune: a Cheap and Chic Moschino flare, that mythical, unique, perfect scent, packaged in the 90s in a shiny black and red scratch, gleaming like the bonnet of a cartoon car. But where Cheap is cool auntie, Ginza is not so cool auntie. This lady is more serious, a bit stiff in character and does not share many secrets, but without a doubt she will make better gifts for you.

I have a love/hate relationship with this perfume. I bought it blindly reading the description and at first it was a fiasco… I did not like its opening at all, it seemed very strong, but as it dried I started to appreciate its notes and it began to catch my eye, but its fixation and trail (do not kill me) seemed excessive, I got dizzy, so I left it for a while and gave it another opportunity applying it more indirectly. Nothing… it never quite pleases me 100%, something displeases me and it seems strong, but, and here goes my love/hate, every time I wear it I receive many compliments. But well, in the end, although others like it, it is a scent that for some reason does not quite identify with me, so I think when I finish it will be the end of my era with Ginza.

It is a beautiful scent, I see it as very feminine. Sweet but fresh at the same time, as if you had just had a shower, super nice for spring and summer. It is not a perfume bomb and I do not look for that either, it is lovely if you like fruity florals. I recommend trying before buying.

It’s a very refined scent that attracts attention gently, delicate and subtle. I think it shines more in warm settings. It gives me that feeling of being wrapped in a persistent note, perhaps the freesia, which is sweet and acidic without being strident.

I like it a lot, especially the dry down: it starts fresh and then evolves into soft flowers and gentle wood, which I adore. It’s not intrusive; you breathe it in yourself. I see it as ideal for work or a terrace café. It’s not my absolute favourite, but I’d buy it to enjoy it. It doesn’t trail, so no one will catcall you, but you’ll tell yourself it’s lovely.

I adore it for spring and summer. I live in northern Spain and it feels fresh and elegant at the same time. Suitable for any occasion, I’d buy it again.

I’ve been looking for a replacement for my daily wear, the In Black for Her by Massimo Dutti, and I think this one has what it takes. They’re not identical, but they have what I’m looking for: something soft, fresh and pleasant for work. It’s not a powerful bomb or too sweet, and it has a well-balanced note combination that doesn’t smell artificial, unlike Mon Paris EDP, which leaves a more artificial trail on my skin.

The opening of pomegranate and pink pepper is rich and juicy, with a nice balance between sweet and acidic. I’d also say it has pear. After five minutes, the floral notes appear without losing the fruity aspect. On my skin it smells like white flowers, although I only notice the jasmine. As it dries, a light patchouli becomes noticeable without being earthy, alongside creamy sandalwood and the balsamic aspects of cedar. It has moderate trail and lasts 4-5 hours. It’s a simple, pretty and relaxing perfume, something zen, but it feels a bit unstimulating and slightly boring. Also, it doesn’t have fantastic performance. Scent 6.5/10 Longevity 4.5/10 Trail 5.5/10 Value for money 4.5/10 Versatility 7/10 Packaging 6/10 Would I buy it again? No, I didn’t buy it.

It’s a super youthful scent, perfect for gifting to a young girl.

A beautiful and feminine fragrance. At first it seems like just another fruit, but soon you realise it has something unique. The pomegranate opens with sweetness, then the flowers unfold in a symphony. On my skin, the jasmine stands out; mixed with patchouli, it creates something sensual and feminine. It’s not for night, but for everyday wear. On cloudy, humid days it works wonderfully, leaving a trail on clothes that blends beautifully with stronger scents later in the evening.

I’m delighted it’s not just another novelty, but reliable notes with plenty of pear and bergamot. It has more character than other brands’ new releases and, besides being pretty, it has something special. Perhaps it’s the pink pepper and pomegranate, but to me it has honey-like echoes. Très jolie.

I perceive it as a delicate floral. It doesn’t carry as much patchouli as the description states, just enough to add freshness without being overpowering, while the pomegranate gives it a soft, sweet touch. It’s a rich and versatile aroma that projects well and has medium longevity. Perfect for spring.