Nahema Guerlain for women

Nahema in pure parfum form is a stunning, bewitching and spellbound creation. Translated as Daughter of Fire, it is dark and opulent rose, seductive, sensual and passionate. It is one of my favorite rose creations and I think it truly deserves its revered place among rose lovers.

I also own modern EDP version of it but it does not come even close to the pure parfum’s beauty. I can smell the difference right from the first sniff. The opening of the pure parfum is a deep, earthy, woody and balmy elixir infused with rose petals. It is opulent, rich and silky soft. It smells divine. The EDP version opens with rather sharp, woody green and also a bit balmy rose notes but there is something in the opening that reminds me of a wet wood that I don’t like. It is missing the sultry smooth qualities of the pure parfum.

In the heart notes, the pure parfum develops into a heavenly rose. It is elegant, slightly powdery, dark and velvety. There is a slight woody note that mixes perfectly with the luscious beauty of the rose. Perhaps it is peru balsam. The middle notes of EDP version are quite different from the pure parfum. It is a bright floral bouquet of the rose, lilac, jasmine, ylang-ylang and lily of the valley. I do like this stage way better than the opening. It smells pretty and girly. But I miss the opulent, velvet rose that I love in the pure parfum.

The base notes of pure parfum are very rich and smooth. The vanilla is noticeable but it is not a gourmand but woody vanilla and vetiver. I find that the pure parfum lasts longer than EDP and it develops for quite some time on my skin. The sillage of this beauty is not overpowering. The scent stays close to the skin but it definitely lasts and has a presence. The base of EDP is less complex. It is powdery vanilla and sandalwood. It also lasts shorter than the pure parfum.

Pure parfum – 10/10
EDP - 7/10

If you really want to experience what Daughter of Fire is all about then I definitely suggest locating the pure parfum. I will go to another planet to get a sniff of this scent.

My Nahema bottle has been tucked away deep in my drawer for some time now. But today I sampled Rose Oud by by Kilian, and as the hours went by this fragrance somehow triggered a craving for .... Nahema! These are both spicy rose fragrances, although RO is much softer and way way mooooore expensive. Now I can appreciate Nahema much better, the spicy rose, the sillage, the longevity. These are all excellent in Nahema. Thank god, I don't have to go for the expensive RO. I have been saved by Nahema.

Perhaps it's just me, but this smells quite a bit like Chloe's Narcisse on me. Guess I'll have to test it again, I wasn't all that impressed. Based on the description, I really want to like it. But then again, sometimes it's a relief to find a perfume I don't like.....saves me some money (or heartache for those rare or discontinued)!

Guerlain NAHEMA is a truly unique creation. It actually reminds me of chewing on crayons for some reason. Not that I've ever chewed on crayons, but the texture feels the same to me as I imagine it would feel to chew on crayons. What is odd, however, is that instead of being put off by the slightly soft crayon wax, I actually love it!

In spite of all that has been written about the lack of any true rose in this composition, I myself do smell a dark red, very rich rose quality here. True, it is nothing like the rose notes of typical rose perfumes--whether soliflores or fruity florals. And I also prefer the quality of the rose note here to that of rose geranium, which often accompanies or substitutes for rose. What marks NAHEMA as distinct is that this "rose" is coated with wax: these "petals" are dense and thick and waiting to be shaved—or chewed.

Is NAHEMA the queen of all rose perfumes? I think that to make such a claim is to do a great disservice to this sui generis perfume, as it exhausts its own genre. It doesn't really make sense to compare this to anything else. It is what it is, and it's not what it's not. One thing is clear: it's definitely nothing like any other perfume known to me.

Many thanks to the generous fellow fragrance traveler who sent me this beauty!

I received Nahema together with a few other older Guerlain scents (L'Heure Bleu, Jicky and Mitsouko). This stood out as BAD compared to the others. As a huge fan of Shalimar and Samsara, I was surprised to learn I am not head over heals with either of them. Those three were "nice" but Nahema was particularly disappointing; as someone here said, it smells sour, sharp and medicinal, just cheap drug store stuff. Guerlain is certainly not THIS. Guerlain is the incredible glory of Samsara - the most amazing perfume ever created as far as I am concerned. Oh, well.

I adore this fragrance.The first time I smelled it was 1984 when I was working in London as a young nanny! My employer wore it and I used to spritz myself with it all the time!! It has always remained my first love of all the great perfumes and probably always will be.I make sure I always have a bottle of this although I might not wear it all that often.I just adore it! Funny how some love affairs can last and others don't isn't it!..... sigh!

I was looking forward to finding the "illusion of a rose" I'd heard about, but this is flat and boring...like a peach/rose hand cream from the drugstore. It's an overload of sweetness masking something fake-y and medicinal smelling. I must not have the required chemistry that Nahema's fans possess. On me this definitely doesn't smell like anything that would have inspired decades of loyalty, and "sophisticated" it's not.

Wow! Another Guerlain masterpiece that just gets better and better into the drydown. Rich, opulent, succulent, peachy, glowing and rosy. I imagine this may be a little like 'Femme' de Rochas pre reformulation. It's absolutely beautiful in all of its parts and has that wonderful 'skin scent' feeling that all the classic Guerlains have, along with a certain veiled melancholy that they also share. This is another on my Guerlain want list. Just divine.

Nahema smells like rose the way Paco Rabanne’s Metal smells like green flowers, which is to say scarcely at all. I know it’s hardly a secret that Nahema is a virtual rose, an implied rose. I see the parts, but I don’t see the rose. Not a complaint, mind you. I love Nahema. I see it as the spiritual predecessor to Gucci Rush. It’s Rush’s disco auntie.

I know that Nahema took advantage of new-at-the-time aromachemicals that were used elsewhere to amplify and extend actual rose. Here these chemicals are used to create a perfume of crystalline flowery fruit with balsams and wood. Actually this smells like a peachy iris on a base of Guerlain’s earlier stunner Chamade. The heartnotes are like Chamade’s, but stoned and giggling.

In the long run, the rather chemical nature of Nahema allows the fragrance to be focused on abstract qualities. Nahema isn’t floral. It’s glassy and shimmering, and its upper register is about an inch from shrill. These qualities give it it excitement and vibrance. Does it simulate a rose? Not to me. Is it a blast to wear? Every single time.

Epic. Monumental. Extraordinary. Opulent. Radiant. These are just a few describing words that come to mind for Namema. Indeed, one of the finest Guerlains ever imagined, which speaks volumes!

The legend is that the original formula has no rose! If this is to be believed, it is sheer magic on JP Guerlains creativity. It perhaps defines the soul of a rose until the very end, with perhaps every rose extract on the Earth! The peachy honey rose is incredible and rather appetizing. It is a very summer bust of sunflower in a rose garden amid tall grasses while you enjoy a sweet juicy peach, as its juices drip down your chin...

I was gifted a tiny sample in a swap and one drop lasts 18+ hours. It was very avant gard in 1979. American audiences rejected it. Hence, it was a commercial flop in th USA. Such a shame. It is far too decadent for todays market. I like the idea of a harem girl or a belly dancer wearing some or the glittery cigarette smoking party girl from studio 54. All classic Guerlain fans need to sample this eventually, if they already havent.

Thanks Natalie!

Could I ask a strange question?Does it smell the same the EDP and Parfum? I recenlty came across the orchidee imperiale cream which they say it is scented with nahema is smells really nice on me but since I cannot find it at my local counter and have to order it on-line I don't know what to get. If anyone could help I would be grateful!

This was frightfully sharp in the opening, but I forgive it this as lily of the valley is always horrible to my nose. This is a strong and very soapy rose, there is nothing delicate about it. The vetiver is very distinct. Nahema is a fragrance of another age, so I will conclude that it is not to my taste. I would not choose this if I was searching for a rose fragrance.

Nahema is an all glammed up deep burgundy rose. This is rock chick Debbie Harry circa 1979, I can just see her wearing this ,as it has that opulent orientalism typical of the time yet is also very low key chic, it isn’t a loud oriental (a-typical of its time)but rather wears closer to the skin, inviting others to ooh and aah their way in. This is a rose that has got all caught up in the London-NY party circuit and kind of smells like a cocktail used as an ashtray, - you know how clubs used to smell before the smoking ban where all the perfume and smoke would intoxicate...

p.s. I love its decadent gold casing! And the extrait’s ‘Champagne cork’ flacon as they both perfectly fit its louche party girl image

I did`t like it at first! Too strong (EdP), too rosy. My nose was irritated by this perfume, but for some reason I kaped on smelling it.
The next day magic!!!!!!!!! OMG, such a lovely, femenine, light and natural smell!
Give it a second chance, you will not be dicepointed. Second chance rule should aply for all Guerlain fragerances, by the way.

EdP

When the rose settles and makes room for the the other notes, the remaining soft and juicy fragrance is absolutely beautiful. It could easily take the number one spot in my favourite fragrances. A sensual smell that makes me wanna curl my dark long witch-like hair and genuinely become a romantic...something. Unfortunately, not even a whisper remains after two hours. This combined with the fact that I don't get along with roses (roses=headache) makes it hard to justify the expenses for a purchase. I would have to endure one hour in order to enjoy it the last hour. SAD!!
My middle name is ambivalence, maybe it's still worth it?

This smells like something an Indian princess would wear. It liked my skin better than Chamade, which turned dusty and musty on me. This retained a beautiful honeyed character throughout fading to a shimmering romantic vison. There is something cinematic and epic about it.

The queen of rose fragrances for me. Nahema is a true Guerlain masterpiece that is like deep rose coloured devore, moving between thick and velvety and at other times sheer as chiffon and then back again. Nahema's constant movement keeps your senses aware of her for hours and hours but is never tiresome. This is review is for the parfum.

Review of a vintage Parfum de Toilette Nahema.

Nahema smells like a dozen roses from a passionate lover on Valentines' Day: rich and luxurious and makes you feel giddy in a lustful way. I get lots and lots of roses from this, the deepest red roses with honey drops on their petals, instead of dew. I get a bit of peach, but not very sweet, which is fine, I think the slight sweetness from Nahema comes from the jasmine and/or lilacs. Starts off a little green but soon those roses take over and carry themselves all the way throughout, right to the vanilla and vetiver base.

Sillage and longevity are fabulous, I spritzed some on almost 10 hours ago and I'm still getting treated with it's scent here and there. I'm sure my coat will still smell wonderful tomorrow.

(Review Edp)

I Change My Mind So Many Times about this fragrance.

My first impression wasn't the best, I thought Nahema was overly sweet for my taste, and difficult to assimilate, duet to the Bittersweet notes. So It has taken some time for me to appreciate Nahema's beauty.

Recently I try various samples of the best rose fragrances and they bore me to death! That's when I realized how good Nahema is.

I get Peach and a Green-lemony edge, it's strong at the beginning, but it became increasingly a Spicy-fruity-Rose fragrance less green, more soft and pleasant as time progresses.

Nahema outshine Chamade and jardin bagatelle. Chamade and Jardin are too greeny and not as pleasant as Nahema.

I don't really see the similarities between chamade and this fragrance. They are quite different, Nahema makes more emphasis on Rose and Peach, and on the other hand, balsam, cloves and amber shine more on Chamade.

Good Sillage and Lasting-Power!

I agree with hollycat, this one reminds me of tresor. It must be the peach. Very sweet and long lasting, for romantic dates in early spring.A few drops are enough.

Very disappointed in this one. Usually love all Guerlain perfumes, and they suit my skin. Tried the pure perfume, and just felt as if I smelled of Fry's Turkish Delight all day. Oriental without being mysterious, I think.

Great description, floriana. I wouldn't be able to go into so much detail as you, I just remember it as a very thick fragrance, really unusual, something suitable for a very rich, elegant and a a bit eccentric lady. It is very ethereal and feminine, I agree with that, and there is something etheric (like in "etheric body") and eternal about it. It has an oriental touch. I'm really not sure about the EDT, I thought it came only in EDP form.

Under you find my description of Nahema like guest.
I really don't know why.
Floriana

Opulent and thick, great oriental story of rose diluted by hiacynth and bergamot.
After comes peach which gives to Nahema warmness and coldness in the same time. Verry well mixed in rich rose bouquet, peach has big role in this olfactive story,brings to the scent ethereal note.
Peru balsam makes it balmy and all composition finaly get this honeyed frozen rose touch.
Smells luxury and ultra feminine.

Oooooommmmm!!! I wore a few sprays from my Parfum de Toilette (Eau de Parfum) and I like it as I wrote before, but I really go head over heels for pure Parfum! I know only one place where I can have a spray of pure Parfum from tester and SAs don't like my attitude, LOL! I wish I will be able to afford the extra-luscious pure Parfum one day, because it is so much better! All Nahema line has become a nightmare to find here. I heard that Guerlain wants to discontinue this one. Are they crazy or what? I hope they will never committ such a crime!

(Extrait review, 2008 batch)

Nahema is a peppery, seasoned rose that comes with no apologies: you either like this bad girl or you don’t. It is not suggestive, it is not bold. It is a confident fragrance that wears the same way as Mona Lisa wears her smile.

I prefer the extrait form, which is lighter on the aldehydes and smoother on the finish. If you sit patiently you’ll detect the delicate sweet note that whispers something fragile lies beneath.

Lasts 6-8 hours on me. I hear the parfums are becoming more scarce, but I'm not sure if this is a marketing ploy. But in general, I’ve tried many ‘hot rose’ wannabes but this is my favorite.

Opens with sharp aldehydes, but that doesnt last very long. Not soon after I get juicy peaches and roses. This is very similar to Tresor IMO. I prefer tresor.

I have the an older EDP and this is one of my most favorite Guerlains as well as one of my most favorite roses. I feel like it's along the same vein as L'arte de Gucci-a dark, spicy rose, but w/o the dirty touch L'arte has. This is very rich, but mellow. The peach is fuzzy and soft--velvety is a good way of describing how this goes on. I have a problem wearing aldehydes, but this gives me no troubles. In fact, I wouldn't have guessed that there were any aldehydes in this.

With respect for anyone who likes it, I gotta say that Nahema is exactly what I would wear if I wanted to keep everyone at least 10 feet away from me... Which I guess would be often enough. Trouble with that, however, is that it makes me want to be away from myself as well... Kinda like running from something internal, lmao.

Sampled Nahema this morning (EdP version) and found it to be one of those perfumes that has so many notes that nothing stands out at all - it just smells perfumey in a big, synthetic, old-lady kind of way. I didn't get much in the way of fruit, possibly the merest hint of peach, and I got no rose at all. Maybe it was buried under all the aldehydes. I like quite a few Guerlains, but Nahema is nowhere close to the top of the list.

Guerlains seem to be hit and miss for me. Sadly, this is another miss. As with the other rose scent I recently tested (Yves Rocher's Rose Absolue), I appreciate that Nahema is well-crafted, but it's not quite what I'm looking for in a rose scent.

I tested the EDP.

The opening notes smell like everything, all at once, and too much. It almost stings the nose. Somewhere in that pile of non-distinct notes is the rose, and its presence gets louder in the first five minutes, as the other notes gradually recede. After fifteen minutes or so, it settles into the Rose and typical Guerlain base that lasts for hours, with Guerlain's typical monster sillage.

Unfortunately for me, all of the above results in a harsh and unpleasant aroma on my skin. I'm sure it's lovely on the right person. I recommend a scent-on-skin test before purchase.

I love this unique scent.One of my best.It is not fruity at all.It is a magical touch of rose honeysucle,hyacinth and lilac and a very delicate honeyish smooth feeling of peru balsam and fine vanilla sweetness.It is not heavy on me.I feel it warm sweet and oriental floral.Totally recommend it.!!!

The base reminds other Geurlain fragrances. I sense the rose predominant in its composition, but i think what makes it beautiful it's the hyakinth which makes interesting all the other igredients and it lingers well among them. Rose makes me feel dizzy, but as a whole is a perfume rewarding enough. It's a romantic oriental and allthough it has an important lasting power seems subtle and discreet. I noticed that men liked it, maybe because it oozes old fashioned femininity with something eternal and archetypical in it. It should be appropriate for a rendez-vous, but not only. It seems common at first, but as it develops mutes in something with deapth and longevity.

I don`t feel any rose in it.
To me it smells like ...a sunflower.With oily black seeds and everything.
It`s actually very tame, sits close to the skin and has a hot feeling to it, like the juice itself is warm.
I can`t pick any other notes except for a little ylang and a very gentle vetiver in base ( Guerlain makes me warm up to vetiver, I think). Sunflower it is.

I have been using this perfume since 1976 and would not like to be without it so, Guerlain, keep on manufacturing the wonderful aroma of Nahema

I am having trouble picking out the nuances in this one. I'm a devoted Guerlain junkie from day one, and I like rose (although my favorite floral scent is definitely violets)but I can't seem to smell the complexity of this one. I must keep trying because this was hard to find....some perfumes are like that, they take a while to click...for now, my favorite roses are still Beautiful by estee lauder and Cabaret by Gres...

a very well made thick warm rose. i notice the peach as well, but it is not a juicy peach more like a peach in the sun. it feels very feminine but in a grown way not a girlie way.

I was thrilled to try Nahema, because I love rose scents, and I tend to do well with Guerlains. I picked up a vintage miniature bottle of parfum on ebay and dabbed it on. At first I smelled a whiff of peach, and then I smelled... nothing. I could tell that there was something on my arm, but I Could Not Smell It at all. How disappointing!

Thinking that it was the age or storage condition of the vintage parfum, I obtained a sample of edp from The Perfumed Court. The vial smelled a bit stronger than my parfum, but when I put it on, again - a hint of fruit, then nothing. Nada, zip, zilch, niente.

I had the same experience with Boucheron Jaipur, so my assumption is that there is some ingredient (a musk, perhaps?) that entirely blocks my perception of the scent. Neither my husband nor my daughter could smell it, either. I am sad.

(Don't weep for me: there are other rose scents for me to love!)

Great scent, one of my favourite ones, another stunning old Guerlain. It's not easy to wear, because it's strong and requires certain chemistry. It's very powerful, luscious, rose power witn peach and honey and I also detect some spicy black tea. In the drydown woody notes come out very softly.
In spite of its strenght and invasive aura, it can be very suave, too. It all depends on your chemistry and style. If it doesn't suit you it will wear you like a big animal. I tested it many years ago for the first time in Parfum strenght and although I was in delight it was not me at all and it almost stinked. Many years after I wear the Parfum de Toilette wnen I'm in a mood for that and i love it on my skin. A little goes on a long time. Overapply would be a big mistake. Nahema likes small doses on pulse points that swift small clouds of scent every now and then, like a sensual recall "I'm there".
Extremely womanly, also classy in a gipsy way (don't know if it makes sense), I hardly can see it worn by a man, but who knows? I think it's a very luscious and sensual fragrance, but to be honest it's not one that provoke waves of appreciation among people. Women like it better than men. Men say: "Old lady!" Not my aim really. Its firey elegance is not well understood. Once I sprayed some before going out for Mardi Gras dressed in total devil red with little red horns, devil tail and everything and a very demure but sensitive girl told me: "This scent seems very suitable for a little devil!" Well, I took it as a compliment :-) I don't look like a devil vamp very often :-) If only! Actually I have a quiet youngish appearance in spite of my age, I'm small and look more like a grown-up Little Red Hood. Anyway I wear Nahema.
If they ever discontinue this one Guerlain can go to the trash bin together with all the silly works they've done lately just to be alligned with easy-going tastes.

Yes it is hard to find but I managed to get some pure perfume today. It was like warm velvet .The rose deep and vibrant . I can now after four hours smell mild amber and maybe vanilla. It should be the favourite . Catherine Deneuve in "Les Liasons" she would definately wear it , luxury but rather naughty .

With this perfume my fragrance testing is starting to comprehend the higher level of perfumery. It is described as a rose scent, but I could smell a rich afternoon sunset lit garden of powerful flowers and especially that auhtentic honey. This scent would suit a princess dressed in gold, not an earthly princess but the un-cheesy, fairy-tale princess in a land of magic.

Nahema makes me feel like a gipsy woman - she's beautiful, passionate and strong like a rose. Roses are beautiful flowers,- they have innocent lovely blossoms and sharp thorns. They can protect themselves, their beauty. Nahema perfectly embodies The Rose.

This fragrance has amazingly soft, rich oriental rose smell, which has something sharp hidden in it, just like the thorns of the real rose. It shouts: "Look at me, I am beautiful, but don't touch me because you can easily get hurt!"

Nahema is the Queen of rose fragrances, a true must try! Staying power is very good.

Clean rose with peach, not muddy like most peach/rose combos, with a lemony edge. Very nice, but I don't find it as stunning as others seem to. It is lovely and layered, but the combination of notes doesn't really work on me.

This is evocative of a promenade in a fragrant, opulent rose garden, it is an hommage to the rose, and the name looks back to the orient, because this rose does not come from an English garden...
Scheherazade is the leading motive in Nahéma - and as the fairy tale develops, it shows a tender, warming aspect with vanilla, peru balm and sandalwood. In a way Nahéma is a precursor of many rose scents which were to follow later, e.g. the loud but gorgeous Paris by YSL. Unfortunately, Nahéma is a hard-to-find perfume and rather expensive. But it is worth it!

A radiant, almost supernaturally luminous rose scent that, according to legend, does not even contain roses at all. The top notes project a cool, almost varnished floral effect. The heart gives the feel of walking in a rose garden at twilight. The drydown, when it finally arrives calls to mind the golden afterglow produced by drinking a steaming mug of brandy and milk -- warm, velvety smooth, and oh so comforting. Just gorgeous.

This is my Favourite perfume of all times.This is a perfect ,classy rose
fragrance that was made .The Edt smell different from the edp"s.To enjoy this one must buy the EDP.The sad part is its so hard to get .
This is a brilliant guerlain creation.
Middle eastern magic !!

A young woman was wearing this on the bus next to me one morning and the smell was just so amazingly gorgeous, I had to ask her what it was. Ever since then I've longed to buy it for myself.

Supremely rich rose, honeyed and fruity.