Amouage Guidance vs Guidance 46 + Layering Tips

Amouage is no stranger to crafting aromatic masterpieces, and in 2024, they delivered yet another gem to the world of niche perfume enthusiasts: the Guidance 46. Following the immense popularity of the original Guidance, this latest launch has piqued the curiosity of fragrance connoisseurs, with people asking one question above all others: how does Guidance 46 measure up to its predecessor?

This blog is for the fragrance enthusiasts who want a detailed comparison between the two scents. We’ll explore their individual notes, highlight the differences, and help you decide which one might suit your preferences better. At last, we’ll conclude with layering tips to get the best out of both fragrances.

Guidance Fragrance Notes

The original Guidance perfume made waves with its harmonious blend of fruity, floral, and woody accords. Here’s a closer breakdown of its composition:

The opening of Guidance is bright, playful, and slightly gourmand, with the juicy sweetness of pear complemented by the rich nuttiness of hazelnut and the resinous quality of olibanum (frankincense). At its heart, this fragrance blooms into a floral symphony, where the delicate sweetness of rose intertwines with the leathery facets of osmanthus. The saffron adds a slightly spicy, regal touch, while jasmine sambac contributes a creamy, white floral richness. The base of Guidance is warm and grounding. Sandalwood and vanilla provide a creamy, smooth finish, while akigalawood (a spicy, woody molecule) adds an edge. Ambergris and labdanum lend longevity and an ambery depth to the fragrance.

Guidance 46 Fragrance Notes

Introduced in 2024, Guidance 46 has taken the signature DNA of its predecessor and elevated it with a more refined structure. Here’s a breakdown of the updated composition:

Guidance 46 retains the juicy pear and hazelnut opening but introduces rose water for a delicate floral touch, pink pepper for a subtle spice, and bitter almond for a creamy, nutty twist. The addition of frankincense here is softer, creating a nuanced, airy resinous quality compared to the original.

The heart notes remain similar but feel smoother and more balanced. The rose takes center stage here, radiating a velvety richness enhanced by saffron and jasmine sambac. Osmanthus rounds out the florals with its signature apricot-like undertones.

The base is where Guidance 46 truly diverges. While the creamy sandalwood and comforting vanilla remain, cistus (a type of labdanum) adds complexity, while ambrette provides a musky warmth. Georgywood and cypriol create a smoother, more modern woody backbone, and the overall effect is less nutty and more sophisticated.

Guidance and Guidance 46 both deliver impressive longevity and a sillage that draws compliments, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Guidance leans bold and woody, with nutty undertones and louder projection, making it perfect for standing out at evening events. On the other hand, Guidance 46 offers a smoother, more polished take with a subtle yet captivating trail, ideal for everyday wear or special occasions. Both embody sophistication, so the choice depends on whether you prefer bold statements or refined elegance.

Layering Tips

Perfume layering is an art form that allows you to create a truly personalized fragrance experience. By combining two or more scents, you can craft a unique olfactory signature that enhances the complexity and depth of each individual fragrance. The key to successful layering lies in understanding the profiles of each scent and how they interact. Balance is essential. Through layering you can add a touch of intrigue, or adapt your fragrance to different seasons or moods, and truly expression yourself through scent. Below we’ve researched the best layering combinations for Guidance and Guidance 46.

Blanche Bete by Liquid Imaginaires

The Ambery and gourmand notes of Guidance/Guidance 46 can anchor and enhance the soft, milky facets of Blanche Bête. Softness and ethereal quality of Blanche Bete can balance out and lighten the heavier elements of Guidance.

Best layering: Guidance as a base, Blanche Bete on top. If you want milky, ethereal vibes to dominate spray Blanche as a base and Guidance sparingly. Guidance is better as a base though because it’s more intense and grounding.

Absolute Aphrodisiac by Initio

This layering combination creates a very creamy and seductive profile. The powdery, musky, and sweet base of Absolute Aphrodisiac seamlessly blends with the resinous and creamy drydown. It perfectly balances the floral notes of Guidance and the animalic undertones of Absolute Aphrodisiac. It gives earthy sensuality, grounding the floral vibes of Guidance. Moreover, amber and vanilla notes of Absolute Aphrodisiac blend perfectly with the resinous and sandalwood notes of Guidance.

Best layering: Use Absolute Aphrodisiac as a sweet foundation and Guidance to bloom on top. Spray more Absolute Aphrodisiac to maintain a gourmand vibe; to balance it, spray equal amounts of both fragrances.

Side Effect by Initio

Both scents share gourmand, resinous, warm notes, making them a great blend. Side Effect gives a smoky and seductive undertone to Guidance’s cozy vibe. On the other hand, Guidance’s earthy, incense notes balance the depth of Side Effect so it’s not overly dense.

Best layering: Start with Guidance as a base to let the floral and incense notes shine, then add Side Effect for richness and sensuality. While layering with Guidance 46, go lighter on Side Effect to avoid an overwhelming composition due to the oud-like profile of Guidance 46 and its heavier feel.

Vanilla Barka Attar by Amouage

Pairing with Guidance gives a smooth and cozy feeling, like a rich dessert with fruit and a touch of incense. Smoky frankincense and fruity osmanthus balance well with the cookie vibe of Vanilla Barka. Layering with Guidance 46 feels darker and richer, creating a gourmand oriental masterpiece. Smoky aspects in Guidance 46 enhance the smoky vanilla cookie feel of Vanilla Barka with an almost balsamic twist.

Best layering: Vanilla Barka, as an oil, creates a perfect concentrated gourmand base. For a creamier floral vibe, go with Guidance. For a more intense resinous feel and darker smokiness, opt for Guidance 46.

By Kilian Black Phantom

Soft and airy notes of Guidance add brightness to the dense and gourmand profile of By Kilian Black Phantom. The caramel and chocolate base is perfectly complemented by the vanilla and sandalwood notes of Guidance. Guidance 46 balances the gourmand sweetness and woody warmth of Black Phantom, giving a powerful, sophisticated, and sensual combination that leaves a lasting impression.

Best layering: Start with Black Phantom as a base on pulse points to anchor its rich, gourmand darkness. Finish with Guidance or Guidance 46 to add creamy depth and achieve a gourmand-focused combo. For a more floral-woody experience, use Guidance or Guidance 46 as the base.

Kayali Vanilla 28

Both Guidance and Guidance 46 complement the gourmand simplicity of Kayali Vanilla 28, creating a sophisticated blend of irresistibility and sweetness. Floral notes like rose and osmanthus in Guidance balance the creamy sweetness of Kayali 28, preventing it from becoming overly sweet and creating a harmonious, layered drydown.

Best layering: Use Kayali 28 as a comforting base, then finish with Guidance or Guidance 46 and its resinous, woody notes for added complexity.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir

Built around the richness of amber, vanilla, and benzoin, it beautifully amplifies the resinous and vanilla notes of Guidance. The combination of Guidance/Guidance 46 and Grand Soir from Maison Francis Kurkdjian creates a luxurious, multi-dimensional drydown, playing with the golden warmth of Grand Soir and the radiant floral brightness of Guidance.

Best layering: Spray Grand Soir as a warm and ambery base, then top it with Guidance to add floral complexity.