Shalimar Guerlain for women

(Re: EDT, prob. pretty recent vintage) What is/are that/those opening note(s) that smell like a wet paper bag or wet cardboard to me? Don't get me wrong. I am in love with Shalimar now that I own it. I mean, you HAVE to have Shalimar, right? But anyway, there is a distinctive cold, wet, papery smell when I first spray it--just like wet, cold, cardboard.

Which I kind of like, 'cause I'm weird like that. Maybe the citrus? the iris? I do smell jasmine. Shivery cold jasmine and wood. Then oddly, it melts slowly into warmth, into a beautiful, lustrous vapor. I worked super hard tonight at the store, worked up a bit of steam, and lo! a lovely ambery vanilla just wafted up. So pretty.

And longevity! I sprayed my nightgown, and talk about "sweet dreams." Even when I woke this morning, the powdery, lilting drydown was still tenaciously lingering.

All I can say is I'm a bit surprised that this fragrance smells as "cold and misty" as it does to me upon its opening. At least with my edition of the EDT, I don't recognize a leather or incense note at all. (Incense = Parfum Sacre. Leather = Habanita.) On the contrary: It couldn't be cooler and more reserved. Indeed, suited for a princess, receiving her audience.

I don't know why I thought Shalimar would be warm and sunny. Despite its elegance and beauty, it has that somewhat melancholy note shared by Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue, the only other two Guerlains I've experienced. Mr. Guerlain must have been a complicated guy.

Note: Next day, I realize the "wet cardboard" smell is in fact the incense note. (I guess I thought there's only one incense note! Silly me.) Unlike the warm, aromatic incense of Parfum Sacre, this one smells shadowy, faintly sweet, damp and pallid...just like wet cardboard.

I love this perfume. I used to never wear traditonal perfumes, just perfume oils, but I read countless reviews of Shalimar and something about the scent profile called to me. So I tried it in store and I was hooked. I bought it immediately.

My husband commented that it smelled like "sexy candy" at first, which it does - sweet and musky. It dries down with a warm musk, amber, and iris scent on my skin. I LOVE this perfume.

For reference, my skin tends to love amber, vanilla, iris and sandalwood, and it hates leather, smoke, and rose (which always become overpowering).

Ali565 - Wouldn't simply saying, "I didn't like it - it was too powdery.", have sufficed? Complain much?

I have just bought a bottle of Shalimar EDT and on the bottom of the bottle it says copyright 2000. No high hopes here, but at least it's not that recent... Anyway, the scent is smokier than the EDP of nowadays that I own and to which I am used to. The EDP is smoother, still the incense is remarkable, the vanilla and lemon interplay, the leather feeling too. What I get from the EDT is a sharper incense, less leather and a touch of I-don't-know-what, a totally new feeling coming from Shalimar as I kbow it: there is the fresh powder of lavender but at times it seems to be iris and then again jasmine. I jumped to read your reviews and saw many of you mention Johnson's baby powder smell. It's just to let you know that now I feel it too, but only with the EDT, so relaxing!

Good afternoon Perfume nuts!
Just opened my 'hardly used' 15 ml of Shalimar EDP.
The first spray:
Wow! What can I say.
OF course it is the same stuff as the EDT but differently balanced, nothing new or taken away.
Putting it simply, less citrus and more smoke, the best elements of cigarette smoke.
I would say it is also 'stronger', more intense, warmer....another beauty, just slightly more devastating..
Update: burnt toast.............something lovely about that!

Day 2.
Imagine if you will...............
the rinds of oranges, mandarins, lemons, bergamot and grapefruit candied in honey which has been laced with vanilla - dipped in dark, dark chocolate then dusted with Johnsons baby powder smouldering in the embers of a campfire. Place one or two pieces of sandalwood and sprinkle a few rose petals in for good measure.........
Imagine the whisps of smoke wending their way into your hair...............combine this with the sweet milkiness of a nursing bosom....
This is Shalimar.

The citrus that I normally can't cope with somehow works its way to that area on the chest that flutters when emotional or anxious and lingers there almost moving me to tears.
I love Shalimar and Shalimar loves me.
This isn't perfume it's feminine witch craft in a bottle.

The passions of lovers will be inflamed by Shalimar, girlfriends and teenage daughters will covet it, small children will be comforted by its velvety blanket when snuggling their mother............

Back to reality! It is nothing like Volutes. Volutes is still gorgeous - have the occasional sniff from the top of the tester - but I just cannot see the similarities that some other reviewers have mentioned. Perhaps the tobacco/smoke thing is a mental deception, an imagined connection. However the smell of tobacco and tobacco freshly lit are two very different things. Shalimar's smoke is of things freshly lit, not tobacco directly although there is just the faintest hint of the smell of a well groomed lady who has some lingering cigarette smoke, but really only the loveliest of notes and aspects of this. Also, with the dry down there is that slightly beeswax, lipsticky smell that Volutes has, but it is really fleeting and not enough for me to say they are alike.
Of course the biggest difference is the sillage and longevity. Depressingly almost ZERO with Volutes although EDT slightly better but amazing from Shalimar even in the EDT. I can smell it all day long......and it makes me happy................
I fear this may be growing into a dangerous habit because now I feel that life cannot go on without the EDP which, I have heard, is even lovelier..............

I get a very intensive leather note and the vanilla is not noticeable enough on me to support the leather smell. I'm not ready to admire it yet. For me Shalimar parfum initial is easier to begin with.

Good morning fellow perfume nuts!
Just arrived, in the post is a 'hardly used' 15ml bottle of Shalimar EDT.
I wanted to share this experience as it happens ;)
Have taken the lid off to get a hint of the dry down.....and..... I recognise it! Also doesn't have a stale dry down - very promising. It has an oily sweetness, puts me in mind of suntan oil perhaps? And the more I sniff the more I get the faintest hint of something citrus, but not lemon as some have suggested, more bergamot which I usually hate.
Spray: not atall like the Initial - thank God and not as overpowering, no headache! This is a very strange smell. As I said I recognise the dry down but not the opening.
I smell things that I have never smelled before but they are citrus, a bit rubbery, and now as I type there is a sort of baby powder coming through.
At this stage I am not sure I entirely understand the vanilla, yes there is a vanilla note here but it is dry and light.
Now there is something masculine coming through and sandalwood - definitely! And something medicinal....mmmm...like disinfectant.
Now some rose...........
My first impressions are beautifully warm and dry with a hint of bergamot that is not overpowering with some milkiness to it.Had I never sampled the delights of Volutes I would probably make this my scent. Volutes doesn't last on me so I am waiting for a Chergui sample as suggested by other members. If it has as much power as Shalimar I will be happy!
Stay tuned.................there may be more as the day unfolds!

mom was given this as a gift from her son in law . We both thought it was dreadful. Very green under ripe sort of smell. Eye watering lip puckering fragrance.

Where do I even start with Shalimar? I've tested this numerous times over the course of the last couple years, loving it, yet wondering if I could actually wear it. My thinking was "No way; Parfum Initial is more tame and safe, so maybe I should stick with that one." But I was always intrigued with this scent. I finally did a side by side comparison of this and Initial, and found that yes, I can wear this perfume! What was I so scared of, smelling sublimely beautiful?? LOL

This is so complex and lovely that words really can't describe it. All I can say is try it for yourself to understand why it's such a classic perfume. I'm sorry if this isn't very helpful, but my description really wouldn't do it justice.

This: My Grandmother wore. It's hard for me to smell what's in this besides memories of her, but thats what a good perfume can bring...
Shalimar is smokey, mysterious, polite and rude at once spicy, powdery.
And even though we have probably smelled it thousands of times
it remains somehow exotic.
Classic. Obviously.

So in love with this scent. Sexy, feminine and very animal.

This is NOT a scent for the office, at least not for me. The sillage is quite strong, and this is a very sensual, sexy perfume. It's... dirty. That's the only way I can describe it. Musky, woody and smoky. Little bit of floral sweetness, and some lemon balm, too. I don't get any bug spray on me, or anything powdery at all.

This is a perfume that needs a little time to work its magic. On first spray it is very strange, and I am never sure that I like it. A slight medicinal note, did someone say insecticide spray? But wait, give it time, ahhh yes now I see what all the fuss is about. Yes, it is elegant, classic, warm and powdery. A really classic old perfume that one could never tire of because it keeps changing.

I smelled this at Sephora yesterday and I really liked it. I was intimidated by the bottle and the mature reviews about it but I actually look forward to going back and getting a sample and see how this holds up with my body chemistry. Can't wait. :)

I was in the Navy, stationed in San Francisco...late 80's. And my landlord wore it. First time I smelled it on her, I recognized it as the perfume that my HS French teacher wore.

I went to a Catholic, military school, and she was so effing mean, she may as well have been one of the military staffers that worked at the school. Her name was Madame Schlagel...I couldnt stand her old, evil ass.

I remember one day in class (a HOT day) the air conditioner was broken, and of all days, she basically held us hostage, telling us that we shouldnt "complain about the heat, because she could remember being a little girl, living in Normandy with her family, when their neighborhood was bombed so bad, one of the blasts, blew the roof off of their home...they then had to sleep in a church shelter that had no roof, blah, blah, blah".

I mean, really?...God bless her, I felt bad about them being bombed, but I didnt feel good about the little rinky-dink guilt trip she was sending us on.

Fortunately, there was one kid in the class, Paul Castro, I will never forget his name....and he was that inappropriate kid in class that we've all known when we were in school.

...and he said what we were all terrified to say.

"Excuse me, Madame?...but I just wanna tell you, your perfume smells great, but your story sucks shit!!"


I remember laughing so hard, I farted as I hit the floor. Im not kidding, I let one go, as I fell outta my seat...laughing as I rolled around on the floor. Tears were rolling down my cheeks, I was laughing so hard.

Paul got after school detention for a whole month, and Madame Schlagel never, ever told another one of her World War II stories.

I think the last poster summed up this perfume very well. It's certainly intriguing. After my negative experience with GS Parfum Initial, I thought I would try the original. I really loved the top notes, very fresh, sharp and citrusy. It then turned into a comfortable vanilla and leather scent which stayed rather close to the skin. In fact it was rather lovely, but unfortunately I suddenly got the headache-inducing solvent smell. This time it wasn't quite as bad as in the flanker, but it was still there. I was somewhat disappointe because there is a lot to love in this fragrance. Possibly my body chemistry again. I remember a woman passing me in the street and she left a trail of Shalimar. It was so beautiful and special. I remember thinking I want to smell like that, but it doesn't seem to be working. I'm envious of all the women who can pull this off. In the meantime, I'm going to hang on to my sample, hoping to find the moment when it's going to work for me. Thanks to the last poster for giving me hope.

I'm so bad at reviewing scents, so I'm nervous about tackling Shalimar. But it is my favorite, the fragrance that turned me from a casual perfume fan to someone who spends hours on Fragrantica and knows what 'notes' and 'sillage' are. Shalimar did that to me! Shalimar has been good for my soul, but not my bank account...

So I got a sample of Shalimar Initial from the Guerlain counter, fell in love, and knew I had to go back and see what the original was like. Spritzed it on the back of my hand...yeesh. This isn't for me, I thought. Those harsh citrus topnotes. I'm sure there are people who love it right off the bat, but I'm not one of those people. But for some reason, instead of moving on and trying out a ton of other perfumes as I usually do, I left the shop and went home. And in the next few hours, I could not stop smelling this stuff. Once the topnotes fade away, Shalimar becomes the most warm, comforting, beautiful scent. It smelled like another era. I was in love. Before this I'd been all about scents like Flowerbomb and Armani Code, and Shalimar was unlike any other perfume I'd ever tried. That very night I bought a 90ml bottle of the EDP online.

Shalimar is so beautiful it almost feels wrong to claim it as my 'signature' scent. Like I haven't done enough to earn it. But it's the one I most want to be associated with, and if I could only save one perfume from my collection it would be this. Warm vanilla and leather. Works really well in winter, it makes me feel just a little bit warmer and cozier. I sometimes spritz on a little when I'm lounging around in my pyjamas just to enjoy it. It's perfect to wear at night but I also feel comfortable wearing it during the day because, while it is strong, I don't feel like I am leaving trails of scent behind me wherever I go. Shalimar is so interesting. Some days it seems to linger potently on the skin, still strongly detectable after hours of wear, but other times it fades after a few hours. Some days it sinks down to the most gorgeous, warming, vanilla-y, comforting scent. Other days it seems slightly 'off', not quite right, still gorgeous but just not in perfect sync with my body chemistry. That's what fascinates me about this perfume, the way it changes and you don't quite know what you're going to get each day. I was never aware of how fragrances could interact with your body chemistry before. But even on the worst days, when my hormones are doing something weird or the weather's not right or whatever it is that affects this perfume, Shalimar is still sublime.

I really wish I had the right words to sum up how gorgeous Shalimar is, but it's one of those things you need to experience for yourself.

Shalimar starts with a gentle splash of citrus, huge woodsy wave. In 30 minutes I start noticing smoky quality... What is that smoky tea? Lapsang suochong? Hahaha! Both remind me of smoked pancetta without the bacon... Somehow metallic smoke... Interesting. I don't remember ever noticing this note in Shalimar before. I am testing Shalimar this morning for the thousandth time...

The smokey scent is turning almost gasoline like. I still notice a strong background of pleasant sandalwood. :) Some sweet, candy, vanilla layers are emerging... strong smoke and gasoline are being replaced by leather, now melting nicely with sandalwood and vanilla... Something salty emerging... almost like a salty caramel... :D :) That must be opoponax... somewhat medicinal tone...
Now two hours later, it all melts into interesting complicated fragrance of Shalimar we all know... Rich sandalwood, painted with caramel, sprinkled with vanilla, warmed up with a hint of leather and distant smoke... Really rich, smooth, musky mellow.
I will not buy a bottle now. I can't tell you why... But I will return to it, again and again... like a true work of art, this beauty remains intriguing... :)
Now 4 hrs later, there is warmth of sandalwood, touch of vanilla/tonka sweetness and whiff of leather/smoke. All fading away, becoming a skin scent. Shalimar remains throughout its length very intimate fragrance.

This will take time for me.. But Im certain that this will grow on me. At the moment I feel that it's slightley mature in the beginning. A little bit too lady like. I did prefer "Intitial" in the early stage.

But, omg wow what a beautiful dry down. Such a beautiful vanilla. Since it's a classic I will be kind and give Shalimar time to grow on me because she's not a mainstream that works for everybody.

Even though Im not totally convinced that original Shalimar is for me, the dry down is really a piece of heaven. Starting with Initial and we will see how my relationship with the original developes.

I consider this outstanding perfume "The Mother" of all oriental vanilla fragrances, I don't have much words to describe her, "she" is just sexy, elegant, powerfull and timeless...Rubbery vanilla and tonka, with a great and animalic note, a delicate leather, and then a smooth combination of vanilla and incense. 10/10!

I am having a strange relationship with Shalimar. It took a while to grow on me but there is something very alluring about it. For some strange reason I cannot walk by the fragrance counter without trying it. There is something that just draws me in, something mysterious and divine about it.

Shalimar c'est les années folles.
Une idée de la femme peinte par Picasso, Modigliani, photographiée par Man Ray.
Shalimar est l'incarnation de ce que devait être Montparnasse à cette époque. Des cabarets enfumés, des ateliers de peinture dont l'odeur de la femme embaumait , le modèle, mélangée à l'odeur de l'homme, le peintre.
Une odeur sensuelle, envoutante, charnelle.
Une association du fort des Halles, du loulou de Pigalle, un soupçon de Saint Germain des Près, un trait de Montmartre et enfin, une dose des lieux chics de Paname. Voilà ma définition de Shalimar.

Loin, très loin de ces parfums du XXIème siècle aseptisés dont le seul intérêt est de vendre et disparaîssent au bout de quelques mois de commercialisation.
Une allure ne se démode pas, Shalimar non plus....

There's not much I can say about Shalimar that hasn't been said. On my skin, it's very smokey but underneath there's the sweet, warm vanilla and a hint of leather. It's just perfect if you ask me - my favourite. I have had many others that I loved, but Shalimar will always be the one I return to.

It's very powerful, sensuous, warm... alluring, extravagant and a little bit naughty, yet comforting at the same time. It stirs my imagination.

Aaaah, that last review by Pravus, *sniffs*!

This stuff makes my day, For years, I was always searching for the new and unusual, shunning the vintages like a naive fool! Out of historical interest, I engaged one day in a marathon sniffing session of all the vintage Guerlains, I liked Shalimar on the card and sprayed onto my wrist.

Well, a love that lasts 90 years is testimony in itself. I was amazed by this fragrance as it unfolded on my skin like an exotic butterfly. One of my favourite deserts is creme brulee, and since my Mum is a brilliant cook, I bought her one of those gas torches designed for caramelising the layer of sugar on top of a creme brulee. I know how a perfectly made creme brulee tastes and smells - the velvety creme heated to perfect consistency, with little black seeds from the vanilla pod, just sniffable under the layer of crisply caramelised sugar (it has to be smooth as an ice-skating rink, deep golden brown, the torching halted before it singes).

Now imagine that gentle puffs of cinnamon incense waft past your nose, nearby lilies and lemon curls float in a dish of iced water, you breathe in the scent of the perfectly made creme brulee, and voila! You have Shalimar.

What surprised me was the close-to-skin quality of this, it doesn't radiate or asphyxiate as you might imagine a spicy oriental might do. It comforts and enhances, you can rest in its soft velvety cushions. It's perfection, made both for elegant evenings out, and intimate evenings in.

This is plain love to me. I've wanted it so bad for so long, and I'm a student with no kind of money for this kind of perfume. One day, my boyfriend called when I was out running errands and said "Could you call before you get into the door?". Ah, I was so curious! Why would he ask me such a weird kind of question?! I was standing outside our home and called, he opened the door and came out with a silly smile on his face and I wondered "What is this guy up to really?" and he said "Well, give me your coat.. and your shoes.. and bag..". And then he took everything in and closed the door! I was laughing so hard, it was so strange! Then he came out again with a scarf and said "Put this on around your head, you have to cover your eyes!" and then he led me in. He rolled up a chair and I was supposed to sit on it and he pushed me in the chair towards the kitchen table (I didn't know that we were heading towards the kitchen table when he was pushing me around though, it was just hilarious!) and then said "Reach forward with your hands". And I grabbed something in a glass bottle. With a familiar shape. He took my scarf of. Shalimar was in my hands. It was the most romantic thing I ever experienced in my entire life. I love him to death, and this perfume will now forever be associated with love.

I'm afraid I had the EXACT same experience as Qbetterhome below me. Burnt rubber. The sales assistant and I were choking from one whiff on the card. It actually scorched my throat. Thank goodness it never touched my skin.

I remember my grandmother wearing this and it smelled so lovely on her. Although I couldn't recall the notes because it was ages ago. I was prompted to try this after seeing Katie Puckrik's review of it on Youtube. I think our brains must be hardwired to lust after/abhor certain smells. Goodness, I know people love this stuff. What on earth is wrong with my nose? Although the sales clerk did back me up, haha....Still! I'm constantly amazed by how subjective this whole fragrance business really is. Now I'm wondering if perhaps someone is gagging when I walk by, doused (I hope subtly) in Chanel.

There is no accounting for taste in anything really, and our sense of smell seems to be the most enigmatic of all. Well, I'll never give up my quest for the perfect fragrance experience....but I'm thinking that Shalimar unfortunately will not be it. I wonder if I would have liked the vintage version better?

Tried yesterday and on store and I thought I will die. (same the shop assistant)
The smell of burnt tires and fuming plastic haunted me all day, even after washing with dishwasher soup.
My chemistry not compatible with Shalimar, sorry, but in love with Samsara which become a second skin.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this frag? There's a reason why certain scents stand the test of time and will always remain a classic. Shalimar is a perfume that has a timeless and infinite appeal. I imagine this is what the inside of a glitzy nightclub in 1930s New York would smell like.

I never would have appreciated this scent in my teenage years and I probably would have written it off as an "old lady scent" but now that my 20s are coming to an end and I'm approaching my 30s, I really appreciate and love this scent.

I doused a tester all over myself today. This was probably a mistake because Shalimar deserves a light hand. Straight off the bat you smell the citruses then it begins to turn a bit powdery and animalic and then the leather, incense and smoky quality emerges. I really like warm, balmy oriental perfumes but I don't have many chances to wear them as where I live is quite warm and tropical for most of the year.

But in the brief winter window that I do have, Shalimar is amazing. It's complex, multi layered and unfolds like a beautiful flower. I hated the strong rubber leather smell in Bvlgari Black but it's done so well in Shalimar. Everything is balanced so nicely. It's sex in a bottle, a bit naughty, seductive and hypnotizing. There's nothing trashy or overwhelming about it provided it's applied with a light touch. It embodies total femininity but also has unisex appeal.

Thank you boruvka44 for a reminder !
But What I got was that Jade Jagger flacon ...
And on a second thought, I came to like sniffing and trying to search for the slight sweetness in shalimar.
It's almost became a habit for me haha. Am I trapped in a shalimar trap ?

Putting this on at first, I was reminded of the nameless peppery cologne my dad would wear when he and my mother would go out for the evening. Spicy! Then I got a whiff of some sort of wood, which was pleasant, and a bit of frankincense. The scent is not enormous, which I had been afraid of. However...

The powdery vanilla is what cuts through the wood and resin and tasty spiciness and, in my opinion, is the main thing that makes this perfume not for me... I haven't come to the time yet where I can smell a powdery scent and not associate it with a.) babies or b.) perfume wearers of an advanced age.

Like Creed's Jasmin Impératrice Eugénie, it's always fun to wear these "historical" perfumes. I love to inhale and imagine, "That's what edgy, fancy ladies of the '20s and '30s might have run around wearing!"

Do you also find it smelling slightly different in the new gorgeous Jade Jagger flacon? It´s not as deep as the previous version (the sultan boat shaped flacon)

I wore Shalimar for years, and it was and will always be my very favourite perfume. I wish I could afford it again, maybe one day I will. I always got compliments whenever I wore it and I wore it a lot at work, though it is probably best worn in the evening, but when you love a scent so much you want it with you all the time. It was rich, spicy but not too spicy, and if I remember correctly it was intense incense. Deep, mysterious, resin, and when the warmth of my skin would heat the scent a magic happened, a truly beautiful scent. The one scent that of all I have ever worn or tired was always perfect on my skin. It lasted very long on me, and my clothes would always smell of Shalimar.

I was so excited about getting this perfume at last after reading about it on various books, but it was a mere dissapointment.
On me it just smelled like gasoline and old tires...no vanilla, no sweetness at all. It's a way too woody and mossy, even bitter. It's too heavy, so I think I'm going to use it with Gucci Flora which I think too citrussy, and some with groumand scent that I have.
Shalimar would "anchor" those shallow scents I hope.

E' la mia fragranza preferita, secondo me è molto sensuale e decisa, sa di legni e incenso, vaniglia e fumo, il tutto condito da bergamotto e note agrumate. Ho notato che non piace a molte persone e sicuramente non è adatto per le ragazze.

I bought Shalimar for the first time when I was 18. At Lord & Taylor along with a bottle of Mistouko. I am a big reader and I think anyone who has any exposure to pop culture has at least heard of Shalimar. I imagined it was the ultimate fragrance, and I am sure to some it really is.
Shalimar was not my first experience with a powerhouse fragrance. I grew up with Paloma Picasso (which I also cannot wear for reasons explained a bit later) & Opium. I was not entirely unprepared.
Shalimar on paper was beautiful and I don't like to test fragrances on skin in department stores. I find the other odors (people, perfume, leather handbags etc) skew my perception and my best bet is to buy and try at home.
I tried Mitsouko first and it was an immediate love. I sprayed Shalimar on my other wrist and waited for the magic to happen. Much to my dismay it smelled like a birdcage. I was horrified, to say the least and thought I must have had a bad bottle. I returned and tried again with the same result. After some research I came to the conclusion that my chemistry HATES civet. I know this is a troublesome note for a lot of people, but it doesn't bother me at all on paper or on other people. All of the other notes I picked up were lovely, balmy and sensual but there was always this undertone of birdcage. I wasn't the only one to notice it either.
Shalimar never left my house (on me). I ended up donating it to a women's charity. Hopefully it found a happy home.

Shalimar is smokey, deep and sexy. In a sea full of overpowering bubble-gum scents for little girls, Shalimar stands the test of time. I imagine a strong woman of charm and true beauty of character wearing this timeless masterpiece. That alluring hint of her wandering through a smoke filled room. Turning heads as she saunters away. Uncompromisingly brilliant, feminine and sexy.

I'm surprised I like this. Shocked actually! I usually hate powdery scents, but this isn't old lady powder. It's smooth and feminine. I ordered a small sample just to see what all the fuss was about but now I might have to buy a whole bottle!

I should note that this was my reaction after the dry down. When I initially put this on it smells like gasoline for about 15 minutes, then strong old lady powder for another 15 minutes after that. So, for me at least, I have to apply this at least 30 minutes before letting anyone else within smelling distance!

This is going to be a Samsara lover (long...sorry!) review, I got curious about Shalimar because Samsara is my all-time favourite, and since they share the orientalism obsession which I've been also suffered I was eager to try it.

Honestly, I didn't think I was likely to appreciate it, because the notes weren't that appealing to me: citrus and vanilla are probably aromas most people like, and in part I think this explains the long-time succes of Shalimar. But I have to say that many modern perfumes push this easy-to-like combination in a cloying territory, and I feel about them exactly what I feel about a yellow sweet cream: delightful and appealing at first, then you eat too much and get nauseated.

Fortunately, Shalimar isn't crème anglais, like monsieur Beaux pointed out: my first encounter with this classic was the current EDP, and I was pleasantly surprised: a simultaneously warm and fresh, powdery concoction, with a backbone of woody depth: it made me think of vanilla incese sticks, just like Samsara had made me think of sandalwood incense.

I remember it was one of the first chilly day of autumn, and Shalimar warmed me up and made me smile with its sweet and powdery embrace. Never a perfume had made me feel... loved! All the other perfumes I was testing that day were outshined...

Then I was lucky enough to find out a bargain in my favourite perfume shop: an old EDT, with its beautiful blue glass stopper! The SA was kind to let me sniff before buying even though it was the last bottle, and, again, I was enraptured! I had to get it!

While having the same base of woody, incense-y and powdery vanilla - absolutely not cloying, nor too sweet - citrus are the most gorgeous feature of this edt.
It opens with crisp, zesty, liquorous, limoncello-like citruses that, far way from smelling common or challenging, are simply one of the best redentions I've tasted.
The rare bergamot shines here, and so does the lemon: and all this luscious luminosity makes my mind go back in the remote past, when for the first time explorers of India saw those trees whose branches bear little scented suns that fear no winter, nor night.
The sun goes down, but lovers are not scared, playing in the citrus grove: full of mystery and aromas will be the starry night.
And that is Shalimar: a dreamy garden at sunset, where lights and shadows move the soul with promises of eternal, never ending love. Romantic in trascendental way, along with L'Heure Bleu.

Wear it in romantic rendezvous (it's a sensual, intimate scent, not a screamer) or whenever you feel/need love: pay attention, it requires a mild temperature and a warm-blooded animal to flourish, otherwise the orris could cast its spell, and turn the sweet memories from the past into dust, making them smell like old clothes and mothballs!

Sadly my EDT is as magnificent as evanescent, reminding me that, after all, Shalimar was only a beautiful tale...

I bought a lovely bottle of Shalimar about 20 years ago when I was a very young girl. I still have the same beautiful bottle, and I think it will last me the rest of my life. There will probably be enough to be inherited by one of my daughters.

On me, Shalimar goes on powdery and sweet, opens up powdery and sweet, and then dries down powdery and sweet. Then it insinuates itself into my clothes and leaves a powdery and sweet trailing memory.

I've had some boyfriends who just couldn't get enough of it, and some who were like, "wow, that perfume smells like my mom!" Probably true. :)

During some periods of my life, I've worn this religiously, because I like the unabashed old-fashioned femininity it evokes. The only thing that bothers me about it is that it is so very identifiable. I invariably get a comment like, "That's Shalimar you're wearing, right?" Right.

I like to think of myself as more off-piste, but every once in awhile I'll ski the better-known slopes. Shalimar is a classic, feminine staple for every perfumophile's wardrobe, if for nothing more than its classic bottle. She sure is a lovely wasp-waisted girl.

Leather and powder, this almost archetypal scent feels like it has existed forever, like Shalimar has been what it is without needing explanation. Reminds me very much of Knize Ten, which albeit a men's perfume, I prefer it(I'm a woman btw). I wish Shalimar had a little bit more vanilla or warmth, but it is very well made as it is anyway

I have to retract my initial review and dislike for Shalimar. I am so sorry Shalimar.
I tried it again today at a friend’s house and my reaction was completely different.
The soft incense and leather cuddled me this time, they didn’t attack me. When I first tried this a while ago, I thought it was too strong, I found it masculine.
But today it just wrapped me in warm luxury and pure sophistication. So beautiful. This belongs on a woman who lives in exquisite gowns and drips in jewellery.

I bought 2/1 oz. bottles for about $11.00 dlls. each i really loved it, and i just discovered that if i spray a little bit of the EDT over Dior Homme Intense just makes it more masculine and deep (?!)great, great fragrance.

90/100
RIYL: Dior Homme Intense, Arpege Pour Homme, Arpege,

I will always think of this perfume as the older sophisticated woman I wanted to be when I grew up. She was a top executive and I was a new intern. She had the style and grace of a French movie star! When I reached 25, no longer an intern, got it together and paid for my first bottle of Shalimar EDP. The very next day, as I slipped into a pencil skirt and fitted blazer with stilettos , sprayed on magic. That very night ...the best looking man in the universe woke up to the smell of my Shalimar all over his pillow! The romance was fierce, and I will always love the memories of being THAT fabulous woman at 25, who bought her first bottle of Shalimar with her first big pay check!

Oh Shalimar! I love everything about you – your main accords, your bottle, your name, your history… everything EXCEPT your smell! I want to love your smell so much, I really do... you’re a classic for godssakes!! But I’m afraid you’re just too much of a good thing. Your heavy scent overwhelms my sinuses and slightly turns my stomach. Sadly, I will just have to continue loving you from afar... sigh.

My life-long, all time favorite perfume. I only wear it in fall and winter as it is a warm, rich scent that would wear too heavy in spring and summer. Every time I wear this if someone stands or walks very close to me I get compliments from both men and women.
Shalimar makes me feel beautiful, sensual and very feminine.

There are three things a lady must not do - smoke, dance the tango, and wear Shalimar. I don't smoke, but I would be lying if I said that saying wasn't one of the reasons I purchased this lovely. The other main ones were the usual suspects: the citrusy opening of Jicky (which is just not for me, since I do not like its masculine feel or the lavender notes for personal wear but of course I can respect its composition) combined with one of the loveliest vanillas of all time. I can sit here with my Carlos Gardel cds, watch Rudolph Valentino seduce Agnes Ayres (and then Vilma Banky) as the Sheik, and enjoy it all in a cloud of Shalimar. I should note that I have had both the current EDP and EDT, right now I only possess the current EDT and I do not find it lacking at all. Rather it's simply sheerer and lighter - that sublime vanilla is still there.

After wanting this for a long time, I just added this legend to my collection. It's wonderful... and timeless. I have been sniffing my arm every minute and I can't get enough. It's deep, alluring, powerful and elegant.

My bottle is a reformulation of modern years. I have never smelled the legendary vintage formulation, but even in it's modern avatar, Shalimar is a beauty to be reckoned with. And I am falling deeper in love with it with each sniff!

I feel like a sex goddess when I'm wearing this scent, on par with the great Venus of Willendorf and the notorious yet oft misunderstood Jezebel of ancient Phoenicia. Maternal and nurturing, yet as seductive and commanding as a dominatrix. Shalimar is incredibly irreverent, decadent and hot.

Definately a head turner, for sure. I briefly wore this out today and it's as though the atmosphere had changed where ever I went and whichever way the wind carried the fragrance. People can't not notice it. It takes guts to pull off Shalimar.

That being said, I'm not sure that I feel entirely comfortable wearing this scent in public, although I have no qualms with wearing it to sleep in the dimly lit privacy of my boudoir.

I have the EDP -- It starts off lemony and citrusy, slightly tangy. Then it melts into a smoky caramel aroma accented by wood and hints of spice. I get toasted marshmallows over a camp fire as well as creme brulee.

The fragrance is deep. It is different every time I sniff it, as though it pulsates and dances, licks and kicks, like a pagan bonfire.

My Grandma has been wearing this scent for the 31 years I've been on this earth and I have loved it since as far back as I can remember. Do not be fooled-this is not a Granny perfume as some people so eloquently describe complex scents that don't smell like cotton candy or a fruit salad. Not that I have anything against those fragrances; I just feel that all of the more complex scents get deemed as "Granny" perfume. Well, let me tell you...my Granny gets compliments on this perfume from women ages 14 through 85. My husband, my brother, and all of my uncles even love this stuff. My mother was always into the CK One and D&G Light Blue type scents, so Shalimar was a big change when my Grandma would walk into the room. Her scent lingered for hours too! I think I had been asking her and my mom for this perfume since I was 12. Finally, when I turned 21, my Grandma bought me a bottle of Samsara, which is also made by Guerlain. She told me I would love it and she was absolutely right. This is another one that some people refer to as "old lady" and I don't agree. Why does a scent need to be too old or too young...or for day or night...or for winter or summer? If you like the scent, it's for you! If my Grandma wants to wear Pink Sugar, that's fine with me. And if a 21-year-old wants to wear Shalimar, I don't think they should get bashed for it. This scent is a timeless classic and let me tell you, when wearing these Guerlain scents, both my Grandma and I have received only positive feedback from men. My husband always says how exotic and intoxicating these scents are. That's exactly what Shalimar is; it embodies all that is exotic, intoxicating, mysterious, and complex. It is not for the faint of heart or for anyone who wants to smell like a cupcake/cotton candy concoction. It has depth, personality, and sophistication. Like Chanel No 5, I don't think it will ever go out of style.

Guerlain's love letter to Mughal India.
The fragrance itself evokes the famed Shalimar Gardens, where Mughal Royalty would indulge in romance. The jasmine and roses the flowers, the civet and iris the passion and the balsam and opoponox, evokes the incense which was burning in the gardens. This bygone era has been interpreted beautifully through the prism of Guerlain's French perfumery.
I have a vintage bottle and it is sublime, easily beating out Chanel no 5, as this fragrance is very contemporary in its spirit.

shalimar is the definition of an olfactory orgasm. Not a screaming one, but a quiet, inner one:)
Shalimar opens with the most vibrant, refreshing yet sharp bergamot and citruses blast, before the dark vanilla sets in with its oriental amber, incense and animalic notes. This is a perfume that stands as a work of art,it defies gender connotations unlike today's mainstream "perfumes" and their stupid fruity feminines and oceanic masculines.
I expected shalimar to be more of a loud fragrance though, as its sillage is discreet (i feel)... i have the bat shaped edp maybe its louder in other bottles/formulations? anyway,she is a masterpiece.
5 stars.

This is my first foray into Guerlain after watching a television program about the perfume house & its signature fragrance. It's OK but I was a little disappointed although I can't quite pin down why. Maybe it doesn't blend well with my skin chemistry, but I was surprised when my French neighbour immediately recognised it.
I may try some of the other Guerlain fragrances.

This fragrance takes me back in time.
I feel like a goddess when I wear this. It's just so beautiful! As it develops on your skin, it gets so warm and creamy. Though some may think of "old lady" when they smell this, I'd have to disagree. It's classy, powdery, elegant, and just pure feminine. I love the vanilla base, it's like a slightly singed vanilla. Will definitely buy a full bottle.

EDT: When I sampled this I got the mental image of a grey tabby cat wearing a bonnet and wire-framed glasses selling lemonade out of its litter box. Very citrussy and feral.

EDP: Gorgeous vanilla and incense sometimes, lemony diapers on other occasions. I've owned and sold the EDP like three different times.

Modern parfum: Don't waste your money on this diluted ghost.

Vintage parfum: Sexiest, golden, vanilla-amber-leather. Unable to not be in ecstasy when I catch a whiff.

I have tried, really. Had a vintage bottle from Mum, and a newer bottle. This perfume simply does not work on my skin. Both bottles returned to said Mum and will remain smelling the version of Shalimar on her skin, because my version is unbearable.

I love this stuff on a woman. BTW, google "EU perfume ban" to see what all of the unelected EU technocrats have planned for natural based perfumes...all funded by "studies" backed by synthetic fragrance producers of course.

Finally scored a full bottle of Shalimar! (An EDP coffret actually, with the 50ml urn shaped bottle and the 15ml purse spray)

I am in my 20's and I can say that Shalimar does not smell old at all! Yes it was worn by your grandma, aunt or mom, but it can make any girl smell sophisticated at any age.

Being a lover of oriental/gourmand perfumes I knew Shalimar was for me. (Angel, Black Orchid, Flowerbomb, Miranda and even the very contemporary Prada Candy in some way pay homage to Shalimar)

What I like about Shalimar is it is highly personal. While some fragrances tend to mask your natural 'skin smell' (making you smell as 'clean'), Shalimar finds a way to enhance it and make it as alluring as possible.

Though I only have great things to say about this legendary perfume, I like it the most midway, say about 3 hours after application. Shalimar opens with a strong Earl Gray Tea aroma that's almost fizzy, turns into root beer and settles into a smooth lemon cake pannacotta type vanilla dusted with powder. It has amazing development and has the tendency to draw you in! Delicious but never cloying. One spray on my decolletage and one behind each elbow lasts a decent 6 hours. It has a strong unmistakable presence, without overpowering. I'd like to think that the edp is more rounded and sits closer to the skin than the edt (edp wins in longevity while edt wins in sillage). Nevertheless, Shalimar, being a classic, (like the black dress, a quality pearl necklace, or nude high heel pump) projects glamour and elegance without screaming for attention.

Shalimar has been around for almost 9 decades--it is truly well made, timeless and seasonless.

I received a hand-me-down tiny(!) bottle of Shalimar in the late 80s, and although I didn't understand it, I dreamed of owning a big bottle someday when I was grown. I'd never heard of "Guerlain" and the name filled me with a sense of mystery. Later, in my 20s, I sniffed some in the Guerlain store in Toronto on Bay and Bloor, but I wasn't convinced it was the same. I didn't realize then that perfumes *could be* or *would be* reformulated, knowing nothing of the trade, so I was confused. I went home and smelled the drop left in my tiny(!!!) bottle. It wasn't the same! Even now that I know about reforumulation, I can't wrap my head around it. I miss that perfume, although I waited ten years to wear it, and only wore it a handful of times at that. That last drop remains in my tiny bottle, one of my treasured possessions.

Enter Shalimar Parfum Initial. Oh! What's this? Smells beautiful. Is this for real? Am I losing it? Can a Shalimar flanker really be this utterly gorgeous?

Shalimar from my tiny bottle is like the true love who died. Parfum Initial is the one who comes along after and shows you that you can love again, opening your heart until your last breath.

Shalimar (the vintage at least) is like a great symphony. You can listen one hundred times and still hear new ways in which the notes, instruments, and structure work together. Parfum Initial is also a great symphony, one played with different instruments, and you are listening from further away. To me, it's more like dreaming of a great symphony, rather than being there to hear it. I'm wearing it right now, the winter evening is turning to night, and I'm happy.

Smnells like burnt rubber & turpentine oil. I ve tried to like it but it smells the same to me everytime.

I've heard it said that you are either an Elvis person or a Beatles person (I'm personally an Elvis person). I would argue that Elvis and the Beatles were equally talented and incomparably influential, but they seem to represent polarizing tastes. This musical disagreement makes me wonder if the same can be said for certain perfumes -- specifically Chanel No. 5 and Shalimar?

I have recently fallen in love with No. 5, so I thought I would give the other “grande dame” of perfumes a try. Over the past few days I have been testing a decant of Shalimar. By all accounts I should be a Shalimar gal through and through: I typically love Orientals, incense, and vanilla. But, I just can't seem to get into Shalimar’s rhythm, I can't find her beat. Musical references aside, I am just confounded by this perfume!

The first blast is slightly citric and sharp, but also oddly earthy and pungent. I don't necessarily dislike it, and I find the contrast between the sharpness of the top notes and soft base notes intriguing. Then, all of a sudden, the sharpness is gone, and it's a blast of powder -- old-fashioned powder with loads of tonka, powdery Opoponax, and orris. This phase is reminiscent of an air freshener that is trying to cover up something a bit dirty (civet in this case?). And then, with a little patience, the vanillin leather/incense/tobacco notes emerge. It becomes more bearable to me at this stage, but there is still a bit of that dirty powder vibe, and the vanilla is strangely waxy. Then around the 3-4 hour mark, Shalimar settles into a warm, intimate, vanilla-tobacco accord. Yes, the final stage is beautiful.

After wearing her for a good part of a day, I feel like I just sat through a rock opera, complete with heart-wrenching ballads, sentimental solos, and atonal instrumentals. While I appreciate Shalimar’s artistry and her coy and mysterious changeability, her overall composition is just too exhausting for me: too many ups and downs.

I’m so grateful I had a chance to try Shalimar, but unfortunately the original Shalimar edp is just not for me. I’m off to explore some other Shalimars (Initial, Eau de, etc.). I’m hoping their tune will be more to my liking. When all is said and done, I wonder if I’m just meant to be a Chanel No. 5 groupie? She might start out a bit off-key, but then she serenades you for hours...so sweetly and gently.

Theatre!

Love this parfume. I think it's the best one ever created, even through all the changes its formulation has experienced. My first memory of Shalimar is ancient. My mother used to wear it when I was a pre-schooler. Then, during my freshman year, I had a literature professor with whom I stuck for four semesters. Perhaps because she was excellent, but, most likely, because she wore Shalimar and I couldn't let go of the bi-weekly transporting experience.

I believe parfumes are gender-neutral, even when all parfumes I wear are marketed "for women" because most parfumes "pour homme" are beyond generic and the good ones do not blend with my skin's chemistry. Shalimar must be the exception to this rule. It is extremely feminine in the most sensual way and I regret not being gutsy enough to wear it. Although, I've tried LeLabo's Labdanum 18 which, in my opinion, is very similar, but that's another review.

I tried this on today and was impressed by its audacity. This is a weirdly wonderful fragrance, nothing at all like modern perfumes. A real punch in the face and an olfactory thrill! I was first overcome with smoke and cedar and I honestly wasn't sure if this was intended for women as it smelt so manly. I admire its difference, and over the past few hours it's toned down into a more vanillary scent with just a hint of the initial smoke - which now smells like Frankincense. I'm going to have to get this.

Shalimar is amazing incense, vanilla and bergamot. It acts smoky appearance, like They know when to church. But at the same time sensual - it makes vanilla, and fragile - it does bergamot. Beautiful classic perfume that I wear for many years and that never gets old.

I just got this in the EDP. I can't say I love it. I wanted to because of it's long history. It smells somewhat medicinal on me. It is super powdery with an odd smoky smelling vanilla plus lots of leather. I fail to see why so many people love this. I love vanilla and amber so I thought I'd like this at least. It doesn't smell old lady exactly but it smells old or musty somehow. Wish I could like it.

This is my second review but had to share: l loooove Shalimar, always have. Yet recently l tested the new version and it is not what it used to be. Still lovely but it lacks that depth and intensity. Thought you should test the new versions before buying.

I bought a new EDT last week, and only just used it today. It was weird because the last bottle I had of Shalimar was an EDT also, but it was 10 or 15+ years older (someone who was "over it" gave it to me 5 months ago) so not only was the bottle shape different but the smell was different too. My old bottle of Shalimar smelled a bit darker and didn't have the citrus balance in the beginning. It was probably due to age, but I thought it was worth mentioning that it was such a difference for me, and a pleasant surprise when I sprayed my new bottle. I love the citrus beginning though, it's not tacky or too bright. It's not a juicy citrus on me. That goes away after about 20-30 minutes and on me stays a spicy elegant vanilla smell. So beautiful. I think its sexy but not in a come-have-sex-with-me way, more like an idea of sex. Like a picture or a memory that has been exaggerated and perfected in your subconscious.

Amazing for nights out but I think it's fine for office and casual wear too. Is that just me? Am I walking around smelling inappropriate?

It is an old fashioned smell if you're used to more modern orientals and vanillas that have less depth and complexity, but it's not "old lady" and its very chic. Wearing it is a serious confidence boost. It makes me smell way more put together than I actually am.

***stays close to the skin on me. not a projector as opposed to apparently most people.

My 1989 version of Shalimar EDP arrived today. I'm ecstatic! It is housed in the traditional crystal "urn" shaped bottle with the "french soldier's hat stopper". On this version the stopper is clear glass with "Guerlain Paris" in gold letters on the stopper and it says "eau de parfum" underneath the Shalimar label on the front of the Baccarat bottle.
The EDP is bright, sunny citrus in the opening, with the aromatic leather lurking in the background. My skin doesn't usually pull civet, but I can tell it's there, it just doesn't scream "I'M HERE" thank goodness! it just gives it a hint of animalic note that gives the perfume body and sensuality. As it dries down I get smokey incense and creamy vanilla..that's the LOVE. This perfume literally makes love to your skin. Caressing it with vapors of smoke, incense, vanilla cream and roses with a touch of animalistic sensuality. Then Madame Shalimar spanks you with her leather riding crop, making you beg your mistress for another. All in all it's a very sexy perfume that gives you a sensory experience every time you wear it.

After several trials, I've just got to accept that Shalimar is unwearable for me. Every time I test it, it smells fine on the tester strip. I've smelled it on others and it is amazing. On me? It smells like a recently disinfected floor after Tiddles has just had a little accident...Funky Dettol.

I've waited (and waited) for this magical dry down, but it never appears. The funk disappears after half an hour, but the medicinal, disinfectant smell lingers and does not evolve.

Sorry to be so negative about a classic, but that's how it is.

Opens with a citrussy hint and rich powdery head. The complex powdery scent continues to develop with hints of flowers, carried on the base of vetyver, musk and amber. In the end it lingers as a skin scent... amber and musk...
I always compared it to Chanel 5. Shalimar and Chanel 5 were "grown up" fragrances in my mind. The fact is... over the years of wearing perfumes daily... I can detect the notes, recognize the "fragrance families", but sad part is - my nose gets saturated easily and then I don't notice fragrance I am wearing. So with time I have "stepped up" to these grown-up fragrances that I continue to notice. I guess now the "grown up" perfume only means: perfume that a "saturated nose" still can detect. :D :) Issue gets better if I take a "fragrance hiatus" and let my nose desaturate. It is hard to take fragrance vacations, since I enjoy wearing my perfumes so much... :)

So today i was finally able to get my hands on a Mini.
First sniff..... i think, "Jicky".
I'm incredibly impressed at the complexity, and layering.
This smells almost exactly the Vanilla liquor, Tonka, Citrus opening as Jicky.(PURE Bergamott, like Earl Grey Tea)
Smooth, balmy Vanilla, leading into a powdery, smoky incense vibe. The sweet vanilla comes back at the end, as part of a Rich deeply sweet powdery smoky Vanilla Musk. Blending with skin, even for Males. I'd feel comfortable wearing this just fine. the dry down IS almost masculine, with the musky oily vanilla, reminiscent of sweet Vanilla Pipe Tobacco.

Not much more i can say here that hasn't been said in past reviews.

This is VERY long lasting. Sillage is moderate, but can be smelled from quite some feet away on a still winter day.

Shalimar evolves and changes so dynamically, it's like a symphony with a beginning, middle and long end. All the great classics seem to have that Dynamic multi-dimensional structure. It changes from moment to moment.

..... Now that i think of it... the structure and long lasting DryDown reminds me of Must de Cartier Homme, which i just reviewed earlier... But that has more Cinnamon Anise Spices. Same cuddly warm, Animal Vanilla musk.
But.. i'm not finding ANY florals at all here :c

In both cases.... Apply sparingly, as will NOT get a 30 foot Sillage cloak... But rather that cuddly, and just downright erotic Vanilla musk, encourages you to get in closer proximity to spread the magic.

My goodness i can feel the love in this.

The few sniffs I've had of this in the past did not thoroughly prepare me for for the complete seductive qualities of this perfume. I'd tested it on paper and sprayed a little on my wrist from time to time and thought wow that's really nice. But after taking this beauty home I found I need to use at least 2 or 3 heavy handed sprays to achieve true satisfaction.

I read others say they dislike the top note opening, but I got to tell you people I love the intro. It wets your appetite just enough to cause you to stay for the rest of the story. Oh dear, this is starting to turn into one of those long dreary reviews that everybody hates. If you've gotten this far you are probably one of my crazy friends lol.

Some perfumes smack you in the face before making friends with you. Shalimar however does not want to be your friend, she wants to be your lover. Her goal is to seduce you slowly. Sure, she grabs your attention at first with her citrus opening, but it's pleasant, only slightly seductive like a kiss on the cheek. The opening citrus is not an orangy pop sickle on a stick sweet but rather a dry sophisticated citrus, keeps you interested and craving more.

The vanilla becomes apparent rather quickly, but this particular vanilla does not in any way remind me of today's lovely, sweet beauties. It seems a lot more sophisticated, more refined and softer. The leather notes then enters the room and lies down with the vanilla and other assorted notes like wood and incense. The combination stimulates your imagination, and as it develops on your skin, you feel as if you've been drawn into an erotic dream. I adore this perfume! Longivity and sillage are wonderful. It's not an overpowering sillage though, just seductive enough to lure but still a lady.

for the EDP:

I think the magic of Shalimar lies in the application. Never underestimate this Grande Damme. Do not wear her thinking she'll be refreshing, as the citric bergamot hit will fool you.. until her waxy, lipstick-y, powdery cloud starts to surround you and swallow you whole. Then she will start wearing you. And you will hate her. So approach her with caution. Apply her sparingly and be ready to mesmerize. :) Witness people do double takes as her smoky vanilla warmth envelopes you and sets you apart from a sea of floral and citrus freshness :)

This classic offends. My nose, that is... Perhas it is my chemistry, but I feel like I am walking into a BDSM nightclub where smoking is allowed and is unsuccesfully mellowed with a dark vanilla incense.

I find it to be chokingly unpleaseant. I am assuming it is my chemistry. Because the bitter, and sharp scents dominate what LOOKS like a good combo on paper.

Flat-dab sexy!!! I don't know what else to say.

I never had the pleasure of trying the original Shalimar on myself, but it was my dearest grandmother's signature scent. I remember one day, as she opened the velvet box in which a bottle of pure perfume was nestled in dark blue satin, I saw her face lit up like a little girl's. She loved Shalimar, I loved her, and to me this perfume will always be a gem, because of the memories tied to it. I would love to try it on me too, but unless I can get a hold of the vintage (70's or 80's), I don't want it. It just wouldn't be the same.
And now Guerlain is feeding of Shalimar, releasing flanker after flanker after flanker and even flankers of the flankers. The current version of Shalimar is, from what I have read, already a pale copy of what it used to be. So why tweak the formula even more? They had a great classic beauty (several actually), couldn't they just leave it at that? Concentrate on what they already have, try to stick to the original formula, or at least try to recreate it as best as they could within the new IFRA restrictions. This is just my opinion, but I think that when people are presented with a choice between a classic original timeless beauty and a modern generic "of the moment" cutesie, they will choose the first, because the latter will be forgotten in no time.

I've been occupying myself with fragrances in a serious way for one year now. When I became a member of a fumie-site one of the perfumes that always popped up somewhere was Shalimar - I had never heard of it before, I knew Chanel N°5, Poison and of course lots of contemporary frags. Then I watched a BBC documentary about perfume and again Shalimar was portrayed as the Grande Dame of perfumes. So I got curious and excited about it and ordered a little test vial.

I was impressed.

There it sat on my skin. The flagship of Guerlain. The first spritz is very lemony of course, but you also get a sniff of cedar which reminds a bit of church pews and old fur coats. I knew at the first wisp this was a great Old World Perfume. A legend. History.
The hesperidics are quite elusive and the scent changes remarkably into smoky vanilla. I don't get that much flowers. The smokiness makes me think of a Walpurgis Night bonfire. Shalimar has an aura of wisdom, of a significant other. It's one of the few perfumes that really make my mind wander. True dramatic beauty.
Who knows what the vintage version was like, but even the reformulation is aweinspiring. Luca Turin said, Shalimar makes 80% of todays fragrances appear trivial.
Of course I now own a bottle.

So I'd dare say: Greatest perfume of all times!

Shalimar was my first 'real' perfume, bought it when I was just in my twenties. First smelled it at an airport perfumeshop but couldn't decide which one to buy as I was testing a lot of perfumes, during the flight to the next stopover I completely fell in love with the development of this beautiful fragrance and rushed to the sales counter of the perfumestore at the next airport.I made the SA smell my wrist as I wasn't sure what fragrance it was that was smelling so divine on me, and she told me the only thing she could smell on me was tobacco! :-P (I did smoke then ;-). Then in a moment of clarity I guessed it could only have been that perfume that I initiately thought of too old lady like for me but the heart of the perfume was really amazing. No surprise I never regretted buying it! Now I still love this fragrance as it is a classic to me and it reminds me of my first encounter with a wonderful perfume.

I have this 500 ml hand painted Shalimar bottle on my living room, after many years still closed and sealed. It was a present from my ex-boyfriends sister, a very wealthy lady. I wont open it or use it, I just want to see, how long a scent can stand the test of time. Shalimar is a perfume I would not buy for myself, too
strong and exotic for my taste.

I both love and hate Shalimar.

I hate the strong note of old mans tobacco, and the patchouli that smells a bit like a drunk unfresh man.

And in the EDT the citrus notes are just awful and sour.

But I absolutely love the vanilla, iris, opoponax, incense, tonka and amber in the base...

All in all, Shalimar is not totaly "me".

I would love to find a perfume that smells like the nice bits of the base notes of Shalimar though...

A special perfume,for special women,with the right skin chemistry.

I really badly wanted to love Shalimar. I smelled it on a friend recently and it was AMAZING so when I was wandering around Debenhams in my lunch hour recently I had a spray and OMG all I can smell is disinfectant! It genuinely made me think of hospitals! My body chemistry struggles with many perfumes but spicy orientals are usually fine (I love Opium, Coco, EL Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang) but this one was just wrong. I had to rush to the ladies to wash it off before I went back to work or they'd have wondered what I'd been up to at lunch time!

I finally own a bottle of Shalimar edp! Alas, not the vintage, because I can tell this scent would be even more fabulous if raw materials were used (although I'm sure synthetic scents are kinder to civets and whales so fair trade). Anyhow, on with the review of my edp. I love how it smells as I first spray it - nice and citrusy. However it quickly calms down into a creamy, powdery vanilla scent with lots of leather. After a little while the leather fades and I get mostly powder and vanilla. I can see this being one of my winter staples, and I'm so glad I decided to purchase this timeless classic.

I love Shalimar, it's such a romantic fragrance. My grandmother has been wearing it since she was in her 20's and now she's 87. I am wearing it now and I have the original glass decanter from the '60s. I love this smell.

The citrusy top notes bypassed my skin completely--there was a breath of cedar, then a rush of rich, complex, spicy woodsy vanilla. A half hour later and I'm picking up some incense and leather. Wears close to my skin, which is nice (I don't like heavy sillage).
An intriguing fragrance so far--if I found it on anyone else, I would probably want to stand closer to them just to get a better chance at unravelling the complexity of this scent. On my own skin, I keep forgetting to NOT sniff it on my wrists--the wafting scent is better and less harsh than the actual place of application.

my mother wear this its a classic

For years, Shalimar was my girlfriend's signature perfume. On her it was soft, vanilla and powdery, ultra feminine. One day I was with her early morning when she sprayed on Shalimar. I immediately smelled delicate lemon cake. I thought she had changed perfumes, but it was Shalimar. I had never smelled it at first spray.

I now have the current Shalimar EDT. Just like the original formula, Shalimar changes and softens as you wear it. The lemon aspect fades away into soft powdery vanilla with just the lightest touch of leather and barely a hint of extremely soft incense. Definitely a very close to skin scent, Shalimar is feminine, delicate, and inoffensive. Powdery, yes, but not at all heavy. Perfect any time of year, day or night. Shalimar lasts on skin, on fabric, and in hair until you wash it off. Very soft, classy, ladylike, and pretty. A truly beautiful classic that stands the test of time.

Shalimar perplexes me. I sprayed a sample on to my wrist. My first thought was that it smelled amazing. In the air that is. I sniffed my wrist, and found it kind of harsh. But I didn't scrub it off, though that was my first instinct. Then it started to soften a bit and I really liked it. Then it turned powdery... I don't mind a bit of powder, but this was more than I like. So I'm thinking, nope this isn't the one for me. Now, about an hour and a half later, it's morphed into this delicious, warm, slightly smoky vanilla. You are a chameleon on me, Shalimar, and I just can't decide whether to dismiss you or run to the nearest perfume counter and bring you home.

my best winter perfume!!!!!! l love it!!!!!l have it but
l got yesterday another 93ml refillable in price of 47 euro (from 110 euro,,,good cristmas deals) l am so happy!!!!!!!!
SHALIMAR IS ART !!!! not everybody can understand this perfume!!!! it takes time.....

This is quite a mature, classic, powdery scent on me. It really is a great creation and one that exudes confidence, femininity and age, though not necessarily in a bad way, but in that of historical importance and wisdom. This will not read youth/fresh in any way. It wears very warm and super powdery on me and lasts a while (few perfumes last on my skin). I wore it all day on a cold and windy Montreal winter day, and my mom and husband could still detect it on me after hours of skiing outside. Definitely created for a cold winter day.

Ahhh....Shalimar, You are a true beauty in all sense (and scents) of the word. A very choosy fragrance on who and how it smells. I recently discovered this timeless classic out of curiosity.. And became thoroughly enamored and bewitched by the soft bloom of citrus, delicate vanilla, and seductive smoke! Haha..ended up buying it for the girl who has my heart, and she wears it well. I love it so much on her skin that I will constantly steal a spritz for my own wrist! In truth I am not fond of citrus(for myself) as I am a spicy peppery and tobacco smoke kind of man...But! Shalimar does it right.. Even though on me Shalimar retains the citrus throughout the wearing but dissipates to incensed vanilla on my love..I enjoy it. All in all Shalimar is a beautiful experience enveloped in a veil of smoke. And you truly never forget Shalimar

Feel really bad for not liking this at all.
Very strong, almost suffocating for me. And when I first smelt it, the first image that came to my mind was one of those tree-shaped car fresheners!

The leather notes were really powerful to me, which is probably why I thought of a car. And the incense was equally as powerful. Incredibly smoky.

For now, I'll have to say no to Shalimar. I really wanted to like it.

My little journey with Shalimar thus far- (EDT/EDP)

Having fallen in love with the EDT (97-99) formulation and now loving the EDP (10-11) formulation. The EDP is good, very good synthetics. I can tell that it has been synthesized. Instead of it being drier and raw cedar box like as in EDT, which I love most. In this EDP, it is very much wood, but a burnt like leathery and resinous wood. The leather and incense (both very apparent, more so than in the EDT) is what is giving the wood a slight burnt resinous smell. I was right, the EDP does not project as much as the EDT. In this EDP I get more of lemon custard instead of the raw citrus-y bergamot like in the EDT... The bergamot is definitely a synthetic. Now, it does have powder, but not that natural raw makeup like powder... I get more of baking custard like powder. Sweeter, in fact it kind of smells like fresh clean baby diapers. The vanilla which is fighting to make the synthetics round, it is hard to tell if the vanilla is synthetic or not because the funky burnt wood accord is so strange. It has a unusual spiciness to it, too.

I do like this, for the amazing bargain I got on it. I was actually expecting worse; I am impressed with how they managed to finagle the synthetics. It is interesting and very pretty, but I do prefer the EDT (older formulation). Still waiting on the longevity- Got to wear it a bit more. It is definitely not the Shalimar that I was expecting. It would be perfect if it was louder and less sweet.

EDIT- now that it has dried down and a good bit into the wear, the dry down is to die for. It does intensify, though still lacking the “cloud” projection that I would like out of it. It gets very round, and becomes less sweet. It has similarities to the EDT, but still to me are two completely different frags.

EDIT- 6 hours into it and still going strong. It has become the most luscious creamy vanilla and iris has unexpectedly popped out giving it a rich creamy powder-y butter-y like quality. Kind of reminds me of the powdery vanilla smell of various fitness shake powders. The longer you wear it the more it transforms into an even more beautiful fragrance. To me, yes I know Shalimar is synthesized, however when it starts warming up and working with your skin, the longer you wear it the less synthetic it becomes. I think (even after so many years later) Shalimar in general was so carefully put together and mastered so that not one other note would dominate one another. While yes several notes might be frontmen, in order to work they clearly need the other musicians. They all work together in a harmony.

Despite the fact that I love the classic EDT slightly more. I do have to give Guerlain props for still being able to pull off such magical experience with recent synthetics. Upon application and to the last bit of wear, you have felt like you have been on a journey. The art of perfumery at the finest.

Longevity- I woke up the next day and could slightly smell this on my skin and my shirt reeked of Shalimar. I do believe for Shalimar being modernized and rejuvenated, nonetheless the ingredients have remained to be quality.

Projection- While this fragrance is not over the top (I do like my fragrances to be loud) this fragrance has a more graceful way of being loud. Instead of being trashy “NOTICE ME, HEY, LOOK AT ME”, it is elegant and sophisticated. To be honest, I think the EDP is more wearable than the EDT and not nearly as offensive as some people make it out to be.

Note- Reviews are always subject to change based on change of weather or change to my skin chemistry.

I tried to wear Shalimar a few times back when I was a teen in the 60s & I just couldn't love it then because of the vanilla. Now that I am much older, I have learned how to value the genius of Guerlain masterpieces & this is one of those masterpieces.

All I would like to add is that this is possibly the most beautiful vanilla based fragrance in the world available on the market for generations now. Well worth the investment. So romantic & such an incredible drydown.

PS. I have the EDP & it is very pronounced vanilla but WOW!

I'm a 31-year-old woman who normally prefers masculine scents, and I don't care some people say it's an "old lady" scent or that it's supremely feminine.. because holy smokes it's just FANTASTIC. I'm testing it for the first time and I can't stop smelling my wrist. Intoxicates like only the best fragrances can.

I was afraid to try this one, because I have yet to find a guerlain that I like. However this perfume is legendary and now I know why. It starts off with a strong vanilla, smokey smell, but as the hours go along it unfolds like a flower, blossoming into note after note until you're left with a lingering citrus bouquet. It's seductive, long lasting and timeless. It's now going to reside on my wish list.

I Love, love, love this perfume. It is like no other. It is so difficult to define in a category. You can't say it is young, or old. You can't say strong or soft. You can't say it is flowery, powdery, woody, etc.. It is none of the above and all the above. There is nothing like it. I have used and tried plenty of perfumes but so far I can't say oh, this is like Shalimar. It is a category all on its own. And I love what it is.

I agree with the reviewer below. I've really tried to like this legendary juice many times but I just couldn't. For me this is mixture of vanilla and engine oil. I really don't write this to offend anyone. I just don't get the phenomenon of Shalimar at all...

I kept seeing Shalimar and being a lover of classic scents, I really wanted to try it. Everyone keeps saying how wonderful it is.
NO.
It isn't.
And it pains me to say so. I really wanted to love Shalimar. I kept thinking that it would be this devine nectar that would transport me to the 1920's. That it would be sophisticated and exotic.
But no...
It made me gag.
I don't want to write a bad review about it because it is legendary. Have they reformulated it, as well?
Licorice and Anise. Vanilla, too.
I'm so sorry, Shalimar.

Reviewing the Parfum.

While I adore Shalimar, it took a while for me to really get to know her. She is a little bit like the bitchy girl at the party--seems very unfriendly until you talk with her and discover how warm she really is. The opening is always a bit revolting. It's loaded with lemon and a touch of orange. At the same time it's so sharply animalic that it makes me queasy every time I put it on. I feel the same way about the EDP.

However, as it mellows out on my skin it becomes something else. It's unbelievably exotic, maybe even erotic. It's a deliciously creamy vanilla & citrus perfume that has been smoked like a sausage in a smokehouse. The scent of leather is the softest black leather you could ever touch.

The parfum is a lot more intimate than the EDP. It lasts a long time, but sillage is not as big as the EDP, so it's better for when someone is nibbling your ear instead of for a big event.

It's so easy to see why Shalimar has been a hit for like 100 years. It's timeless--an utter masterpiece! *Muah!* BRAVISSIMO!!!


(Comparison with EDP: If it helps anyone I will add that I find the Parfum to be more powdery with more citrus than the newest EDP, and in all honesty, I find the vanilla in the EDP is more prominent)

I just bought my first bottle of Shalimar EDP and can't wait to wear it to a wedding I'm going to this weekend!

After reading all about the history and the iconic status of Shalimar I decided I had to try it. The first time I was, like others, a little overwhelmed by it's loud opening. I was however impressed by it's quality and complexity - I could see why it is considered a classic. The second time I tried it, I began to fall in love, the smoky, powdery warm vanilla took hold of me and I began to see the deep beauty of Shalimar.

It is interesting to me how often people go on about how strong Shalimar is, because on me it is very soft. It really seems to melt into my skin. My husband actually can't even smell it that well on me (and his sense of smell is normally very sharp) but he only gets a delicate whiff of Shalimar every now and then when I move around and this is after I have sprayed it 2-3 times on myself. I know the perfume I purchased is 100% authentic because I bought it from a high end department store.

I am so excited to add Shalimar to my perfume wardrobe. One last thing, the bottle is beautiful, you can tell it houses something special inside!

to be honest, I buy Shalimar only for the gorgeous bottle at first. I dont sniff it, just get this pretty flacon. how bad Guerlain could be?

real badass. the opening is not my favourite part (at fact, the least. its rather offensive), but the rest, especially the dry down is something to die for. the vanilla and incense is really prominent (but the seller said, "its woody spicy". never trust a seller women. especially when they already tried to sell a BOSS Bottled) usually I detest vetiver, but on this one its controlled beautifully, ended with strong Vanilla that just perfect. it have strong projection and stays for really long time. the bad side is, like most Guerlain is on the banal opening. if you survived the first minutes, a very beautiful scent awaits you

I could wonder women in her early thirties wearing this, walking confidently in a Gala dinner. attracting all eyes of Gentleman on her with Andrea Bocelli sings in the background. Shalimar speaks intriguing luxury, not fun days with all friends in a disco while listening trance. you need to be a women to pull this one. careful with spray, Shalimar might wear you instead of you wearing her. and overspray makes Shalimar smells... ugly.

from a men who wears it for his own pleasure, and might spray it on his partner when he want to make a nights that never to be forgotten. Guerlain, you deserve this one
★★★★★

I feel a little old fashioned when I wear this (I guess that shouldn't come as a surprise) and old. The powderiness is a little too heavy.

It;s a seminine, woody powdery, it changes on your skin in warm waves.

I am like crazy after a bottle of this beauty !!! but first i wanted to ask something! with the new change of bottle (from the more modern one to this late one that looks more like the original bottles) has tis fragrance been also reformulated? or just the bottle? Thanks a lot!

I'm going through a bit of a Guerlain phase in my perfumed life. I'm trying and enjoying many of their new releases, Idylle, L'Instant and Shalimar Parfum Initial. After testing the last one, I decided I had to try the most classic fragrances of them all. The one that stands next to N°5 on the top shelf of perfumery: Shalimar.
Upon first spray, bright fizzy, sparkling citrusses greet my nose. A wonderful burst of freshness that quickly fades to a dry and dusty accord. I do not know exactly what it is (incense maybe?), but it isn't too appealing to my nose. This strange accord slowly morphs into a dry incredibly vampish leather note. I'm smelling Shalimar side by side with the Parfum Initial version (what a name, when I first became interested in fragrances I thought Parfum Initial was the initial, original perfume) and at this point the fruitier, sweeter, caramellish composition of Parfum Initial smells rather childish compared to this stylish, sexy leather (mind you, I ADORE Parfum Initial).
And then, the time of the VANILLA arives. This vanilla is sooo good but has, of course, been discribed so many times in much better words than mine.
It is an incredibly sexy vanilla, laced with leather, patchouli and incense. It's dirty, sultry and extremely delicious and it seems incredibly well suited for my mother, a classy red haired lady dressed in black for most of the time. If there ever was a fragrance that that is "her", then this is it.
Shalimar is for the lady who says: to hell with all the rules.

This is a classic scent and some women can pull this off, example my mother who is in mid 60s and she smells so wonderful that this is her signature fragrance, some people just smell sooo goood with this fragrance and it works. I wanted this to work for me, but it just popped out like I was trying to hard... but love it and it a classic and I guess the Alpha is Shalimar and Im the beta... boo hoo... If you can wear it, i bow to you all! still a classic... I will just keep looking at it on my mommy perfume counter with pure depression...

Inundated with suggestions in response to my question 'what made for women fragrances can or should a man wear? Shailimar was my first walk on the wild side...

In starting with Shalimar I feel I can't be accused of lacking either courage or ambition.

Everything about this from the Ottoman / Csarina / chandelier bottle - to the genesis of the name and the perfume's inspiration in the past to its own history and reputation (yes the saleswoman actually asked me if I was looking for something for my grandmother) atest to towering femininity.

Everything speaks of confidence, of sophistication of intrigue and intense emotion.

Everything about Shalimar is woman, and a certain proud, self-aware but never self-conscious, glamorously self-posesed woman with that.

So with brass in pocket and a deep breath I take the plunge (once said shop assistant was persuaded to spray on my pulse points and not my dear deceased grandmother's)... and I find I myself diving into a pool of pure warmth and velveteen comfort, only a sensuous wave or two to knock me off balance and a rip tide to tear me under must I navigate.

Frankly, this had me from hello, the minute the tips of my fingers entered Shalimar's waters I was a gonna. The amazing richness of the bergamot and orange opening seduced me immediately: it's a sort of citrus creme, a Cointreau creme brulee.

Yes that's it, a Cointreau creme brulee, for after the orange: vanilla. Beautiful vanilla but with oodles of cream and something in the background a hint of brandy or rum - perhaps just wooden barrels in the middle notes.

For a moment I thought that the whole delicious dessert was about to turn powder cake on me, but it was a confection, a mere passing illusion and I was able to tread water in my vanilla pod pond for several hours - the only change being a few fires or were they incense cones being lit poolside and someone cutting back a flower border further afield. But that point I was too lost in my reverie to properly distinguish the notes.

Shalimar was created within a decade of the death of Mata Hari and as Josephine Baker was scaling to the heights of her fame in the decadent Paris of the 1920s. The new Art Deco style was supplanting the rotten flower of art nouveau, Jazz music replacing opera comique and the modern world was just beginning.

It's not going to far to say that I feel a new perfume age is beginning for me today...

Immense. Exquisite. And, I have a presentiment, indispensable.

Nest I tried Tabu by Dana....

Shalimar is one of the most legendary perfumes in history and despite of that it is only about 2 years ago that I tested it for the first time. I’ve completely fallen for this masterpiece, though I didn’t like it the first time I tested it. When I sniff directly where I’ve sprayed, I detect an awful rubber note, so I had to learn to enjoy the sillage instead of sniffing my wrists.

Shalimar is a soft and smoky vanilla scent with a beautiful incense note and a touch of spices and orange. It is glamorous in an old fashioned way and exotic in a mysterious way. It makes me think of a Hollywood diva in the 1940’s or of a princess from the One Thousand and One Night Tales. It’s a perfume of a world that no longer exists and where the saying "less is more" wasn't invented, but fortunately you can still enjoy it’s beauty today.
It is not really a loud perfume but the sillage is extremely beautiful and longevity very good.

No other perfume makes me feel so elegant and feminine at the same time.
It is one of the best composed perfumes I’ve ever tried.

In 3 words: GLAMOROUS – OLD-FASHIONED - MASTERPIECE

I've wanted to at least try this vintage beauty, and finally got my chance at a bottle via a very pleasant swap. I am a fan of orientals, and love the story and notes behind Shalimar.

It started with a musty blast that quickly turned citrusy-lemon (ala lemon Pledge, but then smoother). After that, a woody-root-earthy vibe came through, which I have started to associated with a vintage vetiver note. A powdery note came through as the perfume settled further down, bringing to mind 30's style furs and dressing tables with oversized powder puffs. I don't get the civet, but sense the animalic qualities which give dimension. I also don't get true cedar, but there is something to the woodiness that goes beyond the vetiver and even beyond the sandalwood. No single floral note stands out, but a well blended and sophisticated floral-powdery sense prevails.

These notes together at this point were very reminiscent of Toujours Moi and Chantilly--Shalimar is of the same era, and they do share some mutual notes. The vetiver note really reminded me of Toujours Moi and the citrus and powdery floral in Chantilly.

Shalimar ended on my skin with a long blast of earthy vanilla--delicate, strong, quality, and not excessively sweet or food-y.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience but may not make it a regular player in my wardrobe.

This review is for the EDT:

When I first spray I get a wonderful powdery floral scent and it develops into a warm and sensual spicy vanilla over time. I get the slightest citrus smell all the way through, just enough to keep the fragrance a little bit sharp. I don't get strong incense or smokey notes on my skin. When I wear Shalimar I feel regal and sophisticated. It's feminine, it's sexy, it's classic.

At the moment,i'm borrowing this from my mom.
Originally, i bought it, but as i feel it is strongly sharp and tar-smelling perfume, i can't really use it.
But as strange as it seems, i can't throw it away, because Shalimar reminds me of my late grandfather, who used to enjoy tar-menthol candies (in finland tar is very adored ingredient) and he gave candies to his grandchildren too, to sweeten their teeths.
But,i'm going to get to know Shalimar initial. Someday soon.

I so want to like this scent, but I can't get past the burnt rubber which is the strongest note on me. After the rubber, it goes straight to powder. I wish Shalimar loved me, but it's not to be.

EDIT:
It's odd, but having tried again I like it a lot more now. I bought a bottle of the EDC because it's not as strong.

My mother was not what you'd call a classic beauty. Her face was just a hint too angular with gripping grey eyes that could bore through your soul. At 5'11 she was intimidatingly tall with a dancer's lithe body. People where drawn to her because of her poise and Southern charm. If she made a friend, they were hers for life! Even escorted by my handsome father, men flocked to my mom evey time she wore Shalimar!!! It was uncanny. Although this is one of my favorite perfumes of all time, I can't wear it. It becomes rancid on my skin.

The original Shalimar is not a perfume it is a Monument. I wish I could say the same about the current version of the Eau de Parfum. It smells awful. Sorry if I disappoint a few people in here but that's how I feel.

Shalimar EdT: Totally LOVE the Eau de Toilette-version. I get the deep, warm vanilla, the soft incense and leather. Shalimar EdT is gorgeous on my skin. when I tested Shalimar Eau de Parfum, I couldn't stand the topnote, but here in the EdT-version its great all way down to basenote. Longlasting on my skin. 10/10 points.

To me there are big differenses between EdP and EdT. Basnote are the same in both, but top/middlenote is more girly, flirty and happy in Eau de Toilette. And more Adult, deep and serious in the Eau de Parfum. Like mother and daughter. =)

Shalimar EdT: Bara ÄLSKAR eau de toilette-versionen. Jag får den djupa, varma vaniljen, den mjuka rökelsen och lädernoten. Shalimar EdT är helt otroligt fin på min hud. När jag provade Shalimar EdP så klarade jag inte av toppnoten, men här i Eau de Toilette-versionen så fungerar den hela vägen igenom doftpyramiden. Riktigt hållbar på huden. 10/10 poäng.

För mig finns det stora skillnader mellan EdP och EdT. Basnoten är ganska likadan i båda men topp/mellannoten är mer tjejig, flirtig och glad i Eau de Toilette'n och mer vuxen, djup och seriös i Eau de Parfum'en, ungefär som mor och dotter =)

@karenrobert:
I don't think you're right about comparing hair and skincare products to perfume. Making perfume is both a craft and an artform. You need technical skills and you need to know about aromachemichals, but you also need artistic talent. Making good shampoo or moisturizer is more of a craft, and it takes knowledge about chemicals and how they effect skin and hair, but it doesn't require any artistic talent. Shalimar, whether you love it or hate it, is art.

I don't know what Lisa said, but unless she made a bunch of f*cked up ageist comments or insulted the intelligence of everyone who likes Shalimar, then I agree with you--people shouldn't be so harsh about it. A lot of people, including me, just don't like animalic notes. The reason I can appreciate Shalimar is because the civet doesn't stand out on me. Well hooray for body chemistry.

And back to the whole Perfume As An Artform As Well As A Consumer Product thing: there's a lot of art, even entire art movements, that I just don't like. I get a ration of $h!t from some people for not liking or understanding abstract and modern art. After being honest enough (or dumb enough, according to a lot of people) to ask questions like "Um, nice triangles, but how do they symbolise the primitive soul in conflict with modern urban life?" or "So these milk bottles hanging from the ceiling, they're art then?" and getting ripped to shreads over it, I sympathise with anyone who doesn't agree with everyone else about whether or not something just outright sucks. On this site, it's a good idea NOT to click on thumbs down just because they disagree with you. Save the thumbs down for people who are being complete @$$holes.

Oh, and Karen, stop saying people must be mentally ill just because they have extreme opinions about some perfume you don't like. I'm not being politically correct or anything, it's just that everyone in my family is certifiably batshit crazy and most of us can take it in stride if someone doesn't like a favorite perfume.

Just a quick note. I recently began rewearing Shalimar- the bottle I received on my honeymoon- 22 yrs ago. Still love it (my 16 y/o daughter loves smelling me when I am wearing it), however, that being said, like all scents, it must be worn with discretion. Too much of a 'good' thing can definitely be bad.

Shalimar was my first perfume. I remember standing as a 13 year old at the mirror wearing a saffron crepe de chine blouse and spraying myself with what must have been an eau de toilette concentration of Shalimar, thinking "this smells sooooo good". I have no idea how I acquired it...my mother was more of a Blue Grass type. But Shalimar definitely formed my first concept of what perfume could be. Years later my husband presented me with a bottle of the perfume concentration. Yep, burnt rubber. It took a while to understand that you needed to wait and let Shalimar develop on your skin. Lesson learned. It is still the perfume gold standard to me.

But I do understand that it is not equally seductive to all noses and on all skins. There are at least 60 well-worded and heartfelt negative reviews below, many with multiple balloons. I only wish we could all share each other's positive experiences...it is a little like knowing others can see a totally different spectrum of light in addition to the one we all share.

When it comes to fragrances: "I want it all, and I want it now!"

@karenrobert: its not only a perfume honey!!!! IT IS SHALIMAR!!!!!!!! GUERLAIN/1925!!!!!!

@lisa.m.kasper
Your'e review probably disappeared because of the negativity it received. Especially if you compared our beloved Shalimar to your dogs butts...reviews with many "thumbs down" will simply disappear. Shalimar is a sacred, special perfume, loved by many.
Sorry, had to be said.:)

EDIT:
I agree with ann.sundwall, there are many decent negative reviews here, bond_girl1979 being a good example of one. I am in no way against someone writing a negative review so long as it is written in a decent and mature and non-offensive manner.

This doesn't smell like I remember it to be. There is that faintness in the background. Have my chemistry molecules changed that much? Have I bought an old bottle? I bought it at a reputable store? I used to love this. I adore many from the House of Guerlain. I don't know. This must have got captured by those dang IFRA aliens. And is that Russell Crowe in "takemyhusband"? Oh my! I will take him off your hands, lol. Back to Shalimar....maybe I got a knock off even at the high end department store? I did hear of a truckload of knockoff perfumes being caught. Oh...woe is me....

Its very unusual and even though its old it doesnt smell old)))

I am wearing my vintage Shalimar and it's a smoky leather, vanilla smell and I'm in heaven.

I purchased this bottle after spraying a sample on me in a department store. I did love the way the department store one smelt, but then when I purchased my own I found it too pungently leather and ?civet to the point where it would induce nausea in me. I agree that is a unique scent, but it certainly is not for every nose. I now read the notes of future perfumes and avoid any heavy leather notes - and if there's civet too - I will practically run in the other direction. I have now swapped my bottle and it's found a happy new owner.

I absolutely hate this. I worked with a woman that sat across from me in the Secretarial pool, that I swear bathed in it. It was so strong in the room that it literally choked me. It may be a lovely perfume, but I am ruined for this one.

this really is unisex even though the bottle completely femenine..has a kinky quality I use it layered with amazing green, by the way I'm a male!

A great fragrance, a flowery path and gradually thin out where the flowers behold, a whitened landscape of talc on the leaves and branches higher up to the Forbidden Forest, where from afar come the heavenly scent of precious woods and musk leather , as well as the forest is Shalimar, imposing and fluffy like a cloud in the sky of May.
A great fragrance that will surprise

This fabulous concoction makes me think of the women in Paris in the 1920s who wore fashionable hats and smoked cigarettes. A classic. I love.

Empress Shalimar, scent of scents.
I feel too young for this masterpiece, but not too young not to enjoy it on elegant everyday empresses on the busy streets, restaurants and art galleries.
Like all fine things in life, Shalimar is most effective when used in a more conservative doses.
Love.

THIS IS IT!!...sexy, woody, rebellious, elegant, powerful, original, nostalgic...

Shalimar by Guerlain is just THE perfume. A masterful blend of flowers and materials that sits in a beautiful bottle.

The leathery feeling is just overwhelming because it gives that OOOMPH to the perfume that makes it so special.

A MUST HAVE FOR PERFUME FANATICS

Truly a piece of fine art with noble quality... not for daily wear... rather a sensory journey to the unknown... reminds me of Asian temples...

There will always be a bottle of this in my arsenal for one reason and that is my mother. This is the ONLY perfume she has ever used and still uses and whenever I smell it on her, I immediately want to hug her tightly and inhale for as long as I can. This scent is such a classic and is always a "go to" for me when I'm indecisive. You can't fail with such a warm, soft fragrance.

Incense and leather jumps right out. The sandalwood, vanilla and musk provides the warmth, woodiness and smokiness that I love in perfumes. Incense and leather would normally turn off many people but I feel that the opoponaux makes them attractive. There is still something off that prevents me from buying this beloved classic. I think it is the civet which lingers at the end of all the notes. The notes parade by my nose which I happily sniff away until the civet makes it loud appearance. I have been thinking of buying this and/or Samsara which I thought too loud/persistent. Maybe with a little more time, I will appreciate this. My mom loved this perfume and could be that I am not finished grieving her recent death to appreciate this in a good way.

On me,
Sillage: 1 foot
Longevity: more than 8 hours (fortunately for the money)
Rating: 3/5

IT REMIND ME OF MY MOTHER, SHE ALWAYS USED IT!

I've been wondering what the hype is all about... Now I know. Wow: the lush leathery vanilla, and an almost pipe-smoke smell. Powerful and seductive.

I can't stop smelling myself. I could actually imagine this on my husband, me cuddling up into the nook of his neck. Hmmm... Maybe I'll spritz him tonight ;)

Definitely will be looking for a FB of this.

I absolutely love it. It's the classic par excellence, way better than Chanel 5, a must have for anyone who loves perfumes.

And yet -- and this is a big YET -- it changes dramatically from bottle to skin. This can be for better or worse. On my mother and on some of my friends it smells great, and becomes the perfect fragrance for an elegant night out; on my skin, unfortunately, it gets flat, old, tired.

I am more sorry about this than I can say.

Still, every now and then, I spray it on my pillows and go to sleep thinking about some wonderful place in a faraway land.

Unfortunately, all I got from it was a very strong smell of cigarette smoke. Not right for my body chemistry.

I haven't managed to buy a FB of Shalimar yet, and I've used up the last drop of my sample vial. I absolutely love it, and forsee a large bottle of edt in my future.
When I first started wearing it, lemon and smoky vanilla stood out the most. Now I can definitely smell the tonka bean, leather, and some soft florals. The civet funk hovers on the edge of my awareness without becoming insistent enough to gross me out.
Shalimar has to be the most complex vanilla scent I've ever smelled, and maybe the most effecting. All sort of words spring to mind: plush, opulent, heady, intoxicating, bewitching. In my mind's eye I can see a candle lit room filled with rich, beautiful things that are slightly worse for wear, faded red velvet...

This is a perfume with history, and it definitely doesn't conjure up the image of anything new and shiny. And on a related note, I've had to deal with a lot (or maybe it only seems like a lot) of jerks who tell me I smell like an old lady. They don't seem to understand that if there are women who wear the same perfume for 50+ years, then it's probably freakin' fabulous. I don't think that many modern fragrances are going to be around that long though. The whole fruit cocktail, candy, plasticky vanilla, and watered-down patchouli trend will probably smell dated REALLY FAST (or at least I hope so). OK, end of rant.
Basically, Shalimar is wonderful; ignore the haters.

EMonica, I get this decided impression too!

Chantilly possesses a similar Leather and Lace vibe, IMHO. For rather less wear on the pocketbook......

You could call these dual purpose scents!!!

I want to love this perfume so badly. The history. The bottle. I've tried. What am I missing? The first blast of soap and everything stale is so bad it never makes it to my wrist.

This is a review for the EDT.

Somehow I get a different story altogether from this one. It definitely has an unmistakable vintage opening which I actually like, but I get more of an innocent office girl by day and Betty page by night impression from shalimar.
The powdery vanilla still keeps part of her innocence, then you have this woman wearing a leather dress while her red stained lips are pressed against a smoke. She is now a sex kitten while you are just a ball of wool.
Ater she has had her wicked way with you, the leather subsides and she is back to her sweet charming girl "day persona" with a musky rose vanilla powder.

Shalimar is definitely an adventure to be had :)

I wear shalimar when I am in the mood for sweet warm scent. It is very pleasant. This is one of few fragrances that a mother and son can share. IMO, it is the best oriental, and the bottle is an icon.

This is one of the very few perfumes I really dislike.
When I tried it for the first time, I stayed still for awhile, trying to place the offending odor and when I did, I couldn't help it, I smiled...
You see it reminded me, the smell that escaped my grandmothers closet, which hadn't been opened for some time and was housing her youths favorite dresses.
Stale vanilla, too overpowering that when I manage to get over it, the notes that make their presence, always trying to surface past the thick vanilla, are making me think of old clothes, wool and silk, the fur coat and the leather kid gloves that have been stored for many years together with some cedar(to keep away moths) but still carry traces of their owners perfume, in witch they have been doused again and again.
So no matter how much I loved my grandmother, I can't in any way, allow my self to smell like that old closet...

I don't like Shalimar EdP in topnote, but when it softens down to middle and basenotes its wonderful, absolutely wonderful! Basenote givs a lot of soft and warm vanilla, tonkabean and musk. Superwomanish,elegant and sophisticated. Rich and chic. Great! An I-must-have-scent.

Jag gillar inte Shalimar EdP i toppnoten, men när den mjuknar ner i mellan- och basnoten är den underbar, helt underbar! Basnoten ger massor av mjuk och varm vanilj, tonkaböna och musk. Superkvinnlig, elegant och sofistikerad. Rik och chic. Suverän! En jag-måste-ha-doft.

As per my opinion Shalimar Guerlain is best perfume for the women.

Some time back I was walking around town with a tester strip of Shalimar, my very first smelling. Very obvious lemon opening (surprising), then incense (interesting), then... weird.

Lots of weird.

For a long time.

Right, I thought, that’s one I can scrub off my wish list.

But I kept that strip, and over the following weeks I kept having little sniffs at it. Yep, still weird, but somehow fascinating.

I decided I needed to get to know Shalimar better, so off to “that” auction site. Such was my growing obsession with the mysterious smell that, instead of the one small sample I’d intended, I ended up with a parfum mini from the 80’s (in a coffret with L’Heure Bleu and Chamade – result!), a 90’s parfum mini and a PDT (dates for pdt’s, anyone?).

Today I finally found the right moment to wear this potion (the pdt – not sure I’m ready for the parfum yet). Lemon – check. Incense – check. And then the most enigmatic combination of notes I’ve come across – a perfume I honestly can only describe as “otherworldly”. This is no beautiful pleasure garden – this is an ethereal, Brigadoon-esque, temple high in the Himalayas, with a vista out over the Roof of the World and infinity.

I was so sure I hated this when I first smelt it. Now I’m hoping everyone I meet will hate it. Because this is the perfume I will be wearing when I want to be completely alone and transported to a higher plane of existence.

ETA – It’s now a few hours later and I’ve put the tiniest dab of parfum (90’s) on my arm. Leather dominates the skin scent. I like leather ‘fumes but here it drags the Dream back to the realm of the earthly. HOWEVER, it has far more projection than the pdt, as you would expect, and there the leather stays firmly in the distant background and the Magic holds sway.

Shalimar is so beautiful it makes me cry. It will never be my favourite perfume – because it’s not a perfume. Shalimar is an experience.

I bought it today on boot sale market for 4 pounds! The lady seller had no idea what it is, she just said she got it for Christmas and didn't like it.
I looked around and she had other bottles which I bought without a doubt as well.

Shalimar is vintage, classy, a bit naughty-dirty fragrance for well dressed woman or man. I can't believe somebody in a summer light flower dress wearing this. It suits for dark haired, classy, strong minded person with a good taste in clothes, well groomed.

It's definitely not for me, too heavy and too disturbing. I prefer the other bottle I bought from this lady and it's Dior Dolce Vita.
But I can believe it could be somebody's signature scent.

Shalimar, Shalimar.... the essence of my youth encaptured in a bottle.
Big dissapointment yesterday however: Was helping mother tidy out some of her cupboards and she came across a large unopened, sealed, cellophaned bottle of this lovely fragrance and I almost fainted with joy when she gifted it to me. Imagine my horror when I ripped off the packaging and had a squirt- only to find the contents smelt like ancient sewer water! How can perfume go off when sealed, unopened and hidden away in a drawer? Mum doesn't think she's had it too long either. 12/18 months?
Gutted I am......

A Guerlain masterpiece, I first encountered Shalimar when I was 16 and still wear it today, although now I reserve it for special occasions and I do wear the eau de toilette during winter in the day, I especially love it during December it makes me feel Christmassy, guess it must be the spices and warmth from the vanilla.

Truly a timeless classic. Soft, feminine, classy, cuddly with a wonderful balmy soft sillage.
Though lavender is not listed in Shalimar's notes, I certainly smell it; and it's the best relaxing feminine lavender mixed with vanilla.
A very powdery fragrance.
I'd certainly opt for Shalimar if I couldn't decide what to pick up for a formal meeting -such as an interview- which I have to look (and smell!) self-confident and classy yet relaxed/approachable enough.

Shalimar is Vintage. Really a classic and after reading so much about it I had to try it. When first spraying it on I hated it, I made up my mind this was not for me. Very strong lemon and a weird leather note, I also smelled the dirt from the civet, then after about half an hour I smelled it again and men, the perfume totally changed into a warm, sexy, sensual, close to the skin, vanillascent. Very well made, very classy.

I never had the experience where a perfume changed so much after the opening. That said I still don't like the opening and really have to go through it. It is like a book everybody tells you to read, you start reading and just want to put it away, just because you just can't get through the first pages. But please read further, it will change 180 degrees.

I still hope one day they make a version of Shalimar without the strong opening, I also have Shalimar Initial, but the classic Shalimar I just love more.

I've always wanted to love Shalimar, but my father dated a girl in high school named Shalimar who wore Shalimar and later my mother named our family dog Shalimar after the infamous high school sweetheart. I just feel that I'm not allowed to like it.

This is my all time favorite perfume, i just love it and i have no idea why they stopped producing perfumes like this one!!

when in doubt, always pick Shalimar

you sassy sassy gurl ;p

oh my oh my how can any one not like this ..shalimar is a never ending love story ..so passionate true strong lovely powdery woody yet every note is in such harmony and balance that it just melts in to your skin..i love it along side with obsession ck and coco. i can never live without them..so feminine so mellow yet its some how very historic i fell that it takes me back to Andalusian times where everything was abundant and bountiful .where true romance existed..
its a classic a perfumer s perfume a heritage a love story that will be told forever more..
the way it settles and dries down in to almost powder musk and sensuality is just incomparable with any thing else ..i don't wanna degrade it by labeling it as a sexy scent it has so much more deeper notions that basic animallic instincts..it takes you in to another realm of being its almost angelic smoky and so soft yet so strong just like me just like a real woman her strength lies in her softens, no matter how much you try to bend it, it never breaks..only keeps getting stronger ..its one of those perfumes that you should keep for the next generations to come as part of the history of perfumes and their transformations..it was and is and will always be a master piece across nations ..
simply elegant feminine and one of my all time favourite

rating 5 out of 5

My older sister used to wear this. I have never been able to like or wear it. It is just too heavy and musky on me. I keep sniffing it from time to time but so far, I haven't come around!

A classic! Truly needs a strong person (and equally strong surroundings, audience). Not for daily use. Flowery, powdery, sensual.

Nostalgic love in a bottle! Best perfume ever! Top notes are great (and you can clearly indentify Jicky in the first 20 seconds – it is said that Jacques Guerlain just poured more vanillin in a Jicky bottle that was placed near him in his desk and it became Shalimar). In my opinion, it is the perfect citrus vanilla marriage possible! Beside this, Shalimar is the best oriental ever.

Heart notes are beautiful and completely nostalgic. The iris envelops you, all way long together with the powdery vanilla, leaning to the base notes that are so comforting, such as tonka bean and incense.

Since I was a little kid, this was already one of my favorites. Just now I’ve learned more about the great history about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. If you think about the beautiful gardens, that he build for her, crystalline ponds, calm places between almond trees and vanilla orchids, surrounded by incenses and visualize what was their great love for each other, it isn’t hard to understand the magnificent inspiration that Jacques Guerlain had for the creation of Shalimar.
It was, it is and it will be one of the most beautiful scents ever made!

And just another reason for my love for this perfumes, is the fact that my great-grandfather used and loved Shalimar and bought whenever he could.

Nostalgic love in a bottle! Best perfume ever! Top notes are great (and you can clearly indentify Jicky in the first 20 seconds – it is said that Jacques Guerlain just poured more vanillin in a Jicky bottle that was placed near him in his desk and it became Shalimar). In my opinion, it is the perfect citrus vanilla marriage possible! Beside this, Shalimar is the best oriental ever.

Heart notes are beautiful and completely nostalgic. The iris envelops you, all way long together with the powdery vanilla, leaning to the base notes that are so comforting, such as tonka bean and incense.

Since I was a little kid, this was already one of my favorites. Just now I’ve learned more about the great history about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. If you think about the beautiful gardens, that he build for her, crystalline ponds, calm places between almond trees and vanilla orchids, surrounded by incenses and visualize what was their great love for each other, it isn’t hard to understand the magnificent inspiration that Jacques Guerlain had for the creation of Shalimar.
It was, it is and it will be one of the most beautiful scents ever made!

And just another reason for my love for this perfumes, is the fact that my great-grandfather used and loved Shalimar and bought whenever he could.

No, this is not for me!!
I get this is a great perfume but absolutely not my style. It's extremely powdery. I can't stand powdery fragrances. It does have an amazing lasting power (sadly enough for me) and great sillage. People will smell you. It's classic and wearable, every age can pull this off. I just can't stand the smell on me.

beautiful! - smells like an old beautiful drag queen smoking in her chambers.

I don't know how today's people find Shalimar by Guerlain to be downright unpleasant. This is the best leather-vanilla perfume I've ever smelt.

Shalimar is the mother of Poison, Coco and Opium. You can definitely expect what their mother is like after you've read my reviews on the daughters.

Shalimar opens up with a blast of bitter orange which is quite unfazed by the tremendous blast of vanilla. The fruits are slightly bitter, but somehow compliment the smoky and almost sweetly poisonous vanilla.

The middle smells like a mixture of Coco, Poison and Opium. The middle has produced the honeyed sweetness of Poison, the orange blossom and smokiness of Coco, and the pitch-smack resinous vanilla of Opium. In addition, Shalimar also has its own leather-balsam-orange accord.

The base is a venomously sweet finish of bitter mandarin, vanilla, tonka bean, leather and a smidgen of incense. And this base lasts for a time with which even the longest YouTube video can't compete.

This is a very lethal perfume if you spray too much on. One spray is enough.

A castle of flowers, resins, woods, herbs, vanilla, spices... you name it. That, I think, sums up the story of Shalimar rather nicely.

This is the great classic. Well, I do not like it. The opening smells to me like a synthetical chemical totally artificial and very unpleasant. As time goes by that smell softens and goes away (but it takes a longime), while a powdery and to me totally common and with zero appeal, a neutral scent, gradually unfolds until it is left alone without that opening scent I find so unpleasant. But even the powdery drydown I do not find pleasant at all, although I would not say it is very unpleasant - well, I find it slightly unpleasant, too powdery without much more to it to my nose, and altough it is not really sweet, it has to me anyway a slightly cloying quality. Well, who am I to challenge th status of this huge classic? This is only my humble opinion. Anyway, assuming that is has never been reformulated, which I do not know, I think that at the time of its crration this perfume might have been a great achievement, but maybe hundreds of thousands of perfumes have been produced since then and the art and technioque of perfumery certainly evolved. So it is not surprising that a scent whisch almost a century ago was very special is not so special these days.

This perfume is too overwhelming on me ): I don't understand how anyone could wear it but then again it's probably my body chemistry. I only smelt a sort of overpowering wood and animal note which was constant and almost made me gag. A shame I can't appreciate this.

well i can't find enough words to describe this gorgeous fragrance ! it is a mythical perfume !! there's sweet notes citruses amber musks vanilla woods at the time ! it's a strong perfume with a seductive power ! it's unique unforgetable ! there's vanilla but in a mature way ! when you come into a place and you'r wearing this fragrance everyone will know it's you !the women who wears shalimar is sensual pulpy powerful strong and veeeeery sexy ! when you wear it you feal like this perfume had a story and it's the case !

I have to say I didnt like it the first time I tried it. But now I love it!,its simply amazing. I sprayed thus on at ulta and received so many compliments. It really mixes with my personality and my chemistry. It's so beautiful! It's summer and its still pretty on my skin. I think this is a four season perfume for me. I love this! Love! I even like the story about the inspiration of shalinar.

I have to say I didnt like it the first time I tried it. But now I love it!,its simply amazing. I sprayed thus on at ulta and received so many compliments. It really mixes with my personality and my chemistry. It's so beautiful! It's summer and its still pretty on my skin. I think this is a four season perfume for me. I love this! Love! I even like the story about the inspiration of shalinar.

I agree with DresdenDoll's review about edt.It's so feminine this scent...I adore it.

This is my second review of Shalimar, this time for the EDT.
I really wanted to understand this scent, as a lover of orientals and vanilla, so I tried again, this time with the EDT as I had been told that it was easier to get along with and it is.
That same distinctive Shalimar but just somehow smoother. The opening is still a bit prickly for me, but it settles quickly to that wonderful vanilla - opoponax - incense blend with a light splash of citrus underneath.
What surprised me the most was what my boyfriend said about this. He described this as being the kind of scent a woman wears to ball where she meets a man who goes home with her and this distinctive intimate scent is what he remembers of her forever. Seriously, he said that. Really what else can you ask for? This is one I will be returning to again.
EDIT: If you like Shalimar but find the opening off-putting, the dry down smells so much like Les Nereides Imperial Opoponax.

When I smell this perfume I feel like time travel in the past, in the '30s. I associate the smell of perfume with the '30s, do not know why ..... However, while I feel Shalimar perfume is a timeless, present both in 1930 and in 2012 ... strange .... Powder, citric, vanillic. Shalimar is one of the few perfumes that do not go out of style, is ever new. I like a lot, and I will always love.

You don't wear Shalimar, you become Shalimar. It takes you to a place you find familiar, yet frighteningly vast. It wraps itself around you with a rich breath of fragrant tapestry. A thick blanket of cashmere, incense, sweetness, flowers, woods, powder and spice. As you take in a breath, Shalimar exhales, leaving you dizzy and drunk off of its fine wine. Then, without realizing it- Shalimar has taken over who you are. You are now simply a part of its love-story. It is my favorite perfume. It allows you to be a part of its existence. It is regal and powerful. Graceful and beautiful. Loud and demanding, in the theatrical-movie-star kind of way.

There is a deepness there that could be related to the sadness of loss, but it is the beauty of love that I sense more. The overwhelming dizziness brought on by true love. I have both the parfum, and edp. They are both amazing, though I adore the parfum (every last expensive drop). Don't be mislead by what the label on the box says. This is not a perfume, this is an experience....one that only happens in the place of dreams, and where there are memories of love. I have found my heart again, in the garden of Shalimar...

There's not much to add to the existing reviews. I'll add my experience. I disliked Shalimar all my life. To me it smelled too strong, too much, an overloaded, powderbomb of a mess! Every so often I go back and re-test classics, or perfumes I just can't seem to wrap my nose around. Finally, after giving in to the triple digit temperatures, and horrible humidity, I thought, hey, ill start trying some oriental fragrances, and just pretend I'm somewhere exotic on vacation. I don't know whether my taste is changing, or if its the weather, or quitting smoking. But now, I love Shalimar! And the first night I wore it to bed my husband said he had dreams of far away, exotic places! Please, give this one a few tries. Like many "big" perfumes, it takes a bit to wrap your nose around it.

Shalimar is a funny one. It smells a bit like citrus toilet cleaner on first spray, but stick with it as it drys down to the most gorgeous, sweet, warm smell you can imagine. It is an evening perfume mainly, but if you are feeling a bit flat, a small spray on your wrist will cheer you up in no time! Give it a chance if you're a fan of quality, classic perfume.

I don't really want any fragrances that are by designers and was built a while ago but, I want this perfume. I smelled it at ulta and it smells really nice and classy! I smell a lot of citrus in it! I think this is meant for more mature people.

this is a really heady scent, it hits hard and can be overwhelming at first but then it slowly envelopes you in this warm husky bubble that takes you back to a bazaar brimming iwth spices. its a romantic scent with a romantic story behind it. i would think that this would suit a more mature woman, not a young giggling girl...someone who understands the sadness, not just the joy behind an undying love. there is a pensive, melancholic tone in this.

It's a very interesting scent with long staying power. I like its complexity; however, I tend to get really tired of it before it fades away completely. (That note of incense in it is a bit cloying to me). A bit too heavy and "stinky," and my husband really dislikes it. Shalimar Legere (really a different fragrance altogether) suits me much better.

Typical example of a fragrance that you need to let grow on you before you can fully appreciate it! Fist time I tried this... a very strong, very dirty, almost bitter vanillic leather aroma hit me and I found it quite pungent and almost overbearing. But after a few days, and other applications... I really had to agree with everyone here in that this is quite an elegantly made, beautifully blended, sophisticated fragrance, and I can see why many call this a masterpiece. There is not much more to add to what others have said, but I would say to first time users please give it a few tries on your skin and leave it the time it needs to fully appreciate it. Trust me, if you do this you will be rewarded, but be patient and you will see why so many people call this a masterpiece.

Shalimar 1925 smells lovely but a way bit too powdery for me. When I tried it, I felt as if it just stayed powdery, the smell really didn't change. I think I will try the 2012 Guerlain Shalimar Initial L'eau instead. Maybe I will give Shalimar another try someday again I just need to try it a few more times. Maybe I will feel different but it is still a lovely scent.

Incredible bergamot and opopanax playfully open shalimar; the sunny rays of citrus become eclipsed by the opopanax who gently begins to rest on the plush iris and sandalwood middle, both powdery and sensual. Civet adds a gentle raspy warmth to the composition, giving it life and motion. The huge vanilla incense base swells and pulses underneath the whole composition at all times, both intensely erotic and spellbinding. As it settles a bit more, the base begins to reveal itself slowly, stripping away its powdery cloak ever so slowly. It finally reveals itself in all its glory - leather, incense, musk, and stunning vanilla. It is dark and myseterious and incredibly alluring, as a beautiful woman undressing in candlelight.

Shalimar is the greatest perfume ever created. If you haven't smelled it in its vintage parfum concentration, you don't know its true erotic and intoxicating form - you merely witness a grainy film.

Edit: I gave this another try. The leathery scent takes some getting used to, but there is something so unique about Shalimar. It smells like a woman with a bit of body odor/sweat on her skin who's been out all night in a bar, dancing next to her leather clad boyfriend who was smoking a cigar with vanilla essence to it. Yeah. That's it basically. Somehow, it has captivated me. I'll be wearing this in fall and winter.

It took me a long time to appreciate this one...but it is heavenly. Once I get past the medicinal beginning, the beauty of this fragrance transends any other...it's smooth and unoffensive and just unfolds on your skin like a beautiful rose, it is is so special.

All of Guerlain's fragrances are like precious gems to be treasured. When I wear Shalimar it makes me think of a beautiful vintage swansdown powder puff, so lovely.

If I decribe it shortly: Smokey Vanilla.

Shalimar is the most pleasant and warm scent, but although I love it, I won't deny what others say about it: it definitely has a "mature" edge to it. This might be because all of younger generations (born in the 80's) have previously smelled it on our mothers and grandmothers or simply due to its sharpness and boldnes.
I proudly wear it myself, but although at first haven't though of it as "sexy", I'll say this: when you get just a bit sweaty..it develops that "mmmm.." kind of smell, if you know what I mean :>

Yes, Shalimar definitely wins in a fight against Chanel No. 5. Shalimar is just as complex as No. 5 (maybe even more so) and lacks the headache inducing aldehydes. (I detect a low concentration of aldehydes in this fragrance, but not in such an offensive quantity.)
Projection and longevity: 5/5. The citrus disappears quickly, and the powdery dry down isn’t cheap or pedestrian.
Shalimar makes me feel sexy and grown up; the vanilla sweetness is sensual and accessible, while the leather, incense and musk add naughtiness and depth.

When I pick this up to smell the tester, I'm immediately reminded of going to church with my Nanna when I was really young and getting hugged by the older ladies.
To me, it has a "mature" smell to it, which is probably because of the church lady association, but I recently discovered that this is the signature perfume of a good family friend and on her it smells completely different: like sweet, warm vanilla. I guess body chemistry can really affect Shalimar. Used sparingly, on the right person, it's lovely.

Yesterday afternoon I put on some Shalimar EdT and I can still smell it today 18 hours later. A beautiful smell of vanilla and a little citrus and some leather too. I didn't think it would work now in warmer weather but it does, it really does.

I love both the EdT and EdP but I prefer the EdT a little more, it lasts much longer and I can feel more leather in it.

This is an amazing perfume, the best ever.

Classic Guerlain that is more suitable for cooler weather, it smells like a dirty skanky vanilla with a twist of leather that would be more suitable for mature audiences. Not for me.

I consider this a perfume for more mature woman.
When I was a teenager Shalimar didn't suit me, much to strong and mature. Jardin de Bagatelle suited me much better.

Now I'm older I absolutely love Shalimar. It makes me feel confidente, save and secure and even a little more prettier.

I love the soft flowers and the dark powdery vanilla drydown.
The darkness of the incense, woods and leather are very well projected in the (older) extraits.

A great perfume indeed...... I envy Gold.Wolf for her vintage 1932 Shalimar extrait.

I wore this and nothing else in my twenties. Then no shalimar for years and years thinking I was so over vanilla scents. Now I've rediscover and somehow now seem to own edt, edc formulations plus vintage Edp and parfum formulations winging their way to me via eBay. I'm re hooked back into the shalimar trance. It's all encompassing from initial sharp ish notes to warm nestlike drydown. I go to bed wearing this (edt so I don't waste the good stuff whilst asleep... Haha) I completely love it. I can't believe I neglected it for so long. GENIUS

I keep asking for samples of this fragrance. At first I thought it was too much like Chanel #5 and it just was not good on me, but now, I love it! I think this fragrance grows on a person. I have worn Insolence for years, and always passed by Shalimar, but now I cannot wait to get my own large bottle. I want the large bottle because I want to use it as often as I feel the need, and I want it to last a very long time. Funny how our sense of smell changes over time.

Goddess of orientals. I circled around Shalimar for a few years before falling completely and hopelessly in love with it. Citrus, incense, vanilla, wood, softened by a little powder. I can't get enough of it. I can see why some say it is a love it or hate it, because it takes a state of mind and attitude to wear it, but I've never been happier with a decision (perhaps a similar infatuation was and is with Mitsouko). It is one of those perfumes that have such a fascinating character, it makes me feel very sexy, strong yet feminine, alluring. It has a very captivating character that invites you to explore its mysterious nature, like a piece of art that draws your curiousity further into its sublime depths, from which you will refuse to return.

Even after all this time, Shalimar still drives a lot of heated discussion and debate LOL. This is a love-it-or-hate-it perfume that can evoke your most cherished, treasured memory or the worst I-drank-too-much-tequilla-last-night morning sickness one. Well, as a grown-up man in my early 30s, I personally LOVE the perfume. I guess I always gravitate towards oriental-flavored perfume, whether on me or someone else, esp if it has such a strong smell like Shalimar. The one thing I really like about Shalimar is its staying power. No I never use it myself but some woman that I used to have a crush on long time ago wore it and eventhough she only dabbed a drop of the liquid, the smell stayed for so long from morning to evening.

Thus I wonder, is there a masculine perfume which is similar in characteristics to Shalimar? I'm not talking about Shalimar for Men or Shalimar Homme (though I wouldn't mind if Guerlain produces it), but I'm talking about a perfume that has a strong, sensual, spicy, smoky smell/fragrant yet with enough touch of sweetness to it like Shalimar (and I mean VERY STRONG here - SHALIMAR STRONG if you will - that even a drop is enough to make anyone around me dizzy - LOL JK - but at least the smell ought to have a good projection/sillage) with the same LONGEVITY as Shalimar (this is mightily important). Perhaps anybody knows?

I haven't exactly found the perfect perfume for me to tell the truth. Back when I didn't know (or care) much about fragrance family, my nose always picks up any smell that is "nice" at the first sniff. I never really knew or understand about the whole base/middle/top notes and how to choose the right perfume, so I ultimately always ended up with the wrong perfume. The perfume may smell nice but somehow it just doesn't "blend" with me. Right now, I'm currently using A*Men since my GF bought it and she loves the smell (she's using Angel herself). The smell is nice although a touch TOO sweet for me. I prefer something a bit darker but not overly dark since I love the brightness of vanilla smell. Thanks.

I was given a 3 piece Shalimar set many years ago when I was in my late teens. The set included the perfume, silky body lotion and the bath powder.

At first try, I didn't really care for this scent. Then I finally wore it to work; I received so many compliments. I layered it after my shower with 1st powder, lotion & perfume. Then to refresh the scent I just used the silky body lotion on my hands.

Since then, I have grown to absolutely love Shalimar. My maternal grandmother wore Shalimar, it was her signature scent. She had great taste in jewelry and perfumes. She was a very elegant, yet simple lady. Now, Shalimar is one of my 5 favorite perfumes. I now wear it for occasions that I always want to remember or that are special.

Don't judge Shalimar by your sample stick...Shalimar must be worn close to the heart. ;)I always get compliments from people when wearing Shalimar.

Have you ever seen the 1992 French film called 'Indochine"? The character played by Catherine Deneuve is what Shalimar all about! French, refined, and above all else: ELEGANCE! Je taime, Shalimar!

I tried this in a pharmacy late last night, and I must say it is STRONG! I thought my beloved Lolita Lempicka was strong, but this really steals the show!

Even though I have showered, my clothes still smell strongly of this scent. One squirt on my wrist was enough to envelop me, and I sprayed another on my throat to keep me company. It is approaching winter here in New Zealand, and this might be my next must-buy.

Shalimar is a revered classic. I respect it in every way. I have detected it on ladies with good taste. I feel it is the first real gourmand. The vanilla reminds me of the dark bottles of extact that you took a wiff of in your momma's kitchen.

Sadly, every time I try it on my skin, it goes terribly wrong. It smells like rancid linseed oil or worse. The beautiful notes get lost. I have tried it on scarves and it works wonderfully. I cannot wear it on my body at all. I love you Shalimar! I wished you could love me back!

Are there straight men in this whole world wear Shalimar as his signature scent on his wedding day?

Coz I wore this Masterpiece on my wedding day. My wife wore Fleur De Cristal Lalique and I wore both Shalimar (PDT & Parfum). Guerlain Shalimar has become one piece of history in my life.

One day my kids will know that his father wore Shalimar on his wedding day :)

I just tried some of this and it totally disagreed with my skin chemistry. So far, I've only had a strong negative reaction to this scent and to Poison. I hate the phrase "old lady perfume", because I AM an old lady. But that's the phrase that sprang to mind. Maybe the piano teacher I had at age ten, who scared me so much used to wear this? Or a mean teacher.... Who knows, but it caused a very strong visceral reaction in me and I had to remove it right away.

love lara0905's review, and it wouldn't have been as complete without "mother" in the description in my opinion. After all, it was made in memory of a women who bore 14 children.

This is a women's scent, and many women are mothers.

A multi-faceted personality- nurturer, confident, comforting, strong, classy, seductive.

When i was youger i hated this perfume... What a mistake... Few months ago, i smelt it and... Wow... This is one of my favorite fragances now... So wonderful, the leather and the vanilla for the sweetness and the bergamot and citrus for the fresh and strong... I LOVE IT.

In response to balzac:

Is a mother couldn't be sexy, mysterious, temptating at the same time?:)Just if I look around me, many-many pretty women I see, who are beautiful mothers also.:)..and yes, they are sexy, and the mens turn around after them on the street..:) And I could increase :the REAL woman,-in four naked walls-ahould be a whore,friend, mother, partner..and everything for that person who in love with Her.But it's another story..

So...I'm really sorry, if I was ambiguous, but in this case this perfume is a "statue "for a lady,who gave her life for her 14th child.
Through her husband 's eyes she was the most beautiful woman in the world...(..and in every "normal" realtionship should be like this in nowadays as well..or should be work like this vica-versa..)

...and please, don't die, it's just a rewiew!!;)

In response to lara0905

on your review for Shalimar, I have to say, love love love...but you lost me on the
"Mother" description, that just killed it for me.

A very long time I planning to write about my experience with Shalimar..I have the EdT version.

What could I say about this iconic perfum, as others already told almost everything at all..? Just my feelings and impressions..

Shalimar about a deep and pure love, about respect, honor, care,and eternal beauty..as the name means: Temple of love.

Shalimar is a marvelous oriental fragrance with it's thousand faces.Like a perfect women has to be:beautiful, sensual, tempting,misterious, caring, fragile but powerful in the same time.The shelter, the mother and the perfect affectionate lover.

Shalimar is a portrait about Mumtaz Mahal (after her death, her husband built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife), reflections of a hearhtbreaking love story from the past.

Every single note is the projection of these propertise.The citrus notes are simbolize the strongness, they are opens the scent loudly, mixed with the misterious leathery incence note. Then musk,pale jasmin and sandalwood evokes the caring mother's smile, this soapiness is changes into a warm, sensual, dry, comforting, soft embrace, what is just lingering around enigmatically and graceful.( Due to iris,amber, opoponax, vanilla and vetiver on me).Feminin, sexy and extremly longlasting essence, the time has not worn out Her beauty.

Could I say more, than this..? I have no more words..I just stand at the altar of that fictional temple and I bow my head with admiration for Shalimar.

I am reviewing Shalimar vintage EDT, worlds apart from the modern reformulation now available. My vintage bottle dates from the 1970s I'd guess from the design of the bottle. My recent EDT reformulation is about 6 years old. The vintage opens softly, (not harsh with brash notes of citrus like the newer version)with notes of cedarwood right upfront with the softened citrus fragrances. That potent cedar seems to be lacking in the reformulation. Each stage of the vintage is softer, more well rounded and deeper in tone than what I find in the new bottle. The newer version has little depth; it seems to crackle with sharpness, the florals smell thin, while the vintage continues to gently unfold its riches. The vintage drydown is lovely,the animalistic phase with its touch of leather, sandalwood, vanilla, and resins makes this an extraordinary beautiful fragrance that's unforgettable. The reformulation lacks this richness and is a watered-down version of what it should be. There's no doubt that the vintage retains the magic that is the Shalimar that I wore 30 years ago. So glad I can still find vintage bottles online. Now I can fall in love with Shalimar all over again. (The vintage EDP is even richer and lasts longer.)

I purchased this perfume after reading a number of reviews. My verdict: Too strong, makes me think of cheap perfumes from a $1-1 Euro- 1Pound store, and no hint of vanilla.
Many do love this fragance though and truly, I know perfume to be personal. I've literally sprayed on this perfume 2x (to test)and am willing to send it (at a cost) to someone who loves it:)

Shalimar is one of those classic scents that almost everyone has smelled at least once in their lifetime. To more mature women, this scent is a classy lady in f*ck me shoes. To teenage girls, this scent is their grandmother's vanity.

The fragrance starts out with some citrus and powdery iris, but that is soon whisked away by more powerful notes. Shalimar's most distinct note is the burnt vanilla. The vanilla is raw and not childish or artificial-smelling by any means. The vanilla is smoked up with a lovely and exotic-smelling incense. As it blends in with your skin, the leather note makes the fragrance all the more "come hither-ish."

I have a huge love for this fragrance. This fragrance tells a story of romance, passion, mystery, and sensuality. Some inexperienced noses won't understand this fragrance at first, but young-ladies, please give this fragrance a chance. It is absolutely lovely.

P.S. I was wearing this the other night while I was out to eat, and my little sister (who is 15) told me that I smelled like a root beer float! This just goes to show how others interpret fragrance :)

Oh! There is nothing like Shalimar! Powdery, with classy flowery notes, warm vanilla, insense, woody, and civet! What else can you ask for? Only, it is getting harder to find it, hope it will not be discontinued.

As Robin wrote in her NST review, "Shalimar is so iconic that there isn’t much to be said on the subject that hasn’t already been said." Writing about it is simply an indulgence on my part, because it is such a dreamy, inspiring scent.

My journey into perfume can be traced back to my desperate attempts to replace my signature scent (first J'adore, then Hypnotic Poison) with something new. Guerlain's site has a "Fragrance Consultation." I took this while living a bohemian lifestyle in Berlin, and I was recommended Shalimar: "You like the voluptuousness of sensual notes." (Amusingly, when I went to find this quiz again to write this review, my test results were Mitsouko: "You like mysterious, woody scents", which somehow makes sense considering my quieter, New England existence right now.) After receiving my test results, I went with my French friend, Yoann, to a department store in Alexanderplatz. I found Shalimar, and certain that the online quiz had yielded my new signature scent, I excitedly sprayed it on my wrist, only to recoil in horror- what was this dense, animalic, woody, smokey, oriental- old lady?- scent?? To my nose, used to the squeaky clean fruity florals and watery scents of American department stores, this was just too much. Yoann, on the other hand, was smelling the bottle happily. "Mmmm, Shalimar! My mother wears this- a classic!" I tried to wrap my head around his acceptance of this scent, and couldn't.

After returning to Boston, I went with my fellow perfumista Megan (who had scored Mitsouko too) to a department store to show her how strange Shalimar smelled. This time though, the scent of Shalimar was not horrifying to my nose, but to my surprise, rather alluring! Smelling it against the backdrop of Versace Bright Crystal, Marc Jacobs Lola, and other loud, shiny synthetics, there was something very mysterious and sexy about Shalimar. The dark, animalic base gave it more humanity than the other fragrances, a sensual appeal underlying the spicy, vanilla top. I ordered a bottle with my next Fragrancenet order, and it has been love ever since. I now understand Yoann's familiarity with this scent. Shalimar has a bold, almost crude, sexiness, and as Robin says, it "hails from an era before fresh-from-the-shower became everyone’s notion of sexy; Shalimar is sexy precisely because it smells unclean." Yet over that raunchiness is the sophisticated composure of a classic oriental. The harmonious oriental spiciness gives it an effortless sophistication, while the dirty edge makes it human and sexy, so that almost a hundred years after its creation, it is still a recognizable classic.

The history of Shalimar is as fascinating as the history of Mumtaz Mahal and the Shalimar gardens, but what I find even more interesting is the fact that Shalimar was created the same year as Chanel No. 5. The common myth is that Shalimar was created when Jacques Guerlain poured a new synthetic vanilla, ethyl vanillin, into a bottle of Jicky, thus bringing us into a new age of perfumery. In 1921, both Shalimar and No. 5 paved the way for the classic perfumes of the following decades. Somehow between the two, I find myself gravitating towards Shalimar. I love the story of No. 5- the creation of an androgynous perfume for a flapper generation- yet I find No. 5 to be very feminine. Maybe it's the aldehydes, the fame of being Marilyn Monroe's favorite perfume, or simply because it's a popular floral embraced by so many contemporary women, but whatever the reason, No. 5 feels a little stuffy to me, whereas Shalimar feels more sexy and wearable. Or perhaps No. 5 really is the more modern and forward looking perfume, but I prefer Shalimar because it is timelessly nostalgic. Shalimar looks back to a dreamier, sexier past of mythical gardens, love stories, and fantasy. It can be easily reinvented for these backwards times, pairing well with a wardrobe of vintage leather and lace, easily replacing a Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab scent for those who prefer Grimes to Adele.

I wanted to love it. I truly did. I knew it was a classic, and that people adore it. When I smelled it in the bottle, I was somewhat in like. The citrusy vanilla appealed to me. But then as I wore it, and it progressed, it really does come across harsh and grating on my skin. I'm sure it smells divine on other people, but i just can't do this one.

I think of Shalimar as a portrait of a relationship, for me it`s like a poem of love. It begins full of hopes with fresh citrus accords, then it warms up in the most beautiful vanilla ever created in perfume history, and finally it matures in the base in leather notes.

Of course, as in every relationship, there are many twists and turns here too: the seductive incence is playing the temptation role in between, the roses bring a touch of decadence and the oppoponax gives a warm embrace to the whole composition.

It`s persistance is well known, I would just add that if you use it with light hand, not too much, it could be also a perfect scent for summer evenings. Imagine having a romantic dinner with candle lights in a beautiful garden and your Shalimar is floating in the air, you`ll percive it like a silk scarf on your goddess shoulders.

I`ve read that Shalimar Initial is created to introduce young ladies to the legendary Shalimar. I don`t need this kind of training, I`ve jumped allready in the mystery of the classic and never regret it. It`s ageless and timeless and it will forever remain so.

This review is for the vintage Shalimar, which i have a sample vial of. When i first put it on, I got a horrendous blast of pledge lemon spray, prune syrup and stale baby powder. Then came the leather, and the incense. Maybe it is my chemistry, and I so wanted to love this! But its not for me. Im into vintage perfumes, and i absolutely love Cartier's Panthere, but Shalimar truly reminds me of my great aunt Abigail. :(

This has been my signature scent for years now, and everyone who knows me recognizes the Shalimar scent as my calling card. I have been entranced with Shalimar's animalic, yet warm and vanilla coziness; on my skin I pick up the warm tonka bean, vanilla, civet and musky notes, it's like wrapping myself in a tiger pelt all mixed in with glamour, diamonds, and femininity.
I have tried Shalimar in it's new formulation in EDP, but ever since receiving a genuine Baccarat crystal pure extrait vintage bottle (circa 1932) from my fiancee for Christmas last year; I have been hooked on the vintage Shalimar.
The vintage Shalimar has so much depth, the ingredients are so far past what is being used to make it now, and you truly capture how truly amazing this scent is. So I fork out the cash to keep buying vintage pure perfume; it is beyond worth it.
I constantly get compliments, especially from men whenever I wear this perfume; my fiancee adores it and made me promise to never stop wearing it.
For myself, I wear it because I adore how it smells, and I love how it makes me feel glamorous, sophisticated, truly female, seductive, sexy, powerful and like I own who I am. I will never stop wearing this perfume, it is the only perfume I feel absolutely naked without; if you haven't tried it, you need to.

On the wrong chemistry it goes terribly wrong...I've heard it described here as "cat urine" yes, I've smelled it on others, truly repulsive. On me however I get a rather nice result.

I recently revisited this scent in the form of cologne, I really like it. On me it smells of powder and incense which I LOVE...it envelopes me warm and rich like a cashmere blanket. I can't stop smelling myself!

Wow . im in Love .. tryed this one after testing the shalimar Initial which i liked so much. i think i only smelled this off the bottle and thought nehh not for me , But lovely Allinug sendt me a sample and now im hocked ;) . i NEAD a bottle off this edp version.. at first i was a little put off by the lethery note , but after it settles down , . just about 10-15 minuts on my skin, the most lovely perfume steps forward and i am in love ..
I did not think i could find any off this shalimar attractive at all after owning and disliking Eau de Shalimar. But this to me is so soft , warm pleasent , Vanilla , slightly lethery , slightly spicy, just the right amount off citrus ..I even dream about this perfume now:)how crazy is that . I ended up ordering a bottle off the Initial , And now i nead to have this to . So if you have and thinking off swapping (or selling) please let me know . im desperat..:) This is a true classic , a bliss to wear , a Gem to share a Perfume to wear:)

On me the citrus notes were too sharp. I enjoyed the woodiness of it, but was hoping to get more vanilla from it. After several hours the citrus notes died down a bit, but because I am not a citrus fan I will pass on this one.

I can certainly see why it has become such a classic though!

What can I add to all those wonderful love-letters to this scent? I can only add my own love and admiration for this Queen among perfumes. I knew from the first time that I smelled it that I would love Shalimar forever.
It is not just a smell, it is a feeling! When I wear it I feel warm, sexy, mysterious and luxurious. Once applied on the skin, its warm vanilla opens up and becomes a seductive, powdery scent with a floral heart that is evoking and alluring. It's my favorite perfume for dates & days when I want to feel good.
One can tell that Shalimar was inspired by one of the greatest love 'letters' of all time: the Taj Mahal. It's a classic but there is nothing outdated about this perfume. It's one of those rare scents that are truly timeless. I too have a love affair with Shalimar. Thankfully, Shalimar can accommodate us all with her love.
As for me? As long as they'll make Shalimar I shall keep purchasing and loving it.

::NB::
There is a big difference between the EdP & the EdT. The EdP might be too lemony and / or bitter for some people whilst the EdT is softer and more 'sensory friendly' to some people. It is wise to try both versions on your skin before purchasing. Good luck! : )

This timeless fragrance is simply gorgeous! It was my father's 2nd wife's favorite and I like it a lot myself. An oriental classic, very feminine and powdery, the dry down is sweet and precious! The dry down is the best, because when first sprayed the powderiness sort of smells like a baby diaper wipe! But that dies down pretty fast to leave a sweet feminine floral. Thank Heaven's Saints!

Beautiful bottle and even the eau de lasts a pretty long time. I now have 4 bottles of it in my bath! Two miniatures, one purse spray and now a big 1.7 spray! My next venture is to win a vintage crystal bottle of it and try the new "initial".

I would recommend this fragrance to anyone who likes feminine, soft, powdery scents with a nice touch of woods and a little bit of sex. Suitable for women of any age. Sort of similar to Misuki (which isn't being made anymore) or Chanel no 5 (but softer), powdery like Tresor or Ombre Rose but less rosy. It sprays out nice and powdery, but the dry down is my favorite, soft, sweet and feminine.

Mixes ok with other powdery or floral fragrances, but doesn't mix well with other high fragrances so well. So I've found if you want to mix it up, keep it simple when using this one. Although it is good on it's own. Love it

This is the only perfume my grandmother ever wears!!!! It's beautiful soft, powdery, vanilla with musky undertones. The new bottles are hideous looking why do they always change a good thing??

I am a self confessed guerlain freak but heavens to betsy this is so beautifully made with such high quality ingredients I think it can be admired as a piece of art. When I first bought it in the nineties my partner asked if I had been doing some dusting as he could smell furniture polish. I never dust. Never. So the guerlain was shelved for a few months until I realised I like that lavender polish note. My more recent bottles smell softer somehow, weaker perhaps and as a result probably more wearable. One to try at the very least, warm, soft, sweet and sexy. I conceived my new baby wearing a mix of this and jovan sex appeal-no guarantees the same will happen for you but hey, she is a beautiful, sweet baby with a marvellous serenity and I like to think it's because her DNA may well be part guerlain.

I saw this beautiful ad in a magazine and decided to try out this right away. The bottle is fabulous, so retro. It seemed very unique. However, the smell is too woody for me. I have some smoky perfumes, but this is not mine. I would give it another try when spraying it on me and after a while sniffing it again to see what turned out.

I agree. The fragrance has changed! I bought the edp thinking it would be like the edt but deeper, richer, more gourmand and spicy. At first I loved it, but realized after a day or so that it was not what i remembered...The old Shalimar was sweet, vanilla and powdery, and yes, the new formulation is heavier on the sandalwood and cedar. At first I thought it was just the difference between the edp and edt, but when I sniffed the new edt, it was much like the new edp. I was shocked. Am I losing my mind?

i agree with adesoprano. the current formulation is bad. lots of burnt rubber and dust. i find the new parfum initial much better.

My manager got Shalimar as a gift, and I liked it so much that I bought one for myself. She had the old bottle, butterfly shaped, but I got the new one, released in 2010. So... it is very strange that nobody said nothing about the fragrance reformulation, because mine is different than hers, and not better, but worst. Hers smells like powdery vanilla,but mine like dust with some citrus. Im am not the only one that had seen the difference, all our coleagues agree that the smell is not the same. So ... now I bought on ebay a bottle of EDT Which looks like the EDC bottle. Hope it is what I have dreamed of...

Love. To sniff it but I can't wear it. Like so many others it makes my head ache.

This is a beautiful fragrance! I am 21 years old and I still feel like this fragrance is too epic for me to wear yet..perhaps when Im a bit older after my husband and I have a few kids : )

The woman who wear shalimar are strong, feminine and also mysterious and loving. You want to be near her but you dont KNOW her.

The fragrance is (on my skin) a sultery caramel with hints of leather, incense and vanilla. Its wonderful!

Hi MyLancome, sorry it took so long to reply. After knowing Mme Guerlain, I never thought I could wear Shalimar because she seemed to me so unique, pretty iconic, really. These were in the days just prior to the selling of Guerlain to the Vuitton conglomerate, so perhaps Madame was visiting our law firm for her legal advice? I don't know, just a conjecture, and I was only a humble secretary, not privvy to the goings on. But I do remember that she was tiny, with hair blond and grey all piled up in a bun on top of her head, very red lips, tanned skin, dripping in gold jewellery and as I said, top to toe leapord skin coat! The Shalimar seemed to come out of her very pores, and having rediscovered it, I love that facet (of many) of this scent - it becomes a part of your skin. I wish I could bathe in it! Good luck, MyLancome!

For me, a woman who wears Shalimar knows who she is, is comfortable in her own skin and is strong in her femininity. When I first got it, I thought it was too powerful for daytime use, but I have actually been wearing quite often even for office, for those extra-stressful days when I needed a bit of a confidence boost, or just to add a bit of glamour and class to the day-to-day drudgery.

I feel no need to explain the smell of Shalimar as so many of you have done it in an excellent way already, so I thought I could share my personal Shalimar story. It was a complicated journey, and it took many many years.

When I was little my mother wore Shalimar, which makes it a nostalgic and very meaningful scent to me that I wanted to carry on wearing when it was "my time". First time I wore it myself I had just turned 18 and lived in an old 17th century house in northern Sweden with my parents. By that time I started growing up for real, life got a bigger purpose than school and friends and I started working on my career, thinking about moving and just building my life up. Creating myself a greater view of the world. By that time I also started growing into Shalimar. An early age according to some, but that's when it happened.

When I wore it the first, second, third and fourth time I was devastated, it smelled horrible on me. The leather just burned my nose and I couldn't wear it for more than half an hour before needing to scrub it off. Why why why would this happen? It just had to work, but I decided to tuck it away.

Years later, living in a big city in southern Sweden in a beautiful, new apartment with my love I decided to give Shalimar a second chance. Starting over on a blank page. And there it was, Shalimar with a big S. I almost cried with joy, FINALLY!

After investigating this whole thing I have realized that the 17th century house was the big problem. Certain scents that I've bought and loved when living here is unwearable when brought up to my parents house. Dirty patchoulis, leather, deep musks and similar notes just can't be worn in that environment. Isn't it interesting?

Shalimar is without a doubt the sexiest perfume ever made! I adore the idea that there is a love story behind its creation. Shalimar is sensual jasmine and smoky vanilla with a lasting power of a full day. It is decidedly feminine, in a lingerie clad bombshell kind of way. There will always be room in my wardrobe for this beauty!

While I can appreciate the artistry in this fragrance, it is just too domineering and loud. Even in small doses, this feels very heavy for me.

Appena ho spruzzato l'edp sulla mia mano, in profumeria, ho pensato che fosse veramente ORRENDO, il peggior profumo mai annusato... Ma dieci minuti dopo...magia! Ha cominciato ad essere meraviglioso, odore di talco e colonia per bambini, vanigliato e cremoso, confortevole, un pò legnoso, e più lo annusavo e più mi piaceva: insomma sono tornata alla profumeria e me lo sono comprato! Un pò caro in effetti, 46 euro per 30 ml, ma mi piace proprio tanto, anche adesso che sto scrivendo ogni tanto mi annuso. Grazie per le vostre recensioni che mi hanno messo la curiosità di scoprire questo stupendo profumo!!
Aggiornamento: più lo metto e più mi piace, mi annuso di continuo, sono diventata Shalimar-dipendente! E' eccezionale, buonissimo, dura tutto il giorno... non lo cambierò mai!!!

Not all fragrances are created equal. Shalimar is among the few divinely and exquisitely elevated into a perfume's equivalent of a state of enlightenment a.k.a nirvana. It need not come back into any further incarnations to learn its lessons and/or repair its karma.

Shalimar is not merely a fragrance. It is a secret passageway into an exotic world where one might just fall into an intoxicating adventure from One Thousand and One Nights, or run into Sheherezade herself. Dark outlines of palmtrees on an indigo north-African sky, flowing brilliantly colored drapes in the warm night breeze, a shrouding veil, the smoky, heady fragrances, hushed voices and rushed footsteps in the night casbah. Mystery, adventure, magic, legend.

My deepest gratitude to Mr. Guerlain for creating this masterpiece.

Shalimar... The name alone is beautiful. After reading all of the reviews here I decided that I simply had to try it. But where to start? This is... an absolute wonder. I envisioned a delicious vanilla scent but my daydreams came nowhere close to reality.

I have a vintage decant of Shalimar EDC (and currently looking to pick up a full-size), so the top notes are gone, but that drydown! My word, I've never experianced a more blissful sensation from a scent. Smooth, creamy vanilla, sandlewood, powder, a bit of incense. It wraps around me like a shawl or the warmest of hugs. It is abslutely perfect.

To me it is a comforting scent, not a sexy one. It makes me feel warm and completely at peace. I'm going through the toughest period of my life right now and Shalimar is one of the few things that manages to put a smile on my face.

It has very impressive staying power as well. Dabbed at the nape of the neck it lasted for more than 12 hours. On the wrist it faded a bit quicker, but I wash my hands quite frequently so that's not a surprise.

I do have one question, so if anyone can help me out I'd be very greatful. Is the current version of Shalimar greatly different from the vintage variety? I'm afraid of picking up a new bottle and being disappointed.

SHALIMAR, THE fragrance amongst the fragrances, THE KING, the EMPEROR : nothing will never be hardly in the same league as you !!!
You are an icon, you are a gem, you are a treasure : thank you so much Mister Jacques Guerlain !!!
You represent on your own all the elegance of the Guerlain's house, you are a true piece of art and you are a truly memorable creation as well as a real represent of History !!!
You are unique and carry with you all the history of the Guerlain's house.
If I was to picture you, I would say that you are the Guerlain's boutique in the Champs-Elysées : so historic, so elegant, so beautiful, ageless, timeless, with all its surely period marbles that takes us back to the time when you have been created.

If I was to choose only one perfume (what a tricky decision !! ^^ ), you would be the one !!!

<3 <3 <3

After reading on how Legendary this Perfume is I decided to go try it out for myself. This was supposed to be my birthday present from my better half, but thankfully we decided to go fragrance shopping together just in case I didn't like it. At first whiff it felt old fashioned, pleasant, warm, citrusy, but then soon after it started to smell strongly of Citronella, and I couldn't get out of my head how much it reminded me of those big ugly bucket size citronella candles. My husband agreed. Although I did not hate it, as it's not entirely an unpleasant smell, sadly the association to those gawd awful candles just ruined it for me. :(

This was a blind buy, and at the first sprits it reminded me of a 60+ madam in a long fur coat and a fancy hat. I wasn’t sure what to make of this old-style perfume. I am 27-year-old, but I have always been wearing mature perfumes due to my allergies to the newer perfumes with overwhelming sweet notes. When this perfume settled into my skin, I fell in love with it. It is a powdery perfume with a slight hint of dry vanilla and incense. It all depends on individual body chemistry as on me this perfume smells like natural talc powder after a shower and there is nothing old lady about that. I feel very sexy and sensual wearing this perfume and it is unlike anything that I have smelled before. This is the second blind buy perfume that I am in love with, and I think my two successful buys resulted from the great details that the reviewers on this website give. Thank you all for your input!

old fashion perfume but I really like it.I am not big fun of Chanel perfumes as they are old fashion to me but Shalimar Guerlain is completely different in my opinion.Changes every minute on you to more mysterious fragrance. Not for young girls though.

Definitely an old school perfume: ultrafeminine, strong, powdery and warm spicy: I seem to smell a room full of burning incense sticks, or an Attar ready for a sacred ritual.

I think it's wonderful, delicious if smelled on its own, but I think also it's unwearable: it's too solemn and matronal to my nose.
With regard to the leather note (which is the main reason why I tried Shalimar), I can't smell none of it.
It's not the perfume for me.

Update: today, after a week, I smelled the jacket I was wearing when I tried Shalimar, and an intense marvelous scent of leather flooded my nostrils... what a beautiful leather!

Thank you @nopasho!! What a great review! Now I will definitely give my Shalimar another trial. I really want to love it, but now realize I just must have time to let it evolve. I must wear it, at home, to let it speak to me. I don't really want to get rid of it, otherwise I would have by now). Your review was fantastic, and true. Thanks for reminding me what a beautiful creation it is!

Let's get this straight. This is a timeless perfume. A Classic. Not for the older crowd, not for the younger crowd, not for women, not for men... But for people of all ages, gender, color... who don't think in boxes and who can appreciate a thing of sheer beauty and for whom 'sex' is not a four letter word. Be it a painting, a fragrance, a landscape, a dish, a dress, a great conversation, a warm friendship, a lovely touch... it can be enjoyed by everybody. Do you say: 'The Mona Lisa' is 'an old lady painting'? Van Gogh is' an old man', French cooks Escoffier and Bocuse and Julia Child and James Beard, couturières and creators Coco Chanel and Estée Lauder and Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger are 'old ladies and men'? Do you say Billie Holiday makes 'old lady music', Leonard Cohen makes 'old man music'? Madonna makes 'wannabe young' music? Do you say Lagerfeld is an old man or do you say: his creations are great or ugly? Age has nothing to do with classic artful creations. Be it paintings, music, food, clothes... You like it or you don't. But age has nothing to do with it IMHO. Whether it is created in 2006 (Tom Fords 'Black Orchid'), in 2011 (Serge Lutens 'Jeux de Peau'), 1998 (Westwoods 'Boudoir'), in 1988 (Lauders 'Knowing'), in 1985 (Diors 'Poison') in 1977 ('YSL's 'Opium'), 1962 (Desprez' 'Bal à Versailles', in 1953 (Balmain's 'Jolie Madame'), 1929 (Patou's Joy), 1921 (Chanel nr 5), 1919 (Guerlains 'Mitsouko), 1906 (Guerlain's 'Après l'Ondée')... or in another year, it doesn't make a difference at all with classics. They are timeless. And 'Shalimar' (1925) is one of the most famous timeless classics. You can't dispute that. You can like it or not, but it is and will always be 'A Classic'. Whether you personally like it or not, you have to admit that it is something special. Even 87 years after its birth it still stirs up as much heated debat as modern frags like 'Angel', 'Womanity', 'Addict'... It is a tribute to its awesome creative power. 1925, think about it. No gaschronometry, no marketing agencies, no magazine smelling strip ads, no TV, no nothing, no artificial notes, no new chemical compounds that amplify existing natural smells. Only the taste and genius of one man in a crummy Parisian lab.
'Shalimar' was created by 'maitre parfumeur' Jacques Guerlain, the founder of the legendary Guerlain fame himself, to celebrate the love story between one emperor 'Shahjahan' and his wife 'Mumtaz Mahal'. And it is a fitting composition. 'Shalimar' breathes at the same time the mysterious vibe of what was then called 'The Orient' and the animalistic, sweaty passion between a man and a woman. Yes, young readers of this, as surprising as it may seem to you: they had sex in 1925! Also your mother and father must have had sex, as impossible that this may sound to you, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. It is this marriage between eastern mysticism coupled with basic earthy animalistic passion and human lust that makes 'Shalimar' the masterpiece that it is. It is 'The X-rated Tales of 1001 Night' translated into a fragrance and bottled. Even if it was a paid job and even if it was for blue blood, Guerlain dove straight in with abandon and without compromises and didn't hold back.
This was the 1925 version of a 'celeb scent'. The difference with now is that then a celeb scent was created by a real perfumer, not an accountant that worked together with a marketing firm who called the shots. The perfumer was the boss of his creation. Also the perfumer got free reign from the one who gave the order, to create the fragrance to do as he pleased. There was full confidence in the craftmanship of the perfumer. Now the 'celeb frag makers' receive strict guidelines based on market research: for the broadest audience, for maximum sale for this age group and made with the cheapest ingredients. Another difference with the celeb frags of today, the '1925 celeb frag Shalimar' was and still is made with the best ingredients, not supervised by penny pinching managers whose interest is not to create great timeless classics but to make as much money possible for the shareholders.
So what's the magic of 'Shalimar'? What is it that stirs up controversy even 87 years after its birth?
Top: Citrus, mandarin-orange, cedar, bergamot, lemon
Middle: Iris, patchouli, jasmine, vetiver, rose
Base: Leather, sandalwood, opoponax, musk, vanilla, incense, civet.
Two immediate 'wows'! One: a very fresh, effervecent, citrusy top. Two: a very, very strong base heavy in the animalistic department (leather, musk, opoponax, civet). It is the contrast between the fresh top and the 'beastly' strong and openly animalistic/sexual base that makes whoopie and gives 'Shalimar' its power, uniqueness, love-or-hate aspect and... balls, pardon my French. 'Shalimar, mon cher, est un parfum avec des couilles, Monsieur et Madame!' Most people who love fresh citrus frags are not attracted to heavy animalistic combo's like Shalimar's base. And most lovers of dense 'heavy hitters' are no fan of citrus notes in the top of a fragrance. So Maitre Jacques Guerlain showed his originality, perfume prowess and sheer single minded genius by bringing these two totally opposite fragrance worlds and their fans together. And that for a ordered scent. I don't see the hired guns of todays celeb frags showing so much guts. By for instance making a stark incense frag for Britney, a dry woody one for Jessica and a spicy chypre for Katy. But no guts, no glory. Only bland interchangeable frags.
Between the clean top and the dirty base Monsieur Guerlain built a bridge by adding on the 'clean top side' a fresh, green note like vetiver and on the 'dirty base side' patchouli. He then cleverly added some soothing florals to smooth this in theory deep gap between 'beastly base' and 'toodeloo top' out. So he added rose, a peppery jasmine and iris. They gave a much needed rounded, creamy complementary aspect that cemented everything together and etched this masterpiece perfectly in perfume history. The result is masterful. You get the clean fresh top where he smuggled in some cedar to prepare for the libido of the base. So after the fresh virginal green blast you get the lecherous Don Juans and Casanova's and John Holmes' of the base stampeding in, full of energy, lust and testosteron: leather, opoponoax, civet, musk, incense... Enough heat here to warm up even the coldest feet. The little bit sweet sandalwood and naturally dry vanilla (not the artificial cotton candy here) temper the sexual energy and shameless libidious lust of base a bit. And then when you are torn between two lovers -the clean top and the dirty base- to the rescue comes the soothing middle so that it ends not in a sterile Disney production nor a splattering X-rated one, but a PG-affair for a broader audience The result is complex, intricate, original, masterful.
Of course you should take in 'Shalimar' as a whole. Give it time to develop on your skin. So that you can fully consummate the coupling of the clean top and the dirty base and smell the roses of the middle all through this tour de force. Applying and smelling 'Shalimar' is like building a love affair. Slowly, slowy, slowy... Let the desire build and bloom. Let the senses smolder, ignite and then flame up full bast, devour you, let you forget about your daily worries and transport you to another, exciting world. Give it time to discover all its intricacies and hidden secrets, nooks and crannies. Longing, slowly building... makes the love affair, loving itself and also a high quality evolving, living fragrance more interesting. The longer it lasts, the better. And as a high quality Guerlain perfume, 'Shalimar' lasts long, has an impressive evolution and great sillage. Of course if you concentrate on one note only -'civet': aargh!'- or -'lemon: bweuurk!'- you'll never get the total beauty of 'Shalimar'. It needs time to blossom. You need to savour it like a delicacy, not hastily and impatiently bite and swallow like fast food. Treat this frag like you would treat an 'amourette': going slowly at first, savouring the growing desire accelerating as lust builds and takes over and then consummate with abandon. Test it and be ready, not only to fall in love with 'Shalimar', but to fall into the arms of your lover/bf/gf/husband/wife and devour him/her passionately. Such is the power and the magic of 'Shalimar', the first great libidinous fragrance of modern perfumery. And at age 87, it's still an 'energetic cougar'/'dapper don Juan' that has enough energy and chutzpah to let a whole army of young toy boys or party girls see all the corners of the room and wear them -and their aquatic fresh or floral fruity frags- totally out.

I tried this one at the store... It's not for me. Something in it, I think the incense, for me, is too overpowering. I don't smell the vanilla for some reason, on me only a woody, incense smell.
Lastingpower is incredible though! Even when I washed it off, I still could get a little bit of shalimar. It's distinctive, recognizable. But I didn't like it, it's very heavy, very very present! But if you like woody, incensesy perfumes, this one is a good one.

I wanted to like it. I've tried it now and again throughout the years. It's not destined to be. I really cannot stand this perfume. Way, way, WAY too much vanilla.

And it seems to me that when I encounter someone who is wearing it, they are wearing far too much of it.

Maybe that's just because I dislike it.

Lolipophead: Can you please tell more story about this legendary woman? I like to hear about Madam Guerlain.

When I worked in Paris, Madame Guerlain was a client of our law firm. She seemed quite old to me, always dressed in fur, and drenched from head to foot in Shalimar! I thought you all might like to know!

It smells like vanila with hints of warm spices, feel very happy and delighted after spraying it. it stays on skin whole day and it chanages with your body temp and natural body odor, Nice work!!!!

This is a fragrance that young women like myself (22) are not supposed to like.
-we are supposed to go for they fruity-florals of celeb perfumes, not that I'm knocking them (okay i kind of am)
true, this could be my mothers perfume (although it is not), it could have been my mothers mothers perfume, heck it might have even been my mothers mothers mothers perfume...but the history of Shalimar is part of its unique mystique, you have to respect that people have thought this one worth wearing for 87 years! (how many modern fragrances will be able to say the same in 87 years?)
and after all who doesn't want to smell like a naughty flapper ;)
anyway to the scent itself!!
Shalimar is one of the most interesting vanilla scents i have ever smelled, it is a sophisticated sultry vanilla, with lots of exotic spices, rich incense and amber-ish. It has a lot of the same notes you would expect in a modern oriental, however it is not sweet as many of them are- this one is definitely drier smelling- by which i mean powdery/spicy. As others have stated this seems to come in waves- wearing this you will catch drafts of this sultry frag all day.
I think this is wonderful- like exotic warm sandy desert smell :)


I would advise other younger women to not be afraid to give this a try, i keep loving new scents that are deemed too strong for a younger woman- the lady at the dior counter actually warned me away from midnight poison and poison- and i love them both

the first time i smelled the lemon mixed with the patchouli and musk i fell in love. powdery, warm, comforting and delicious- the burst of citrus really compliments the opposite warmth. drys down to a nice hot burnt vanilla after a few hours. makes me feel sensual, would wear on winter or fall nights. a summer day might be nice too because of the citrus. just don't spray too much or it can get very overpowering!

Delicious complexity ends in a powdery smell that reminds me too much of Johnson & Johnsons Baby Talcum Powders.

This fragrance has all the magic and complexity I've been looking for. The description above says it all. Lovly fresh citrus in the begining, amber, tulubalm, insence and leather. The lovliest vanilla. Some spice and flowers. This was what I hoped for when I got habanita, so lovely the perfect fragrance for evening wear.

Passion, poetry, the scent of passionate true love. It represents a harmony of tutches in love making poetry. So deep, so sinful, so oriental, a scent of indian love. Kama sutra should smell like that:DD
Seduction and uncontrolled passion and a secret in between.

My vintage bottle of Shalimar came in the post today. This is an amazing fragrance. I barely touched the wand to my wrist. I have read she is strong, powerful and can overwhelm. The initial scent was lemony, but faded fast. Now she is shimmering changing. A hint of baby powder, no she is moving again. Now she is mellowing iris, rose, musky vanilla, and something just beyond reach. Each time I smell my wrist she is different.

I am so glad I invested in the bottle. I am going on an fantastic journey. She is soft, mysterious, sexy, warm. A beautiful complex fragrance. I do not want to sample the new one, I think the new version would be a let down.

Shalimar has stood the test of time for a reason...

When it first came out it was worn by the bad girls of the 20s, and it was a scandal...I guess bad girls like good perfumes...

Shalimar is luscious, intoxicating, addictive...

On the opening it starts with a blast of sharp citrusy notes followed by leathery vanilla...after 5 minutes it settles on the skin and the incense and the patchouli are easily identified. However I must say I don't smell any civet, maybe some musk...In the late 80's I smelled Shalimar for the first time and I did identify the civet note and maybe some musky undertone, that I feel current Shalimar lacks. Well, back to the description, it dries down to a powdery vanilla, nothing grandmotherly, but more like a cloud of velvety vanilla with a very mild lemon note peaking through every now and then..

I won't complain about today´s version, I like it..But I still find the contrast of the heavenly vanilla and the dirty notes of civet/musk of previous years very attractive to my nose...

Shalimar is purringly soft and yet it projects a dark, deep sensuality at the same time...how can a perfume manage to be soft and sharp, innocent and dirty at the same time? That is the magic of a truly unique Parfum, our Shalimar...

People talk about the "foodie" type perfumes they make today and mostly in a disparaging way. True, many of the "fruity florals" make me cry, wheeze and sneeze - I can smell them a mile away and they put me in a bad mood because they lack any and all imagination. I walk into a classroom and I smell the evil melange of j. lo Glow, Ed Hardy's, etc.

But I digress, I was genuinely surprised to realize that Shalimar is as "foodie" as anything but smells like something I might actually want to eat. I smell eggs, custard, vanilla, cake batter - frigging delish! How awesome is this?

This smells yummy and classy at the same time. I get a similar vibe from L'Heure Bleu but Shalimar is more user-friendly (and is a quarter to half the price of LHB)- I've said before that there is a suffering, melancholy quality to LHB which makes it hard for many ladies to wear comfortably. This is LHB without grief.

Gorgeous - they really don't make 'em like they used to!

This is the grandmother of all powdery fragrances! powerful powdery, classic vintage and mature scent. it's a bit too strong for my taste but i can see this smelling not bad on some.

This classy, oriental queen, rumored to have been created in 1925 for ‘ladies of the night’ has not been surpassed in my opinion. Never boring, fresh enough for any age, this charmer may be mostly appreciated by someone brazen enough to scream sexy. It’s not for wallflowers or shrinking violets.

A blast of tangy lemon and bergamot is tempered by sweet myrrh (opoponax). Soon after, a soft leather takes the stage with smoky vanilla following close behind. At this point the vanilla stays put to the end of the show, changing ever so slightly as the sandalwood, opoponax, vetiver, flowers, musk, and cedar mingle with it.

Long lasting, great sillage, elegant, affordable, a true one of a kind treasure.

I have suddenly and totally fallen in love with Shalimar.
I smelled it at a Guerlain counter last year and was just mystified. It seemed to smell so different to the powdery smell I used to catch in passing at the counters in the 80s. Instead it just smelled like a big oily soapy heart and not much else.
Then, earlier this week, I sprayed some on at an airport and that's when it got me. Not sure what was happening time I smelled it before that!
I've ordered a bottle online and I do hope I picked right in the EDT (should have checked airport bottle).
Yes, there's a bit of citrus, but it's so nicely blended that it doesn't scream 'I'm citrus!' (not that I mind citrus, in fact I really like it!).
Yes, it has vanilla but that comes into its own later, in the base. It doesn't scream either - 'Hi, I'm VANILLA!', in a coconutty (true vanilla), or ice-creamy (imitation vanilla) way - it's subtle and lovely.
Can't wait to get my bottle!! The remnants on my travelling day scarf smell heavenly.
Well....UPDATE, 3/4/13 - I don't know what's happened but I've decided that Shalimar is terribly overrated. I did buy the EDT and seemed to have bought wrong, I must've sprayed the EDP at the airport.
I've now got the EDP thanks to a kind Fragrantican swapper and I'm just not feeling it now.
I know it's probably perfume blasphemy but not just do I think Shalimar is overrated, I'd extend that to the whole house of Guerlain. I remember standing at the John Lewis Guerlain counter a while back sniffing at several of the offerings and being bemused/unimpressed. Oh well, I'll hold on to the 'Shallys' for now and see if my nose comes back round to them sometime.
UPDATE: 09/05/13 - I have decided that Shalimar is really not for me - not sure what was going on with the love experience ^! I therefore have EDT - half full and EDP, nearly full for swap in the UK. :)

The first time I smelled it was nice and it was smelling vanilla but next time it wasn't very good. Maybe is the civet.

I keep trying new fragrances.
I keep come back to you Shalimar.
I'm so happy you exist.

I tried the EDT today. Really wanted to like it but couldn't :-( It started off smelling like baby wipes and the drydown was very sweet vanilla. My four year old said I smell like cake. Also tried Mitsouko which I preferred. Perhaps I'm not good with too much vanilla.

I really, really, really want to love this. So far I hate it, but am willing to keep going back for more...

2/3 perfume gods + 1/3 man = Shalimar.

Absolutely incredible!

I snagged what I thought was a bottle of Shalimar EDT or EDP at Marshalls yesterday, only to find out that it was the Eau de Cologne version. Ah, well. That's why it was only 45$. I really do love Shalimar, and I will probably invest in a bottle once this runs out. The bad thing with the EDC is that you have to spray a lot in order for it to last. The parfum concentration is a lot lower. However, it's still "Shalimar" in all its glory!

My sincere apologies to my enigmatic Shalimar! My ignorance almost makes me throw it away! Last night I sprayed it on the air and stepped into the mist...and a miracle occurred! SHALIMAR FINALLY ACCEPTED ME! I slept with it on… the soft, magical woody vanilla wrapped me all night long! …Now it’s in my love list!

I purchased this for myself a few days ago, as have wanted this particular perfume for ages. I wanted it mainly for the vanilla, the soft sensual vanilla dry down. But, alas! how I hate the beginning notes! The sharp lemon, flowery, almost like a cleaning agent)., scent. But I kept it on, and after about 45 minutes, the vanilla finally emerged. I was really surprised at how soft and lovely it finally became, and then it showed itself as a true classic. I am still in two minds about this scent, maybe it just doesn't agree with my body chemistry (the first part anyway), just as Chanel no.5 doesn't agree with me. I guess I will just have to apply it very early, before leaving home, until the first layer disappears!:)). I'm glad I only bought the 1oz bottle EDP, and maybe it will grow on me, who knows!

This is the classic you will love to have for your use, eventually you will want to appear like an elegant exuberant mysterious sexy fatal woman, this is definitely for that moment you will want to be remembered. Great choice. i love it and we have a great relationship :)

Even if many vintage Guerlain are among my favorites, Shalimar was not love at first sight.
The first time was a EDT from the ’90. It smelled like petroleum, synthetic & frankly unbearable.
Unfortunately, to my nose all the Guerlain from the LVMH era, I mean Guerlain from the’90s on, are unbearable, a thin, scratchy, chemical & hollow shell of their former self (that I know very well, so I can have an opinion about).
Than, the second time, it was an Extrait probably from the ’50 if not earlier. I bought a vintage extrait bottle, with the baccarat mark on it, that arrived in my hand in pieces & all the fragrance soaked the velvet box. Not the best way to sample a fragrance. Well, the smell was very good (you can see the lack of enthusiasm in my words) but all I could smell was a huge lavender & a lot of delicate & subtle, but neverending, vanilla. That’s it? I thought. Where’s the oriental mystery? Where the seduction proclaimed in the ads?!. Much ado about nothing! A lavande ambré with a lot of vanilla is not my favorite cup of tea. It smelled like a perfect scent for a debut de siècle démi-monde dandy. Masculine and feminine enough to be à la page: a metrosexual fragrance ante-litteram. Nothing to die for.
Than again, & now it’s the third time, I had the very sad experience to go to the Guerlain counter at Saks in NY & try the Guerlain scents in extrait concentration. The sad part was not Saks, that I love (after all, NOBODY HATES SAKS) nor the Guerlain’s counter that is very chic. The sad part was about the fragrances themselves: again, if you want to know why Guerlain is Guerlain do not start from the LVMH era. Is like thinking you are going to go to bed with Gilda & wake up with Rita Hayworth (if I can steal her own words…) or thinking that Marilyn can be reduced to her Warhol portrait only. To me the Guerlain fragrances of today are a hymn to hatred against Guerlain itself. Of course it is possible that many vintage Guerlain fragrances today smell old fashioned & out of time or unwearable. But everyone can see the beauty of a Veronese painting, even if nobody wants to have the same abundance of forms anymore. So you can think you can’t wear anymore a certain vintage Guerlain perfume but you can always admire the supreme art & beauty in it. Anyway, the Shalimar extrait found at the counter was again a huge question mark: why so much fuss on a harsh, chemical, scratchy, angular fragrance that cannot be related in any form to the creamy & dreamy perfection of vintage Vol de Nuit & the murderous seduction of vintage Mitsouko or the silky, soft touch of a hypnotizing snake’s skin of vintage L’Heure Bleue? Sampling the other fragrances on the counter I had an answer, since the LVMH Vol the Nuit, Mitsouko & L’Heure Bleue are harsh, chemical, scratchy, angular fragrances too, being Vol de Nuit the less offensive, Liu the most decent of the lot, even if reduced to a fake copy of the spectacular Balenciaga’s La Fuite des Heures, & Vega, rather expressionless. Derby is not Derby anymore, not even slightly. Chamade has something acrid it was not used to have & so on…
At last, as my fourth & last to date experience trying to like Shalimar, I had my epiphany with a EDT from the ’80.
Again a blast of vile rubber scent, Bulgari’s Black-like, assaulted my nose at the very beginning. & I asked myself: why vile? I like leather & rubber a lot, being Bulgari’s Black a favorite of mine. And how I smell rubber as a top note when it is supposed to be a base note? Mysteries of the nose… Then I realized that what still unbalance me is that I smell leather (or better rubber like in CdG Garage, another favorite of mine) as the first blast, as the very first note, not being prepared to arrive to the rubber without any introduction. It’s a break in my expectations over Guerlain language. I always expected from Guerlain softness & seduction, not the feel of a whip. It’s like an intercourse without being kissed before & without the mercy of a little spit.
Then, when I’m still shocked by the brutality of the assault, the rubber quickly fades to the most creamy, gourmet, sunny & inebriating mandarin I could never dream. It’s sweet mandarin in 3D, that lacks any tanginess or zest of the other citruses, until I realize this is the splendid entrance of the opoponax: now I’ve found all Babylon’s decadence & seductive treasures, and nothing stirs the perfection of this soli opoponax during hours, except that incredible rubber note that plays hide & seek with my nose appearing & disappearing with the quickness of the crack of a whip. Now you can feel it; then you can’t feel it anymore. AMAZING!
Well, I think that, today, vintage Shalimar is really unisex: for the woman who can wear her leather without turning into a dominatrix, and for a man that shamelessly can deal with the decadence & softness of opoponax. After all, it is said that opoponax was Alexander the Great favorite fragrance: did exist a more perfect blend of maleness & decadent personality than the Megalexandros?
So please try a pre LVMH Shalimar (or any other Guerlain’s fragrances) to feel the state of extasis a fragrance can put you into. There’s no need to go back in time to the ’20. The ’80 are really enough. Now, if you can find bliss in Guerlain nowadays, tell me how you do it & I will listen with all my interest, because I really can’t find any magic in today’s Guerlain; not even a decent smell.

Wearing a 1969 extrait de parfum example and it is absolutely night and day compared to today's extrait and EDP available in stores - something I quite expected, but wasn't completely prepared for. Quite extraordinary and absolutely out of place in today's world, but to a true aficionado of perfumery and quality, it is head and shoulders above the rest.

It's a deep maple syrup/caramel brown and the top notes aren't like today's lemony rush. It's more of a resinous, cured-peel like affair of an aged bergamot. The floral notes don't really point to any one flower, but meld together languidly and sensually. The deep, rich vanilla and amber sit atop an unabashedly animalic civet that stays with the scent for hours until its tapering demise. It's almost sad, wicked, carnal and powdery in a very old world sense - it simply is what was what it was initially intended to be. A queen among orientals - nothing else can compare.

Like liquid gold, it exalts, projects and exemplifies the class of person meant to wear it. After scoring this 1/2 ounce of elixir - I immediately went back online to secure two 1 ounce examples of the same era. Again - every TRUE perfumista should experience this in their lives. It is THAT special and extraordinary.

i read so many reviews, mostly positive i should say, - and decided to have a 'sniff'. was in the shop today.i can see why people call the smell gross. my sister said to me OMG - u stink like u want to disguise ur own smell, like u have smth to hide, dont tell me u getting Guerlain.... ha. yes, it is a very severe one, and even though i do like strong perfumes, - 24 Fabourgh is my favourite, - Guerlains are always the 'winners" :-)). Now, please,Shalimar - lovers, do not be cross with me- it was my 1st introduction to the perfume today, - so this is the 1st impression: lots and lots of 'modern' baby powder in this 'old school' perfume. i was waiting for the smell to unfold, and it did come through. only now, after nearly 2 hours i am fully content with the smell that has developed on my skin now. i am going to get both versions EDT and EDP, cos i like to possess :-)). plus the value i found - is unbeatable!90ml EDT 50 euro, 90 ml EDP 57 euro. so it is really shame not to buy. i know that with the time i will develop a 'relationship' with this perfume, as it has all the prerequisites to be on my top 5.

Have to add on to this one:

I have recently got 2 lovely 90 ml bottles of EDP ( i never buy 1 bottle, 2 - minimum....of everything, i have a multiples' syndrom....). And I love it!! The only thing i can add is that i do not smell it on me much!!!i mean - it is present, but perfume doesn't speak ou loud!!! an i love 'loud' statements!!!But i think it is just me, as people around smell and notice it. and after 6-8 hours my scarves and tops, - all smells Shalimar....

I sampled a decant of Shalimar pure parfum. I was almost afraid of trying it as I don't have a good relationship with some of the all-time classics. But Shalimar was a sublime experience. Some people have mentioned that it's a gourmand fragrance, with a smoky vanilla note. Typically I don't like gourmand or very sugary fragrances and I did not get the vanilla note. The citrus passed by very quickly--I barely noticed it--a good thing as far as I am concerned. I got this intense smoky rose that stayed for quite a while, then incense and myrrh, a bit powdery, but smoky and mysterious enough to be enchanting (I usually dislike powder). The next morning I have a hint of musk and the opoponax. This is an amazing fragrance and I can understand how it has stood the test of time and why it was adopted by flappers and had such a scandalous reputation. Having visited the Taj Mahal several times, I can easily envision the inspiration for this. The gardens in front of it are filled with roses, and the gardeners who tend them rake dry vegetation that they then burn. So the smoke and the rose and the musk of the smell of humanity all come together. Just enchanting! Magic carpet in a bottle!

I tested this and i didn't liked the begining because it felt like an alchoolic drink, an expensive one thow, but after that was gone i was thrilled about the smell. I wouldn't buy because of the top notes smell on my skin. i like more shalimar initial.

A very sweet, vanilla, amber fragrance, it is lovely but not in my top 5, in the late 1970's early 80's it was a huge celebrity favourite with Shirley Mcclaine, sigourney weaver, amongst it's users. A big fragrance for the over 60's age range, the new Shalimar has been launched for the younger age group, but this does not last on my skin and reminds me of household detergent.

Smells like Caron loose powders, or like the oil version of En avion, but seems the sillage is better ... lovely. I just descovered it, and I wonder why I've avoided it so many times!

Even in the clothes of a pauper (EdT), Shalimar's imperious nature shines through.

She begins with a blast of powdery citrus which on me, soon leads into a vanilla/flower bouquet with hints of civet and leather that lasts and lasts. Excellent longevity for a EdT.

She is beautiful throughout, from the initial spray, down to the last molecules evaporating. This takes about 10 hours on me.

Also, even though it's marketed as a women's fragrance, I've received many compliments from people that have no idea it's marketed for the opposite sex. The flowers are very light.

Shalimar is one of the immortals in the field of perfumery classic, the fragrance is pure velvet striped with gold, resins, woods, vanilla and citrus bouquet make it a unique masterpiece that every woman should, because it is wind Shalimar and heat is joy and poetry.
From the days of spring in my tower I could see young women walking through the gardens of Shalimar sheltering from the rays of the sun with paper umbrellas, I could hear their voices of wonder in front of the hedges in bloom, but my astonishment was even greater because their scent coming up there ...

I don't think there's much I can add to the reviews of this golden wonder.

I think this is a terrific fragrance. I find I like it best in the lighter concentrations, EDC or EDT. In the more potent forms, I detect some sort of tarry, dark note that makes me a little queasy: this is on my own skin, for I have not detected this on others.
In the lighter concentrations, I don't pick up on this note at all so these forms are what I use.

Lots of compliments on wearing this. But Shalimar has such a strong persona, I think it wears me; the classic Guerlains are basically serious fragrances, and I sometimes get the church giggles if things are too, too serious. Hard to pull it off, but it smells good...! And what it lacks in humor it more than makes up for when it dries down and begins to fade into that dark/warm/vanilla/amber/lusciousness. It's delicious.

A note on "old lady" reviews. I normally write off any review where I see the term "old lady". To me it just means the reviewer has not developed enough of a frame of reference to know what they mean: some say it means soft and powdery, others say it means animalic, still others lump anything classic in this catagory. All they can agree on is they don't like it.

It's okay not to like a fragrance. But you can say that without this gratuitous slap at any and all women you personally feel are old and worthless...(like your mommy?) And if you are a woman, know that if you just live long enough there will come a day when someone will saddle you with these stereotypes too. Treat people with respect if you want them to respect you!

Shalimar's stunning array of citrus top notes is the brightest and most satisfying fragrance intro that I've encountered. The bergamot, lemon, and neroli accords sparkle and have my nose begging for more. Eventually the animalic notes peer through this bitter haze, with civet and opoponax warming its heart. These notes coalesce into a very rich, leathery, inedible vanilla, its musty character both archaic and modern, and pure class. This accord hangs around until the incense and rose appear and highlight the late dry down. I'm reminded of Caron's vanilla in Pour un Homme, a dryly stark note that never shouts but also never shrinks. Good sillage, excellent longevity, and the perfect vanilla oriental for adult women of all persuasions.

This one is fantastic, it smells divine. It used to be associated with bad girls, well, who wouldn't want to be a bad girl wearing Shalimar and not giving a damn?
It's not for demure women, you have to be a confident one, not caring about what others make of the way you smell. If they can't handle Shalimar or find it too much in your face, it's their loss. It's vibrant and sweet, sexy and it caresses your skin. I love it!

I've only been reading perfume stuff online for less than a year now, but what I've come to realize is that I don't like things that quite obviously funky. I totally understand that an animalic off note that smells terrible in concentration can be used to round out, enhance and extend the life of other, conventionally beautiful notes. But I simply do not enjoy smelling literal body odor, feces or the scent of an animal's anal glands, also known as something my dog might deposit on the carpet. Call me a poseur an uptight American suburbanite. It seems that a note which works well in passing can start to grate quickly when worn. And honestly, those people who work the word "fecal" into every review on Basenotes? Paging Dr. Freud, Dr. Freud you are needed at the perfume counter.

In fact, I want to love this because it has so many of my favorite notes. Every time I test it on my skin, I smell the wonderful vanilla, amber and smoke. Then within five minutes, diaper pail. I think that as the perfume develops that will go away, it seems to work in passing. But I can't get past it. This isn't like Ambre Sultan or even Dior Homme, where there is that tantalizing bit of something dancing around the edge. It's just right out there in front for me.

ETA: I keep testing this. I think the problem is not that the civet smell is so overpowering, it is that the combo of something poopy + powder is always going to equal diaper for me. The civet here isn't nearly as strong as in Jicky, the problem is combining it with powder. I think that Guerlain could stop the endless flankers seeking their Eau Premiere hit by simply toning down the civet to almost nothing, calibrating the powder to be less like conventional baby powder and call it a day, it would sell well and be perfectly "modern."

In my view, Natalia Vodianova is not the right face for Shalimar. She is too cold and child-like. Citing Perfume Shrine: "Natalia's current image of super-polite ice-princess with a deer-in-the-headlights look somehow doesn't suit the idea of Shalimar as the uber-seductive, cunninigly selectioned potion in the galaxy of orientals; nor the brunette type of orientalised romantic ideal that Guerlain has been cultivating for years through the associations of the name with the Indian Gardens on which a great love story flowered. After Shalom Harlow and Fernanda Tavares, Natalia seems too blonde and too innocent(?) for this kind of job.
Additionally, there is also the issue of always choosing the whitest Caucasian women for big advertising campaigns of European houses, when it would be nice for a change if we saw a gorgeous black model or a Latina -I am not counting Tavares because she's not- for one of those brands (like Eva Mendes for Calvin Klein's latest Secret Obsession) or a genuine oriental type (remember Jasmin Ghauri?): if not for Shalimar, then for what? I am asking you!"

I can appreciate how beautiful this fragrance is, like a lovely framed work of art, but like Chanel 5 while it is beautiful it wears me and does not really gel with me. It is always Shalimar with her vampy long eye lashes and lbd, and I am just along for the ride. I feel sidelined by it. I have the edp and it is nearly finished now, and I don't think I will replace it. I keep trying it again but there it is, Shalimar sitting on my wrist, something I appreciate but don't enjoy wearing. I think a fragrance should enhance the wearer, not upstage them. And as for the bottle: the one I have looks like a knock off of something classier, cheap and tacky looking. I guess it is just not for me. I am much happier in Coco.

Ok I get you. You are a great pivotal work of art. Now move on.

I've tried this scent in various strengths and years of production, but this review is for the modern parfum.

Trying to describe the worlds' #2 best selling fragrance is plain silly, and my take is that we're just here to share our experience.

Shalimar parfum wears quiet, warm, and sensuous on me. Sillage is tenacious, as even a small touch of the wand to my finger lingered for over an hour. I have to believe that only women with class and high standards would reach for this; and this is what I would think of them if I passed in their wake.

But one point: Guerlain's Bois D'armenie introduced me to the joy of perfume obsession, and served to jump start my love affair with all things fragrant. Looking back, if that Las Vegas sales rep directed me to Shalimar instead of Bois... I don't think I'd be here today. Shalimar doesn't send shivers down my spine like Bois did, it just makes me think, "this is a nice fragrance".

But a good sales rep intuits these things.

I just have so much love for Shalimar that words can't express it. I totally agree with the reviewers who say that these "old lady" references are just ridiculous! You don't have to smell like tutti frutti candy to smell like a woman for goodness sake! It saddens me that some people are going to grow up thinking that way because of the current trend for saccharin sweet candy scents. Don't get me wrong I like a wide variety of scents myself, including some sweet and delicious gourmands, but NOTHING comes close to my adoration of Shalimar. It is THE ONE.

It's a dream of mine to one day try Shalimar in the vintage formula (especially the extrait) I think I would die and go to heaven! I own the EDP and the EDT and I find myself wearing the EDT during the daytime if I need my Shalimar "hit" and then luxuriating in the EDP in the evening. The difference to my nose is that the EDP is deeper and more complex smelling with more of the leather and incense notes coming through whereas the EDT is more about the citrus/vanilla combination. However, there is no mistaking that they are both Shalimar. I also find the EDT just as long-lasting on my skin as the EDP.

Shalimar is a classic for a reason, because it has stood the test of time. Generations of women (and men) have loved it and I'm certain that many many more will continue to appreciate this masterpiece of perfumery.

Shalimar is more than a perfume to me...it's a way of life.

OMG! I tested EdT today and I found it more pleasant than EdP!
This shows that with the Guerlains multiple testing is a good option. It takes some time to develop affection to them but it is highly worthy to do so!
I usually go for EdP for L'Instant, Idylle and Samsara. Especially the latter I don't like in EdT because it smells harsher. I gave for granted that EdP of Shalimar could be the best one, but I was wrong in my case! I still like EdP very much, but it smells musty on me for the first 2 hours before revealing the great smoky creamy vanilla which Shalimar is so famous for. Besides EdP always left me with a sense of too much consciousness about my smell among people. Of course, I received the typical silly reaction of the "old lady" stuff, but that's not my worry. My bf doesn't like Shalimar. I don't care much.
In spite of being quite aged himself he's attracted by fruity-fresh-trendy perfumes. Or rather nothing on me, which is better than fruity-candy-freshy in my book.
It seems that there is psychological attachment to what is considered "young" and even younger and younger. Kind of obsession that leads some ladies to dress in a childish way or to do worse things to their body.
That said, the problem is that EdP makes me feel too conscious about myself when I'm not in a mood for it.
EdT is much simpler and fast working on my chemistry.
I don't have to wait a lot. Only 10 minutes and Shalimar in this form blooms into a snuggling lovely skin scent! It stays close to me and makes me feel clean in a very womanly sense, not squeaky clean nor baby clean, but more of a good feeling of woman scent.
Much more wearable in everyday life and always Shalimar!
My advise is to test all versions so that you can see which is the best for you!

Well said lilinah, It's absurd...all this old lady rubbish. I am far from old and absolutely adore this. I totally agree and find it unnerving that one has to smell like a jolly rancher in order to project youth. I appreciated Chanel COCO as a preteen so maybe I am just a freak, but I find Shalimar edp absolutely divine. I personally didn't think it to be overpowering. Today I wore it and had the first person I walked by comment on how wonderful I smelled, they said it was pretty sweet and got a touch of honey from it, which was interesting to me, but I guess that is what is so great about this perfume. Later I was asked to give up the name on what I was wearing. I like to think I smell great all the time, but I can't remember the last scent I was complimented on.I not only can respect Shalimar's composition, but am in love with it!

I would like to point out, as some others here have, that Shalimar the perfume (which i adore) and the eau de parfum smell fairly similar. However the perfume and edp smell VERY different from the eau de toilette (which i dislike) and from the various new outliers (which i cannot stand - since when was Shalimar a lemon candy?).

So i think it would help everyone if we note which variety we have tested - parfum, edp, edt, one of the several new outliers...

As far as "old lady"... Seriously? Just because this great old classic does not smell like the current fashion for fake fruit and vanilla excess does not mean that it smells "old lady". Perhaps some people are just too young to appreciate it. I began loving Shalimar when i was a teenager, when i was "supposed" to like light sweet safe scents.

I strongly dislike all the new fruit-tootey scents and i am excited to see that some perfume houses are making new fragrances that do not smell like a fruit salad preserved in sugar and vanilla. New perfumes, however, tend to be much simpler in composition than the great old ones - perhaps the true art of the parfumeur is dying.

Shalimar is getting close to 90 years old. I suspect few of the current artificial candy perfumes will still be around in 90 years - perhaps Angel, which i detest, will survive, because it was something of a trend starter; but the vast majority of celebrity-named, composed-just-to-make-a-buck, fragrances will fade away.

Scents such as Shalimar and Chanel No. 5 - not a fave of mine because i'm just not big on aldehydes, but, hey, it's good to have variety - have survived so long because they were innovative, not just jumping on a trend, and they were composed by fragrance artists.

If Shalimar is an "old lady", she is one FINE old lady.

I tested both, EDP and EDT, today and they are totally different to me.
It was said so many times, EDP is powdery vanilla with earthy incense and EDT citrusy, bergamot vanilla-very sultry.
I prefer EDT and it's already on my wish list, as high as possible could be!

I am a perfume geek,big time, so will say what Shalimar is to me: I searched and read about it,know the Mumtaz and Jahan, Taj Mahal triangle, loved that historical part. The next thing is the Flappers part,they smelled Shalimar in the roaring 20's,with the petit RoseBud,and BeeStung lips,long false lashes and pale face and vampy smoky dark eyelids(and I geekly adore Flappers).Last but not least thing is the bottle,I can say it is the most beautifull perfume bottle in the new history(Bacara)
and uncopyable. I have tow of them,extract perfume,one of them is vintage.
Abode of Love
by the way,Guerlain are genitacally brilliant in marketing,I can say that the smell causing me headach and nasal problem(didnt wear it,exept once and regreted it) but looking to the real vintage bottle is a bless,I swear

Well...I bought it! I found the eau de Parfum in an amazing discount price. Compared to the eau de toilette I had smelled, this is really stronger and intense. I can wear it only at cold nights!!
My only problem is that I can't smell any citruses at the beginning. So, I wonder if It would be a good idea to wear it together with a sour smell or I will spoil Shalimar?

I have Shalimar EdT and EdP and I love them both.
EdT - stands out more and I love the citrus smell in the beginning and the leather and vanilla later on.
EdP - is deep, soft, only a little leather smell and vanilla.

a complexity of layers ... mysterious lingering, combing floral bouquets with musky earthy almost feral notes. as beguiling as the story behind its inception

I went to the shop to smell Shalimar and to see what all the fuzz was about. I am so sorry for all you Shalimar lovers out there, but this is really horrible to me. Way to smokey, old lady like, unfresh smell. Not for me.

When you spray this on your skin [edt] you want to put on your black dress with high heals, because it makes you feel all woman. It says sexy, mysterious, seductive because its leather with incense, perfect orris and sandelwood and slightly powdery. Wear it and you want to transform in to a vamp.

Erotic and sensual. Warm and tender. I like it's top and base notes. On my skin the middle notes are too leathery and smoky.It has something sharp and powdery together, that time and I have to let it dry down so as to become sweet again. I have smelled the eau de toilette and I hope that the eau de parfum may be more sweet. In any case, it is a perfum, I would buy!

It's hard to find anything new to say. Shalimar makes me think of a fleshy opera diva, centre stage, in the limelight, belting out an Italian aria. It's such a big fat sweet flamboyant perfume. It seems to expect rapturous applause. It sits on the skin and never ever blends with the wearer, Like Angel it is a successful weird mix, a rich gooey vanilla custard topping on the pungent herbal lavender of Jicky. It's a massive achievement and not a perfume that you can own, it owns you.

Shalimar is something I enjoy on other people only.

On me it takes on the smell of a large vat of cat piss. Its really unfortunate because I sure don't get that from smelling the bottle! Each time I've tried, is the same so I know its just me and not the perfume!

For the right skin chemistry its utterly divine. Too bad I'm not amongst those people!

Shalimar in EdP smells wonderful on me only after 3 hours and merely as a soft skin scent!
After that time I would fall in love with my skin if I was someone else! Anyway my bf doesn't like Shalimar at all!
Unfortunately it doesn't work at many stages with this incredibly misterious fragrance, so I won't re-purchase, even if I'm sure I will always go back to smell it from time to time.
I can understand the charme of Shalimar even if most people around me calls it "old granny".
What I cannot stand is the recent choice for advertising, totally uninspiring about the scent itself (nothing like old poetic Guerlain's ads) and quite an example of modern vulgarity.
It's that kind of campaign that will be on tv at every break from now to Xmas, so that guys intrigued by naked models and women hoping that their men will see them as models will buy the classic set as present.
Big no, Guerlain! This is not art, this is low marketing!

******** Let me cut the long story short. *********

4me ====> SHALIMAR = VIAGRA

I finally got a sample of this and I must say that I am not completely blown away.. My expectations for this was very high, but unfortunately I expected way too much and was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this perfume is a complete disaster, what I am trying to say is that it doesn't live up to my standards and expectations. Its a lovely scent. Smells very vintage and has a beautiful vanilla base, but there is definately something missing. Maybe some warn coffee or chocolate base note would do the trick. Or maybe jasmine in the middle notes.

EDIT: My mistake, I have noticed that there is jasmine in the middle notes, but it should have been more dominent...

Shalimar...

I think this is going to be the most difficult review I've written so far.

This is a fragrance I want to love. As soon as I think I understand the fragrance, I find something in it that makes me uncomfortable. As soon as I decide that this fragrance is not for me, something draws me back to it.

The reputation preceeds her. The impeccable pedigree,
the masterful perfumery: rich, opulent, the classic of classics. I give my respect.

This is the first "real", grown up fragrance I tried as a girl, in an attempt to project a sophistication I did not have.

Actually, it smelled terrific. Lots of compliments. Great from the git go to the last, ,lingering,velvety drop ( this was EDT, back in the 70's ). I won't bother to attempt a dissection of the ingredients: there are plenty of reviewers out there who can do a better job in that department than I. Shalimar is a lady with great presence. And if you have the right body chemistry for it, the WOW factor is indeniable.

About a year and a half ago, I decided to try Shalimar again. Bought a small bottle of (new) EDT. And it just wasn't quite the same as I remembered...
There was something in it that smelled like Tincture of Iodine! And when I put it on my skin and let it develop, the Iodine did not go away. I don't understand, really: either it's a refomulation or my body chemistry has changed. Either way, A perfume I love no longer loves me.

This has moved into the catagory of those perfumes I really ( REALLY ) like on some other people, but not on myself. I hope you are one of the lucky ones who can wear it.

My love for a scent dies easily when I feel I have fully developed a comprehension about the scent. Therefore, it is very hard for me to settle a signature scent because my love is so fickle and short-lived. However, I have been trying to see through Shalimar for more than 10 years but never have I succeeded in doing so. It's so mysterious, complex, and bewitching that I'm always allured back to wear her in hopes that I will finally have a better understanding about her one day. For this reason, it has made a rare exception to become my signature scent because I wear it so often. Life is always full of many unexpected but sweet coincidences.:)

After several tests of the EDP, i found the naphtalene almost nice! Jeez, how I love the Belle Epoque. Shalimar is a perfume of the gorgeous ladies from Mucha's beautiful paintings.

Blast of juicy citruses with bergamot, load of olibanum and then bunch of sweet and soft vanillin.
It's like drinking Cinzano with vanilla sugar rim and a slice of lime - in a church.
Actually: Cinzano + lemon juice + olibanum = Shalimar!

It took me years to start loving it. It first smelled like old clothes to me, dusty, moldy, mothballs - nasty. Then i found out, that it's not naphtalene, but the combo of incense and lime. The longest lasting authentic citrus of all perfumes i know, yummy juicy sour the whole time, not only top notes. That's why it smells so good in hot humid weather. Refreshing pleasure. In summer heat dominates sweet soft vanilla with lime. It has old fashioned vibe in it, and i just like Cinzano :D

EDT is lighter on the incense too, but also vanillin. Its lemony fresh.
EDP is the good old load of olibanum, and the vanilla bliss. Lime juice is stronger in the top, but then it settles down. Its warmer and smoother than EDT.
Pure parfum is thick and smooth, smells most old fashioned of all concentrations i've tried, but once you get used to Shalimar, you will probably like parfum a lot.

Keep testing, don't give up. Give it a try in the summer - the best friend of Shalimar! You can start with Eau de Shalimar, which is modern and least smoky.
I absolutely agree with one of the comments - it might take years to fall in love with Shalimar, but once it happens, it's forever...

I like shalimar. It reminds me of Rochas femme at first but it soon becomes softer.
Trying this today just reminded me of how much I miss Rochas Femme. I am Going to get it back.

I've smelled various concentrations and formulations of Shalimar ranging from the 80's to now, and while each version is a little different, maybe with more citrus, more depth, or more (insert whatever) based on the concentration, Shalimar still smells like Shalimar.

Shalimar is popularly considered to be the first oriental. While I won't argue that, keep this in mind: the first rock music didn't sound like the "classic" rock we know of. The first cars were more like wagons. When breaking new ground, laying the stepping stones for a new genre, you have to build from what's there.

So, what did Jacques Guerlain build from? Jicky, of course. Shalimar's central accord, that I've smelled in virtually every formulation, is the lavender-civet-vanilla smell of Jicky, with a BIG, plush, salmon-colored rosewood note on top. That's most likely the source of the "lipstick" smell some people are getting from Shalimar. Otherwise, the current Shalimar is pretty much Jicky with more civet and a more pronounced Guerlinade base. It's not something I'd wear, but Shalimar is a quality fragrance that everyone needs to smell, if not at least for education purposes.

P.S. My preferred oriental from Guerlain is Vol de Nuit, or Habit Rouge. If you dig Shalimar, check out Vol de Nuit. You'll be glad you did.

I am actually embarrassed to say that the scent of this makes me sick to my stomach...something soapy and sweet about it... Guerlain is a fabulous fragrance house...Love the Aqua Allegoria line and am hoping to try Samsara some time soon...but sadly, a popular classic like Shalimar just doesn't do it for me in the least. Love the bottle though!

I LOVE this classic perfume, but it is too strong, and sticks to my clothes, so I can't wear it! I have really tried! I use Eau de Shalimar, wonderful during summer, and Shalimar Parfum Initial, doing well during the rest of the year, instead. With these two I can at least get a Shalimar-feeling! Thank you, Guerlain, for these two flankers!

Jag ÄLSKAR denna klassiska parfym, men den är för stark, och den fastnar i mina kläder, så jag kan inte bära den. Jag har verkligen försökt! Istället använder jag Eau de Shalimar under sommaren, och Shalimar Parfum Initial, som är underbar under resten av året. Med dessa två så kan jag åtminstonde få en Shalimar-känsla! Tack, Guerlain, för dessa två flankers.

I finally smelled this... So beautiful!! Yes, it's very heavy. Yes, if you overdo it you could kill someone. But the scent compensates all of that! It doesn't smell a tiny bit mature to me. Very seductive, I almost lost my mind because it smells so, where are the words, edible and delicious? I sence mostly vanilla and incense, everithing else blends into a very tender scent. This is epic and unforgettable, my eternal love.

I have a sample of the edt formulation, and I think I'll have to buy a bottle soon. At first, I was neutral about Shalimar, but now I can see why it is a classic.
I can't really smell any of the funky animalic notes, but I can still tell that it isn't squeaky-clean either. After the citrus top note wears off, I smell a rich, smoky vanilla that lasts for hours. Shalimar reminds me of Habanita, but Shalimar is darker, smokier, and less powdery. I can see this becoming one of my favorites.

Shalimar augments my personal scent so beautifully, almost like it was made for me; amber, lemon, cedar, powder with a smoky sweetness. LOVE it.

I tried this perfume after seeing it had such a history... It didn't mix with my chemistry well... It smelled like someone rubbed a piece of burnt wood on my arm... does anyone know what ingredient could cause that type of reaction? there are other perfumes in the list beside "if you like- you might like" and some of the suggestions are great! Looking for a new scent. I like things a bit seductive, ambers, musks, vanilla... Looking for something a bit diff. I had a cheap roll on of egyptian musk and my bf goes crazy for it. No lasting power though. So would like a proper scent :)

I keep coming back to it. Haunting and IMO one of the most exquisite perfumes ever created.

smokey citruses at first, after that comes the leather and vanilla with a trace of sandalwood and vetiver. Very nice and wearable. Superb for autumn. Very warm special and cozy scent with the "wow" affect.

i must admit i didn't like it at first
but after a while the smell changed in something sweet yet mysterious ,just facinating me !i was like WOW,OMG
Now i'm totally in love with this perfume!and i already start receiving compliments wherever i go !
i'm sure i'm gonna have this again in the future
it's more a night time perfume and for cold seasons also
totally in love with you Shalimar

The EDP is a leathery vanilla, but it is not so nice in hot weather: the powdery-lemon aspect is very old lady like. The drydown is soft and very unisex. I do get some oud like notes in this one and it is very nice and dreamy. It should be also marketed to men, as it is less powdery and old-lady smelling than Habit Rouge EDT.

The perfume, extrait, is pure heaven. The EDT or EDP are not so great as they don't have that exquisite drydown of amber and vanilla I love. Great perfume.

Oh how I love this beautiful and sensual scent! My husbands favorite Aunt loved this perfume and wore it beautifully. I have made it my own and wear it in fall and winter and I always feel so put together and sophisticated. I use to not appreciate this beautiful fragrance and opted for florals and sweet scents but I find my taste in perfumes has taken a turn toward the orientals and florientals although in summer I wear flowery scents. I received the dusting powder as a gift and I love it but I find that Emeraude powder also goes well with Shalimar and is much less expensive. Thsi perfume is truly a classic.

I love this scent, was my first "real" perfume and have had many bottles of it since! Its NOT an 80`s perfume!! Its made in the 1920´s! Thats it!!
Nothing compairs to this classic that i think is the most popular and longlasting scent ever!!
My first and strongest impression is the fresh lemon/bergamott followed by incense and vanilla! Very long lasting with great sillage but in such a classy way i hardly think it can offend anyone!

Shalimar Eau De Parfum

Like the last reviewer, I am young and I like Shalimar. I’ll go a step further; I love Shalimar. This is my second review for it. I check the reviews every now and again, and am consistently surprised when people don’t like it. To each their own, but I sometimes wonder if they’ve tried the wrong concentration and stopped at that... Worse, what if they scrub after the opening and never know the heart of Shalimar... It’s true that it isn’t for everyone, but I'll tell you why I love it. (I think it’s even my favourite fragrance. This could become a signature for me.)

I love the lemony blast. It’s so unlike the rest of the fragrance, completely incongruous, but it offers the perfect entrance for the musk, which in turn leads the way for the vanilla, the part Shalimar is known and loved for. It is woody, musky, fresh and potent in the opening, which is why the heart is so astounding. In the heart, truthful, sincere, warm, enveloping vanilla plays with the hints of wood and the more subtle scent of musk and incense, creating this sweet, lightly spiced, comfortable, tender and long-lasting heart. Like a fire on a cold night, no longer is it the overpowering force it was to begin with, mellowing to a warm, sparkling glow.

The embers of this fragrance are sweet and light-hearted; the vanilla is no longer darkened by musk or wood, it is a fine, spirited vanilla scent, staying close to the skin, like the pale rays of sunlight that turn cooler after a burning orange sunset.

I love Shalimar in the fall, but it’s so delicious that I’ll admit to wearing it in full summer too. It is better in cooler weather I find, the notes linger longer at every stage, whereas the summer heat speeds that process along a bit. I also love the bottle: the golden writing, the golden liquid within, the shapely curves, and especially the illustrious blue cap... Shalimar is such a pleasure to wear. It changes so much, in such lovely ways, it really blends with my moods. Also, it can be comfortable, something nice when staying in. If I get dressed up and go for pretty or sexy, it can go there too. Shalimar is my rock. I can’t go wrong with it. It serves me well. It is a bit daring in the face of the more popular fragrances today, but if given a chance and looked at in a different light than the rest, Shalimar might suit you too.

I've been wanting to try this classic for a while!
I am a 23 year old who adores Cabochard, but after reading many reviews Shalimar has me so intimidated that I couldn't even open my box...let alone test it out. Such strong opinions on this one because of the history it has; the reformulations, different vintages, and different concentrations has my head spinning!


But I gathered myself and opened and tested this out today!
(Let me mention that I picked this up in the EDC as it was at TJMaxx and I thought it would be best to ease myself into this one)

Oh goodness, this is a classy, sophisticated lady!

It is quite powdery on me but it has this sultry incense/wood/vanilla to warm it up. I also get a bit of lemon and patchouli. So soft and feminine on me. The way you think a comforting hug should smell.

Love it!
Will have to try the EDT, EDP, and Parfum as well!

We all have our classics that are nothing like we remember from back in the day. ('I used to wear [insert classic] until they RUINED it!) I tend to get more wistful than angry over this (Odalisque.) But just as I've sat to write about Shalimar I've found another reaction, which is to notice and then not particularly to care. I'm on a plane right now and passing through duty-free earlier spotted Chanel Antaeus, my first fragrance, my only signature fragrance, the one I wore exclusively in my junior and senior years of high school (81-82) and then intermittently for years. My first thought on sniffing it was 'this is quite literally nothing like what I used to wear.' My next thought was, 'Oh, look! They've got No 19 EDP!' and I went and spritzed.

The upside of digital perfume communities is the sharing of experiences. I have learned so much reading Basenotes reviews and threads---had more laughs, more ah ha! moments than I can count. The downside, though, is that a perfume hobby seems to engender a nostalgia/anger about how things used to be. There's that sense that contemporary perfumery has taken something intrinsic away from us. Our response is often a fetish for distinction and provenance, and of course the ensuing butt-sniffing and pack hierarchy. You know: 'I'm sure you THINK you love your current Mitsouko EDT, but you'll never truly know her until you've smelled my 1967 extrait.' I'm as guilty as the next person.

But Shalimar unexpectedly elicits in me an attitude I've tried to foster. Things do change. But I just love perfume and find immense joy in it. Call me common, call me simple, but I currently wear the most recent Shalimar EDT and love it. It just makes me tail-waggingly happy to smell it. Citrus, growl, smoke, scratchy amber & vanilla, opopanax, a sly incense. I'm sure it's not the parfum from 1925, but then again I'm not a 20s flapper. How wonderful that that era had its Shalimar. But they didn't have our Bois de Violette, my Insense, my Secretions Magnifiques. This is no pollyanna desperate optimism, no deflection of resentment. We live in a spectacular era of perfume.

My 2010 Shalimar tells me to screw the iconography and embrace the perfume. It also makes me imagine the fun of watching the apoplexy of the current generation of young perfumistas going as shrill as we have over the resctrictions on our beloved oakmoss. Imagine the heel-clacking and outrage among the Angel set when ethylmaltol, identified as the causative agent in the future medical diagnosis of Acquired Intolerance Syndrome, is outlawed.

This was my favourite for ages - I bought it regularly. Its a very confident perfume. But nobody ever stopped me in the street to ask about it.

Surely, I can't share the admiration this perfume receives by so many people as it makes me feel (believe it or not), slightly ill.
It is a classy, powdery, kind of baroque and sweet like 'sultanas immersed in vanilla' smell, with a fresh side that gives it subtlety and balances the whole!
For me, "Shalimar" is a perfume that speaks more about its creator than it speaks about itself; an educated man with a fine taste, even though I know nothing about him. Respect.

On me, Shalimar smells like a sauna at a nudist camp. It's so overpoweringly dark and woody and patchouli that it reminds me of naked hippie men sweating. Because I've actually been to a few nudist camps with a few sweaty hippies, it's not completely unpleasant.

But I know this impression is the opposite of all that Shalimar is supposed to represent.

It scent is of the most perfect of days...recall , if you will, time with friends sharing hopes and ambitions...care and warmth...laughter and tears (sometimes)...great moments in ones life that have...I am sure you have warm moment to recall.
Simply Wonderful.

I so just loe this, what a gen, so seperate from the others... at first it's a bit medicinal... yet wait and it trns into a gorgeous, complling, worth while scent maturely sweetened by licorise... Nicely blended... smooth Ii'd say definetly a must have... But feel it's important to really test it on your skin, and wait overnight, try again for a few days, before deciding if this is a purchse you want to make.

The bottle is one of my altime favorite too.. lovely! Elegant, suggestive

When I was a litle girl, I used to carefully lift the stoppers of the perfumes on my grandmother's and great-aunts' vanities for a sniff of each scent. Shalimar was one of them, and I didn't care for it then. Fast-forward to my adult years; many times I sniffed the Shalimar bottles on the perfume counters of stores, and I didn't care for it. Then I got a sample of it free with a purchase of something or other. It lay in the samples basket for, oh, years. One day, in a moment of randomness, I put it on...and didn't care for it for a minute or two. Then the heart of it began to bloom and I realized why this is an iconic scent. Rich, unimaginably complex, unique, warm, sensual, beautiful---I can't imagine adding or taking away anything from this perfume. It's like a perfect artwork, complete and exquisite from any angle. A classic for every possible reason. And no, not at all "old lady-ish" once it dries...A classic like this really didn't need another review, but if my two cents can save one other person from missing out on the wearable beauty that is Shalimar, it's worth it.

I am glad I am one of those lucky bitches who can wear this legendary perfume and stop traffic. Thank you Shalimar! I love you, always...

Over the years I have acquired various formulations of Shalimar in the hope of finding one that actually agrees with my body chemistry and presents in the same way as the sublimely beautiful body cream.

The EDT and EDP versions do not react well with my skin despite smelling promising from their bottles, (the EDP smells divine from its bottle). Once the perfumes make contact with my skin I resonate that "rotting lemons" aroma many people associate with Shalimar, myself included.

The bath and body product presentations of Shalimar however, are a completely different experience. The flowers spring to life and the rich vanilla undertones see daylight, the citruses are happy to play nicely with the other notes when worn this way.

I envy people who can wear the Shalimar perfumes and smell enchanting (Lucky Bitches!).

I have resigned myself to only ever glimpsing the promise of this iconic masterpiece via the layering duo method.

I am continuously humbled by its grace.

Rfountain: Compare the Edt with Edp, Edp is sweeter, and nose itchy. The citrus opening is stronger and the drydown is more vanilla, begamot and tonka bean. Edt is a little bit waterdown version on the Edp.

I'm wearing this right now. It's the EDT version so I'm not sure if the EDP might be different. I think it smells very good and sweet from some distance away, but whenever I put my wrists close to my face - I can't help but sneeze! I don't know what it is - maybe the incense or sandalwood. I'm not one to have lots of allergies or have a sensitive nose either.

If you want to try this scent - buy a vintage one. Trust me. There is a HUGE difference between modern and old version.

This USED to be the most elegant, classy, sexy perfume ever - since LVMH changed the formula, Shalimar and all its money-making derivatives (parfum initial, eau de shalimar etc.)are just watered down shopping mall fragrances. To enjoy the intriguing facets of this masterpiece, go for vintage flacons (before 1990).
Recently, I had the chance to purchase a pre-eighties flacon of Shalimar Eau de Cologne <3. Sillage is not overwhelming but the scent ... love it love it love it

This is what Cleopatra should wear. In the evening she would take a bath, scented with precious oriental oils, then she would comb her silky black hair, sitting in the garden, in the shade of lemon trees, incense is burning on the ebony table next to her... Mysterious, exotic, seductive and timeless, Shalimar is a true masterpiece.

Went to a store and sampled the edt and really wanted to like it but just couldnt. It smelled like it was divided in two; the pure shalimar which was nice and whatever it was diluted with. The latter smelled astringent, almost like witch hazel and didnt really go away too much until the complete drydown. I think this is the "gasoline" note people talk about. To be fair it didnt smell THAT bad but it wasnt pleasant. With my stomach in knots and so desperately wanting to like this scent i ordered a small sample of the pure parfum from the perfumed court and it smells amazing!! If you find yourself in a similar position, go for the throat an try the parfum. If then given time you still dont like it then maybe its not for you, but it doesnt seem to me to be the aquired taste people think

I found a EDC of Shalimar in a boot fair and it just made my day, I cant believe nobody noticed this amazing fragrance before, better for me I got it for a couple of coins!
Well Shalimar is very elegant, ladylike and adorable.
I dont think this is a masterpiece of a fragrance, I dont find it to complex or too dificult to wear, maybe because I got the EDC...
Well Shalimar is all about what women like to be, sweet like vanilla, mysterious like insence andstrong like leather. Is quite enginious the way this perfume was made. The top notes are very scary and strong, remind me the old face powder my mom had in her budoir. After this strong blast, Shalimar becomes the most exquisite (somebody siad it before) expensive French soap with a leather tone. A couple of hours later it smells like a delicious cream and caramel pudin.
In my opinion Shalimar is very simple to wear and its perfect for classic casual to sophisticated occasions.
The most enginious thing about Shalimar is that is totally modern, comparing Shalimar to Miss Dior or Femme Rochas, the look like impossible to wear in a confortable way.
Shalimar is great because of that, its simple, wearable and after all has women favourite notes.
I love it and I'm going to wear it a lot nowadays.
Great perfume, the perfect signature fragrance.

Thank you Guerlain and thank you karma to give me the chance to buy this for 3€! :P

This is truly a most exquisite perfume, i happen to have an edc bottle from the 1950's that was for my great grandmother so it is even more comforting and special for me. Perhaps one of the best things about this elegant, mysterious fragrance is the way in which it changes over time with the chemistry of the wearer. It is citrusy and floral in the opening and then it slowly develops into a sensual, warm, smokey, vanilla laden experience. I love the way the Civet, insence,leather and vanilla make this such a sexy scent, i do get a lot of action when i wear this one. It is truly what a real woman should smell like.I intend on getting this in extrait in the future as i want to experience this in all its glory, and how it was intended.

I have had a weird relationship with Shalimar. It did not start out pretty! The first time I sprayed it on, it was a write-off. I found the bergamot in the beginning to be very off-putting and almost (forgive me) garbage smelling. It only took about an hour before I got the beautiful vanilla heart. It is a thing of BEAUTY.

There is something so vintage about the dry-down. It smells like vanilla straight from the 20's. I feel cozy, warm and luxurious with every spray of this beast. I feel like I am standing in the 20's in a Victorian home. There is an air to Shalimar that not even my cheesy words can do justice.

Shalimar is truly a masterpiece. I am very glad I discovered it. All of the flankers - while wearable - are only mere wannabes of the original. There is nothing that will ever come close to nor ever outshine Shalimar.

It is a classic that should be put on a pedestal with Chanel No. 5 and others alike (which I cannot properly attest to since I have not smelt any of the true classics [Joy, Arpege, etc]).

I recommend this fragrance for more mature women. I do not mean mature as in age but in a woman who is self-confident and able to carry herself and a scent like this with confidence, ease and poise. I am only 20 and I feel well beyond my years when I wear this! This is a sign of refinement and taste.

Shalimar, I love you. Don't EVER change.

C xx

It's been after 2days, i refer back to the testing paper i kept, give a good sniff. My load, the smell is so unbearable! Maybe i'm too young to know this classic smell. It leaves the strong smell of sweated leather. Thank goodness i didn't rush to buy this classic perfume. Look forward to try the new version Shalimar that has the incense & leather notes removed & replace.

An fall in love on the spot after have a few spray at isetan mall, but too bad it is out of stock, bummer, i had woke up early drive to the mall for this.

I received my 30 ml EdP today - blind buy after reading review upon review upon review.
This is instant love! It is to die for, all the way from opening to drydown.
I've seen it described as a "grandma-scent". IF that is the case, thank god I'm old! :)
Shalimar is too fantastic for everyday wear. Now I have to invent more special occasions...

Tried to like this classic fragrance but could not bring myself to. Overpowering.

The opening is quite intense and, for me, hard to take. Shalimar is ambery sweet, incense-like smokey, and packed with vanilla-enhanced flowers ... with a hint of citrus.

It's potent, classy, confident and magical. It's constantly changing. I thought I smelled citrus; a few seconds later I don't .. but then when I sniff again that pleasant lemon re-appears.

Shalimar dries down to a totally sweet woody smokey amber. On my skin that hint of citrus remains until the end. This scent is very multidimensional, deep, generous (sillage wise), and VERY long lasting. It will take me a few more years to learn to appreciate a perfume like Shalimar for I have awaited to yet own a garden filled with aromatic flowers!

@muskymale

thank you for answering
your comments are very helpful to make clear my question:)

Hi Ecerusen,

The Shalimar EDP and EDT are slightly different. The EDT is, of course, lighter, and fresher, and more citrusy on top. Whereas the EDP is more 'leathery' (like the smell of your skin) on top, and dries down into this gorgeous and seductive amber vanilla baby powder woody smell.
I much prefer the EDP myself, as I find it more 'elegant' to wear. Please read my 3 reviews on Shalimar.

I hope that helps you! :-) If you have never worn Shalimar before, I would recommend the EDT, as it is instantly likeable. The EDP can scare people off a bit, as top notes are very strong! Having said that, please do not let that put you off instantly. Please give it at least 10 minutes to settle down. The top notes of the EDP only last for 10 minutes, and soon it transforms you into a highly elegant woman! Guaranteed! :-)

is there huge difference between edt or edp? because some fragrances' edt smells different to edp.
of course there is more alcohol and less long lasting in edt,but my question is about the smell type.

I like this scent somewhat. It reminds me a lot of Organza Indecence but with a strong insecticide note that I can tolerate but don't particularly care for. It's a bit too Grandma-ish for my taste. I much prefer the smokier, more modern Organza Indecence to this.

Shalimar...when I have to talk about it, I'm speechless. To me Shalimar is THE FRAGRANCE, the perfection, though I've never sniffed the original one, I hope I will someday...It must be something out of imagination!When I wear Shalimar I feel like an elegant, sophisticated women, even if I'm home wearing a tracksuit!Shalimar has to me an enourmous power, not on the environment but on the persone who's wearing It..

I bought Shalimar out of curiosity, as Shalimar & Samsara's fame is often mentioned altogether a lot by my surroundings. I've already had a decant of Samsara, which I love very much, hence the purchase of Shalimar.

My reaction upon first sniffing is: PEPPER! It opens up very spicy that I thought I'd sneeze. Before long, the lemon fizzles out as refreshing lemon soda, accompanied by spicy, woody notes (cedar? It's too dry to be amber). Then it quickly turns & settles into baby powder, with a hint of vanilla, jasmine & rose touch. Need to remind you, those three notes are very light that U might not catch it unless U give an extra attention while sniffing the scent. Nobody else will catch all those by the trail of Ur fumes while U're walking by.

I didn't like Shalimar at first. It's not before the fourth spray that I finally realized, I should not expect Shalimar to be "pretty" like current era's superficial point of view. She's unlike today's regular perfume. Her strong characteristic is her power.

She's a mature lady with way-above-average power of endurance, as she's been through a lot in her life. Shalimar is a woman of life experiences.

Give it to a female pro-bono lawyer. Or a doctor who decided to go to Iraq or other war-site to heal innocent victims without pay. Or a wife of a businessman, who has accompanied the husband to start the business from zero, yet has been cheated by for hundred times. Or a young single mother, taking care of her toddler while at the same time working & trying to finish her graduate study.

Shalimar represents every manly characteristics a woman could have. A man in a woman, or vice versa. Very genius way of expressing the story behind its creation, indeed. I adore it, though it's not the fragrance I'd wear myself. Like a couture creation, I believe Shalimar is only meant to be watched, enjoyed, and learned from instead of worn.

Babypowder top, heart, base
That's what I experienced.
Nothing for my skin type.
Very disappointing.
One of the most beloved fragrances from The Guerlain House and I can´t stand it.
Sigh....

I *finally* received my 90ml Shalimar-EDP in the mail yesterday. Yesterday was also the very first time I ever smelt this as well. Obviously, this was a blind buy for me, but because I am a fragrance collector, it doesn't matter so much how it smells(just so long as I own it). I sprayed this on last night before going to bed, so here goes with my take on it:

Shalimar opens up with a great deal of incense, lemon, 'old talc powder', woodsy notes, & leather to my nose, which make for a not-so-great combination. There are many other notes I smell, but not as strong as the ones mentioned. This perfume is very heady & strong, as in Chanel No5 strong (though I much prefer No5), and it's not so much my cup of tea.

Fast forward 8-9 hours: While still faint, I don't smell so much of the incense and leather, thankfully. What I do smell is a mix of lemon, vanilla, beautiful powder, and sandalwood.

I really like the drydown of Shalimar,.. but whoa, it sure takes a long time to die down! While I do appreciate its beauty, I don't think that I will be wearing this perfume for a while, except for the odd time at home.

This perfume is one of the many pleasures of being a (wo) man! This is my third review of Shalimar, and words are just useless to describe the majestic beauty of this legendary perfume.

Today is a hot and humid day in London, and I sprayed my self this perfume (the edp) on the bus, and the whole bus suddenly smelled of Shalimar, and it was such a divine experience, and many people wanted to know what it was that I was spraying.

It sits ever so close on my skin in warm and humid weather and that ambery vanilla dry down just won't go away even 5 hours later now.

I love you Shalimar. Always, and forever more.....

I adore Shalimar. I just picked up a small bottle today to have close by but I don't wear it often. This on me is a creamy round scent. On dry down I get vanilla and lemon but not of the kind we find in fragrances today that are more foody. This is vanilla blossom and a soft lemon not tart at all. No leather, no woods and no smokeyness. Just creamy soft vanilla lemon. I get no sillage and it hovers very close to my skin. I have to put my nose directly to my flesh to catch the scent. This and Chanel #5 I wear only for myself.

If stars (astral ones) had a scent, it would be very close to Shalimar. But since Shalimar is a human privilege, stars need to make do with some replica.

I have a small bottle of Shalimar that I use as aroma therapy. While I would never wear this fragrance, I put it on a kleenex and place it nearby. This heavenly fragrance lifts my mood and gives me a feeling of well-being. Shalimar is a timeless masterpiece.

We can easily say that the house of Guerlain is french perfumery personified and, possibly, Shalimar is among its most successful and legendary creations. If you smell it for the first time you immediatley notice its outstanding quality and complexity. Wether you'll like it or not this is, by all means, an outstanding fragrance and one of those perfumes you encounter every once in a 100 years.

An huge amber/vanilla driven composition that is particularly remarkable for its kaleidoscopic aspects. Animalic and smoky, oriental and penetrating, delightfully sweet, mysterious, intriguing....simply immense.

If you happen to wonder if "objectivity" is appliable to perfumes you should try Shalimar as it's one of the most successful examples of how a GOOD fragrance can go beyond genres and even personal taste.

Rating: 10/10

Its 1924. The world is prosperous. Jazz is sweeping the globe and Shalimar debuts in Paris. It makes perfume history with wild popularity. It was a gamble. Jacques Guerlain presented this sexy stunner with minimal flowers. Jasmine and rose make you wait a few hours and then shine for a few minutes, if you have a really skilled nose! Instead, vanilla, sandalwood and civet dominate this rather avant garde creation. This is why the 20s roared!

It has this perfect comfort zone that makes you wanna snuggle. It is has a baby-mother quality to it that has never been matched. Somehow, it is always in my mind. My mother wore this when I was born.

I was lucky enough to find a rare extrait from the 1960s in a Baccarat bottle! Its dark amber contents reveal secrets of deep smokiness and seduction in a bottle. To wear this is to wear a bit of history-indeed you can make your own with it.

Celebrity=Marlena Dietrich

I did not understand this great beauty at all until I tried it in the pure perfume. I sprayed the tester on my skin, the bergamot, vanilla, jasmine, and incense melted into each other, and I heard angels sing. Despite the name, there's nothing Indian about it. Only pure French, early-20th-century opulence here. I believe that everyone has a Guerlain that is perfect for them, whether it's Jicky or Mitsouko or Chant d'Aromes or even Idylle. Shalimar is mine. I also like wearing it in the EdP.

I usually love these old fragrances but this one smelled like rubber. I could smell rubber dolls like whenyou were a kid and you got anew doll the plastic smell was strong until you had played with the doll for a while. I don't understand what everyone is smelling when all I get is rubber. I do see from smelling it that it is a quality perfume. I am just going to have to keep trying.

This is a perfume which exists in two layers. It seems that this is almost physical, giving credence to the notion that scent exists in wave form like light.

one is the innocent yet interesting skin scent, the other is the veil of perfectly blended iris and vanilla hanging about two or three feet from you.

the veil is what you catch hints of from time to time but which cannot be smelled even after bathing in it when sticking your nose into the fold of your arm/your wrist.

i know because i tried this. heheheh

I received my bottle of shalimar EDP minutes ago, I bought it only to resell with a profit because I was expecting a very old lady perfume and I am not personally that much confident to wear them out of home. When I sprayed it on my wrist I was expecting sth very vintage (from 1925!!)and stinky and to my surprise, I found it delicious,deep, modern and lovely.I cant beleive they made it in 1925!
I will update later but I wont resell it at least in a short time for sure :)

This is one lovely beast of a perfume. Clearly a quality concoction. And I understand this was marketed to men and woman. I can not add much to the reviews and I congratulate those that love this fragrance. What I get after the dry down is Powder, somewhere between an old barbershop talc and baby powder. Lovely if you want to smell like baby powder. Sorry to say this one is not for me. I love it on others but I could never wear this...except I did today. (Searching for an alcohol bottle right now so I can try to get this one off!)

This IS a positive review. I like this very much and I see this as one for a woman over about 30. It is just not for me, a man...

To those of you who are not keen on Shalimar: You must not give up. You have to let Shalimar invite you, rather than the other way around, and this may take sometime. This is the classiest, elegantly poised perfume in the world! I call this perfume 'My French Liquid.' It is my absolute essential!

Like I said in my earlier review of Shalimar: "If Belle De Jour had a perfume, She would certainly wear Shalimar!"

this one is a LADY!!!
here she comes in her golden dress showing every curve she has with CLASS!!!
she knows that she is sexy and she knows that she can have anybody she wants! so watch out, she will catch you and you even don't know what is happening with you but you are intrigued by her and when you realize it is too late, baby!! she has already wrapped you around her finger dancing under the chandelier.

are you ready for that special lady?
she comes like a hurricane and goes with a trail of smokey warm vanilla you cannot resist.

she accompanies me to special evening events and leads me through the night.

SIMPLY CLASSIC.

I have never thougt you may fall in love with a perfume to the point when you think about it, dream about it and miss it when it's gone. But that's what happened to me with Shalimar. I did not like it at first. I picked up burned leather, smoke, some kind of a spice.... But I gave it a chance.... or, rather Shalimar gave ME a chance and after a while it presented itself to me with its most beautiful performance - creamy, soft, gorgeous scent. The most beautiful I have ever smelled. Just one of a kind.... I can't compare it with any other perfume, Shalimar is too special. I am lucky, because in my country not too many women wear it. And actually I should discourage anyone from trying it... I'm so jealous and possesive of Shalimar... :)

My oh My!!! Yes, I am soooooooo in love with Shalimar. I am a man, and this is my second signature perfume. Such a classic, warm, seductive, smoky and sexy all in one. If Belle de Jour had a perfume, she would definitely wear Salimar. I love the EDP more than EDT, but both are lovely. This perfume makes me feel like Homme de Jour! :-) lol. The EDP has a more 'leathery' smell quality to it, and the base notes are all amber and vanila....Oh, I feel I am in Heaven when I smell this perfume on my skin. Totally euphoric.

Whenever I wear this, I get stopped by men, women, girls and boys, young and old, and I am not kidding. They love this!!! But of course, I never tell them what I am wearing!

Love it love it LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! J'adore Shalimar!

PS: Please also read my review on Shalimar Parfum Initial.

Thanks. :-)

I just love it!!!!! It's never old!

I've been wearing it since I was 20. Men always llove it on me! :-)

This scent will never go out of style its been around for 80 something years and i know why once you wear it you hooked for sure i love this perfume with a passion all the women in my family wear it

So seductive...love it!!!!

This is my favorite favorite perfume. It's my creamy smokey shield from the world-- not only to protect, but to give me that unforgettable soft-focus cocoon that surrounds me with an irresistible mixture of friendliness and a delicious sense of distance of that unforgettable stranger.

Every time I wear this perfume, no one specifically compliments on how I smell, but almost everyone, especially men, are transformed into gentlemen. I've been offered help and gratuitous kindness whenever I wear this perfume.

I just can't say enough about this perfume. It's perfect, feminine, and creamy in the most mysterious balance of dry and luscious. It's the ultimate feminine perfume (but in contrast to a perfume like Fracas, not completely inapproachable).

Many comment that this smells "old" or "mature". I completely disagree. Not everything that veers away from overtly-fruity or sticky-sweetness is only reserved for your grandmother's xmas stocking. This perfume is for everyday, inadvertent seduction--if you're a woman, a real woman, wear this.

Growing up in my grandmothers house I remember coming across a almost completely empty bottle of this (not know what it was). Believe the bottle was from the 40s or 50s (the glorious heyday for my now late grandmother). It smelt of cigars, and smoke and florals. I do remember that much. Good memories and all I have to see is the bottle.

I have to say something strange has happened with me. When I first started wearing perfume all those years ago, a perfume like this just was out of the question. I couldn't stand it. Now many years later I have smelled and tested many many perfumes. I find now when I test celebrity perfumes they just do nothing for me. Something like this one I find I can't stop smelling it. Now I can only be bothered with complex perfumes and old classics because when you smell them next to todays nonsense you can really appreciate how much better they were. I don't know it's a shame the way perfume has gone today down the road of not wanting to offend anyone, office safe linear boring smells. There really isn't anything that compares to these. YSL tried by introducing a new opium but again it just doesn't compare to the old one. I do like some things that are created today but somehow I always go back to Chanel 19, 5 and Samsara, shalimar, Ysatis etc they just give you that feeling that the generation of today just can't. And the LAST!!

If you are a Shalimar lover but would have loved it to be more SUBTLE, go for Patou Sublime.
It is exactly the same family but softer and very sophisticated!

I wore this perfume for several years,but the fragrance quality is not the same. IMHO House of Guerlain is not what it used to be when the family ran it. I searched for a new fragrance and found Shantoung by Galimard. I love it and have put a review on the site. It is not available in department stores or most online sites, but can be bought easily in the USA at the Village Parfumery in Indiana.

I used to wear this everyday until i started to wear
different fragrances,i loved the leathery musky vanilla notes that came out mostly on my skin thats why ill always love this its a beautiful fragrance.

Everyone touts this as a classic, but to me it's a duet between incense and insecticide. I've tried to like it, and I just can't. Like a fortune tellers bedroom in a recently fumigated building.

My colleague wears this fragrance (he is a senior staff in my office)...then I told him that I would give a try. Sprayed it on my wrist, it is very thick and lingers on and on. Longevity is superb, but somehow for me the staying power is longer than I expected. Great perfume, classic!

This is my mothers favourite scent,it reminds me of her everytime i smell it.Its a very old school scent and strong/long lasting.I think if you enjoy a classic or deep sultry fragrances this is one you might want to try.Shalimar is not a personal like but i can say it is not a bad perfume.

Tried this for the first time today, and I must say, it is nice, rich, smoky-smooth, salty, buttery and powdery, in a very pleasant comforting sort of way. I like it, but Im not head over heels, but it is beautiful. I cant detect any flowers or sweetness at all, but this is definetly very feminine perfume. Sort of incensey, yet soft. Like a very expensive baby powder is what comes to mind. Havent tested this one on my hubby yet, but something tells me he will like it. Absolutely nothing offensive about this one at all to my sensitive nose, so thats a plus. May have to make this one a staple. Classic.

I tired this on and there was something in it I didn't like, and I wanted to get it off as fast as possible.

I tried to figure out what it was I didn't like, but I'm still not sure. Was it the iris maybe? Eau de Shalimar also has this note that I dislike.

Very strong sent that I could only use like once a year, if I was having dinner with the king or something. Which I don't do too often.

I tried Shalimar EDT in a department store a few months ago. I doused myself pretty liberally with the stuff, which was my cardinal mistake - I was literally left gagging for the next 30 minutes till I could wash it off! Naturally this left me with the notion that this was the Shalimar effect on me and have been considering investigating the Shalimar flankers instead.

What a difference a few months and a sample of the EDP make! This time I was very careful to apply sparingly, and I finally get what all the fuss is about. This is a warm, seductive and intelligent fragrance. The ladylike powdery notes of rose and amber are given heart by the citrus notes and there is a strength in the character in Shalimar which I detect as leather note.

Sublime, and I'm glad I gave this a second chance (and remembered to apply with caution!).

The Grande Dame. The very first perfume I ever smelled. My mother wore it on special occasions when I was little and now my sister wears it (which is the ONLY reason I do not -*sigh*) so it is still a part of my life. Soooo rich, wonderful, and exotic. To me it is the little black dress of perfume. I adore it.

Oh dear, this is not for me. I've only applied a furtive heavy spritz from a store display, and maybe I used too much. All I could think was: baby powder. (I hate hate hate the smell of baby powder.) Not only baby powder, but on me it smelled like someone set the plastic container of baby powder on fire! and that, my friends, is what it smells like to me.

This smells so terrible on me, I'm not sure why. This is my mother's favorite fragrance and on her it smells wonderful. She wears it a lot to church and the sillage and longevity are both very good. On me though.. I just don't think my chemistry agrees with Shalimar. I want to like it because of how well rated this fragrance is but unfortunately Shalimar and I aren't friends. It's a shame though