Shalimar Philtre De Parfum

Shalimar Philtre De Parfum, inspired by Guerlain Shalimar Philtre de Parfum (2020)

Philtre de Parfum begins on citrus with a candied quality, lemon and bergamot brushed with lavender. Within minutes the iris takes over: dry, powdery and slightly cosmetic, given body by rose and jasmine. Vanilla arrives slowly and stays mellow, supported by patchouli and tolu balsam, a resin with a sweet, cinnamon-like tone. Much of the original Shalimar's smoke and leather is pared back, leaving the powder and the vanilla.

About the original

Thierry Wasser, Guerlain's house perfumer, composed Shalimar Philtre de Parfum, and it launched in September 2020. Guerlain presented it as a love-potion version of Shalimar, aiming to draw out the velvety side of iris and push the vanilla further. It was sold as an eau de parfum. Guerlain's current Shalimar range no longer lists it, and one perfume writer has since called it a limited edition, although some retailers still hold stock.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Guerlain stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

A powdery vanilla with polish rather than heaviness, it is gentler than classic Shalimar. People who find the original too smoky or leathery are its natural audience. The iris gives a lipstick-like powder, so anyone who dislikes powdery scents should approach with care.

Related scents

• Guerlain Shalimar
• Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille
• Guerlain Mitsouko

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Lavender

Heart notes: Rose, Jasmine, Iris

Base notes: Patchouli, Tolu Balsam, Vanilla

Lemon and bergamot open it with a sugared twist, and lavender adds an aromatic, slightly herbal line.

Iris is the centre, powdery and smooth, with rose and jasmine rounding it out.

Vanilla and tolu balsam make up the base, with patchouli for depth. The finish is sweet and resinous but restrained.

Is Shalimar Philtre de Parfum discontinued?

It no longer appears in Guerlain's Shalimar range, and one perfume writer has described it as a limited edition. Some retailers still sell remaining bottles.

How is it different from the original Shalimar?

It is lighter, with more citrus, lavender and iris and a gentler vanilla. The smoky, leathery facets of the original are toned down.

Is it very sweet?

Moderately. The vanilla is noticeable, but citrus tempers the start and powdery iris holds the heart.

Is Guerlain Shalimar Philtre De Parfum coming back?

So far, we have found no announcement from Guerlain that it will return. Our version is an eau de parfum in 50 ml or 100 ml.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Guerlain and Shalimar Philtre de Parfum are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Guerlain in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.