Shalimar

Shalimar, inspired by Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Parfum (1925)

Shalimar is built on contrast: a sparkling citrus top resting on a rich vanilla base. Bergamot leads, then iris brings a powdery, cosmetic feel, with jasmine and rose kept in the background. Vanilla and tonka form the base. Beneath them, incense, opoponax (a sweet balsamic resin) and leather give a smoky, almost animalic shading that makes the sweetness feel adult.

About the original

Jacques Guerlain composed Shalimar around 1921 and presented it at the 1925 Paris Exhibition of Decorative Arts, where Raymond Guerlain's Baccarat bottle won a prize. Guerlain describes it as the first ambery perfume. The story usually told is that it began when Jacques Guerlain added ethyl vanillin to a bottle of Jicky. It takes its name from the Shalimar Gardens and the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Many versions have followed, including Eau de Shalimar and Philtre de Parfum; we offer Philtre de Parfum separately.

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

Shalimar is rich and enveloping rather than light. Someone who already wears powdery or resinous perfumes will feel at ease with it. The smoky, leathery drydown can strike newcomers as old-fashioned, and the vanilla is generous.

Related scents

• Guerlain Shalimar Philtre de Parfum
• Guerlain Mitsouko
• Guerlain Mon Guerlain

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Citruses, Cedar

Heart notes: Iris, Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Vetiver

Base notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Incense, Leather, Opoponax, Sandalwood, Civet, Musk

It opens fizzy and lively: bergamot, lemon and mandarin with a little cedar.

Iris then takes over, dusted with jasmine and rose, while patchouli and vetiver add an earthy undertone.

The drydown is where Shalimar lives. Vanilla, tonka bean and opoponax build a dense, balsamic layer, shaded by incense, leather and sandalwood with a touch of musk.

Is this based on the original Shalimar or a flanker?

The original Shalimar Eau de Parfum. Shalimar Philtre de Parfum is a separate flanker that we also make.

Is Shalimar powdery?

Yes. Iris and vanilla give it a distinctly powdery, cosmetic feel, especially in the drydown.

Is it smoky?

Gently. Incense and leather in the base lend a smoky, resinous shading beneath the vanilla.

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 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.