Shalimar Philtre de Parfum

Totally yes and thumbs up to this one. First, it’s Shalimar, the Shalimar DNA is there and very recognisable from beginning to the end and I could not confuse it with anything else. It’s original Shalimar just dressed up with a different veil (and a beautiful one). Just to make the distinction clear between the other reinterpretations that were Souffle de Parfum which was basically not Shalimar even if nice and Parfum Initial which was closer but still a totally different perfume. I imagine it can come close to Sur la route de la Vanille series but did not have a chance to see those. So what is the veil made of. Opening is mouthwatering bergamot, more jammy and juicy and less on the more bitter and green bergamot oil side of the original in EDP and especially perfume version. So maybe that’s the lemon effect. Then the iris comes up with touch of lavander but don’t think it will dominate like Chanel 19 or Lutens’ Silver Mist type. It’s also not Mon Parfum in my view. It brings a vail of dry and more (compared to original) powdery note that just blends in. And yes it is more powdery but it’s like more powder on the original notes not a completely different direction. And don’t think « lipstick powder » bomb either. And then the vanilla comes out in a beautiful and more gourmand way all along. I don’t see the patchouli in there (which for me is great as I have a bit of a hard time with it except in Angel). It’s more cozy, it’s elegant, slightly more airy, less indeed the smokey amber of the original but it’s Shalimar from beginning till the end. A twist on the original that I find very respectful of who the original is. I think it’s great worn generously during the day and then the original Shalimar over what remains of it at the end of day and night.

A Wonder of Philtred Essentials... This 2020 Thierry Wasser signed Amber-Floral version of the iconic Shalimar has a streamlined, timeless yet vintage bombshell-worthy vibe. I could imagine Gal Gadot wearing this, a bewitching trail following her as she starred in the film Wonder Woman 1984, which was also released in 2020. Opens with a burst of citrus & lavender, but already the Shalimar DNA is present and iris is swelling through with carrot-leaning nuances. As it transitions to the heart, the iris becomes elaborated with additional powdery, velvety and faint licorice-leaning tones from jasmine & rose. The way the iris & rose are done here gives me reminders of Habit Rouge Guerlain. In the base, the vanilla & tolu-balsam with patchouli accents settles out very similar to Shalimar Eau de Cologne, and carries the composition well beyond average performance. This only gets better with time, both on the skin and in the bottle. Overall I find this most similar to the now discontinued Shalimar Eau de Cologne. I'm a longtime fan of Shalimar, and this version is no exception. It's a love for me. Enjoy! Update 04/22/25: Sprayed this on this morning, and noticed it's gotten a lot more vanillic and smooth. It's still a Shalimar, but the patchouli is done really nicely and combined with the tolu-balsam brings out a nice creamy near-leatheriness. My son liked it and thought that I was wearing an oud scent, and there may or may not be a little oud in here, or akigalawood. I'm loving it more each time I wear it. 10/10.

IT'S HERE!!! IT'S HERE!!! I've been stalking it across the world for months and it's finally here WITH me! The presentation from ordering direct from Guerlain was beautiful, I must say. Sturdy, crisp white box with gold emblem and ribbon, nestled navy box in paper wrapped in perfectly folded tissue - decadent and gorgeous, appreciated. But, alas, the perfume! Upon first spray it sparkles and is undeniably Shalimar - the opening reminds me almost like the drydown after many hours of wear of the Extract. But then it settles into something creamier with vanilla and sweet lemon pastry, green on the edges. Maybe after many hours (will it last that long?) there will be an almost soapy underlay? Is that a little rose? Time will tell, I just couldn't wait. For those that compared it to L'Initial I was hesitant, because that one was my least favorite (too powdery) of all the relatives I've been able to try. I'm well familiar with Shalimar's EDT, EDP, histories, and flankers Souffle Intense and De Lumiere. The sweet lemon cookie is borrowed from the latters, but the vanilla here is more pronounced, softening the edges and leaving it devoid of the 'bite' that Souffle Intense has. I'm loving this Philtre, and it might possibly be my favorite flanker of all. But in full confession I'm fearful the sillage and longevity won't be the royal presence I crave - I want it to stay forever, and I want it to project. Time will tell, but it might be a douser to get it there. I'm afraid it's already fading on me...

As someone who loves many of Guerlain's creations and especially Shalimar, I bought this blindly because there's no way to test it in my country... And I can't tell you how happy I am with my purchase! This flanker resembles the OG the most, which leads me to believe it has more notes than those listed here. The leather is toned down to almost nothing, and so is the incense and civet, making this version more wearable, but no less beautiful. The Tolu balsam gives it a subtle cinnamon-y note, which is detectable in the OG as well. I think the lavender lovers will be a little disappointed in this flanker, as that note is noticeable only on first spray, leaving the sparkling citrus notes to shine, along with the powdery iris and the lovely Guerlain vanilla, the latter becoming more and more prominent, at least on my skin. I find this flanker suitable even for summer, the lemon vanilla creating a golden aura around me, making me feel as if I'm sunbathing. Yes, the vanilla here is amped up compared to the OG, which smolders on my skin with a high dose of leather, civet and incense. All in all, this flanker is exquisitely crafted, most probably made for that segment of the public that isn't crazy about the incense-leathery-animal notes of the OG. Also, it's long lasting and moderate in sillage. So I think this is a safe blind buy for Shalimar lovers, or even for vanilla lovers. I just hope and pray Guerlain will never discontinue this flanker!

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet! With the possible exception of Shalimar l'Initial, this is my favorite version of the classic. The vanilla, pushed towards the front, along with the lemon, make it so unique. I don't think I need to tell anyone here how sublime Guerlain's vanilla accord is, so I will talk about the delicate powderiness of the dry down, attributed to the iris. It certainly doesn't drown out anything else, but it does temper any initial sharpness from the lemon while still maintaining it's aroma. It is very chic, in a classic way, but with a modern touch. I have yet to try any of the Millésimes, so I can't compare, but it's hard to imagine a more lovely version that sells for half the price. One more thing I want to add. As much as I adore this, I will sometimes layer it with Serge Luten's Un Bois Vanille, and they merge seamlessly into a new, but similar, scent. The longevity and projection are both very good by today's standards, and though it is unisex just like any other perfume, it leans towards feminine in my opinion. Get it before TPTB realize they have a sleeper on their hands and discontinue it because it's not pulling in the money like Mon Guerlain and it's flankers! EDIT - after reading all these reviews, I realized it's far more popular than I realized. But take heed - l'Initial was also deeply loved, so it's hard to say what will stay and what will be snatched out of our perfume lovin' hands!