Shalimar
Eau de Parfum, Guerlain (1925)

When I first smelled the current edp of Shalimar it smelled so familiar. I have smelled aspects of this in so many perfumes. I imagine if Ihad smelled the vintage versions I would not be so positive about the current formulation, but I do really enjoy wearing this.

If you can endure the initial nuclear blast of bergamot, you will be rewarded with a sultry amber guerlainade middle and dry down that is just fantastic. It is a bit loud for most occasions so I typically wear for my own enjoyment. I am grateful to be able to study and enjoy the classic Guerlains at such reasonable price points!

That's a rather interesting scent, leaning on a heavier side, quite sweet, with subtle leather note.

I found an old tester bottle of Shalimar edp when cleaning out drawers at work, and my nice boss let me take it home (we don't carry Guerlain at my store). I can appreciate it for what it is, and I'll give Guerlain credit for keeping Shalimar still recognizably "Shalimar" after around 100 years, but I'm just not a fan. It's still too sweet and has too much vanilla for my taste. If I have to go down the Oriental road, I prefer old school Coty Emeraude. Very heavy and long lasting, so no complaints in the performance category. As for this being unisex, all I can say is "Are you kidding?". I'll give Shalimar edp a "thumbs up", but for other people and not myself.

I bought a bottle for my wife and we tried to like this. We thought that the bottle that we got had gone bad but there are no redeeming features here. A sickly, stale, musty powdery smell that I cannot believe it ever smelled good. It induces vomiting. We chucked it away with severe prejudice. Double thumbs down. Be careful, very very careful before you consider this. Sample if you must

This review is based on the early 2000s bottle with the curved arch based bottle, and the reviewer has not tried the newer reformulations. The fragrance may come across as dated to some, but if you can get past the initial opening, the drydown is a beautiful leathery vanilla with a touch of animalic qualities. The scent can be described as a Nag Champa incense with a deeper vanilla note and hints of citruses. The animalic note is not overwhelming and does not have any fecal or disgusting qualities.

While unisex, the fragrance leans slightly feminine. It has good performance and lasts a long time on clothing, but be careful as it may stain white clothing. If you're looking for a contemporary vanilla fragrance, Diptyque's Eau Duelle or Guerlain's SDV may be better options, but this fragrance is suitable for those who are 30+.

If you enjoy the smell of Nag Champa, you will likely appreciate this fragrance. It may take some time to appreciate, but there's a reason why it has been around for a long time. Although the reviewer doesn't wear it often, they still enjoy the richness of the musky vanilla and its interplay with the citrus notes.

Really, what can I say that hasn't already been said? When speaking of one of the all time greats, one is compelled to just honor it.

I have a current formulation and it blows away just about any other newer oriental release. It has stood the test of time and remains intact, near immaculate. I thank seasoned Guerlainophiles for encouraging me to go with a new bottle so that I can experience the freshest top notes, the bergamot and citrus sparkle. Also, the civet note in this is incredibly real-smelling, having worked with civet in dilution and knowing its presence and energy. The opoponax, vanilla, and incense is olfactory paradise.

In 2020, it is unisex, it is very now just as it was in 1925.. It is the legendary Shalamar EDP.