Seamus Hammond
Shalimar, the first ambery perfume in history, is a unique, mysterious, and intriguing fragrance. Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, it has a complex composition of notes, including bergamot, vanilla, incense, iris, jasmine, rose, and leather. The perfume has a rich, smoky, and sensual scent with a touch of old-fashioned elegance. While some people associate it with an old lady perfume, others find it ultra-sexual and alluring. Shalimar has a reputation for its dissonance, offering a cycle of repulsion and attraction. It is a living legend that continues to inspire women and perfumers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top notes | Bergamot, citrus, vanilla |
| Middle notes | Iris, jasmine, rose, incense, sandalwood, leather, old paper |
| Base notes | Vanilla, tonka, powder, civet, baby powder, smoke, amber, animalics, leather |
| Overall scent | Oriental, floral, sweet, woody, leathery, spicy, resinous, smoky, warm, sensual, mysterious, old-fashioned, feminine |
| Longevity | Mixed opinions, some say it lasts 2–3 hours while others say it lasts all day |
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What You'll Learn
Shalimar's vanilla notes
Vanilla is a key note in Shalimar's fragrance. The vanilla in Shalimar is described as "deep, seductive vanilla", a soft vanilla, and sweet vanilla-tonka-leather. It is said to be "not the cheap, fake, sweet vanilla found in many fragrances today". The vanilla is also described as smoky, woody, rubbery, and cool.
The vanilla in Shalimar is paired with iris, bringing a sparkling opening to the scent. The perfume has a vanilla base, with the vanilla radiating throughout the life of the fragrance and holding all the notes together. The vanilla is also described as inedible, with a whisper of it hiding in the powdery-woody drydown.
The vanilla in Shalimar is said to be unique, with one reviewer describing it as "the weirdest vanilla of all time". It is also described as tarry and burned, like "rubber tires piled high and set on fire". Another reviewer describes the vanilla as "toothsome", with the perfume making them think of "salted, smoky vanilla caramels".
Overall, the vanilla in Shalimar is a key part of its legendary fragrance, providing a sensual, luminous, and gourmand aroma.
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Bergamot and citrus
Shalimar is a perfume with a rich history, having been created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain. It is the first-ever ambery perfume, and its name means "temple of love" in Sanskrit. Shalimar's fragrance is complex, with many describing it as a unique, intriguing, and mysterious scent.
The perfume has an intense citrus opening, with notes of bergamot and other citruses. Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit, whose oil is commonly used in perfumery. In Shalimar, the bergamot note is described as bright, stinky, and initially off-putting, clashing with the vanilla notes in the fragrance. Bergamot is a key part of the composition, mingling with the vanilla to produce a lemon sherbet effect.
The citrus notes in Shalimar are described as zesty, sparkling, and fresh, providing a sharp contrast to the deeper, sweeter notes of vanilla, incense, and powder. The combination of bergamot and citrus creates a unique and memorable fragrance, adding to the overall complexity and intrigue of the Shalimar scent.
The interplay between the bergamot and citrus notes in Shalimar is a delicate balance, with some describing the initial impression as jarring, curdled, and even rancid. However, as the fragrance dries down, these notes soften and blend, creating a more harmonious and pleasing aroma. The citrus in Shalimar adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the deeper, richer notes, enhancing the overall sensuality and complexity of the perfume.
Overall, the bergamot and citrus notes in Shalimar play a crucial role in its unique and memorable fragrance. They add a layer of freshness, intrigue, and complexity, enhancing the deeper, sweeter notes and creating a long-lasting and captivating scent.
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Incense and powder
Shalimar is a unique, sensual, and unusual fragrance. It is a complex and potent scent, with a strong presence of incense and powder.
The perfume is a mix of many powerful ingredients, including bergamot, lemon, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla, incense, opopanox, patchouli, musk, and tonka bean. The initial spray is sharp and citrusy, with creamy woods and bergamot, which then settles into a floral, amber-vanilla musk with a gentle undertone of incense and earthiness.
The powder notes in Shalimar are described as reminiscent of baby powder, with a clean yet dirty, chemical-like scent. It is a deep, dark powder note that adds a softness to the fragrance. The incense note is also prominent, creating a warm and cozy feeling, reminiscent of walking by an incense shop.
The combination of incense and powder in Shalimar gives it a unique character that stands out from other perfumes. It is a dressed-up, elegant, and attractive scent that evokes a sense of mystery and desire. Shalimar is a timeless and classic fragrance that has been popular for many decades and continues to be a flagship product for Guerlain.
Overall, the interplay of incense and powder notes in Shalimar creates a warm, sensual, and intoxicating fragrance that is both unique and elegant.
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Leather and smoke
Shalimar is a complex fragrance with many layers of scent. The perfume contains notes of leather and smoke, with a base of vanilla, tonka bean, musk, sandalwood, civet, opoponax, and incense. The vanilla is a key note in Shalimar, providing a gourmand, woody, leathery, and spicy aroma. The leather and smoke facets of the fragrance are enhanced by the vanilla, creating a unique and intriguing scent.
The leather note in Shalimar is described as "crackling birch-tree tarry leather", adding a harsh and intense element to the fragrance. The smoke in Shalimar comes from the incense note, which evokes the image of bustling spice markets and manicured gardens. The combination of leather and smoke gives Shalimar a bold and distinctive character, setting it apart from other perfumes.
The interplay between the leather and smoke notes in Shalimar is what makes it so captivating. The smoke adds a mysterious and exotic quality to the fragrance, while the leather provides a sense of depth and richness. Together, they create a sensual and alluring aroma that has become synonymous with the Shalimar name.
The contrast between the leather and smoke notes in Shalimar is also noteworthy. The smoke, with its airy and ethereal quality, provides a striking contrast to the solid and substantial nature of the leather. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic and multifaceted fragrance that evolves as it dries down.
The leather and smoke elements in Shalimar contribute to its overall sophistication and elegance. The scent is often described as luxurious and chic, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and memorable fragrance. Shalimar's leather and smoke accord has left an enduring impression, solidifying its place as a classic and iconic perfume.
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Floral notes
Shalimar is a complex, unique, and intriguing fragrance. It opens with a breeze of flowers, including iris, jasmine, and rose. The floral notes in Shalimar are not overpowering like in many other perfumes, but they are well-balanced and elegant. The heart of the fragrance is where the floral notes of iris are wrapped in deep incense, creating a dark powder note that adds depth and intrigue to the scent. The iris note is described as buttery and powdery, adding a soft and sensual touch to the fragrance.
The top notes of the perfume feature bright bergamot, which adds a fresh and citrusy twist to the floral heart. The combination of bergamot and floral notes creates a unique and captivating opening to the fragrance. The bergamot in Shalimar has been described as stinky and rancid by some, clashing with the vanilla notes to create a jarring initial impression. However, others find the bergamot opening delightful and diffusive, adding to the complexity of the scent.
The base of the fragrance is where the soft vanilla note radiates, holding all the other notes together. The vanilla in Shalimar is not the typical cheap, fake, or overly sweet vanilla found in many modern fragrances. Instead, it is described as deep and seductive, and luminous, adding a gourmand, woody, leathery, and spicy character to the scent. The vanilla note in Shalimar has been likened to rubber tires piled high and set on fire, creating a unique and memorable impression.
Overall, the floral notes in Shalimar are well-balanced, elegant, and not overpowering. They work in harmony with the other notes, such as bergamot, vanilla, and incense, to create a complex, sensual, and intriguing fragrance that has stood the test of time. Shalimar is a legendary perfume that continues to fascinate and enchant wearers with its unique blend of floral and other notes.
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Frequently asked questions
Shalimar is a rich, heavy oriental scent with notes of vanilla, bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, leather, and powder.
The vintage parfum is the deepest and smokiest, while the weakest EDC is thinner but still recognisable as Shalimar. The modern Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Eau de Toilette (EDT) are also similar, with the EDT being more transparent and having less leather, smoke and civet.
Shalimar has been described as ""elegant, soft and feminine", with a ""deliciously old-fashioned scent". It has also been called ""intriguing", ""warm", ""sexy", ""comforting", ""rich", ""fascinating", ""vintage", ""complex", ""unusual", ""sweet" and ""amazing". However, some reviews note that it is ""too heavy" and ""old-fashioned".
Chypre Palatin, Fate Woman, and Bulgari Black all have similar notes to Shalimar.
