
Shalimar is a legendary fragrance created by perfumer Jacques Guerlain in 1921. It has been referenced in numerous songs and films, including Van Morrison's 1968 album Astral Weeks, the 1971 film The Mephisto Waltz, and the TV show The Sopranos. The scent is said to be unique and timeless, with notes of vanilla, bergamot, iris, jasmine, and rose. But which Shalimar fragrance has the longest-lasting power? The answer may depend on the concentration of the fragrance and the individual's skin chemistry. The parfum or extrait version of Shalimar, with a higher concentration of fragrance oils, is likely to have the longest-lasting power, followed by the Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette versions. Vintage Shalimar from the 1950s or 1960s is also said to have a strong and long-lasting scent, with some reviewers claiming it lasted up to 13 hours.
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What You'll Learn

Shalimar Eau de Parfum is a long-lasting fragrance
The key to the longevity of Shalimar Eau de Parfum lies in its concentration. As an Eau de Parfum, it strikes a perfect balance between longevity and intensity. While it does not have the highest concentration of fragrance oils like a Parfum, it still offers a higher concentration than other types of fragrances, such as Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne. This higher concentration ensures that the scent lingers on the skin for an extended period, gradually unfolding its complex layers.
The composition of Shalimar Eau de Parfum is a masterpiece in itself. It opens with a burst of citrus, featuring notes of bergamot and lemon, providing an uplifting and energizing start. As the fragrance evolves, it reveals a heart of floral accords, including iris, jasmine, and rose, adding a delicate and sensual touch. The base of the fragrance is where the magic happens, with notes of vanilla, balsam, and tonka beans enhancing the depth and longevity of the scent. These base notes leave a lasting impression, ensuring that the fragrance lingers long after application.
The iconic status of Shalimar Eau de Parfum is undeniable, with references in popular culture spanning decades. From appearances in classic films like "The Mephisto Waltz" (1971) and "Working Girl" (1988) to mentions in television shows like "The Sopranos" and "Orange Is the New Black," Shalimar has cemented its place in the cultural landscape. Its longevity in the market is a testament to its enduring appeal and the lasting power of its scent.
For those seeking a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression, Shalimar Eau de Parfum is an excellent choice. Its complex blend of notes, expertly crafted by Guerlain perfumers, creates a scent that evolves throughout the day, revealing new depths and nuances. With its combination of longevity and sensuality, Shalimar Eau de Parfum embodies the essence of timeless elegance.
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Shalimar's vanilla, balsam and tonka bean notes
Shalimar, a legendary fragrance, features vanilla, balsam, and tonka bean notes that add depth and sensuality to the scent. Vanilla, a key note in the Shalimar fragrance, is famous within the Guerlain house and is known for its sweet, gourmand, woody, leathery, and spicy aromas. In Shalimar, vanilla is carefully balanced against citrus notes, creating a unique, burnt sugar quality that is neither too sweet nor dense. The vanilla note is described as dark and well-blended, adding a sensual, powdery, and vintage touch to the fragrance.
Balsam, another notable element in Shalimar's composition, contributes to the overall complexity of the scent. Balsamic notes have been described as dusty, smoky, and incense-like, adding a layer of intrigue to the fragrance. These balsamic nuances interplay with the leather and resin notes, creating an exotic and mysterious aroma.
Tonka bean, a crucial ingredient in Shalimar, is derived from the fruits of the Dipteryx odorata tree, native to Central and South America. The tonka bean is known for its high concentration of coumarin, which gives it a distinctive scent. Coumarin is described as having a sweet, gourmand, almond-vanillic aroma, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to the fragrance. The tonka bean note in Shalimar is carefully balanced with other elements, creating a harmonious and captivating scent.
The combination of vanilla, balsam, and tonka bean notes in Shalimar results in a powerful and sensual fragrance that has endured for nearly a century. These notes work together to create a unique, memorable, and long-lasting scent that has captivated wearers and perfumers alike. Shalimar's intricate composition and careful blending of these notes have contributed to its status as a timeless and iconic fragrance.
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Shalimar's citrus opening
Shalimar, a legendary fragrance, is known for its unique and timeless scent. The perfume has top notes of citrus, including bergamot and bitter lemon, which provide a fresh and uplifting opening to the fragrance. The citrus notes are complemented by floral heart notes, including jasmine, rose, and iris, adding a touch of elegance and femininity.
The opening of Shalimar is an explosion of citrus and floral scents, creating a vibrant and energizing first impression. The citrus notes are dominant at first, with the fresh and tangy scent of bergamot taking center stage. This initial burst of citrus is soon joined by hints of bitter lemon, adding a touch of sharpness and acidity to the fragrance. Together, these citrus notes create a lively and invigorating aroma that instantly captivates the senses.
As the citrus notes begin to settle, the heart of the fragrance is revealed, blending seamlessly with the citrus opening. The floral notes of jasmine, rose, and iris emerge, adding a delicate and refined touch to the scent. The jasmine brings a sweet and exotic aroma, while the rose adds a hint of romance and femininity. The iris, with its powdery and woody nuances, provides a subtle contrast to the brighter citrus and floral notes, adding depth and complexity to the fragrance.
The interplay between the citrus and floral notes in the opening of Shalimar creates a harmonious and well-balanced scent. The citrus provides a refreshing and uplifting character, while the florals contribute a soft and graceful quality. This combination gives Shalimar its distinctive and captivating signature, setting the stage for the subsequent notes to unfold and reveal the full complexity of the fragrance.
The citrus opening of Shalimar is a key element that contributes to its enduring appeal. The freshness and vibrancy of the citrus notes create a bright and cheerful first impression, making it an ideal fragrance for those who want to exude positivity and confidence. The citrus also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the timeless and refined nature of the Shalimar scent.
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Shalimar's floral heart
Shalimar, a fragrance by Guerlain, is a living legend. Created in 1921 by perfumer Jacques Guerlain, it is named after the 'Gardens of Shalimar' in Lahore, which was built for Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The name Shalimar means "temple of love" in Sanskrit.
Shalimar is the first ambery perfume in history and has a unique, timeless, and seductive scent. The fragrance contains notes of bergamot, lemon, iris, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, opopanax, tonka bean, frankincense, sandalwood, musk, civet, amber, leather, and vanilla. The vanilla notes are particularly prominent, with a burnt sugar quality, and the fragrance has a strong floral heart.
The Shalimar Eau de Parfum is a legendary fragrance with bergamot, iris, and vanilla notes. It embodies skin-caressing sensuality with a hint of the forbidden. The bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, won first prize at the 1925 Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition. Its curves were inspired by the basins of the famous Shalimar Gardens, and the fan-shaped stopper recalls the garden's gushing water.
The fragrance is described as having a "fresh and delicious flight" that becomes a "sensual mist" as the vanilla and powdery notes are discovered. It is a perfectly balanced scent, with animalic florals that have a purring feline quality. The citrus notes add a spark to the legendary scent, and the vanilla is not too sweet.
Shalimar is a long-lasting fragrance, with some reviewers commenting that they could still smell it 10 hours later, and that it lasted the entire day. The scent is described as strong and unique, with a beautiful, timeless quality.
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$18.16

Shalimar's bottle design
Shalimar, a timeless perfume since 1920, has an iconic bottle design that has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 1925. The bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, won first prize at the 1925 Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition. The design is said to be inspired by the basins of the famous Shalimar Gardens and Mongolian stupa art. The blue, fan-shaped bottle stopper, reminiscent of gushing water, was influenced by a piece of silverware owned by the Guerlain family.
The most famous and recognisable version of the Shalimar bottle is the signature "bat" or "urn" design, which has been in use since the fragrance's debut. This distinctive shape has become synonymous with the Shalimar brand and has endured the test of time without significant alterations.
Over the years, Guerlain has introduced various bottle designs, particularly for the parfum concentration. These designs include the "urn," "rosebud," or "umbrella" bottles, each with their unique aesthetic. However, the "bat" or "urn" shape remains the most iconic and well-known embodiment of the Shalimar fragrance.
The bottle's arabesque designs and curves reflect the sensuality and elegance of the fragrance within. The attention to detail and inspiration drawn from Eastern garden basins and art contribute to a visually appealing and award-winning design. The bottle's shape and colour palette evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, enhancing the overall experience of the Shalimar perfume.
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Frequently asked questions
The Shalimar Eau de Parfum lasts the longest, with some users reporting that the scent lasts up to 13 hours.
Shalimar Eau de Parfum contains notes of vanilla, bergamot, balsam, tonka bean, iris, rose, jasmine, and musk.
Shalimar Eau de Parfum has a concentration of 20% to 40% fragrance oils, which is higher than other types of perfumes.
Shalimar Eau de Parfum has a longer-lasting scent compared to Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and Eau Fraiche, which have lower concentrations of fragrance oils.
Yes, there is a vintage version of Shalimar Eau de Parfum, with bottles from the 1930s to the 1980s. The scent of vintage Shalimar evolves over time, with different notes emerging at various hours.









































