
Shalimar, the first-ever ambery perfume, was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925. The perfume is inspired by a passionate love story between an emperor and an Indian princess, with the name Shalimar meaning temple of love in Sanskrit. Shalimar's unique scent, with notes of bergamot, vanilla, iris, jasmine, rose, and more, has made it a living legend, with Guerlain perfumers continuing to compose new variations of the scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Guerlain |
| Created by | Jacques Guerlain |
| Year | 1925 |
| Fragrance notes | Bergamot, lemon, iris, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, opopanax, tonka bean, frankincense, sandalwood, musk, civet, ambergris, leather, vanilla |
| Bottle design | Raymond Guerlain |
| Bottle design inspiration | Shalimar gardens |
| Bottle design award | First prize at the Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition in 1925 |
| Fragrance inspiration | A passionate love story between an emperor and an Indian princess |
| Fragrance meaning | "Temple of love" in Sanskrit |
| Fragrance symbol | Promise of eternal love |
| Fragrance type | Oriental perfume |
| Fragrance description | Elegant, soft, feminine, mysterious, luminous, zesty, green, floral, woody, leathery, spicy, gourmand |
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What You'll Learn

Shalimar was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925
Shalimar perfume was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925. It is the first ambery perfume in history and continues to be one of Guerlain's most popular fragrances. The perfume is known for its romantic and light notes of iris, jasmine, rose, and vanilla. The Shalimar bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, won first prize at the Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition in 1925. Its curves were inspired by the basins of the famous Shalimar gardens, and the fan stopper recalls the garden's gushing water.
Vanilla, balsam notes, and tonka beans bring power and sensuality to the fragrance, along with the famous "Guerlinade" olfactory signature, which is recognised for making many Guerlain perfumes unique. Shalimar's top notes include bergamot, which has been described as a sparkle of sunshine. The scent has been described as a deepening mystery, with layers that unfold over time.
The perfume has been described as elegant, soft, and feminine, with a unique and irreplaceable scent among floral amber perfumes. It has been referenced in various songs, films, and television shows, showcasing its cultural significance and longevity. Shalimar remains a beloved and iconic fragrance nearly a century after its creation.
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$93.35 $135

The bottle was designed by Raymond Guerlain
Shalimar perfume is an iconic fragrance created by Guerlain. The perfume was first presented at the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris. The bottle was designed by Raymond Guerlain in collaboration with Baccarat. The design won first prize at the Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition that same year.
The curves of the Shalimar bottle were inspired by the basins of the famous Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan. The blue, fan-shaped stopper evokes the splendour of a precious and refined Orient. The bottle's sapphire-coloured cap was a revolution in the world of perfumery, as Shalimar was the first bottle with a coloured cap. The bottle's design, with its deep blue colour, has been praised by customers as "wonderful" and "beautiful".
The Shalimar perfume was created by Jacques Guerlain. It was inspired by the love story between an emperor and an Indian princess, which is reflected in the perfume's name, meaning "temple of love" in Sanskrit. Shalimar is an Oriental perfume with notes of bergamot, lemon, iris, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, opopanax, tonka bean, frankincense, sandalwood, musk, civet, ambergris, leather, and vanilla.
The House of Guerlain has a long history of creating innovative fragrances and beauty products. Founded in 1828 by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, the House has since released numerous iconic perfumes, including Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, and Ne m'oubliez pas, the first lipstick in a tube. Guerlain has also designed the Bee Bottle, an iconic shape inspired by the Colonne Vendôme and the Second Empire palaces. The Bee Bottle was a gift to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III.
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Shalimar is an Oriental perfume
The Shalimar 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 stopper recalls the garden's gushing water. The perfume itself is a mythic fragrance with bergamot, iris, and vanilla notes. It is a warm scent with a touch of impertinence, embodying skin-caressing sensuality with a hint of the forbidden. The vanilla base brings power and sensuality to the fragrance, along with balsam notes and tonka beans.
Shalimar is considered a classic perfume, with a soft, elegant, and feminine scent. It does not have an overpowering floral scent like many other perfumes. The top note is spicy, with a vanilla and musk base. The bergamot opening is generous and sparkling, like sunshine, creating a sense of warmth and embrace. The perfume has a mysterious quality, with layers of scent that unfold over time.
The scent of Shalimar has been described as intoxicating, with a rich and rounded character. The leather notes add an animalic and dark element, while herbs emphasise bitterness, and florals add softness. The amber base is celebrated, along with the vanilla, resins, smoke, incense, and woody notes. Shalimar is a unique and irreplaceable fragrance, with a subtle baroque regality that sets it apart from other perfumes.
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The fragrance contains notes of vanilla, bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, and more
Shalimar, a perfume by Guerlain, contains a complex blend of notes, including vanilla, bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, and more. Created in 1921 by Jacques Guerlain, it was inspired by the love story of Emperor Shahjahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Shalimar, meaning "temple of love" in Sanskrit, symbolises eternal love and desire.
The fragrance is characterised by a unique combination of citrus, floral, and warm spicy notes. The top notes of bergamot and lemon provide a fresh and juicy opening, while the heart notes of iris, jasmine, and rose create a floral bouquet. The scent then deepens with base notes of vanilla, tonka bean, and musk, adding a sensual and powdery touch. Shalimar is also known for its distinctive balsamic and woody accords, with hints of incense and leather, creating an oriental and opulent fragrance.
Vanilla, as the key note, adds a gourmand, woody, and spicy character to the perfume. It blends seamlessly with the citrus and floral notes, softening the overall fragrance. The vanilla in Shalimar is noted for its smoky and incense-like quality, adding depth and intrigue to the scent. This note is a signature element of the Guerlain house fragrances, known as the "Guerlinade" olfactory signature.
Bergamot, as the top note, provides a fresh and juicy opening to the perfume. It is often described as having a smoky character, adding a layer of complexity to the fragrance. The interplay between the bright citrus and the smoky vanilla creates a unique and memorable scent. Bergamot is a signature ingredient of the House of Guerlain, known for its use in many of their iconic fragrances.
The iris note in Shalimar adds a powdery and creamy aspect to the fragrance. It blends beautifully with the vanilla and floral notes, creating a soft and sensual scent. The interplay between the iris and other notes gives Shalimar its distinctive character, making it instantly recognisable. Iris is a key ingredient in many Guerlain fragrances, and its inclusion in Shalimar showcases the house's signature style.
Jasmine, rose, and other floral notes contribute to the heart of the fragrance, adding a romantic and elegant touch. These notes are carefully balanced to avoid an overpowering floral scent, instead creating a subtle and delicate impression. The floral heart of Shalimar enhances the overall femininity and sophistication of the perfume.
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Shalimar has been referenced in popular culture, including songs, films, and TV shows
Shalimar has been referenced in popular culture, including songs, films, TV shows, and novels.
In the musical "La Cage Aux Folles", Shalimar is mentioned in the song "A Little More Mascara". In the song "Madame George" from his 1968 album "Astral Weeks", Van Morrison sings about "sweet perfume... like Shalimar". The lyrics of the song "On a Little Street in Singapore" also reference Shalimar, with the line "My sails tonight are filled with perfume of Shalimar".
In the film "California Split", the character Helen Brown claims to wear Shalimar. Shalimar is also mentioned in the 1989 film "See No Evil, Hear No Evil", where Richard Pryor's blind character identifies the villainess by the smell of Shalimar. Shalimar is the perfume favoured by Jacqueline Bisset's character in the 1971 movie "The Mephisto Waltz".
Shalimar has also made appearances in TV shows, including "The Love Boat", "NCIS", "Mad Men", "Orange Is the New Black", "The Nanny", "Person of Interest", "American Horror Story", and "Abbott Elementary".
In the novel "L'Indic" by Roger Borniche, the aristocrat Sylvia de Neyrac uses Shalimar to fascinate the policeman Roger Borniche.
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Frequently asked questions
Shalimar perfume is made by Guerlain.
Shalimar is a vanilla-based fragrance with notes of bergamot, lemon, iris, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, opopanax, tonka bean, frankincense, sandalwood, musk, civet, ambergris, leather, balsam, and resins.
Shalimar means "temple of love" in Sanskrit.










































