Shalimar L’Essence by Guerlain

Shalimar L’Essence Eau de Parfum Intense (100th Anniversary Edition). Top notes: incense, almond, bergamot. Heart: iris, amber, rose. Base: vanillin, opoponax, Madagascar vanilla, musk, benzoin, tonka bean, leather. Honestly, I only notice what the bottle says. At first, I detect dark vanilla with incense giving it an oriental twist and a slight unisex vibe. That phase is short-lived before the perfume transforms. As the incense fades, sweet, creamy, powdery vanilla emerges. The iris adds that elegant dustiness that refines the vanilla. In the background, a soft citrus note of bergamot keeps it luminous. The dry-down is gorgeous: enveloping vanilla, powdery iris, and balanced citrus. It’s linear, and I love it that way. It’s one of those perfumes you can’t stop smelling on your hand. It’s not a sweet, pastry-like gourmand vanilla; it’s elegant, warm, and deep. The longevity impressed me—many hours of comforting trail. It wraps you like a cloud. At first, it leans unisex with a masculine touch, but later settles into a true unisex balance. If you like vanilla, enjoy it.

When the soul is sad, it needs comfort. Any hug, word, or smile is a blessing, but if there’s nothing else, a scoop of ice cream or sniffing one of Guerlain’s best perfumes helps. This warm, rich, golden vanilla wraps around you like a protective embrace. Every experience with Shalimar is wonderful. It needs time to reveal its full depth. Upon application, the bergamota dances, the soft leather caresses me, and the original DNA wishes me a good day. That silky, warm vanilla is a dream. Guerlain has done an incredible job honoring Shalimar, giving it a new life. It’s more wearable for daily life than the original, which remains an unmatched masterpiece. The fragrance is present without being overwhelming, with a powdery and elegant touch. It’s unique, like art. Give it a try and let it breathe; for me, it’s been a pure pleasure.

To my nose, the first thing I detect is a weak but present leather. There’s also amber, an undeclared note. It has a very fine vanilla; in my country, it’s spring approaching summer. It’s elegant. The leather isn’t invasive like in the original version, where it’s very noticeable on my skin, and that note isn’t my favorite. I’ll wait for it to open up and return in autumn. I loved its aroma… for now, it’s a bit weak. The opening is ambered, dry leather with citrusy vanilla that I adore. From the opening to the dry-down, an exquisite iris. Everyone perceives things differently… perhaps my impression will change in autumn. Blind buy? No… test it first.

I was craving a Shalimar flanker, and when L’Essence launched for the centenary, I bought it without a second thought. On my skin, iris dominates, balanced by very subtle touches of vanilla and incense—even though incense isn’t usually my thing, it works beautifully here. Over time, it becomes powdery, reminding me of Chanel 19 Poudre (which shares the iris), but while I grew tired of that one, this never does. It also smells like Diptyque Duelle EDP at first, but L’Essence lasts longer and projects better. I’d just ask for a bit more projection; the skin longevity is great for me. If you’re a Shalimar fan and collect versions, this is a must-have.

To my nose, the first thing I notice is leather, faint but there. There’s also amber, undeclared notes. The vanilla is very fine, ideal for late spring heading into summer. It’s elegant. The leather isn’t invasive like in the original, which on my skin is very noticeable and I don’t like. I’ll wait for it to settle before trying again in autumn. I loved the scent… for now it’s a bit weak. The opening is ambered leather and dries with a citrus vanilla that I love. Then comes an exquisite iris. Everyone perceives it differently… maybe my impression will change in autumn. Blind buy? No, test it first.

Certainly a simplified version of the original Shalimar without falling into reductionism. It’s a vanilla-focused version, yet complex and dense at the start with bursts reminiscent of the OG. You can feel very light facets of leather, typical of Guerlain’s tincture. It feels ambered without sinking into the balsamic depth of the original, with a velvet sensation from the iris and rose. It’s a modern Shalimar with broader public appeal, yet it remains elegant, sophisticated, and mature—not for everyone.

Arrived yesterday, and out of all the Shalimars I know, this is my favorite. The DNA is there but toned down; in the first hours it smells like Cuir Beluga (a beast of a scent). The vanilla Guerlain uses is out of this world.

Lots of vanilla and plenty of iris, plus a hint of incense. Translation: if you’re looking to smell like a lady’s sweet vanilla, this is your perfume. Short longevity, moderate sillage.

Lots of vanilla and lots of iris, with a hint of incense. Translation: if you want to smell like a lady’s sweet vanilla, this is it. Short longevity, moderate sillage.

A masterpiece! It’s the pure essence of Shalimar. Chanel with Premier, Guerlain with this one. Reminds me of Cuir Beluga for that luxury vanilla.