Some perfumes come and go with the trends, but a rare few remain eternal. Shalimar is one of them. Today, I’m excited to share with you the newest intense chapter in Guerlain’s Shalimar story: Shalimar L’Essence Review.
Created back in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, it was the very first amber fragrance in history—and for a century now, it’s kept its place as a true icon. This year, we’re celebrating 100 years of Shalimar! 🎉
To honor this milestone, Guerlain has unveiled Shalimar L’Essence review—an even more intense variation that captures the very soul of the original. Think of it as Shalimar’s most precious secret, bottled up: bold, timeless, and irresistibly modern.
It’s more than just perfume—it’s history, elegance, and passion woven into a scent that has enchanted women for generations (and will keep doing so for the next hundred years).
Shalimar L’Essence Review: A Love Letter to Vanilla
This new intense eau de parfum is really a love letter to vanilla in all its forms. Perfumer Delphine Jelk took Guerlain’s ancestral expertise and added precious Madagascan vanilla tincture to the ethylvanillin that Jacques Guerlain used in the original formula. The result? Shalimar with an even deeper, richer intensity.
It all begins softly, with a touch of bergamot that brightens the floral heart—where velvety rose absolute meets the powdery grace of iris. Then, little by little, that iconic amber note of Shalimar begins to unfold.
And here’s where the magic happens: the vanilla. Used generously, it reveals new sides of itself—smooth and creamy, a little woody, with just the faintest whisper of leather. It’s Shalimar, but dressed in a darker, more mysterious glow.
Shalimar L’Essence – Fragrance Notes
Fragrance Family: Floral & Amber
Key Notes: Bergamot, Rose Absolute, Iris, Leather, Amber, Madagascan Vanilla, Vanillin
Shalimar L’Essence Review: Where Art Deco Meets Today
You know, Shalimar isn’t just about the fragrance—it’s about the bottle, too. And for the new Shalimar L’Essence, Guerlain has given that iconic flacon a little makeover.
This time, the logo is inspired by Art Deco—that glamorous, geometric style that was all the rage back in 1925, the same year Shalimar was born. The letters are bold, graphic, and dipped in a golden glow, just like the perfume inside.
The whole look feels like the best of both worlds: steeped in history, yet totally modern. It’s the perfect bridge between Shalimar’s legendary past and its exciting future.
Shalimar L’Essence Review– My first impression
The moment you spray Shalimar L’Essence, those bright citrus notes that hit first, now are just lightly, like a gentle wink reminding you that yes, this is still the Shalimar we know and love. Then, almost like magic, the flowers take over.
The rose is rich and full, wrapped in the soft, powdery elegance of iris. Honestly, it’s so beautifully blended that you can’t help but smile.
And then… vanilla. Oh, that famous Guerlain vanilla! It’s warm, soft, and totally enveloping—like a cozy hug for your senses. Around it, a hint of spices pops up, giving the vanilla a little twist of mystery. A touch of suede slides in too, adding that extra bit of elegance and making the whole scent feel rich, smooth, and completely irresistible.
Finally, everything rests on a warm, amber base, grounding the perfume with a rich, lingering finish. Shalimar L’Essence isn’t just a fragrance—it’s a story, a mood, a little moment of joy that lasts all day. Timeless, sensual, and utterly irresistible.
Shalimar L’Essence Review – Perfume Card
Shalimar L’Essence – My Thoughts
This perfume is built entirely around vanilla. She is powerful, addictive, and far smoother than the original. It’s a sweet, warm, smoky vanilla—sheer, uncomplicated, and without the need for deep interpretation.
If you’ve never been able to tolerate Shalimar, this is the perfect entry point into the line. The challenging, so-called “outdated” facets of the classic have been stripped away.
When compared to other creations in the collection, I sense echoes of older releases. The opening reminds me of Millesime Iris. In Millesime Planifolia, the vanilla feels softer than in L’Essence, while the dry-down carries a resemblance to Millesime Tonka.
Now, let’s touch on the controversy that surrounded this release. Like many in the perfume community, I was thrilled and impatiently awaiting its arrival. After all, we were celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shalimar, weren’t we? I expected Guerlain to astonish us with creativity and ambition—to deliver a fragrance that would sweep us off our feet.
Instead, what we received was a charming, easy-to-wear scent that fell short of such expectations. Don’t get me wrong—it’s beautiful, seamlessly blended, and perfectly wearable day to day. Yet, it lacks that breathtaking wow factor. Perhaps if I hadn’t carried such high hopes, my impression would be different.
This fragrance takes a different path—modern, approachable, aimed at a younger audience. I understand Guerlain’s intention to reach those who never connected with Shalimar in the past. But was the centenary really the right moment to make that shift?
Rating: 4,0 / 5
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