Score
90/100
Guerlain
Shalimar EDP
1990
“A century of desire distilled into vanilla smoke and amber — opulent, ancient, and utterly seductive.”

The take
What works
- ●One of the greatest fragrances ever created
- ●Defining oriental DNA
- ●Century-spanning cultural relevance
Trade-offs
- ●Heavy oriental — challenging for modern minimalist tastes
- ●Reformulated from original
Notes
Top
Mid
Base
Performance
Longevity
8–10 hoursProjection
Across a tableSillage
Strong trailWhen to wear
Spring29%
Summer24%
Fall86%
Winter94%
Day51%
Night100%
Occasions
Date nightSpecial occasion
Gender
Strongly feminine
Smells like
Similar scent DNA — if you own one, you may not need the other
You might also like
Different scent, similar vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Shalimar smell similar to?
Closest matches in our database: Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum (69%), Chanel Le Lion Eau de Parfum (65%), Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT (58%). Share scent family rather than DNA — not identical, but neighbors.
How long does Shalimar last?
8–10 hours on most skin (excellent longevity at 85/100) with strong projection.
When should you wear Shalimar?
Strongest in winter and fall, evening-leaning. Suited to date night, special occasion.
Is Shalimar worth it?
At $70–$110, yes — and the gap to the next tier up is real. One of the greatest fragrances ever created. Defining oriental DNA.
Details
- Perfumer
- Jacques Guerlain
























