Shalimar Eau de Cologne

Such a good variation. Although not a "cologne" in the sense of the light and airy feel. It still remains very much dense and still very much Shamilar. The other versions like the EDT and EDP are difficult to wear without an occasion. This is an easy reach that just works brilliantly. Probably the most unisex of all the variations, and men can get away with it because its, well, a "cologne."

My first time smelling any Shalimar…reminds me of my elementary school music teacher, in a really good way like a comforting mature figure in your life. Lemony amber, sweet and powdery. Can’t compare to the EDT or EDP but I’d love to get my nose on them.

I used to wear this as my everyday perfume when I worked at a boring office job in an extremely depressing company. I was not crazy about this fragrance but at least I kinda like it. Dug this out today from deep inside my cabinet and it has become so unpleasant to me, almost nauseating... Lesson learned: if you hate your job with a passion DO NOT wear a perfume you like thinking it may lift your mood bc you will end up hating the perfume too

After a bright opening of bergamot, cedar, etc. Shalimar EDC soon nestles into vanilla, resins, and orris, so basically an amber & powder scent, with a plethora of subtle grace notes added to amuse and mystify, as was typical of perfumery a 100 years ago. So do I like Shalimar? Sure, I guess, it's okay. That core of amber and powder reminds me of many other ancient formulae, and when I compare it to other old standards, I'm not convinced Shalimar stands out as particularly glorious, despite its inarguable complexity and workmanship. Perhaps, a euphonic name and beautiful (albeit top-heavy) bottle was enough to keep it in the race long after others dropped out. Regardless, it is now historic and everyone should smell it at least once. Also, I occasionally do get that odd hazelnut note. It seems to appear for me from time to time with various resinous or ambery scents. I've gotten used to it, though it still throws off my full enjoyment. Full Discolosure: I sampled from an older bottle of the EDC, though still young as 'vintage' will go. The mostly likely result might be a reduction in the citrus notes. If it was a concern (not really) I could have tried layering it with a bergamot-leading citrus cologne. ...and if that somehow seems sacreligious, I can only encourage an enlightened embrace of chemistry over divinity.

my favorite Shalimar formula.

I smell something I don't like that is reminiscent of tar...this tar note is also in obsession by Calvin kline and if that tar smell didn't bother me so much I'd wear the heck out of both of these. Why do I smell tar yall?

I tested Shalimar vs. Shalimar and the winner was a vintage 60s bottle of this, the EDC. I first tested modern or modernish (no older than 80s) versions of the EDT, EDC, and EDP. Each modern version produced a plastic top note on my skin, with the EDT being the worst for that. I liked the EDC best of the modern Shalimars, and being a fan of all things vintage, I knew if I got an old enough bottle the top note would be gone and I would just get the lovely classic ambery / "oriental" drydown, so I obtained a vintage 60s Shalimar EDC. I tried the modern (2018) EDC versus the vintage EDC and was rewarded with exactly the effect I desired. The plastic note was gone. The vintage EDC had mellowed out, all the rough edges smoothed over, aged like fine wine.

It’s unfortunate that they discontinued the EDC. It’s a very easy to wear version of Shalimar.

I own and wear many different perfumes, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Shalimar. I have bottles and bottles, including most of the flankers, ranging from vintage to current formulations—all of them fantastic. Not much more I can add to the pile of praise, but I do want to chime in on the current EDC, the bottle you can get at Walgreens for around $40, because it’s such a great bang for the buck—and the perfect introduction to Shalimar for those who might find the EDP or parfum too heavy or the EDT too sharp. My nose doesn’t detect the florals or smoke that distinguish regular Shalimar, just that famous wallop of bergamot, joined by lemon, orange, and cedar, and a seamless slide into a softened leather/incense/patchouli accord. I get very little vanilla, almost zero florals. The result is less va va voom vamp (the EDP, parfum) or cup cakey gourmand (Shalimar Light, Shalimar Ode à La Vanille), and more nautical and bracing, a "cologne" for well turned out young gentlemen, towheaded and bronze-skinned, moving through life with preppy aplomb. Since it’s an EDC (and probably also not the formulation into which Guerlain puts its most top-notch ingredients), it doesn’t last long, but at forty bucks for a nearly 2-ounce bottle, who cares. Keep it in your bag, spritz with abandon, and bask in the sunshine.

Sharlimar, Eau de Cologne (Blue box) Easy citrus, Leather and soft sweet tonka mixture. Airy but clear, I end Shalimar here, I like it so much. Aug 26, 2024 I like Sharlimar EdC because it is easy fragrance. A brief of citrus eventually turn to powdery vanilla / tonka. With animalic undertone from Leather. Key of experience, is Powdery vanilla. Then leather dance around it. It is happy to live with the scent. When scent dry down, not-over power. It linger really well. ===== February 2, 2025 There is a type of Amber fragrance calls Amberine. It is combination between Birch Tar Leather IBQ / Coumarin Powder Vanilla and Citrus. It is also kind Musky Animalic too. The oldest one - I have sniff is Santa Maria Novella : Ambra the gold label. And this seems to be (almost) direct interpretation of it. Consider how smoky it is : I think, this keep the originality so well. When compare to the very late interpretation of Shalimar. They go extremely heavy on Vanilla / Coumarin and the Richness. Shalimar go strong on Leather note. Unbelievable that this is Shalimar but yes, it is. I didn't wear Shalimar EDC so often. But.. I would highly suggest your guy put a note on Shalimar EDC. To understand : Charm of Leathery Amberine

Since this has been discontinued, I just wanted to mention Calvin Klein Obsession for women - it's not exactly the same, but it's similar in some ways. It has a similar vibe. Beware though, Obsession is stronger than Shalimar EdC, where more than one spritz can really be overwhelming. The similarities concern the vanilla and smoky notes, as well as some of the spicy ones and the orange flower/citrus notes. I'm only mentioning this here, because Obsession is still available and it's a bargain perfume, so you might wanna check it out, if you miss this one. As to the question about Shalimar EdC being unisex or not: I'd say it depends on your preferences. I think anyone can wear anything, if they want to and there should be no shame in that at all. Personally, I prefer a scent like this on women, for a man this would be too sweet and strong on the vanilla for me to find it attractive, but like I said, it's a matter of personal taste. ;)

Definitely a flanker. Unlike the OG, the sharp citrus note is muted in this one in the opening, but the dry down is similar with edgy leather, incense, and civet with a vanilla background. I am having difficulty detecting flower notes, rose, jasmine, and iris though.

I have my ass full of questions: Is it similar to SHALIMAR classic? similar to SHALIMAR COLOGNE??? Is it nowadays in Guerlain stores? Can it be really unisex?

This is a very elegant unisex clean scent with strong powdery, smoky, citrus and leather notes. It's not outdated, but does lean vintage. I don't detect anything "animalic," at least not in a stinky or difficult way. This is ephemeral. Like a fine luxury body powder puffed into the air, with sunlight shining through it. I might vote this one of the most signature-worthy fragrances in my collection. Could be worn year round, as the bright notes are so well balanced with deeper ones. It lasts easily into the 8th hour on skin, and projects softly within arm's reach. I bought this for less than $20 at TJ Maxx when it was being discontinued. Wish I'd grabbed all of the available bottles!

My Mom recently passed away and I found 2 bottles in her closet. I grew up loving the scent of Shalimar EDT, but the eau de Cologne was new for me (I didn't realize she even owned the EDC version). I tried it but, sadly, it smells like bug spray on my skin. It's too bad because she had 1 full bottle and 1 nearly full. This is definitely different than the EDP version (for me). Like night and day! Or, like oriental yumminess vs bug spray. ;-) Edit: it is likely the leather note that is making this smell like bug spray to me. Leather notes turn awful and overwhelming on my skin so I tend to avoid perfumes with this note in them.

I like it not love it. At start this is soft lemon, vanilla and a Woody scent. On my skin it performs very soft almost a skin scent from the start. I think due to the amber. Amber is one ingredient that completely vanish in my skin. What remains of this perfume to smell is soft vanilla with some soapiness leather . I was given this bottle so i will use it up but not buy me a new bottle. It's too much non existent at least on my skin it is.

It really sucks this is discontinued. Unavailable anywhere now. Was relatively affordable. Suitable for warmer weather wearing. Effortlessly unisex. US retailers stocked this. Right now there are very few retailers stocking Guerlain anything. This and Shalimar Cologne were great. I will never understand these perfume house decisions. It is completely obvious to me Guerlain doesn't care about the US market.

Sadly, the eau de cologne has been discontinued. It is still available on eBay. This has always been my favorite version of Shalimar— a fragrance tradition handed down from my grandma and mom, who had the round splash bottles of Shalimar cologne with the triangular cap. This perfume was legend in the family. It’s what all the mothers wore, as it has implications of lemony cookies and other domestic pleasures… but those mothers were still getting laid, because Shalimar is quite sexy too! I have smelt Shalimar in all its formulations; I like them all. But the cologne really amps up the lemon & bergamot opening and makes it “pop” against the iris, smoky vanilla & animalic skin musk. The citrus/vanilla contrast in the cologne makes it more wearable and approachable. However, it’s not weak sauce! Two sprays will do ya for the day! This is my ultimate warm, comforting bedtime scent. It’s such a recognizable classic and will never be equaled. I love to wear it after a shower.

Me: The one incarnation of Shalimar that newcomers and veterans alike adore. Unisex, contemporary and oozing originality with a sophisticated but natural heritage. Words like poise and grace do no justice here. Enigmatic, elemental and beguiling. Hits every sweet spot of the EDP, but with true mass market appeal in its well rounded, balanced composition. Sporting a pedigree and history any business, let alone fragrance house would gladly pay for, even if it ran at a slight loss. History like Guerlain's, as well as the family's seminal formulations truly are world, not just French national treasures. Shalimar, in all forms, for all tastes belongs to the world. Needed now days more than ever... Guerlain: Yeah, nah. Let's discontinue it. I hold the gravest fears for my favorite lady. These are dark days indeed.

This one is perfect and has no offensive burned rubber note that is supposed to be leather i do not see how anyone could ever dislike this ethereal scent . I have vintage bottle from several years ago that lasts all day , not sure about the latest formulation. This is a perfume I never tire of .

When you wear this fragrance, you're walking through the aisles of an antique shop, or perhaps an art-deco hotel in 1920s New York. It's powdery on your first spray, with gentle pops of citrus to round out the musk. Throughout the day, the intensity wavers to a warm vanilla. Great longevity and feels familiar.

LEMON-VANILLA & LEATHER. This feels personal; handed down - it's hard to describe - it just feels right. Lemon meringue, a barber's leather strop, vanilla, ancestors, Brill creme my grandfather put in his slicked back hair, bandaids, baby powder, baby cream (not wipes), a familiar soap...these are some of the association I get wearing this. With the first sprays, this seemed to be more of a citrus cologne, or a more lemon-y version of the original perhaps (before the bottle matures), with slightly shorter wearing time, but after the vanilla ages it's a VANILLA BOMB!!!!! This gets compliments. I agree with reviewer Rasputin1963 below, this is close to the EDP. I get about 4-5 hours of good projection, after which it becomes a skin scent for a few more hours (6-8 total). This reads unisex to me, maybe because, to the best of my knowledge, neither of my grandmothers wore it. It leans a little masculine before the vanilla ages, but then it leans feminine with the aged vanilla. This is one of the very few scents that transcend the 'best before' limits IMHO. There is a timelessness to it that keeps me coming back, unlike the many scents I once loved, but could not be paid to wear now. I wear this for myself, for others, to bed, out, or just whenever. But I'm more likely to wear it in summer and wear the EDP at other times of the year. I thought I preferred the EDP to the EDT, but I actually go back and forth, although I enjoy them all. I currently have 5 versions of Shalimar, which I'm not even sure makes me a collector considering the numbers that some people collect. Shalimar forever. Enjoy! 10/10.

I love the deep, filthy EDP concentration for frigid weather, but the cologne version of Shalimar is the easiest to wear during the humid months. Dazzling juicy bergamot top note, and there's more of an emphasis on the leather, iris, and incense. The heavier concentrations have more of the sweet ambery notes & orange flower. It's difficult for me to explain it, but the vanilla base is carefully judged, it never smells like a holiday candle. 'Guerlinade' is lovely stuff. As far as modern iterations of Shalimar go~ the cologne concentration is very affordable and certainly one of the best, my favorite after the extrait. Softer, not quite as heavy and powdery, and the cologne doesn't last all day. If you are sensitive to strong fragrance and get headaches easily, but you want a "real" version of Shalimar, this is the Shalimar for you.

So I have tried and own the EDP and the Parfum extract(both modern and vintage). I tested the cologne once at a perfume store and WOAH was it different from the EDP and Extrait. The cologne, in my opinion, is more masculine with less of the powdery and amber and more of the citrus, vanilla and definitely a lot more of the spice. The spice was actually the first thing I smelled. It smells like lemon and pepper to me. I'm willing to give it a shot but it wasn't my favorite compared to the other concentrations.

It's always been said that the Guerlain EDC's are very respectable indeed and give you quite the bang for your buck. SHALIMAR in the EDC is no exception, and gives you all the ideas of the scent from top-notes to bottom, just in a lighter, wearable way. I personally prefer the EDP, 'cause I actually like the more intense animalic qualities, but I always use the EDC to "revive" and "freshen-up" my EDP application. I agree with Suzanne_ronald below, who says that the EDC reminds one of vintage hair, talcum and baby products. That had been my own first impression when I was introduced to the scent in 2007.

The first notes are like smoke, a really unpleasant smell, but after it subsides, love begins. Something absolutely wonderful, mysterious and sexy. Strong vanilla, with a woody, resinous and animal base. Suitable for autumn and winter. Colonge strength is just the right strength for me and lasts almost the whole day. The only downside is that the production has been discontinued. This is close to perfect for me.

I have a vintage EDC in the flat round bottle and as a guy, I wear this to feel warm and comforted in the evening or for sleeping. It's so smooth and calming. My juice is very vanilla forward with amber and leather in support roles. LOVE.

For the opening, and only the opening does this smell like it's respective color. It's a tart, zingy, zesty citrus opening, and it's the sort that's perfect in the morning when you're groggy and trying to wake up fully. It of course settles and becomes so, so soft, and beautifully powdery...it's really lovely. The leather reveals itself early on, and immediately you can tell it's the leading note. I actually have never read the notes here, but it's such a clear, convincing leather without being overbearing, that I think it's actually quite a rare balance and done incredibly well here. This has a romantically oldschool tone, but not as strongly as original Shalimar (which I haven't smelled in years, but remember at least that much). As it dries on my skin, a licorice-y tone emerges along with the vanillic (true vanilla absolute smell, it smells like the real deal) leather, my mom confirmed this as well, though on her it smells nearly of patchouli with sandalwood. It's not very animalic, but it's not entirely "clean" smelling either, it's all just kind of gently in the background here. Even in colonge form, Shalimar is a fragrance of dimension, history and romance. It unfolds like a song, and I deeply enjoy the entire process. It's delightfully out of fashion (but are beautiful things ever, truly?), yet none of that matters in the slightest. Wearable art 🎨 ✨️

Less concentrated Shalimar, less powdery, and stays close to the skin. Very unisex and the easiest Shalimar that can be worn by men 6.5/10

I like Shalimar EDC well enough but my nose can't distinguish the leather note here from the tonka in the EDT. I really couldn't tell them apart so I sold this one.