Shalimar L’Essence by Guerlain: The Maison’s Reimagined Incarnation of the Glorious Classic
Written by Angel Hoque
Guerlain Shalimar, created in 1925, revolutionized the fragrance world by introducing amber scents at a time when floral and powdery jasmines reigned supreme. By the 1950s, it had become a beloved classic – the epitome of a sultry, alluring perfume that embodied French sophistication. Shalimar effortlessly blended a warm, seductive vanilla into a rich, masculine composition, creating a fragrance that exuded timeless elegance and sensuality.
Shalimar L’Essence pays tribute to a century of heritage while adding a distinctly 2025 edge. Guerlain has introduced this new intense interpretation, distilling the iconic signatures of the original Shalimar into a richer, more concentrated form. It stands as an homage to the enduring modernity, bold spirit, and sensual allure of the Maison’s most legendary women’s fragrance.
This intense eau de parfum honors vanilla in all its facets. Delphine Jelk enriches the composition with precious Madagascan vanilla tincture alongside the ethylvanillin from Jacques Guerlain’s original formula, lending Shalimar a renewed depth and strength. A delicate touch of bergamot subtly brightens the floral heart, where rose absolute meets the refined, powdery grace of iris. Gradually, Shalimar’s amber signature reveals itself. With generous use of vanilla, the accord gains fresh dimensions—creamy, woody, and lightly accented with leather.
I've become a more discerning shopper when it comes to spending on perfume, and it's been a while since I've felt that natural urge to repeatedly reach for a fragrance—especially a new release. I've tried multiple samples from my local Guerlain boutique, and every time I wear this beauty, it transforms on my skin, unfolding into an irresistibly captivating scent. It’s like a blend of all my favorite woody, powdery gourmand notes—just more modern, refined, and undeniably elegant.
More than a fragrance, Shalimar L’Essence feels like a love letter—one written by Delphine Jelk, Guerlain’s Director of Perfume Creation. There’s a sense of openness within it. The vanilla is present—gentle, smooth, and comforting—yet it never weighs the composition down. Instead, everything seems to drift effortlessly. L’Essence breathes with clarity, offering a warm veil rather than a dense cloud of overpowering smell.
It sits perfectly between the ethereal qualities of Millésime Tonka and Souffle de Parfum Intense, sharing a velvety, buttery-smooth sweetness that feels luxuriously feminine. The balance is immensely captivating yet never overwhelming.