Shalimar EDT by Guerlain

Shalimar EDT is a flanker of a different concentration to the original Eau de Parfum. Lots of similarities, but how does it differ? What does the EDT version smell like and is it actually worthwhile to try? I grabbed a sample recently to test it out for a full site review and share my thoughts below.

What does Shalimar EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla, tonka bean

Click here to try: Shalimar EDT

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: A vibrant contrast between the fresh flight of citrus and the bewitching sensuality of both vanilla and powdery notes. Shalimar, let you senses take over…

Shalimar EDT opens with a strong use of the bergamot note up top. Obviously, it’s quite similar to the eau de parfum version. However, this one has a spicier kick early on versus the smokier aroma I get with EDP.

It also has some leathery facets to the aroma, courtesy of the tonka bean and vanilla, but less so than EDP. The bergamot here calms way down, on my skin, and this shifts more towards a powdery floral fragrance.

The iris, leads the way, and it seems like any rose and jasmine sort of just blend together into a more generic floral accord.

It becomes powdery, fresh, sweet, warm, with a light dynamic citrus still lingering. Mostly going to be all about that iris and vanilla combination, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Another difference with the EDP, is with the performance. Shalimar EDT isn’t a weak scent, but there’s a noticeable step down versus the original.

Still, that first hour or two is plenty strong. It isn’t a complete bomb that’s going to reach across of the room. After that, this one will be much more mild. Noticeable, but not popping hugely off of the skin.

The longevity is pretty good, just not great. For me, Shalimar EDT will last somewhere in the 6-6.5 hour range max. That is one drawback, with the EDT, it’s not a great performer by any stretch.

Seasonally, you’re more likely to get to use this one in the autumn and wintertime. Though, I think that it’d be just fine during the spring months too. Summer, is too hot and humid in most places for this to be very useful.

Within this timeframe, Shalimar can be used as a daily wear, casual, and pretty much whenever else you’d want to wear it. Not really a party perfume but it is attractive scent that is clean and non-offensive. Very versatile scent.

Overall Impressions of Shalimar EDT

Overall, is this one worth it? Absolutely. Shalimar is one of my personal favorite classic perfumes and the EDT is a great representation, with some of it’s own unique touches.

However, I do still prefer the original to this, and I think that Parfum Initial is about neck and neck with Shalimar EDT.

With EDT, I enjoy the bergamot and spicy top a lot. You get a nice amount of time with the citrus note and some more dynamism when compared to the EDP. Powdery and sweet with the iris and vanilla finish. It’s enjoyable as well, just not to the same level as the totality of EDP.

It might not be different enough for some people to warrant having a bottle of both. In that case, I’d definitely go with the Eau de Parfum first. But, if you want a somewhat gentler finish (less smoke and leathery aroma) with plenty of powder, then the EDT might be a good bet as your first option.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.