Guerlain Shalimar L'Essence was launched in 2025, created by Delphine Jelk. A beautiful modern interpretation of the original classic, Guerlain Shalimar, with even more emphasis on vanilla. It has notes of bergamot, almond, incense, opopanine, rose iris, Ethylvanillin, benjoin, vanilla, tonka bean, musk and leather. Guerlain Shalimar L'Essence is the EDP, eau de parfum.
From the brand - "This intense eau de parfum celebrates vanilla in every form. Delphine Jelk has added the precious Madagascan vanilla tincture stemming from Guerlain's ancestral know-how to the ethylvanillin found in Jacques Guerlain’s original formula, giving Shalimar a new intensity. Discreet and subtle, bergamot illuminates the floral heart which blends rose absolute with the powdery elegance of iris. Little by little, Shalimar’s amber note unfolds. Used in abundance, vanilla infuses it with new facets – smooth and woody with a hint of leather."
Fragrantica - "The original Shalimar is a saga. Strange openings, dramatic turns, and a payoff of dreamy vanilla. L’Essence edits out the plot twists and gives you a mostly calm, well-behaved vanilla from start to finish. The OG is more interesting, L’Essence is more agreeable."
Fragrantica - "This is great. I always liked the og but this one does something better. Maybe it uses a different kind of coumarin but it has that animalic castoreum pissy feel to it (in a really good way of course). When I first smelt it, I had to double check i didnt just spray Absolute Aphrodisiac. The similarity is insane, this one just gets a bit more floral in the drydown. It's unisex with a feminine lean. 2025 had some amazing releases and this is one of the better ones for sure!"
Fragrantica - "Shalimar L'Essence, feel like that original Tonka-Coumarin feels but enhance with greater smooth vanilla base. Some of dusty feel but not overly done, yet a trace of floral here and there. Smoky, softly understate but strong. Not overly animalic, and leathery old world, but a bit woody that reminds leathery feel."
Fragrantica - "a beautiful, cold vanilla incense! boarding medicinal at times, but in a "i just took a shower using cold water and immediately put on my leather jacket afterwards to run here so i wouldn't be late" kinda cool girl way"
Fragrantica - "This one quickly became my favourite vanilla EVER. I also love the original Shalimar,but I find it a bit difficult to find the perfect ocassion to wear it, L'Essence can be worn anytime, just adjust the sprays and that's it. If you want a vanilla that is elegant, serious, sensual and doesn't smell like cake, this is it! My mother hates vanilla and gourmands, but loves this one!"
