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Shalimar Souffle de Parfum 2017
by Guerlain
Shalimar Souffle de Parfum 2017 is a lighter, more airy interpretation of the original Shalimar, leaning heavily into citrus and vanilla with a soft, powdery floral base. It opens with a bright burst of bergamot, lemon, and mandarin, which quickly settles into a creamy blend of Tahitian vanilla, jasmine, and white musk. The scent evokes a dreamy, comfortingly sweet lemon meringue or vanilla cheesecake accord, with a delicate, soft focus that suits spring and summer wear. It has a subtle, intimate sillage and moderate longevity, lasting up to a full day on most skin types, though some find the projection weak and the dry-down faint. Notably, it is perceived as floral and feminine by most, departing from the rich, intense oriental character of the original Shalimar, and instead aligning more closely with a lighter, modern interpretation akin to a vanillic Chanel No 5 L'Eau.
Pros
- +A soft, airy, and approachable take on Shalimar with a fresh citrus and vanilla profile suitable for daily wear.
- +Lays down a classy, romantic, and comforting scent that feels feminine, modern, and refined.
- +Well-suited for warm weather, office environments, and those who prefer light, low-impact perfumes with an elegant dry-down.
Cons
- −The scent can be perceived as discontinuous or faded quickly, especially on fair skin or without layering.
- −Some reviewers find it to smell more like vintage men’s cologne or old bar soap, possibly due to its powdery character.
- −The luxurious bottle feels too delicate to use regularly, especially as a limited edition, and may not live up to expectations for fans of the original Shalimar.