Shalimar L'Essence Eau de Parfum Intense

First, let me confess I have never knowingly smelled the OG version of Shalimar, so I cannot compare this to that. I’m in my 40s and not in a location near any good perfume boutiques, and it wasn’t one that ever made my radar other than the fact my mom wore it when she was in college. Then I tried Mon Guerlain (in a blind buy) and fell in total love, so I thought I’d open my mind to Shalimar, too. I have nowhere to try it near me, but reading the notes, it sounded like L’Essence was best suited for me, so I went for it. In the first spray to my skin, my gut reaction was not good at all, and I thought about scrubbing it off and sending it back. It wasn’t awful- just a bit strong and a little funky for my normal taste. But I thought that I should see what happened and waited, as scents seem to fade quickly on me anyway. And what a payoff! It seemed magical. It softened within 5 minutes to a beautiful spicy powdery soft amber vanilla. I am usually not a fan of powdery scents, but this is a divine, feminine, not too mature and not too-youthful vanilla. Goldilocks. A just-right, happy place vanilla with intrigue. I couldn’t keep from smelling my wrist. And it lingered and lasted, and just became a softer and more lovely vanilla with different notes whispering around it throughout the rest of the day. Easily eight hours later I could still smell it, and the aroma was still on my sleeve the next day. I think if I had just sprayed this on a test strip and not on skin I never would have realized its full beauty. I think it needed contact or warmth to really develop into the loveliness that it did. I know different skin chemistries handle fragrances differently, so I’m happy that this worked so well for me, and I bet it would develop differently and with different nuances highlighted in everyone, with the vanilla being a constant. Anyway- I love it, and I find myself excited for the experience each time I go for another spray. I only need a max of three sprays to be able to project the scent but not overwhelm, probably even 2 would do if I wanted it even softer. This scent will continue to be in my little collection, and I’m happy I found it. Thanks Nordstrom for the great selection!