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Danehaoxjlyrk – :
It’s Shalimar EdP, but a bit mustier and stickier. I was relieved that I didn’t perceive it as that different from the original, saves me a lot of headache and heartache.
cdo466Diobtetty – :
I want to sing: Love, love, love. All you need is love or Shalimar. I think this is definitely Ode to Shalimar, it is absolutely beautiful. It was my first Shalimar and I think it is the best. I can´t stop smelling it. I try to save it for special occasions or when I need to feel better I just spray a bit of it and immediately the world seems to be a better place. The only thing that is not good about it is the fact that there are no more bottles.
paxa1901 – :
Bad, expensive bind buy. I give up on Shalimar, it’s not for me. I wanted to love the original EDP but it’s too thick, heavy, and animalic. The citrus throws me off more rather than lightening it up. I also tried Parfum Initial and although it is lighter, it is every bit as animalic, almost indolic (fecal). I was hoping this would be it, a vanilla version seemed perfect, but it’s got a weird sourness to it (more like sour milk than citrus) and the vanilla does not smell gourmand/edible at all. I actually prefer original Shalimar EDP to this. I guess I’ll be sticking to Indult Tihota/other Guerlains for Vanilla. I keep this in my wardrobe for the pretty bottle but never wear it.
foreveryoung – :
I was expecting to love this. Shalimar with an extra vanilla boost? And some caramel AND chocolate?? Yeah baby! But I’m really not sure about it. The opening has that gasoline/petrol/tar note in it that bothers me. It disappears after a while, leaving a nicer scent behind, but by that time it’s on its way to being pretty soft. Not quite the olfactory journey I’d been hoping for. If you don’t mind the harsh opening of the recent formulations, then you’ll most likely have no issues with this. Maybe I’m spoiled, but I prefer not to feel like I’m putting up with the opening, waiting to get to the good bit. Or at least to have a more prominent good bit to look forward to. Once it’s dried down, there are some nice vanilla and caramel wafts coming up though. I’ve got Madagascar on the other wrist now… Madagascar is a bit more complex than Mexique, as you’d expect from the notes list. In the middle and dry down anyway, but the difference is pretty subtle, simply because it’s such a soft scent by the time they start to smell different. So much so that yes, I have cut and pasted a lot of my review from Madagascar, you observant little fragoholic. They both did last a good few hours though, but were both pretty close to the skin after about 2 hours. Mexique finished up with a yummy but faint chocolate fuzz, but I can’t spend all day with my nose pressed on my wrist in order to smell it. I have other things to do! (I could still smell faint chocolate 12 hours later but Madagascar was completely gone after 4-5 hours.)
And please, I don’t mind if you want to re-use a bottle design, but could you please print on the different name? Or use a different ribbon on top? Write the name on the bottom sticker? Something?! If you own both Madagascar and Mexique (haven’t seen the other Vanille to compare) there’s absolutely nothing to tell them apart, other than the box.
Avencycline – :
My baby of all my babies! My loves of all loves! I feel so lucky to have a bottle of this beauty. It’s just so stunning, so breath taking, if I had to pick a signature this would be it. It’s such a ravishingly suductive scent. It’s romantic with a huge capital ‘R’. When wearing this scent for me it’s an emotional journey. It brings out enormous moods in me. My husband says it’s one sexy hell of a scent. One of his favorites in my collection. All the notes blend and compliment one another so well. The caramel and chocolate do not in anyway over take this scent. It’s blended so perfect with all notes playing a harmonious beloved symphony. An orchestra with a highly anticipated arrangement that takes you on a mystical journey. On me it’s warm, soft, balmy, very cozy. It’s a sophistication of pure class. The sillage is exceptional, the longevity is long lasting. It is pure love in a bottle with a pinch of erotic on the side. Xox
Fedorok23 – :
Oooooh this Guerlain gives me butterflies in my stomach! I like this more than the current Shalimar EDP because of the added hint of sweetness. It definitely has the same DNA though. This is good for colder evenings of which we have many over here.
I can see why many see this as ‘mature’ although I hate that word, it’s different from modern offerings, it doesn’t scream young and fresh, but boy does it smell sultry and good!! Not suitable for the office, save this for grand soirees!
Xeroxczzgd – :
It was a blind buy. A very mature scent, not for everyone. I regreted buying it. Test it before you buy this!
LasPapas – :
This is a really lovely Shalimar. It’s pure vanilla incense (I have a Japanese vanilla incense that I use and this smells exactly like it). As with all Shalimar’s, it’s best to wear this when it’s “safe.” By safe I mean: not too hot outside, not in a bad mood or prone to headaches that day (scent has associations, so if you wear it under negative conditions you’re likely to equate the two). I actually learned that lesson the hard way. I haven’t smelled the other vanilla versions of Shalimar, but would love to. (I have a 5.5ml decant of this).
LIHATCH999 – :
This sounds amazing! I did not know there was a Shalimar with chocolate!!! I could go Into another dimension with something this good. The notes sound heavenly and the perfume celebrates the magic that is in Mexico. Glad I read this before Mother’s Day. I know what I will ask for. My question is will it be the real stuff if bought off the net? My son told me that a lot of perfume bought on the net can be bad batches or not the real product. That is upsetting for the hunter. Surely, the Guerlain site will have this, but the price might be scary. Sounds like an incredible mix of perfect perfume magic, still. I would love to own a bottle of this.
gffsmbj – :
Newsflash! The route de Mexique and the Shalimar route de Madagascar ARE different. They share the same bottle but the juice is not the same. I believe this one (Mexique) has the added Opoponax (smoke) whereas the Madagascar one does not. Either way, I NEED both of them as Shalimar could never disappoint.
I heard there’s a third one too
the Shalimar ode de Vanille. (Not en route anywhere!)
And all 3 are variations of each other!
Exciting news for vanilla fans like me!
Aerohopleneripfd – :
My gosh, this perfume is STUNNING! Every time I spray this fragrance I’m taken aback by its timeless beauty. and Shalimar signature notes with a smoky vibe added!
It’s a gorgeous smoky/lemon scent that performs so well on my dry and thirsty skin
I find myself rubbing my chest where it’s applied and constantly sniffing that hand!
It’s earned a permanent place in my top 10 frags list!
I have heard that the Madagascar Vanilla Shalimar is the same as this but have not compared the 2 but would like to.
This added opponax (the smoky note) is what makes this stand out from the Shalimar Initial, which I also own and love!
‘.
gulak71 – :
The sample that i received from a wonderful fragrantica member , says that it is this Shalimar. But what I’m smelling is different from these reveiws. To my nose it opens with a delicious lemon and cream pie and leather. After 30 minutes the leather gets stronger and the lemon takes a back seat, i smell oppoponax and vanilla. Finally at the end for the last few hours it smells exactly like Prada amber. Im in love with this fragrance and i hope that i bought this one. I won an eBay auction and so excited for it to get here. When i first started my fragrance journey into less mainstream and more unique perfumes i didn’t like the original Shalimar. Time has went on and my nose has grown;) to love heavier,darker,resinous, strange scents. I feel in love with every Shalimar flanker I’ve tested and now after loving and craving this fragrace i want to revisit the original; i have a feeling i will adore it now! To bad these unique and wondrous scents are discounted:(
Nar-kotik – :
I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewer below mine, who says that you have to at least like Shalimar to enjoy the Mexique version.
To my nose it feels like a lemon-free Shalimar; the powder, the incence, the leather are all here blended in the familiar classic way. It is not gourmand God forbid, and any vanilla that may be here is a understated and elusive.
I can imagine this version working really well on me during a winter evening, going out early yet it’s dark, we are at Boysdale’s underground jazz bar-restaurant in London, we drink champagne and listen to the music transporting us to another era.
Yes, this Shalimar would be the perfect fragrance for that kind of night. Mysterious, dark, underground, melodic, classic, beautiful. It will smell familiar and evoking, like that jazz piece the trio was playing I couldn’t put my finger on.
g_sharapov – :
First let me say I am a big fan of Guerlain in general. My favorite perfume ever is Gourmand Coquin, which I think is quite underappreciated.
As someone who does not love Shalimar, legend that it is, I think that you must at least like Shalimar to enjoy this. It is definitely a relative of the original. This in my opinion is less exotic than regular Shalimar and the thing I get the most from this is the incense and opoponax. La Route du Mexique is extremely resinous, smoky, and dark. I don’t like it on myself, but the thing about Guerlain is that everything they do is so exquisite that even the perfumes I don’t like, I can still admit smell amazing. And that’s the case with this one. Smoky/balsamic fans will love this. It is absolutely NOT a gourmand and not even really that sweet, either. Easily unisex. Can still be found on Ebay…
mariya100985 – :
Shalimar is the framework, but SOalVSlRdM is transformed into an exotic Aztec ceremonial perfume, far from Paris settings! Thanks to my Fragrantica fragrance fairy, I was able to try this in my quest to find Guerlain perfumes that work on my skin. She has amazing taste, and this one is a keeper! I am finally in love with a Guerlain!
This has a sharp bright opening, smells like citrus, although there is no mention of it in the notes. Then you can smell the Shalimar lineage. SOalVSlRdM quickly dries down to a warm, cozy accord, flush with vanilla and a blend of colorful notes like chocolate and caramel. A metamorphosis through incense occurs, that keeps it from being foody. Changes it into a blend that is both familiar and foreign. Incense adds to the warmth, elevates the exotic. The whole is sunny, dynamic, sexy – delightful! Expansive sillage, excellent longevity. Needs a nickname though! Mexi?
Edit – this really is a pleasure to wear for me. The vanilla is top notch, the incense a smooth smoky trail of exotic beauty. It has a shimmering quality. Just love it!
hast65 – :
Ode A La Vanille Sur La Route a Mexique or Ode To Vanilla On The Road To Mexico smells exactly like it’s moniker. One visualizes a motorcycle road trip from California to Mexico. Along the way you’re having a gourmand binge, indulging in spicy food and Mexican desserts heavy on vanilla and chocolate. The vanilla in this fragrance is smoky and dark. It’s a black colored vanilla that even has a coffee plant smell. Smells like vanilla flavored coffee. It’s hot hot hot..It’s similar to the last reformulation of Shalimar in that it has a vanilla accord, but stands out as being the smokiest, hottest darkest vanilla out of all the Shalimars. The caramel and chocolate combination give the gourmand lovers what they want. But because of the incense it’s really something more. It’s a vanilla on fire. I love it. On my skin it warms up very fast and so I can easily wear this in winter time. Right now in Manhattan it’s 30 degrees, it snowed last week and even after drinking a hot coffee I’m still in need of some warmth. Well it might as well be this fragrance that will keep me warm. It’s a sexy sultry fragrance, an evening fragrance, a hot date fragrance. If you like all the Shalimar incarnations you’ll love this one. This is a gourmand fragrance but it’s a spicy gourmand. I would not call this an Oriental fragrance because it lacks Oriental touches like jasmines and sandalwood. This is not Oriental, it’s a Mexican fragrance! I love this stuff. I don’t know if it’s been discontinued. The Shalimar fragrances come and go and they keep making new versions. I wish they didn’t have to do that. I’ve become blase wit the Shalimars. But I’m glad I still have this one and I’m not done with her yet.
acidMJK – :
I am little bit heartbroken over this beautiful, beautiful fragrance…I think I am somewhat anosmic to it! 🙁
I have not had the experience before but have read others’ comments on anosmia on fragrantica…I can smell it when I first spray it, and then if I sniff my wrist directly it’s there, or I may get little hints wafting up as time passes but it’s more as if I have the general knowledge that the perfume is there rather than a dynamic experience with its presence, if that makes sense. 🙁 My nose does not know it!
It’s a new bottle for me, and a blind buy based on the wonderful reviews. I do love what I sniff from the bottle, and love the bits that I can grasp on me (SUCH a beautiful vanilla), but they are elusive! I wore it two days in a row and the first day I thought I oversprayed and perhaps wore out my nose, so the second day I only gave maybe three soft sprays (also lower on my body so it would waft up). No difference from day one to day two!
I’ll definitely keep working with this beauty (cooler temps, etc) – please think good thoughts for my nose and this fume! 🙂
gambler25 – :
At first spritz I was all, “Whoa! What is that? Burnt rubber from a blown out tire?” It was too strong, too spicy, too much incense.
Then I waited patiently and only about a half hour later I was rewarded for my patience with a lessening of the incense and a delicately sweet vanilla courtesy of the caramel with a little chocolate note right there at the drydown. I was looking for a nice incense note and it looks like I’ve finally found it!
My goodness but this is lovely. It is perfect for this cold weather and might even become my signature autumn fragrance while it’s still too warm to wear my winter selections.
I wonder how the compares to the Madagascar which is MUCH harder to find because if they are entirely different then it would be well worth it to add both to my collection. 🙂
P.S. I layered this lovely with a little Kenzo Elephant and mama mia! I smell perfectly scented with oriental spices! What a beautiful marriage!!
steepkid – :
Mmmmm.. smokey vanilla richness You will own the room when you wear this. Rich and sexy. I paired it with Ombre Rose and PA POW!
Янa – :
The smoke smell in this is almost too literal to believe. It pops up in the first half hour. Honestly, when I thought how I would describe it, it’s this:
“Well, if I ever have a lover that I want to get to the city with for a weekend, but I need an alibi, I will tell my husband that I am going away to the country camping on a retreat with my girlfriends, and I will spray this all over my hair to simulate the act of sitting around a bonfire. One smell of my hair and he will surely know that familiar smoke of wood campfires.”
However the smoke fades and yields this caramel vanilla stuff, blowing my cover.
LorENoraUsart – :
I just purchased it… I cant wait to….wear it…I am in love with all Guerlain Shalimar…this is my house…so I am excited for Mexico…I dream about Madagascar…
Its so addicting ..you try one..and you want more…
Corsicasz – :
like powdery perfume, Shalimar and this has a vintage way!!!
Filini – :
This is my wear-to-work perfume. I adore Shalimar and it really works with my skin chemistry, but it’s a bit too sexy-sexy, I think, for the office. This version resembles Shalimar when it first goes on, then quickly tones down to a warm, subtle, soft vanilla. I know that makes it sound boring. And no, it’s not a wildly original or challenging scent after it dries down. However, that’s in line with what I want for work, and there’s definitely more going on than just “vanilla.” I say it emphatically does NOT smell like a drugstore cake-batter perfume. There is still a lot of complexity, and it’s still, to my nose, on the Shalimar side of the border between oriental and gourmand. Staying power is excellent, too.
lexrussia – :
The last reviewer didn’t like this because it was too much like Shalimar. I don’t like it because IMHO it is nothing like Shalimar.
It was too sharp on the opening and the vanilla is over the top — much like the ever so popular drug store and department store fragrances of today. There is nothing mysterious or exotic about this one at all. It is just a typical quite ordinary fragrance with too much vanilla and too much sugar. You can find something like this almost anywhere without looking too hard.
I really wish Guerlain would stop with the Shalimar flankers. If Thierry Wasser doesn’t start taking the company in a different direction LVMH will eventually find that Guerlain is no longer considered a luxury brand with cache. But isn’t that what Aqua Allegoria is all about? So sad!
ph999 – :
I tried this and the original on each wrist. I was surprised how very similar they are, but I noticed slight differences in the dry down.
Shalimar turned into a huge sillage monster, (which I love) with a slightly sweeter vanilla. Compared to Mexique, I might even call the original a little fluffier, poofier, sparkling? Mexique’s was warmer, smokier, very smooth – like a smooth brandy or rye (I don’t drink those often so I don’t know which is actually smoother ;)).
Mexique’s sillage wasn’t quite as pronounced as the originals it stayed closer to me. I did get more vanilla, but it was indeed a smoked vanilla.
kisskiss – :
I bought this scent last summer and couldn’t help noticing it loves warm weather. It opens gloriously, like a peacock opening its tail.
I love the original Shalimar and own it in several concentrations, and while the Initial sisters were good scents but far from the original, this one stays true to the spirit of Shalimar.
On my skin the opening stays true to the original- bitter bergamot, incense and powder, but it dissipates quickly and the dark,dry vanilla kicks in. This is vanilla with teeth. Imagine Aztec sacrifice, Jaguar warriors and magnificent head pieces.
The chocolate is bitter and raw, unsweetened and dry as dust. Yet the composition is not dry in itself, but artfully blended and smooth as silk. Is it held together by santalwood? I detect a faint whisper, then it disappears.
On my skin the original Shalimar is mainly about leather and incense, while the vanilla stays in the background. This version not only amplifies the role of vanilla, it also adds another face to the mysterious empress. She has put on a mask- the face of Coatlicue, the goddess.
sty447elipseskism – :
Lot of vanilla pods went through a smokehouse and turned back to stay there for a couple of hours…. I smell true vanilla pods, smokiness and caramel. Nothing more, nothing less – pretty sweet, dark and linear. Perfect for the night, an opulent, grown up smell. It has not so much in common with the original Shalimar, IMO.
makar666 – :
It’s quite musky, tame and sweet – like soft powdery vanilla dusting. There’s also a slight plastic doll like note that for me just makes it more feminine and cute.. I don’t think its ‘old’ at all but it is quiet, softly sweet and seductive. It definitely has old-world charm and I could imagine can-can dancers or 1950’s pin ups wearing a scent like this.
There is however also an off note in the background that I notice now and then that unfortunately smells a bit like garlic on me but maybe that’s just how its reacting with my skin :/ its only faint though and I don’t notice it all the time
hqs228bedyWelty – :
Mexique VS Madagaskar
Mexique:
1. Top: more fruity
2. Base: vanilla ice cream
3. Resemblance to the original EDP: 7.8/10
4. Mexique Longevity: 6-8 hours; original’s longevity: 10 hours
Madagaskar:
1. Top: less animalic and citrusy than the original
2. Base: more vanillic, almost similar to the original
3. Resemblance to the original EDP: 8.5/10
4. Longevity: 4-5 hours
I prefer Madagaskar as a guy, it’s more masculine and you get a constant blast of ‘Shalimar vanilla’ from the beginning to the end – almost linear, but good. The longevity is actually not good but still it’s a beautiful Shalimar flanker. I can’t get enough of this.
-AB-
bit-news – :
(It is hard to review this without referring to the rest of the other Shalimars, but the first paragraph references no other fragrances, in case you are new to the range. The following paragraphs make comparisons with the two most famous other Shalimar scents.)
This starts as a smoky, well-rounded vanilla before pillowy iris and resins emerge with a faint, powdery cocoa note. Although there is definite sweetness right into the lovely drydown, the chocolate and caramel notes do not make this a sticky gourmand; the vanilla retains a peppery, fruity quality, and the smokiness keeps things dry rather than gooey.
In comparison to the original Shalimar, this is gentler. It lacks both the bright citrus opening and the strong animalic notes. It is still smoky, but the vanilla here compliments the smoke, rather than emerging later as it does in the original. For me, this is less masculine (although still a unisex scent) and more passe partout. You could actually wear this one to work, whereas for me, the original is for late nights and ferocious intentions.
In comparison to Parfum Initial, it shares some of the sweetness: the chocolate and caramel notes, although these are far quieter in the Ode. It also has similar middle powdery, fluffy iris florals. However, the Ode is smokier and more grown-up than the sweetie pie Parfum Initial.
If you hate the original Shalimar, this is unlikely to convert you. However, if you like Shalimar’s drydown but find the opening too harsh, or if you are looking for a drier, more masculine Parfum Initial, this could be just the trick. This is what I was hoping Chergui would smell like.
Good if: you’ve been looking for a mysterious vanilla that won’t bore you or give you toothache.
x_fred – :
Oh wow! I think my fascination with Guerlain is about to get serious! This is magical!! I ordered it as a blind buy on the strength of it being a ‘vanilla’ but I didn’t expect the beautiful powdery cloud it creates around you! It is divine! I get quite a sharp beginning – almost like a insect repellant but not in a bad way… I guess it’s the citrus everyone speaks of! It’s not unpleasant but slightly reminiscent of a soft citronella to me. However I find that this passes very quickly then the complexity starts to evolve. It’s still citrusy but softer and more floral, then the warmer powder starts to appear and I get the vanilla. As it dry’s down it becomes more of an entrancing powdery vanilla. It’s immensely pretty and soft. I’d actually tend more towards spicier fragrances but this is just so magical! I have Samsara ordered and on its way (both pure parfum and EdP) as well as miniatures and decants of Mitsouko, Champs Elysses and Nahema pure parfum and a vintage Shalimar EdT miniature… I can’t wait for them to all arrive so I can discover more amazing Guerlain fragrances!
tolya333 – :
I have a bottle, and I start to wear this season in autumn. Oh, this is great! The first moment is so strange to me, but the drytown is sooo comfortable, warm and soft balsamic. First time I liked it but now I love it.
bfskynet – :
This smells almost identical to the original on me which is both good and bad. It’s good in that I enjoy the experience of smelling my way through Shalimar. It’s bad in that Shalimar suits me the way water suits a cat.
Ode a la Vanille Sur la Route du Mexique is rich, seductive and exotic. In other words, it’s the antithesis of me. Despite the name, the incense comes out more prominently on me than even the vanilla. Leather should be listed in the notes here because it’s still present, it’s just not as loud and forceful as it is in the original. Like the original, this is very smoky and sensual, a scent for women, not girls.
I enjoy the sweet powderiness of it and sometimes I spray it on just so I can experience its magic in the far dry down, which is when it really seems to agree with my skin. But for the most part, I feel like David when he insisted that he couldn’t fight Goliath in a suit of armor, his slingshot would do just fine thank-you-very-much. In this, I feel like a preschooler in high heels and lipstick.
Or to put it another way: This is what I imagine Norma Desmond’s mansion smelled like in Sunset Blvd, the airless opulence of glamour no longer compatible with the outside world.
CakGoomyCox – :
Oh my! This is superb!
This is definitely Shalimar, but with her bite made just a bit softer and a big dose of beautifully delicious vanilla! The vanilla waftes around me so wonderfully and I do get a bit of chocolate in this too. It makes Shalimar just a bit edible. This is a gorgeous Shalimar!
nofizunh – :
I wanted to love Shalimar, but on me it is far too smoky and very little else. Nice smoky, like a good quality cigar – but it makes me cough and I can’t wear it, not even the Parfum Initial variant.
But Shalimar crossed with vanilla and spices? Yes please! It opens a bit too sharp and citrus for my taste, but if I hold my breath for the first 10 minutes it soon calms down. Then we are into the good bit – vanilla, but not too sweet. Spicy, smoky and complex enough for an older woman (I’m over 40, so I’m not wearing sugary vanillas anymore).
I do need to refresh it if I’m going out in the evening, but I wear this day and night and I love it! I’m on the hunt for all the other Shalimar Vanille flankers.
vivalt – :
Let me start by saying that I truly, really admire Shalimar but despite my conscious efforts I cannot weat it; too smokey, leathery, animalic, diva-esque. Well, maybe someday…
If the above mentioned aspects are what you appreciate in Shalimar you might find Mexique almost unremarkable.
I get a dose of citrus in the opening but it’s not piercing, more lemon than bergamot. And quite a bit of incense which calms down towards the drydown. Other than that there are not many surprises; Mexique is mainly Shalimar’s base minus the animalic aspects, sprinkled with bitter cocoa powder. I don’t get caramel in the traditional creamy way, it’s brown sugar just before burning. A gourmand-ish take but wouldn’t really call it sweet overall.
Sillage and longevity are lower than the original, it lacks in the head-turning factor but gains in wearability and it’s still unmistakably Shalimar. This edition would be great on a chilly fall day.
Edit: Almost a year later I have come to adore the original Shalimar too and believe that Mexique was the stepping stone although it still remains a favourite. To me it smells like mixing the Incense – Citrus of Shalimar and the Cocoa – Iris accord of Dior Homme Intense with a big scoop of fine vanilla ice cream. And that’s simply adorable.
lsw59 – :
This is exactly what I was hoping Parfum Initial would smell like, before it came out (announced as “Shalimar for young ladies” (then instead, they released for me unwearable powdery sweet anise with marshmallow).
The first time I tested Mexico with classical EDP, I was disappointed, because in comparison with the racy EDP I could barely smell it.
The typical striking features of the classic – bitter bergamot, antique dank incense and juicy lemons – were tamed with smooth vanilla.
There really are plum, chocolate or caramel hints – as parts of soft vanilla sweetness.
In my opinion, Shalimar is the king of all perfumes. Mystical, it represents the great ancient world. It’s flawless, mature and honorable perfume, a gem.
Mexico smells like the best of the EDP – the dry down. Finer, drier, less “shrill”.
Beauty. I call this modern Shalimar.
Looking forward to the India version.
HeadoidoriSor – :
Initially, I thought I smelt something citrusy in the opening. My nose thinks it’s the opoponax combined with incense. I can detect the bitter-ish scent of resin, which I find fascinating. Then, in the background – tonka beans and vanilla. There is a powdery vibe to the fragrance, but not distinct enough to say “yes, this is iris”. I don’t fancy powdery fragrances very much, so I love this version of Shalimar. I find it more sensual and warm.
rmz772speagoessenda – :
I agree 100% with Shoshi’s review below. I wore this on my left arm and Shalimar EdT on my right to compare them. To me they were almost identical with the Ode being slightly sharper and more citric, and the original smoother and a more balanced blend.
Unfortunately, I didn’t smell any chocolate or caramel, and the vanilla was buried in the incense. I wanted a huge Ode to Vanilla! The longevity was also equal to the EdT.
I have yet to find a Shalimar flanker better than the original, I should probably stop trying!
Deroxiumya – :
When Angel met Shalimar then Ode la Vanille Route to Mexique was born…
Realistic, complex scent of vanille, opoponax and cacao…if mixed with dried fruits then you have this limited edition which is generated by Shalimar edp new version (2012)!!!
Great work of Alchemy indeed(Thierry Wasser) .
seteros – :
Not really a good perfume to wear on this already ‘spicy’ skin. It just comes out all musty and synthetic, like a skeleton hiding out in some long-dead ancestor’s closet! Not much vanilla, and too much heady spices. I only got a 1mL sample, and I’m glad I did.
Oralspral – :
This smells very similar to the regular Shalimar EDT. Strangely, I smell more lemon/bergamot (even though it’s not listed as a note) in the Ode a la Vanilla, not more vanilla. To me, it’s a slightly softer, slightly more lemony, version of Shalimar. To be honest, it’s almost the same as Shalimar, and it’s pleasant. I just like the regular Shalimar better because I like the deeper civet and incense notes.
grafn80 – :
My grandmother wore Shalimar religiously. I still remember sneaking up to her dressing table in her room and spraying just a tiny drop on my wrist, thinking that she wouldn’t notice. I recall feeling so sophisticated and beautiful, so ladylike, just like she was. I can’t say that I actually *appreciated* the scent, it was obviously too grown up for me, but I knew I loved how it made me feel. One of the first things I bought with my first paycheck was a tiiiiiiiny bottle of Shalimar, but I still found it hard to wear in public, thinking it gave off the impression that I was in over my head. Fast forward 15 years, and I got a wild hair up my ass and blind bought this bottle the second I heard about it. For a week I panicked, thinking Holy Mother of GOD, I just wasted so much money for a fragrance that’s just going to sit there as an ode to my lovely departed Grandmother, that I’ll never be able to confidently wear this. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Either I grew up enough to truly appreciate and WEAR a Shalimar without it wearing me, or this one is kinder and gentler. The vanilla is SO gorgeous and warm, and my skin just eats up the balsamic notes to turn it into something creamy and delicious. This could easily be my signature if I weren’t so damn stingy with it. My favorite way to wear it? In stilettos, a lace bra, and seamed thigh highs, in bed in the middle of the day. Sexy doesn’t begin to cover this. This is not your grandmother’s Shalimar… Or maybe Grandma was more of a vixen than we’d like to imagine!!
Саша Карбанович – :
Slightly different version of Shalimar, company keeps making and making more using the same base. It drys into soft powdery very appropriate Shalimar, nice, I like it. But would not buy it, since I have original EDP Shalimar and Initial already, I like them much better.
borisoff2010 – :
I was never a fan of original Shalimar but this one… I can’t get enough of it <3 . It starts with a lemon, some bitter lemon, and afte