GUERLAIN Shalimar Parfum Extrait Jacques Guerlain 1925 New formula At least some of the original notes (Kafkaesque) Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Rose, Orris, Opopanax, Tonka bean, Birch tar, Patchouli, Incense, Vetiver, Civet, Castoreum, Vanilla, Musks Possibly in the new version Benzoin, Peru Balsam, and Sandalwood (The Perfume Shrine) If you check the list of the notes nowadays it’s very simple and unfortunately it is the case in new formula of edp but in this extract there is a depth in it which includes a way more than “Bergamot, Florals, Iris, Rose, Jasmine, Vanilla and Tonka Bean” (extrait, Fragrantica). For sure you can find there a leather note which is from Birch Tar and from the combination of balsams and resins (Opoponax, Myrrh, Benzoin, Peru Balsam) and there is a beautiful slightly smoky feeling, like Sandalwood like creamy texture as well blended with Vanilla. I’m sure in the old formulas Civet, Castoreum and Musk play the big role and bring the sensuality, glory and some mystery to this scent and I will haunt some vintage version. Parfum is definitely better one than edp and it has more personality as well. From fragrantica (edp) “Some people may find the scent too strong or overwhelming”. The reason for that phrase imo is not that the juice would be that strong but the most of the people voting here are maybe more used to mainstream designers and therefore it feels exceptionally heavy and very different. Yet, the both edp and the new formula of extrait de parfum are very wearable and versatile but it’s also good to bear in mind that even if I’m not categorizing the perfumes so strictly into the seasons, Shalimar is shining when the weather is cold. Thank you for reading and if you want to follow me on IG: @ninamariah_perfumes