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Guerlain Shalimar L'Essence vs Etat Libre d'Orange Soul Of My Soul
Shalimar L'Essence is the community's favourite of the two.
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Notes
Top
IncenseAlmondBergamot
Heart
IrisAmberRoseEthylvanillinOpoponax
Base
Madagascar VanillaMuskBenzoinTonka BeanLeather
Accords
Vanilla
100%
Amber
90%
Powdery
82%
Iris
65%
Sweet
59%
Balsamic
55%
Performance
LongevityLong lasting
SillageModerate
Best Seasons
fallwinterspring
About
Shalimar L'Essence by Guerlain is a Oriental fragrance for women. This is a new fragrance. Shalimar L'Essence was launched in 2025. The nose behind this fragrance is Delphine Jelk. Top notes are Incense, Almond and Bergamot; middle notes are Iris, Amber, Rose, Ethylvanillin and Opoponax; base notes are Madagascar Vanilla, Musk, Benzoin, Tonka Bean and Leather. When Jacques Guerlain created Shalimar, he gave birth to the very first amber fragrance in the history of perfumery. One hundred years later, Guerlain commemorates this legendary creation with Shalimar L’Essence Eau de Parfum Intense, conceived by Delphine Jelk, Master Perfumer and Director of Perfume Creation for the Maison. This new interpretation is a radiant homage to vanilla, enriched with notes of bergamot, rose, iris, tonka bean, and musk.At the heart of this intense eau de parfum lies a celebration of vanilla in all its expressions. Delphine Jelk elevates the original composition by combining ethylvanillin from Jacques Guerlain’s historic formula with a precious Madagascan vanilla tincture, crafted using Guerlain’s ancestral savoir-faire. The result is a deeper, more opulent intensity that amplifies the signature warmth of Shalimar.The fragrance opens with a discreet yet luminous touch of bergamot, gently illuminating a floral heart where rose absolute meets the powdery refinement of iris. Gradually, the iconic amber accord reveals itself. Vanilla, used in generous measure, unfolds new facets—smooth and woody, softened by a subtle leathery nuance—creating a trail that is both sensual and enveloping.More than a perfume, Shalimar L’Essence is a declaration of love. It is Delphine Jelk’s tribute to Guerlain’s heritage icon and, above all, to its most emblematic ingredient. Vanilla, the cornerstone of the composition and the secret of its universal allure, embodies tenderness and seduction. Precious and expressive, it stands as a symbol of Guerlain’s olfactory palette and a vital element of the Guerlinade that defines so many of the Maison’s creations.To accompany this reinterpretation, Guerlain has reimagined the emblematic Shalimar bottle. Inspired by the Art Deco movement that flourished at the time of the original fragrance’s creation, the redesigned logo features bold, graphic lettering rendered in a luminous golden hue, echoing the color of the perfume itself. Rooted in history yet resolutely contemporary, the bottle forms a graceful bridge between the eternal legacy of Shalimar and its future expression.Top Notes: Bergamot, Almond, IncenseMiddle Notes: Opopanine Accord, Rose, Iris, EthylvanillinBase Notes: Benjoin, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk, Leather Opopanine Accord is a distinctive amber-vanilla signature, most famously associated with Guerlain. Centered on opopanax (sweet myrrh) resin, it weaves together balsamic sweetness, soft smokiness, and resinous warmth, enriched by vanilla, tonka bean, and subtle spices. The result is a deep, velvety, and opulent foundation—an accord that radiates sensual warmth and luxurious depth, exemplified in creations such as Shalimar L’Essence and Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21.Shalimar L'Essence is availble in 30ml, 50ml, and 90ml Eau de Parfum Intense.
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Notes
Top
IncenseBergamotPink Pepper
Heart
SuedeOrrisRose
Base
Australian SandalwoodMuskMadagascar VanillaBenzoinTonka Bean
Accords
Powdery
100%
Musky
86%
Amber
72%
Woody
70%
Iris
65%
Warm spicy
61%
Performance
LongevityModerate
SillageModerate
Best Seasons
fallwinterspring
About
Soul Of My Soul by Etat Libre d'Orange is a Oriental Spicy fragrance for women and men. Soul Of My Soul was launched in 2020. Top notes are Incense, Bergamot and Pink Pepper; middle notes are Suede, Orris and Rose; base notes are Australian Sandalwood, Musk, Madagascar Vanilla, Benzoin and Tonka Bean.
Notes in Common
41% sharedShared (7)
IncenseBergamotRoseMadagascar VanillaMuskBenzoinTonka Bean
Only in Shalimar L'Essence
AlmondIrisAmberEthylvanillinOpoponaxLeather
Only in Soul Of My Soul
Pink PepperSuedeOrrisAustralian Sandalwood
Rating
4.36vs3.65
Ratings
2,501vs1,309
Concentration
EDPvsEDP
Launch Year
2025vs2020
Which should I buy?
Shalimar L'Essence is the community's favourite of the two.
- Shalimar L'Essence is rated higher by the community: 4.36 from 2,501 ratings, against 3.65 from 1,309.
- Longevity votes lean "long lasting" for Shalimar L'Essence and "moderate" for Soul Of My Soul.
- Sillage is comparable: "moderate" is the most common vote for both.
- Both are voted best for fall and winter.
- Both houses are premium (typically $100–250), so price won't be the deciding factor.
Buy Shalimar L'Essence if you want the higher-rated option; pick Soul Of My Soul if its note profile reads closer to what you already love wearing.