Ottily

Shalimar... What a beautiful name! I immediately think of Marlene Dietrich as a golden harem lady in "Kismet". Of wonderful, vibrant colors. Of coins jingling at the hips of belly dancers. And of course, of a scent that hovers above everything, for us Europeans the epitome of the Orient.

Well, so far so good. Unfortunately, Shalimar is none of that for me. Even after multiple tests of the Eau de Toilette, I found it simply - I’m really sorry, but I can’t describe it any other way - repulsive. What is supposed to be so great about it? But I don’t give up easily. Then I got the tip from a dear perfumista to try the Eau de Cologne. Well, I’ve been doing that for the past two days. I must say, it is definitely more wearable, but the magic still eludes me. All I perceive is a slightly musty powderiness. I can sense that there is more hidden beneath, but unfortunately, I can’t identify what it is. Still, I keep sniffing it and have already sprayed it several times.

My conclusion: I still can’t understand the love for this scent; however, it will definitely remain well packaged, cool, and dark in my care. And the next time I watch "Kismet," I’ll bring it out again, and who knows...