What fragrance do you admire but wouldn't buy and why?

What's the most beautiful fragrance you wouldn't buy?

For me, it's Guerlain Shalimar.

I completely understand why it's considered one of the greatest fragrances ever created. The contrast between the sparkling citrus opening and that warm, smoky vanilla base is fascinating, and it still feels unique more than a century later.

That said, as much as I admire it, I don't really see myself wearing it. My taste tends to lean towards cleaner, airier musks, soft florals and fragrances with a lighter texture. Shalimar feels more like a perfume I enjoy smelling and appreciating than one I'd actually reach for.

What fragrance do you admire but wouldn't buy and why?

A great distinction between what is appreciated and what we want to wear!

Emerald Curry really does smell like Thai curry! It’s incredible l, but not sure if it’s something I’m willing to wear yet

Warm Bulb has an excellent burnt glass accord akin to lightbulbs, also not something I’m ready to smell like yet

Well, I actually bought it, but I can't wear it: L'Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum same goes for Samsara Eau de Parfum I find them beautyful, but I get so weary of them...

I feel the same way about Shalimar Eau de Parfum as you do and for the same reason and would love to try Shalimar Souffle de Parfum because it is said to be a more airy and light version of it. But I can't find it in shops to try it out...

Tonight I'm wearing Jicky Eau de Parfum which also is a bit reminiscent of Shalimar, but more aromatic and genderless (not a safe blind buy though, but it doesn't exhaust me like l'Heure Bleue, Shalimar and Samsara )

For me it's about the cost. My second favorite fragrance of all is Mind Games J'Adoube. I just can't make myself spend that much for it. Perhaps I'll marry rich or win the lottery and that will change. Until then, I get by with "inspired by" fragrances. 

Diwan . Really like this but the cost is disrespectful

Diaghilev Parfum . I am obsessed with it, it is such a delicious chypre, but the price is simply ungodly. So I make do with 5 ml decants here and there 😅

Also Be Very Afraid , but not for the price reasons. It smells like a meaty light bulb and while I am someone who owns and wears many weird perfumes, somehow a "lightbulb made out of meat" scent is apparently where the "unwearable" territory begins for me 😀. I respect the creativity, though.

Shalimar Eau de Parfum I feel the same way about it too, in fact I blind bought it but ended up keeping Shalimar Eau de Cologne only