Head to head
Guerlain Shalimar and Chanel N°5 are often compared by people choosing between the two. Shalimar is an amber fragrance and N°5 a floral one, and they share bergamot, iris, jasmine and rose. They are quite different fragrances, so the choice comes down to which style you prefer.
Shalimar stands apart with lemon, mandarin and tonka bean, while N°5 brings aldehydes, neroli and ylang-ylang. Shalimar lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and they project about the same (strong). Shalimar is the cheaper one: about $140 against $185 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| ShalimarGuerlain | N°5Chanel | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $140 · 3.0 oz | $185 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 1925 | 1986 |
| Family | Amber | Floral, Chypre |
| Top notes | Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin | Aldehydes, Neroli, Ylang-ylang, Bergamot |
| Heart notes | Iris, Jasmine, Rose | Rose, Jasmine, Iris |
| Base notes | Vanilla, Tonka bean, Incense, Benzoin | Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, Musk |
| Longevity | Very long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Projection | Strong | Strong |
| Best seasons | Fall, Winter | Spring, Fall, Winter |
| Occasions | Formal event, Date | Formal event, Office |
| Style | Classic, Seductive, Mysterious | Classic, Elegant, Romantic |
Guerlain
$140 · 3.0 oz · EDP · Women · Amber
The amber perfume par excellence. Luminous bergamot melting into smoky vanilla and incense: almost a century of legend.
Choose Shalimar if you want a lower price, longer wear and something better suited to cold weather.
Chanel
$185 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Women · Floral
An abstract bouquet of rose and jasmine lifted by aldehydes. More than a perfume, a timeless symbol of glamour.
Choose N°5 if you want something better suited to warm weather and a more elegant and romantic character.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizShalimar lasts longer (very long-lasting against long-lasting), and they project about the same (strong). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Shalimar is the cheaper one: about $140 against $185 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose and vanilla. They are quite different fragrances, so the choice comes down to which style you prefer.
For spring and summer, N°5 is the better fit. For fall and winter, Shalimar is the better fit. Shalimar is at its best in fall and winter, and N°5 in spring, fall and winter.
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