Perfume Thursday: Galimard - Shantoung

A sample of Galimard's Shantoung was given to us by a friend of Plush Folly and we can't thank him enough for giving us the opportunity to discover and enjoy it. It's not one that is widely known despite being a Galimard perfume, but we think that's one of the reasons it feels so special to wear.

Designed by Sandra Dziad, Shantoung is composed of deliciously sweet red berries, tuberose, jasmine, violet, heliotrope, 'spicy note', 'marine note', patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla. When we read the description, we were almost certain that it was be a very sweet, floral perfume. When we actually dabbed the perfume on our skin, we were greeted with the most fantastic, unexpected scent.

While some of us were met with sweet berries and seaside air, the rest were met with the smell of cappucinos and vanilla. Its was fascinating to find that the same perfume gave us completely different experiences. One thing that was unified though; our instantaneous love for the Shantoung.


It's a divine treat for the senses and utterly compelling. The tuberose has been calmed and controlled by the inclusion of sweet berries while the abundant floral heart gives even more balance. The foodie, creamy dry down that sticks around long after the initial spray give Shantoung an undeniably moreish quality.

The marine note brightens and freshens some of the heavier notes and in doing so compliments them beyond compare. It's dreamy and sensual yet uplifting and bright. Surprisingly the florals are the hardest notes to detect; they're not lost within the mix just shy against some of the other notes, yet they are so vital to the entire make up of the perfume - everything is balanced with such precision.

It's hard to identify individual components after the perfume has lived on the skin for a short while as each note combines in unison to create a stunningly, unique and spectacular scent that is a heavenly treat to wear.

It's heart-warming and memory provoking as the airy, seaside scent conducted by the marine note washes over the perfume in waves that are impossible to ignore.

This perfume was chosen for as this week's Perfume Thursday it includes a marine note, which is similar to that of our Salty Sea Dog fragrance oil. For a free sample of Salty Sea Dog, place an order with us on Friday 20th June 2014 and we'll include it for you.

Has anyone worn or known someone who has worn Shantoung? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you...