L'Initial Eau de Parfum

L'Initial Eau de Parfum captures the essence of Guerlain's iconic Shalimar Parfum Initial in a refined, sweeter iteration. It opens with a bright, crisp citrus—bergamot and orange blended with jasmine—giving an instant lift that quickly settles into a soft, powdery floral heart dominated by iris and Turkish rose. The base is a warm, gourmand embrace of vanilla, caramel, tonka bean, and patchouli, creating a subtle, comforting sweetness without any syrupy excess. The scent is powdery, elegant, and lightly floral, with a dry down that lingers gently into the night. Despite being marketed as a re-release of the original, it lacks the green vetiver and effervescence of Shalimar Parfum Initial and instead leans into a more modern, confectionary iris with a hint of almond. Longevity is moderate to long, with a balanced sillage that is ideal for daytime and cooler weather. It’s not overpowering, but the dry down provides lasting comfort and aura, making it a wearable, feminine signature scent that feels contemporary and polished, especially suited for spring and winter.