L'Initial

I know many have been frustrated with how Guerlain handled this re-release, given the price hike and renaming, etc. I don't mind it, honestly. The olfactory affinities to Shalimar are relatively distant, there’s more in the bottle, and this price point is identical to that of the other Parisiennes. Being a huge fan of Shalimar, of iris, and of the Parisiens, it felt only natural for me to add this to my collection. Plus, I'd been curious about the discontinued and hard-to-find Shalimar Parfum Initial for quite a while, so when I finally got my hands on L'Initial, I was ecstatic. To my nose, the only notes here evocative of Shalimar are the starchy-leathery iris, bright bergamot, breezy vanilla, and faint neutral musk. The intense leather-lemon-smoke-civet architecture of Shalimar has been spirited away, leaving behind the crystal lattice of its airier elements. The prominent iris reminds me quite a bit of Chanel No. 19, though this is much less woody and aromatic. It never enters waxy-lipstick territory à la Dior Homme, either. No, all the facets here are light, refined, balanced, and reserved: the haughty iris is gifted depth by the vanilla, sparkle by the bergamot, and salty sweetness by the subdued caramel note. There are also glimpses of elegant rose, leafy patchouli, and tonic almond (perhaps this is where that strange, almost medicinal aspect is coming from, as noted by other reviewers). A sheer warmth radiates from a delicate musky base. L'Initial reads as an extremely pretty, fresh powder with a hint of sweetness. It's more stylish and chic than elegant and dignified, more polished and recherchée than luxurious or opulent. I think it's to die for. The performance is moderate verging on long-lasting, and the sillage is understated but noticeable. More traditionally feminine, but so modern and graceful that anybody could pull it off. The occasion could be casual or formal, and the weather cool or warm, but this works better in daytime than at night. And the bottle is A-DOR-A-BLE, definitely one of the loveliest in my collection. Thanks again, Guerlain!

L'Initial is close to, but not strictly identical to Shali P Intitial from 2011. IMHO it's the best release from this house in 2020. I understand that some of us are surprised by the price. As I was when I looked up the price of Iris butter today vs. the past, or the share price of it's producers like Givaudan or Robertet, today vs. 2011.... So may I suggest 2 solutions to get around this problem ? 1) Buy a 1000 ml white bee at a Paris Guerlain Boutique fountain for 1225€ and share it with others : this cuts the price by more than one third (153€/125ml rather than 240). But someone has to go to shop it in Paris, that is probably after the Covid nightmare. Once you have the flacon, refills go for less and cut the price nearly by half. That's what I did, but finally that was to keep it all for myself, so outstanding it is ! 2) Buy the first degree cousin of l'Initial, Shali Philtre de Parfum, which goes for similar prices as "ordinary" Shalis. Hope this helps.

Most of the comments are criticizing the price comparing with the old one. Well, I don’t mind any price for this perfume, because I was waiting it for last 5 years. I bought one yesterday. And thinking to buy another backup one soon. Why I’m so crushed on it ? Simply it reminds me beautiful memories and romantic moments in 2013 and 2014. Oh gush. I love this perfume. Its so sexy so sensual. Its the best perfume in the world for those women who’re in love. It is adding a flavor to your love with your partner. It starts with Iris and bergamot.. then it drys down into delicious vanilla and caramel. I promise your partner will fall in love with you. Please Guerlain, try to produce a complete set of shower gel and body lotion with the same sent. Please! Please! Please!

I am an irreverent person, who tends to like what others insult or denigrate. I spent more than a wonderful hour, in this guerlain boutique, during the red period of the covid, dizzy from the scents, each more divine than the next bottle. Initial is the one that caught my attention, this one received my so hard earned money. Its papery iris, its zesty orange, its honeyed caramel, its perfect balance between sweetness, emotion, strength, wisdom, joy, class, elegance: It was it. I don't know if it was the most beautiful of all. Probably not. But it was the one able to speak to me in the best way, to settle easily on my skin like an old soothing friend. The one that was not only a piece of art, but chose to become a piece of me.

It has a wonderful harmony of sweetness, emotion, strength, wisdom, joy, class, and elegance. It has papery iris, zesty orange, honeyed caramel, and caramelised orange flavours. Only the starchy-leathery iris, crisp bergamot, breezy vanilla, and light neutral musk are detectable to my nose in this composition. The powder L'Initial is quite attractive, fresh, and somewhat sweet. It is more polished and classy than luxurious or opulent, more fashionable and chic than elegant and dignified. The sillage is subtle yet discernible, and the performance is moderately long-lasting. This works better during the day than at night, whether the occasion is formal or informal and whether the weather is cool or warm. Adorable!