Score
87/100
Guerlain
L'Initial Eau de Parfum EDP
2021
“Bergamot, orange, and jasmine over vanilla iris — Guerlain's Shalimar Initial echo, formal feminine.”

The take
What works
- ●Bergamot-orange-jasmine-vanilla elegant versatile Shalimar Initial-adjacent
- ●Powdery sweet aroma loved by Guerlain fans
Trade-offs
- ●Plain bottle lacks original charm
- ●Missing green-vetiver notes of original Initial
Notes
Top
Mid
Base
Performance
Longevity
5–7 hoursProjection
Arm's lengthSillage
Soft trailWhen to wear
Spring87%
Summer47%
Fall100%
Winter82%
Day93%
Night64%
Gender
Leans feminine
Smells like
Similar scent DNA — if you own one, you may not need the other
You might also like
Different scent, similar vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
What does L'Initial Eau de Parfum smell similar to?
Closest matches in our database: Chanel Chanel No. 5 (100%), Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial (87%), Guerlain L'Initial (86%). Strong DNA matches — same scent family and similar composition.
How long does L'Initial Eau de Parfum last?
5–7 hours on most skin (good longevity at 66/100) with solid projection.
When should you wear L'Initial Eau de Parfum?
Strongest in fall and spring, daytime-leaning.
Is L'Initial Eau de Parfum worth it?
At this price, yes for this tier. Bergamot-orange-jasmine-vanilla elegant versatile Shalimar Initial-adjacent. Powdery sweet aroma loved by Guerlain fans.
Details
- Perfumer
- Thierry Wasser

























