Description
Shalimar Parfum Initial – scent of desires, joy and sensuality arrives in a flacon which reminds us of shape of the traditional edition. The bottle of this edition is taller and sleeker than the previous. It is decorated with blue stopper and blue tassel on the neck of the flacon. Liquid of the flacon is coloured in warm pink.
Composition of Shalimar Parfum Initial is created of citruses, green notes, flowers, woody accords and oriental scents. Starting from citruses, the composition adds zest of bergamot and orange. Rose flowers and jasmine enjoy embrace of woody accords of vetiver and patchouli, while oriental notes of vanilla, white musk and luscious tonka give seductive warmth to the whole composition. Green notes provide a fresher tone to the composition.
Face of the advertising campaign for the new Shalimar Parfum Initial is Natalia Vodianova, photographed naked. These photos are supposed to represent innocence and chastity of woman’s body, new Eve. The photos were taken by Paolo Roversi.
Shalimar Parfum Initial is presented to the market in March 2011 as a 40, 60 and 100ml EDP.
The nose behind this fragrance is Thierry Wasser.
karkasny – :
Bring it back already!!! I don’t get it why you made a hair perfume version without the original perfume???!!!
av211903 – :
I’m afraid my body chemistry does not agree with this one. It smells like an old man’s aftershave on me. Maybe my nose isn’t trained to smell a good perfume when it smells one, but this is just awful on me.
Gai1945 – :
Incredibly sexy. A woman who knows who she is, what she’s about and where she’s headed.
serg1972daf – :
I don’t think can say anything that hasn’t already been said about this genius creation. This made me fall in love with Iris and if it didn’t get discontinued it would definitely be my signature. It is feminine, elegant floral with a bit of spiciness and sweetens, and I don’t have the words to describe how beautiful it is. At the moment my 60ml PI and 100ml PI L’eau are only used on special occasion and kept in a cool dark place the rest of the time. Told my fiancee I will wear it for our wedding-that’s how special this is and he also loves it as I wore it on our first date. It’s always good when your partner also likes a perfume you love! I have heard that it is still possible to get a bottle of PI form the Guerlain shop in Paris. Can anyone who has been share?
Sakh-ivan – :
We’re on evacuation alert because fires are licking at our city’s perimeter. I have packed photo albums, jewellery, and this.
shum137 – :
A classic scent that reached perfection in 2011 when launched. Such a pity that it is discontinued in a time when many other versions of it are still in the market…
To me it was clearly a signature scent and I sincerely hope they reconsider!
jekak1978 – :
Oh wow I just received my shalimar parfum initial and I love it warm sensual and a juice that melts in your skin like butter!
There Guerlainade Vanilla with the Iris, tonka bean and caramel are just right slightly gourmandish, maybe vetiver but SPI is all about the
Iris their prominent note…
I have both this and the Shalimar si sensuelle and there both equally luscious and alike one citrusy than the other…
What a shame to discontinue these pillars and that it was not given the chance it deserved when it launched.
Maybe it was about timing or promotion whatever it was
Well done Thierry Wasser!
Sillage and longevity are great!
Layer this with Dior homme intense OMG!
HanaSchwarz – :
HOW could they discontinued this??!!! How could they?!! NOOOOO….
sava32 – :
This is SO GOOD!
Dare I say I find it more versatile than the original grand dame?
Love it!
Accigipse – :
I had no idea, that this perfume has been reformulated…so PI made 2011 and 2014 are 2 completely different scents…The characteristic note of powdery iris is almost not there in the late version 🙁 it’s still a very nice fragrance, but it’s not the same… Both flankers are more similar to the 2011 version than the same perfume produced 3 years later.
furman.nik1963 – :
I am really kicking myself in the butt right now. I had a bottle of this a year ago and swapped it because at that time I was too afraid to really venture into anything that was a flanker of Shalimar. I sincerely apologize to all of you that love the original Shalimar, but that is just not agreeable with me. Anyways, a very very generous woman here that I swapped with sent me a bottle of this as an extra and this time around I actually sprayed it…even on my skin! PI is beautiful! The powdery iris sweetened up by vanilla is just incredible! It’s a comfortable scent. The kinda scent you put on before bed because it is like a warm hug in a bottle.
dnn249 – :
I have already reviewed this fragrance and I will forever sing its praises, but this message is for the people of Guerlain. Hi, it’s me, long time devotee. Could you bring this fragrance back in a non comma-included format for the rest of us lovers of PI? Just asking, nicely, with a cherry on top, because my bottle is almost out. Love you. Sincerely, C. xx
elaman1996 – :
This is a very rich parfum …l love it and it makes me feel very rich
phynist – :
i reviewed this before I’m just coming back to say my god have the prices jumped so high for this. When I bought mine it was like $25 now its like $80+ sheesh. this is exactly why i hate when perfume gets discontinued, then everyone on ebay adds a couple of more numbers to the price. Makes me sick.
I still love it, it smells so gorgeous I swear nothing can beat this expensive rich glamorous smell.
Ru Nik – :
Just sprayed this on today- a wet, warm spring morning- and it is absolutely beautiful! I mean, I love it anyway, but something about today it is really showing off what a stunning and clever composition it is. The bottle alone is the most beautiful by far (why isn’t the entire Shalimar family finished with a pretty tassel??) and as of today the perfume has made its way to my favorites shelf. Bring it back (in this form!) Guerlain, I need to know I can spray with abandon and still afford to replace it!
Johhan – :
I was excited to try this for the caramel notes. Shalimar is one of my most favorite perfumes. If I have to go on a deserted island and only bring 3 perfumes with me, Shalimar definitely comes. I’m just saying all this so you know how I feel about the original perfume vs this one. Original Shalimar reminds me of a light, fluffy, lemon-poppyseed cake, so that plus caramel seemed like my idea of heaven.
Unfortunately the caramel in Shalimar Parfum Initial isn’t the gourmand kind and doesn’t do anything special. Imagine all the notes are a middle school kids in a chorus and caramel is hiding in the back, humming, because he doesn’t know all the words of the song.
This is a light, POWDERY version of Shalimar with all the lemony notes toned waaay down. I can see many people loving it but it’s just not for me.
I’m mainly writing this review for the blind-buyers: this is NOT original Shalimar + delicious gourmand caramel. If that’s what you want, then go smell this first, don’t blind buy!
The caramel comes out more in the dry-down around one and a half hours after the first spray, it’s a dry, dark, toasty caramel, but it’s like the kid who was humming in the back of the chorus, the chorus has stopped singing already and now he’s still humming and everyone’s staring at him like ‘Dammit, George! Try to keep up!’ Which is another way of saying, the longevity is poor. By hour 3 it’s barely even there at all. The sillage is around 1- 1.5 feet in the beginning but shrinks quickly.
All that being said, just understand I’m comparing this to THE SHALIMAR so even if I’m sounding complain-y or like I hate it, that’s not true. I would still buy this over a million other perfumes out there, but in the wide ocean of Shalimar flankers, I like the more lemon-cake-ish versions that come in any of the blue bottles more.
assassins55590 – :
Shalimar lite for those who don’t dig Shalimar on a daily basis. Very office appropriate, classy and sophisticated. It’s less citrusy and smokey. Stays very close to the skin, no sillage. Gone after three hours.
leonidol – :
This is what Shalimar used to be with an injection of sweetness and femininity. Opening with a perfectly powdered iris, a shot of lovely sweet and smooth vanilla with a boost of tonka. The drydown allows the citrus to shine through, and the charming and grounding vanilla notes.
This is not a childish or overly sweet cheap smelling gourmand like so many flooding the market. This is grown up and rich – with incredible projection and longevity. This is what I expect from Guerlain – a perfect blend of notes culminating in a fragrance I love to wear. It’s scent lingers on linens and scarves – little reminders of the glorious scent worn yesterday, or the day before.
Few scents are the perfect balance of sweet and earthy, creating an aura that draws people in – asking “what is that beautiful fragrance?”.
So, why is it a limited edition? Why has it disappeared? Guerlain must keep it’s consumers happy with scents that really work and will fly from it’s shelves. It is far better in my opinion than the current formulation of Shalimar EDP, and yet – it’s gone. Poof – off in a puff of sweet floral powder. Such a shame. I have my backups, and will use sparingly so I will never be without. I can’t imagine an evening of snuggling without this romantic beauty.
vedeol – :
This fragrance is undoubtedly beautiful, just not what I’m craving in perfumes at the moment. I have a 60 ml, 2 oz bottle up for swap if anyone is interested. US inquiries only please 🙂
onweek1 – :
یکی از بهترین عطرهای زنانه . رایحه ای بسیار باکیفیت ، جا افتاده و حرفه ای . شخصاً شباهت چندانی بین این و خانواده دیور اوم نمیبینم . عطری خیلی سرحال و سرزنده و شاداب و در عین حال پخته و قوی . اگه نگیم بی نظیر ولی واقعاً کم نظیر هستش . ء
kurt90 – :
[Rant, not a review]
Oh yeah, Guerlain brought this beauty back….in a $1300 (16oz or 500ml) “bee bottle” that most people can not afford. Thanks Guerlain! Way to go alienating some of your customer base. I’ll be certain to never buy another Guerlain ever again. Break my heart discontinuing this, and then be so cruel and cold-hearted as to be dangling this over head and out of reach! How mean can you be? Diabolical, I’d say! Never again!
[End of rant]
sanau75 – :
I normally don’t wear sweet patchoulis, and how I wish I could trade my bottle of Flowerbomb in for a bottle of this! Yes it is a sugary patch, but the smoky vetiver in the top, the peppery bergamot in the dry down, and the cosmetic iris throughout gives SPI depth and maturity. The patch has hints of anise in the opening but fades quickly. Like Chanel Coco Noir, it is an example of this trend/genre done right
Snap – :
I’ve reviewed this fragrance before and its still The Holy Grail of perfumes. I’ve never smelled anything more beautiful, delicious or unique. I have been stocking up on this beauty every chance i get out of fear of ever running out. The aged bottles have an intense , sweet, carmel note that is sticky and dense. The citrus remains beautiful and the iris is lipsticky smooth . Theres a suede and anise mix that settles on the skin under everything else. It is always adored and complimented by even strangers whenever i wear this. This perfume is truly captivating and addictive. Theres nothing else like it.
VislideKitjes – :
A soft, pink, hint of light glowed on the clouds at sunrise as she entered the pearly gates of heaven.
Ok so a bit dramatic but that is where this fragrance transports me. It is a soft pink, fluffy cloud of heaven. The citruses at the begining are bright and refreshing but I love when they meld into my skin and allow the powdery Iris to come foward. The Iris in this is so beautiful as it has none of that dustiness you find in cheap fragrances. My amateur nose doesn’t detected patchouli or vetiver, perhaps they are more of an accord than a note?
This is a real beauty and I wholeheartedly agree that it never should have been discontinued.
monolizayulia – :
So lovely!! and i can say it is unique, soft, elegant!!
i smell a wonderful mix of powder, iris, & a hint of citrus, which gives it a kind of smokiness but a soft kind of smokiness, nothing serious.
sometimes the “powder note” can be easily overpowering but the case here is different!
It is wonderful for summer, really elegant, romantic, special in the market, as well as for me 😀
djamaikamaks – :
Shalimar Parfum Initial starts out with a bright, bergamot citrus blast. Then the beautiful powdery iris comes out, along with vanilla, caramel, and patchouli.
This a real gem with great longevity! One of my favorite perfumes that Guerlain never should have discontinued. More people need to get to enjoy this scent!
wopwermprer – :
IIts a cool cloudy day and I’ve just tried this on first time today. I love all the Shalimars I’ve tried and this one too! Made my mood a lot sunnier.
While it has a similar initial smoky/ leather and citrus at first, it is less lime zest, more limeade, and is a lot more powdery after an hour. It has a sweet mild vanilla MUSK that’s reminiscent of Lolita Lempicka somehow and also a very subtle patchouli barely noticeable unless you look for it. has a more dessert -like aspect than Shalimar original perfume. I’m happy to add this to my collection, my grandma loved the original and I could see her wearing this if she were young today. Moderate sillage which is just how I like it.
irina.scheregesch – :
Jan. 2018: I prefer her in cooler weather months or evenings all year. Lovely, elegant lady. She’s softer spoken than the original. Better suited to a younger women who wants to make a stronger impression or an older woman who wants to make a softer impression.
COMBO TIP: SI with Le Carven Parfum. 1:2 or 2:2.
genf20hghus – :
Shalimar’s elegant, understated little sister. Shalimar wears a black silk slip dress, dripping with diamonds; Parfum Initial wears pale blush and pearls. She keeps a little more to the imagination, but draws you in with her sparkling personality.
This scent is warm, powdery and bright. Soft and fuzzy like a cashmere sweater.
Absolutely beautiful.
A3IAT – :
I blind bought a 90ml bottle at duty free in France 2 years ago, basd on the reviews here. I love the first scent but after 3 minutes it becomes a massive cloud of powder on me. It gives me major headaches and it lasts on my skin for hours and hours (which in this case I am not happy about).. So up for swap or sale if anyone’s interested.
misha-as1 – :
I KNEW I had to love this fragrance. I tried it 2 years ago with giant amounts of high hopes based on all the glowing reviews and my love of almost every Shalimar (and Guerlain). I blind bought a bottle and was immediately let down, all I could smell was barnyard soiled hay. It was awful. I traded it away after many attempts and never looked back… until I got back into fragrances again just recently.
I wanted to test it one more time so I bought a small decant and BOOM. There she was. Soft and warm powdered iris, vanilla clouds of poofiness, a bit of smoky seduction. Yep. Instant love, just as I imagined the first time around.
My old bottle was a turned one. Oops.
NoFly – :
This is a lovely alternative to the full-blooded Shalimar for days when I want the powder-iris hit with just a hint of the dark smoke in the background. This is Shalimar sans bondage. She is a little more innocent and more office-appropriate than her older cousin. Gorgeous, fluffy and just a snap of darkness – this is a fresh citrus, then floral and powdery juice with a just a little of the side-eye. Glorious. When you want some dirtiness, go for the original, but this beauty exists in her own right and should never have been discontinued. The fragrance houses should slow it down and keep scents around for much longer, so that we get chance to enjoy them and grow into them!
dior – :
Very unforgettable fragrance, definitely for successful, powerful and yet sophisticated, beautiful and elegant women. I can imagine women like Audrey Hepburn…wearing this perfume. It is just SO classy!
I love the dry down scent very much. It is very unique and distinctive. I think that is how perfumes should be made: attractive and long lasting.
valrusel – :
This is my classy and sophisticated scent. I get a powdery lipstick smell, vanilla and caramel. My goodness, this fragrance is intoxicating! The middle and dry down of this perfume are absolutely stunning. I get lots of iris and caramel. I have to be in the mood for this though, because the powderiness can be a bit much for me.
I love that you only need one spray and you’ll be surrounded by a cocoon of this yummy goodness.
tutmas72 – :
I love this fragrance so much I’ve started stocking up since it’s discontinued which I just don’t get. I love this scent on me it lasts and lasts. Also this fragrance once it dries down is like a work of art. It smells divine! It’s also one of the few with a patchouli note that I don’t mind at all. I’ve avoided patchouli like the plague since I thought it all smelled like the oil I wore in the 90’s well that’s not so at all as I enjoy Narciso scents that have it in it too. But this is my favorite scent and the perfume I would call my signature. It’s the first perfume that I crave to wear. If I’m not wearing this I don’t feel right and I think this is why it’s my number one scent.
I really hope they bring this back I have 2 bottles saved but I know I need to get more. I’ve never smelled anything so good. I also love Shalimar and I see the similarities but love the differences. I think the caramel in this makes this so good, it’s sexy, it makes me feel like a woman or how a woman should smell. I adore this and hope one day they will bring this back. I get compliments on this as well. This perfume made me really love and get into Guerlain perfumes and I’m so happy I did!
nikolaikras – :
The only sugarchouli I can come close to. I even like it and come quite close! Plus, this IS different than others. While it has a strong drawing power, other patchugars let you cringe by their punching presence. Maybe because it’s much more than just sugar+patchouli. Iris and rose smoothe the edges, the patchouli seems more peppery-like and fresh.
Agree totally with a lot of you reviewers. Maybe the flankerism killed this darling…
So they launched it, kicked off quickly tons of versions of it just to take it down again. Was that an experiment of mass market to see how customers react aka buy?
WKuqtQ – :
Once upon a time I hated this perfume. Sugary patchoulis like Shalimar Parfum Initial seemed ubiquitous; in bars, in offices, at the mall, along sidewalks—it was everywhere and I loathed it. Worse still, SPI smelled foul upon first sniff of the tester nozzles at Sephora and Ulta. As far as I was concerned SPI had absolutely no redeeming qualities. It was at Ulta that I had my first (accidental) skin contact with SPI. From that day on, I understood SPI’s appeal.
When other people wear perfumes, even perfumes we enjoy, the perfumes go through a sort of transmutation. I have a friend who wears one of my favorite perfumes. I hate smelling it on her—it becomes a musky, sweaty, burly beast of white florals and sugar and I simply want to scream. So I have to accept that perfumes change from one person to the next. That minor epiphany had not come to me yet when I was swearing off SPI. It was sugar and filthy patchouli as far as I could smell. I could not fathom how anyone would want to smell like this.
On my skin, it’s not saccharine and dirty patchouli. It is several layers of gauzy sweetness, powdery florals, and a rich patchouli that was meant to add density at the center of all the diaphanous goodness. The timeless Guerlainade is ever-present throughout, adding another beautiful layer to this scent. It’s deceptively simple until it’s fully worn. Unless you are smelling every delicate layer reveal itself—and it is a slow striptease that goes on for several hours—SPI cannot be fully appreciated.
I’m glad I came around before this gem was discontinued. And why the heck was it discontinued? I’ll never understand it. It has a cult following and the potential to become as iconic as Shalimar, Mitsouko, or L’Heure Bleue. Whatever, I have a stockpile of bottles to satisfy me for at least a few years. Maybe in that time SPI will be brought back to the masses? Just because there is an oversaturation of fruitchoulies and sugar bombs on the market doesn’t mean there isn’t room for SPI.
hjnfy – :
Unisex. Moody fragrance. Not for everyday use, otherwise you’ll end up hating it.
Enjoy this masterpiece from time to time!
ravilka74 – :
I swapped my bottle of Parfum Initial some time ago and almost instantly regretted it. Now, thanks to another wonderful swap, I am the proud owner of this beautiful bottle again. I still don’t get the massive silage/longevity from this one that I do from the other Shalimar’s but it’s ok, this one is soft and sweet and sometimes that’s nice too. I still think it is a bit of an oddball (citrus, spicy, sweet, chalky, lipstick,) but it has grown on me. I am never going to be without this one again.
skebratearp – :
2 sprays original Shalimar EDP or EDT, one spray Prada Candy (or Casmir Chopard, Bijan Nude, Trussardi Inside .. you get the drift) and you have that caramel/vanille Shalimar Initial. Use your imagination.
zrckmooerv – :
Parfum Initial is just iconic. As I am looking into niche more and in the process kind of abandoning designer houses I feel like this is one of those outstanding perfumes when talking designer. Citrus notes blend beautifully with iris, underneath a sultry yet not overwhelming base of dry caramel, vanilla & tonka bean. You’ve got your patchouli and vetiver giving off woodiness and just a tiny hint of earthiness. The latter works nicely with star player of this show – iris. As a huge iris fan it is most pleasing to smell that warmer, sweeter base next to a blast of iris powder, this makes a great contrast within the perfume itself, making the iris even more powdery, more tart, austere. It’s what seperates this particular EDP from its flankers like l’Eau and Si Sensuelle, which to me, do not create such a big contrast on my skin. Go hard or go home. As a flanker to Shalimar this is one of the most successful flankers in flanker categories. To me, this might be even better than the original.
Basil – :
Vyrabejte ho znovu….prosim
PortWaiserKnauf – :
I’m glad I bought a small sample instead of blind buying a full bottle, because PI does not work as well for me as I thought it would. I expected a soft powdery vanilla veering towards gourmand, but what I got was a blast of patchouli with just a tiny bit of vanilla and iris. Because the patchouli is so strong, I’m having a hard time picking up any other notes. Overall, I find PI to be rather sharp. I’m a bit jealous that so many reviewers here experience a soft fluffy vanilla cloud, because that is not what I get at all.
Margoshka – :
Oh how I love thee, I definitely will count thee ways.
Yes, am I a Guerlain junkie! Why yes indeed I am! I love Shalimar and most all it’s flankers. Initial brings out the happy, soft , loving side of me. It has confidence, it’s has warmth like a loving hug, it’s flirtatious, it’s soft, it’s joy wrapped up into a bottle. As everyone says, so sad it’s discontinued, but do not be sad just yet, there is still plenty in the market place to purchase. The sillage in this gem is moderate, the longevity is average. What is special is that sprinkle of caramel, it sets it apart from some of the other Shalimars. Just that pinch of sweetness makes for a pleasant day of smelling divine. Get your hands on this beauty while you still can, it’s just beautiful!
kuv2010 – :
@ IngSoc274
I read your review of YSL Cinema earlier today; here’s an extract:
“This is my go to juice when I want to invite a chick to my pad. Women love this scent and this is like baby making juice in a bottle.
I usually play Adele in the background when chicks come over, and display my recycling bins right at the entrance, in full view, and oh sweet baby Jaysus are they impressed. Works great on exotic foreign girls too, so don’t worry if their immigration documentation is current or not, it’s all good.
This scent is a nice woody masculine scent, close to RL Polio pour homme.
For American girls I pair this with pizza/merlot but for the foreign chicks I’ve found fried cous cous works better with carbonated bottled water.
Guys, trust me this is a huge panty hose dropper and so be careful.
Rating: A+
Longevity: All night long, we’re talking performance here.
Projection: 6 inches (I’m told that’s about average; besides women say men worry more about that stuff than women do).”
It was so ridiculous, I checked out the rest of your reviews and discovered that most of them have this theme – as does this review of PI.
Presumably you are writing these “reviews” for your own entertainment; I doubt very much anyone else is entertained as you keep repeating the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over…
This isn’t funny; it is just tiresome, juvenile and boring – and potentially offensive.
Please stop.
Dreadnought100 – :
@supertw: 5 sprays of Parfum Initial! Whoa! No wonder you felt the notes were suffocating. PI is a room filler…only 2 or max 3 sprays should be more than enough. Try it again with a lighter hand on the sprayer and see what you think then. I do hope you grow to love it. 🙂
I left a review further down the page. The L’eau and Si Sensuelle are in fact the EXACT same fragrance as released in a statement from Guerlain. The only difference is the bottle. Companies do this to see how easily manipulated the public is, imagining they smell a different scent when it is the same scent in a fancy bottle. And frequently they are proven that such marketing schemes work since the public shells out big bucks for the fancier bottle.
kazachyok – :
Just blind bought this off Ebay due to it being discontinued and it looks like I should have gotten the L’eau instead as I feel the EDP would have benefited from having more citrus and being a little more diluted. From the two times, five sprays each time, that I wore this, it seems very condensed like the notes don’t have enough room to maneuver and thus haven’t had the chance to really bloom and show their full potential. It’s like all the notes are struggling to come out to the surface and the results are muddled.
I feel the reason that there is no clarity is because the sweet base is very dense and fudgelike and not effervescent or airy enough to show off the special Shalimar like qualities to the fulless. Will be ordering the L’Eau and the Si Sensuelle ones to compare. This one seems a bit heavy handed.
vovangavr – :
Just retried my sample of this and found myself truly won over by it! The first time I tried it I had just fallen in love with the original Shalimar and didn’t really see the beauty in this one. But now I see how warm and cozy and elegant it is in its own right, paying homage to the Guerlinade base but doing something new and modern and lovely. Smoky caramel and tonka? Yes, please.
plutoner2010 – :
اجمل اصدارات السيدة الكلاسيكية
شاليمار
و من التحف المقطوعة !
..
باودري سويتي قليلاً
مع لمحة من فانيليا قيرلان و روح شاليمار
..
اذا كنت ممن يحب العطور الباودرية
والتي تشبه رائحة مساحيق التجميل
عطور مثل مجموعة ديور اوم
حتماً ستعشق هذا العطر
..
القطعة النادرة
اذا حصلت عليها لا تترد في شرائها
..
الثبات و الفوحان في غاية الرضا
untesent – :
If your heart is broken that this beautiful fragrance has been discontinued, I would advise you to take a sniff of Khol de Bahrein by Stephane Humbert Lucas, which is stunningly gorgeous and performs like a heightened extrait version of Parfum Initial.
zxc – :
Sigh. Lovely. A sunny day, pastel dress Shalimar. The (stunningly gorgeous) caramelly vanilla is just teetering on the verge of too much, held back by the grounding of patchouli and the brightness of citrus and green notes and that juxtapositional whisper of vetiver.
And the IRIS….wow. One day I’d love to stick my head in a barrel of orris butter and keep it there, sniffing in frenzied joy, until someone starts yelling.
Of course it’s been discontinued. I’ll be in a corner sniffing my wrists and sighing for a bit.
My tiny kingdom, my heart and soul for a re-issue.
kyzapunk – :
Alas, there is no point to falling in love with a fragrance that has been discontinued, as this lovely beauty sadly (and, inexplicably) has.
I can absolutely detect the Guerlinade DNA, though Parfum Initial is her own creation. PI’s vanilla hides until the dry down on me and it’s appearance is a beautiful, welcome surprise (and, regardless of the fact that I’m awaiting that note, it is always such a surprise, a real delight when the vanilla rises up in warm clouds from the skin).
On application, the difference between PI and Shalimar are readily apparent, though they’re similarly complex, each has it’s own identity.
It would be wonderful if the house of Guerlain would bring this delicate beauty back into active production. For that reason, this could never be daily wear for me, but I will cherish the days I throw caution to the wind and indulge, cringing as the level goes slowly down, down, down…
yyrtye4 – :
Pretty strange, not so obvious, so I can describe it, not my taste. Durability as per edp up to 5 hours. There are fresh notes like bergamot with green notes or jasmine plus caramel and iris, such feelings are not entirely cool. And the vanilla appears only after half an hour, they are to be oriental perfume, and in total are not.
I do not have a comparison to the original it is definitely better to try them first. I do not buy a full bottle, I just had a sample.
barblga444 – :
The PI edp and L’Eau edt are almost identical to my nose. Both are beautiful and graceful, well blended, and while they do drift toward slightly gourmand and fruity (respectively) territories, never stray from a very French perfume realm. The edt rests on a lighter base and is brighter and fresher- the edp is just a bit more concentrated with a sharper lemon opening and a salty caramel note with a bit of sliiiightly dirty musk that peeks through the creamy, sweet Earl Gray tea veil. I have blind bought both at bargain prices and I love the scent, but rest assured that one is as good as the other so if you’re thinking of purchasing, grab whichever you can find while you can. I am so surprised that such a potential classic fragrance would have been discontinued! Double surprise when considering how pedestrian Guerlain’s latest release (Mon Guerlain) was. Let’s pray to the perfume gods that they will see the error of their ways and value quality at least as much as making a quick buck, and resurrect this beauty.
Zloi_Pk – :
Shalimar Parfum Initial….soooo beautiful! Graceful, elegant. Has a sort of relaxed glamour to it; a luxe boho vibe.
No one does patchouli like Guerlain. It’s very smooth and clean in this composition. The iris and vanilla add a sweet, powdery softness. The citrus gives it some sparkle.
It lasts on the skin for several hours, with soft sillage that floats around you like a pink cloud.
I think this is great to wear year round, formal or casual occasions.
It’s really a shame that Guerlain chose to discontinue this. I will be bitterly disappointed when my bottle is finished.
sagurvovka – :
Ez egy csodálatos, finom, édes, nőies illat! Nem értem a Guerlaint, miért kellett megszüntetni 🙁
Rengetegen szeretnénk megvásárolni!!!
Indítsák újra a gyártást!!!!
Pavlik19911991 – :
Guerlain, if you’re paying attention, you have a lot of customers on there begging you to bring this beauty back. Some of us can’t wear the original Shalimar because our body chemistry just won’t allow for it without smelling strange, but we can wear this. It’s not fair to introduce a fragrance, get people fond or loving it, and then discontinue it, especially after you created several flankers on the theme. It really is quite mean. It must have done well for you to create those flankers, so why discontinue it? I don’t understand.
Please listen to your customers and provide what we request.
nikas – :
When this first came out I was too scared to try the original Shalimar because I was still new to perfumes and Shalimar was too intimidating for me.
Lo and behold, I found this beauty. A softer, powdery version of Shalimar.
I’ll always love Shalimar Initial for introducing me to one of my favorite perfumes which is Shalimar. I’m now confident enough to wear Shalimar but I miss her baby sister 🙁
Oh, she was gorgeous. I wish they’d bring her back.
vutrileDill – :
Lovely.
That were my first excited thoughts of this fragrance. A little while later I repeated it again, now with a sarcastic undertone. This fragrance is great, but why do I have to crave this discontinued fragrance out of all the perfumes available? Sigh.
Ok, so let’s get back to this shalimar initial. The original shalimar is an iconic perfume, yet like other icons such as Chanel no 5, is not a good fit for everyone. In my opinion the original is incredible but also something I don’t see myself wearing just yet. To me, this initial ticks all the boxes. It is not something ordinary, it is still special and clearly a high-end perfume. However this one, is fresher, lig