Shalimar Parfum Initial by Guerlain

Shalimar is a fragrance line that is approaching 100 years and is beyond famous, at this point. However, Guerlain does still create flankers of its classic formula, like 2011’s, Parfum Initial. I got a sample of this one, since I hadn’t ever tried it out before. How does Shalimar Parfum Initial smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Shalimar Parfum Initial Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, orange, iris, vanilla, caramel, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean, musk

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: An initiation into Guerlain’s most legendary fragrance. A luminous interpretation with ambery floral notes

Parfum Initial opens up with a focus on its citrus notes, but I catch a good deal of vetiver, in the opening moments. Fresh, somewhat smoky vanilla, with a slight greenish vibe, and an additional patchouli.

The iris in the midst of this environment, smells dustier than the eventual more powdery dry down. It’s all dynamic and interesting, without too much connection to the original Shalimar. Though, you can tell it’s related.

The citrus notes fade, the vetiver calms down, and I start to get more of the floral notes and sweeter touches. Rose, never takes over the iris, but it certainly has a place in the first 30-45 minutes of this one.

Vanilla, tonka bean, with a touch of caramel. It is interesting, sometimes that caramel feels stronger, and other wears I basically get none.

Anyway, we start to get more of the powdery force of the iris note. Powdery floral warmth, with musk, and the sweeter notes start to clump together. I do like that the woodiness sticks around to provide Shalimar Parfum Initial a solid base.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I found this one to be pretty powerful for at least a few hours, and above average for the rest of the way. Not weak stuff, but will comfortably pop off of the skin and leave a trail in your wake.

Pafrum Initial is really good with how long it lasts, but doesn’t hit the double digit hour mark for me. During testing, it was somewhere in the 8-9 hour range. Which is what you’d need for just about anytime you’d want to use it.

Seasonally, with the iris and vanilla and whatnot, this Shalimar is best for the autumn and winter months of the year. It’s just fine in the more moderate temperatures, but is at its best in the chillier weather.

It also does have plenty of versatility within that. It does lean more feminine, but could be a unisex type of wear for some people. As a man, I’d personally go with something like Dior Homme Intense instead, if I wanted an iris fragrance. Though, this works too.

This Shalimar is also quite approachable as a daily wear. It’s has style and class, but isn’t too heavy or serious. Can fit a variety of situations and not feel out of place.

Overall Impressions of Parfum Initial

Overall, do I like Shalimar Parfum Initial? I do. This is a great perfume from Guerlain, with nice balance, and a more modern interpretation of the fragrance.

From the citrus, to the smoky vanilla, the vetiver opening, and the use of the iris note. This is a perfume that does everything well. It’s not going to be declared my favorite scent or anything, just one that is enjoyable the whole way through.

The performance doesn’t disappoint, and while you know it’s a Shalimar perfume, it has enough of its own character to stand as a distinct and separate fragrance.

It’s one that’s worth trying out, if you can still get a hold of it.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.