Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau
Perfumer: Thierry Wasser
364 ratings
From your scent profile
Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau pairs a bright opening of neroli, citrus notes and bergamot with the soft sweetness of jasmine, tonka bean and vanilla, a fresh, powdery scent made for women.
Skunky's take: A card-carrying member of the fresh club.
How does it perform?
From 301 community ratings, all out of 10.
Holds up through the day and fades gently toward evening.
Leaves a light trail and stays polite in a crowd.
Talks even from the shelf.
The price makes you think, so a small size is a smart start.
Blind buy risk
86% of votes are positive and opinions barely differ.
Notes
They open one after another, from the first spray into the evening.
Top notesfirst 15 minutes
Heart notesfirst few hours
Base noteswhat stays into the evening
Accords
From most dominant to most subtle.
- Fresh
- Citrus
- Floral
- Sweet
- Gourmand
- Spicy
- Oriental
- Powdery
Fresh
Citrus
Floral
Sweet
Gourmand
Spicy
Oriental
PowderyWhat does Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau smell like?
The top is neroli, citrus notes and bergamot, clean and bright. Jasmine brings a soft floral heart, and tonka bean and vanilla carry the base towards a sweet, gourmand finish. Behind the fresh, citrusy accords sit a spicy, oriental touch and a powdery close. It has been discontinued.
Longevity is good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick spring, followed by fall and summer; it leans towards daytime and leisure but also gets votes for work and evenings. Most voters read it as feminine. Guerlain Eau de Shalimar and Guerlain Plus Que Jamais have a close profile.
How it changes through the day
First minutes
- Neroli
- Citrus notes
- Bergamot
First hours
- Jasmine
Towards evening
- Tonka bean
- Vanilla
When to wear it?
Seasons and occasions, by user votes.
- 31%Spring
- 27%Autumn
- 22%Summer
- 20%Winter
Spring
Autumn
Summer
Winter- Daytime23%
- Casual20%
- Nighttime19%
- Office19%
- Evening19%
Smells like this
The closest scents by notes and accords.
59% matchPlus Que Jamais
Guerlain · 2005
58% matchEau de Shalimar
Guerlain · 2008
55% matchWoman No. 1
Bogner · 1985
54% matchLes Secrets de Sophie
Guerlain · 2009
52% matchParis - Venise
Chanel · 2018
51% matchManifesto L'Eclat
Yves Saint Laurent · 2014
51% matchTendre Madeleine
Les Senteurs Gourmandes
51% match№ 3 Intense
Asabi
Comparisons
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Last updated: October 26, 2026