Etienne Aigner 2021 EDT

M £ Favourite

Initial

by Barbara Wittig

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Etienne Aigner Initial is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2021, created by Barbara Wittig. Initial opens with Grapefruit, Pepper, Ginger, and Apple, settles into a heart of Patchouli, Iris, Lavender, and Geranium, and dries down to a base of Driftwood, Musk, Amber, and Sandalwood. Etienne Aigner's Initial carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

Initial by Etienne Aigner is a real head-scratcher. It's a gorgeous scent, genuinely well-balanced and pleasing, but the performance is so poor it practically evaporates on contact. You'll love the smell, just don't expect anyone else to notice it.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Confident
  • Elegant
  • Energetic
  • Masculine
£31.49 at MyBeauty.Boutique 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Initial Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Short (2-4h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Light

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Summer
Also Works:
Spring Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport

Its fresh, subtle nature makes it highly suitable for casual wear and the office, as it won't offend anyone. However, its extremely poor performance means it's unsuitable for occasions where you want your fragrance to be noticed, like dates or formal events.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

This opens with a zesty, bitter grapefruit punch underscored by a crisp apple and a hint of fiery ginger, which quickly transitions into a refined heart of clean lavender and earthy patchouli. The base settles into a smooth, slightly woody musk with an amber warmth and a distinct touch of driftwood. It's a fresh, modern take on a classic aromatic profile, with a subtle fruity-citrus lean that keeps it light and airy.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Initial Eau de Toilette - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Initial Eau de Toilette - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 25 September

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.