Guerlain 2012 EDT

F ££ Statement

Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau

by Thierry Wasser

Share
Card A shareable image of this fragrance - its verdict, notes and profile. Save or copy it to post anywhere.

Guerlain Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2012, created by Thierry Wasser. Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau opens with Bergamot, Orange, Grapefruit, and Neroli, settles into a heart of Hyacinth, Rose, Jasmine, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Vanilla and Tonka Bean. Guerlain's Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau carries a Statement verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This flanker proves divisive, celebrated by many as a refined, modern Shalimar, yet dismissed by others as a soapy, powdery disappointment. It's truly a love-it-or-hate-it affair, with little middle ground.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Elegant
  • Modern
  • Sophisticated
  • Cozy
Check price on → Check prices ↓
Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau 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

ScentArt Explorer What is ScentArt?

Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Fall
Also Works:
Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual Formal
Also Works:
Office

Its moderate sillage and strong longevity make it suitable for various settings, though it might be a bit too present for an office if over-sprayed. The elegant iris and warm vanilla base lend themselves well to dates and formal events, while its fresher aspects allows for casual wear.

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.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

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

It bursts open with a sharp, tangy citrus medley of bergamot, grapefruit, and neroli, quickly giving way to a heart of delicate iris and rose, softened by lily of the valley. A gentle, powdery veil settles, leading to a plush, warm base of tonka bean and vanilla that lingers with a comforting, almost gourmand sweetness, some even detect a hint of Earl Grey tea.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

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