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...This has to be one of the best fragrances in the world. This fragrance wraps you in luxury. A well-balanced floral, which, in my opinion, is very hard to achieve. Usually one flower stands out over the others and ruins the fragrance. This is outstanding. ...

Initial perfume is my absolute favorite perfume and a perfect match for my chemistry- any recommendations on something comparable?

I love it and so does everbody else that is near me. I was once followed down a dentist's office by an employee because she wanted to know what perfume I was wearing I have heard that it is discontinued. Help! Even though I will never like anything better than Initial, I have to have a scent to wear as close to Initial as possible.

To the best of my knowledge NU by YSL has been discontinued. Perhaps Le Baisir du Dragon from Cartier will work. Nu and Baisir can turn masculine on some people so proceed with caution

In response to the enquiry for suggestions on new perfume....I highly recommend NU by Yves St Laurent. It has some of the same notes as Initial but with a really nice twist. I also use Initial....but not very often these days since discovering NU. The spray perfume is best.

It's been 2 yrs since I've posted and 6 mos. since anyone has posted here. Initial is still 1 of Emporium's homepage fave. Initial is my perfect scent. I discovered it 4 years ago. It is my "when we first dated" scent. Now he's my husband. A year ago I switched to an essential oil line, Sandalwood-Patchouli-Vanilla. I was having an Earthy Year. It reminds many people of their pot smoking days(!) I had traveled to the Andes and all was well. Now I wear Initial when I want to get my husband's full attention. Now I need a change. Deb had given me a list of her faves. Can anybody suggest something new, Initial-esque, but different? Yeah, I know, that's like asking for vanilla ice cream that smells like chocolate. Initial is still the bomb. But I need a change.

YOU CANT GO WRONG CHOOSING INITIAL...IT IS THE BOMB, WILL BE PERFECT FOR YOUR WEDDING

Hi Jen, for your special day I would like to recommend you try Estee Lauder's Beautiful Sheer. It's totally everything you have said you want it to be, ..subtle, feminine, and both sexy and sensuous. The body lotion alone is just yummy and will give you that radiant glow with the perfume on top. Doesn't do any harm even if you're a bit generous with spraying, is sure to put your would-be hubby in a trance, imagine the scent comforting him through those vows and captivating him to give you a passionate kiss in the end. Beautiful Sheer is the most romantic scent a woman could ever wear in my personal opinion. Infact Vera Wang's Princess would have made more sense if that bottle contained this juice, but in no sense girly.. just ultra feminine and sensual soft. A close second would be the original 212 by Carolina Herrera. Congrats and have a great wedding Jen!! ;)

I'm getting married in a few months in Miami and was wondering if this is a good fragrance to wear that day? It probably won't be too hot but I don't want anything too strong or overwhelming. I just want to smell feminine, sexy, and different, but subtle. If this isn't the one, any other suggestions for a scent?

I purchased this a few years ago and find that this is a nice fall/winter fragrance. I use a little and it lasts all day. To me this is very soft, heady and smells delightful.

Good site, thanks!w

This perfume is excellent. But the reason I am writing is to inform all my sisters that what everyone refers to as chemistry can be influenced by what you eat, time of year, smoker or none, hormone fluctuations. I have always sprayed my perfume on my clothing. It stays true to scent and fresh without being altered by my body fluctuations. Walking into a good spray about mid- level with an extra at the back of the neck carries your scent for hours. Being a massage therapist, there are times I can tell what a person's main diet is. The aroam of the food comes out of thie pores, some are very strong. Chinese food is esaily detected, heavy meat eaters and Italian dishes. So, in summary, to allow a perfume to be true, spray on your clothes. My mom used to spray adelicate hanky and put it in her sleeve or bra. How old world feminine. PEACE

I discovered Initial a couple of years ago and get lots of compliments where ever I go. The body lotion is equally a pleasure to use.

My girlfriend introduced it to me over 5 yrs ago and I've been wearing it ever since. I just love it! I have the whole line but I can't seem to find the body gel in the stores. Where can I purchase the gel and candle?

I've reviewed the message board and see that the messages about Initial go back to 2001. It seems that every time I really like a scent, it's discontinued. Please keep this one coming!! It's my favorite after Oscar de la Renta's signature scent and Obsession. I've actually begun to give my scents away to family and friends; they just don't appeal to me anymore and I don't want to waste them. This one is a definite keeper!

This is an interesting perfume. Mostly a "nice girl" scent, classy and elegant, but it has an undercurrent of naughtiness about it. The type of woman I imagine wearing this is a professional woman who wears sexy lingerie under her business suits - conservative on the outside, but always keenly aware of her sexuality. Initial would wink at you in the conference room. ;-)

Boucheron is that kind of brand, that whatever You buy (jewelry, fragrance, a watch) You just feel like the Queen of sophistication. This perfume is an elegant elixir that if You look for a good job or something, it just makes You feel proffesional, elegant and sooo feminine. I'm only 19 so still too young to smell very mature but this fragrance is not too heavy on me. Not at all. Very elegant, spicy, sophisticated and somehow feminine. I adore it, and so my mom does. The bottle shaped like a pearl necklace tells us all by itself - a great fragrance!

At first I didn't realize just how alluring this fragrance was to others. I was at the dog park, unusual place to be wearing perfume, when I received quite a few comments about how good I smelled. I thought it was the scent of the trees but then I realized it was the initial perfume I was wearing and now I am hooked on this fragrance which I can't explain except to say I must buy another bottle.

"initial" is the perfume of my life. I love it...and nothing compares to it.

i really appreciate your suggestions. well, flowerbomb sounds interesting.. but sad to say, i could not find that in stores. d girl from the perfume store looked at me sooo bad when i asked her about that... maybe she thought that i was saying a wrong perfume name.. same thing happened when i asked them about this boucheron's initial.. well, i guess i will just order them online.. thank you very much again!

Just received my "Initial" today and it smells good. I noticed when I sprayed it, that it came out kinda orangey/yellow droplets on my skin. I hope I didn't get a bad bottle! I definately detect the "peppery' smell at first and then it dries to a sweeter smell for me. Great for cooler weather.

Thank you for your comments. It's always nice to be appreciated. As for whether this perfume is for you... I don't think age is particularly linked with any perfume. Yes, some are perhaps too heady for a teenager, but once you are past that stage, really anything goes. I would just caution you that if you are really attractive, (and people who aren't can't understand what a burden that can be) then perhaps you might exercise caution in your choice of some of the sexier perfumes like Trouble by Boucheron, or Flowerbomb -- unless you can handle the attention you will get! Otherwise my advise is wear what you like and forget about age or preconceptions of others. Hope that helps! Enjoy!

of all the people here in perfume emporium, its your name that i always trust when giving good suggestions. although you dont know me, ive been following all your comments on every products. ive been using miracle by lancome. my husband loves it soooo much. but im planning to get this initial bcoz i am looking for something new. i am only 23 years old. do you think initial suits my age? or is this perfume can only be used by women in their late 40's? please help. thank you.

Initial is one of my top 5 for sure! I am utterly in love with this one!

Hello, Initial-istas. If Perfume Emporium no longer stocks Initial lotion (the only reputable place to buy, as another of you pointed out--I, too, learned the hard way); do any of you have suggestions about a very similar fragrance I might try? My chemistry is so temperamental, Initial was my first, almost mystical success story.

I too have heard that they plan to discontinue this perfume. It is by far the most intoxicating scent that I have ever worn, and WELL WORTH the money that I paid for it a few years ago. I haven't found anything yet that even comes close and I ALWAYS get compliments from men AND women. I hope that it stays around.

I hear the Initial is going to be discontinued and I really hope that this is just a rummor based on lies. I love this fragrance more then any other I've ever tried, and I've tried MANY! So this really saddens me to hear. Such an intoxication and mystery such sex appeal I LOVE IT

Initial is my favorite scent of all time. Always gets me noticed at work in a very good way. Always gets me complements and ppl always ask what it is and where they can buy it.

Where has Initial body lotion gone? It has a subtle quality that the EDP lacks. The scents have a distinctively different quality, dry-down, and appeal. Whenever I wear the lotion I attract people insanely. Me. Sometimes it's so reliable it even cracks me up.

Not sure what happened but, after trying to wear this a few more times, I've totally changed my opinion of it. A very rich,sweet fragrance that I really enjoy wearing. It even seems to last longer than when I tried it the first time. Chemistry!!!!

There is nothing to compare this with right now, but it does remind me a little bit of old Safari now sadly discontinued, only much better. I have decided to post in defense of this extra-sexy perfume because sadly I see that some of you don't really like it and think that it's masculine, but I think it's actually just the opposite and VERY FEMININE. Oh well, just my opinion but I still think that this is one of the best ever made. Unfortunately I heard of this being discontinued as is usually the case with all my favorites, Sotto Voce and Venezia and Libertine among my top.

Don't waste your money on this one. A boring scent that thankfully doesn't last longer than a few minutes.

My friend loved Initial on me and ordered a bottle (NOT from Perfume Emporium like she should have). What she received was so strong and overpowering it could have been classified as toxic waste. If the bottle she received had been my initial experience with Initial I would have definitely passed it up. Before you judge a fragrance make sure you are getting fresh product from a reputable dealer.

I bought Initial after reading the raves. Initial is very nice but then it is by Boucheron and most of everything they do is a success. I agree about the "chemistry" theory. I read the raves on Realities and how "soft and feminine" it was. On me it was loud, brash and cheap smelling. When I tried Angel my friend said it smelled like I had put my hair to close to a candle. Perfume is highly individual and just because it's skunky on one person doesn't mean it won't be "heaven scent" on you. There are very intelligent & perceptive women giving perfume reviews and this is always the first place I gto. Thank you Maya, Fragrance Junkie and all the rest!

This is my favorite Boucheron. Girls you've got to try it. No misateks here unless you miss out on it. I love how womanly this is and how sexy it always makes me feel.

Ladies, Initial perfume is my signature scent and this stuff better not be discontinued. It's so hard to find the one you can truly say is a reflection of yourslef and well this is. So I'm very sad to hear that my Initial might be going off the shelves. I hope someone will answer and say it isn't so but in the mean time I'll be stocking up and refridgirating.

I just happen to read your review and I love all of the fragrances you've mentioned, Omnia, Addict and of course I do adore Initial and Trouble. Hmmm I’m not sure exactly where you get that masculine thing cuz to me this smells anything but masculine. I think that Initial is very sexy and quite feminine. Oh well maybe it's your chemistry that kills it for you and mine that makes it work – I’ve had disappointments with certain scents too that other women have adored. But I have to say that ladies this is not a masculine scent whatsoever.

Hello and thank you for your comment. I was aware of that, however it's always good to reaffirm what you've heard, makes it easier to hold on to that belief :) Many thanks, Maya

Such great comments about Initial from so many of you, I just had to run down and try it today!! Uh oh. I guess I'm thoroughly outnumbered (and not the first time!!). This one was NOT my cup of tea at all (but more power to you if it suits you; I'm envious!!); on me it was very strong and sharp, almost masculine (and the saleswoman did mention that a lot of men are buying it. . . for themselves!). It was so harsh and powerful and all-TOO-long-lasting -- again, this is just my own experience, and you might well have better luck. It reminds me of a lot of other classic, popular scents that don't wear well on me, such as Addict and Omnia and Trouble. So, if you know those scents and love them, I think you might love this one, too, which is great!!! If you read those names, however, and have a less than positive association, you might find that something fresher and softer is, like me, more your cup of tea!!!

The stores aren't carrying Initial any more; almost impossible to find online now except for spray. Does anyone know where I can find Initial Body Lotion and Shower Gel? I don't understand why such a new, wonderful product is almost extinct so soon. I LOVE it - so does my husband. Please email me if you know a good source for body lotion and/or shower gel. [email protected]. Thanks!

Initial is a pretty nice fragance but the EDT has no lasting power on me.I'd like to buy 'Trouble' but I'm afraid it won't last like Initial. Can anyone tell me if 'Trouble' has a good lasting power?

It's good news that people can smell your prefume and that you cannot - it means it suits you!! (Sorry you may have known this)

Just like you have to have a signature (or a few) for daily wear I have to have a signature for special occasions. Until Boucheron came out with Initial I used to turn to Aphrodisia by Faberge (now sadly discontinued) or Paloma Picasso for those moments or even once in a while wear Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood (now virtually impossible to find). But now I have Initial and I will always wear it. Just hope they are not thinking of discontinuing this fabulous DIVA too.

Initial, a radiant perfume, Eastern Expenses intimist with the thousand facets. The departure of a spring freshness grows rich by a radiating flowered agreement and a cherishing and sensual signature. A bottle with the soft curves, modern and practical. A fresh glare for a delicate wake.

This is such a wonderful perfume. It's like a spicy, sugary goodness that melts on your skin. Now how could you resist something like that? The first day I wore it I was getting complements right away. I have both the EDP and EDT. They are slightly different, but at the same time both just incredibly wonderful. For EDT it takes a little while to get to the drydown, but both are excellent. I could wear it for all special occasions and always feel very sexy, and sophisticated. This is a perfume that easily goes from the office to the restaurant to the bedroom and holds charm and appeal in all those spheres and then some.

I think that Initial is just PERFECT for evenings out, dinner dates and other party-type occasions. This time of the year with party invitations around every corner is Initial's time to shine! I also think that winter is the right time of the year to enjoy this very delicious scent, so different from anything I've had the pleasure of trying before. Oh and ladies this one lasts and lasts, I love the way the body lotion feels on the skin too, so if you find it too fleeting make sure you are using it with the lotion, it will make it stay with you longer.

I find it interesting that some women say this doesn't last...I've purchased the EDP and find it has amazing staying power. I can smell it hours after I've applied it. I've read that people with dry skin have a hard time holding on to fragrance. Like Maya said, maybe a good moisturizer before you apply will help. This is a fantastic scent - don't give up!

Hi there :) I was under the same impression... that this scent just does not last! But then compliments roll in and you wonder what are these people all smelling? LOL And you know something, I actually get compliments on INITIAL hours and hours after I've applied in the morning. The scent is too lovely and wonderful for me to give up on it... Have you tried layering it with a body lotion or a cream? I think that especially cream might work... Good luck, and frettings from Maya

Initial indeed has not any lasting power on me. How strange, I can't believe it - I have tried it for so many times, EDT and EDP as well!!! This tiny little bit of the scent I can smell doesn't seem very remarkable.

I tried this fragrance a little while ago and it was love at first sight! A fragrance so warm and loving so charming and whimsical. Alluring in a provocative way that is not over the top. Sophisticated and grown-up. It feels like a pair of most comfortable Spade high-heel shoes with sexy lingerie under an Armani fur coat! It's sexy but classy! The first day I tried it I got complements--and that always makes a woman feel good. I would say that Initial is for anyone to wear. I'm 30 and love its wonerful scent, but a woman of any age might find this perfum inticing and find a new frind in it. I have! Now I just have to try Trouble! Has anyone given it a try? Any comments will be greatly appreciated!

Ladies, After reading your comments, I have only one thing to say: it depends what you are looking for. Initial is a reach luxury scent, sexy and classic in the same time, spicy and exotic at once. Sure it's not floral, nor fresh...look somewhere else for something like this. I find it special, adorable and incredibly sexy...it goes excellent with my skin....

i received initial edp for my birthday, and i must say that it totally surpassed my expectations. when i wear this scent, my husband can't keep his hands off me! however, i'm perplexed by the negative comments about it's staying power...i applied once last night, and i can still smell it more than 12 hours later! initial rules!

Because of the rave reviews, I bought Initial EDT today and it has no staying power on me. Are the reviews you gals posted for the perfume rather than the edt? I really like the drydown scent, but it faded so quickly!

I had tried many sample perfumes, searching for a scent I could wear and enjoy... I came across this scent today, was interested in the smell, and once I put it on it blended perfectly with my body chemistry. It has a subtle finish, if I may compare to wine ;)

I sampled this recently and was impressed. I actually didn't think I would like it based on the description, but it's lovely. In my opinion, this is for slightly older women (30s and up) who have some sophistication. It's a very feminine, warm scent appropriate for elegant events like weddings or cocktail parties, but it would also be appropriate for the office IF used sparingly. The EDP is very long lasting and only a bit is needed. I usually go for spicier, woody orientals, but I really enjoyed this and will wear it when I want to smell good but not overtly sexy. Try it!

Love this very sensual perfume. A happy mistake - sprayed it on, forgetting I still had some Shailmar working and WOW. Had people stopping me in stores asking what amazing perfume I was wearing.

I just got allergy from another parfume - so I chose this one as a substitute. Well, this is no substitute, this is the real thing! The smell of a reserved, elegant and emotional woman (me). In fact, I now feel naked when I don't wear it..

You said that you bought a bottle of INITIAL perfume because of all the great comments on it. BUT then you said that you were disappointed with it because you wanted "something fresh & floral." WHAT??? Every comment on INITIAL describes how rich, musky, and cinnamon-like this scent is! Of course you're going to be disappointed with it! If it's floral you want, then you definitely don't want INITIAL. This scent is pure magic to anyone who appreciates truly feminine perfume. This perfume absolutely defines the character of a true lady. A classy lady always wears Initial.

An intriguing, mysterious scent. Love it! This is a fall/winter scent for me. The bottle is gorgeous too! I feel very sexy and special and classy when I wear this.

I've always used Boucheron products now I changed to Initial a gift from my husband. I always love Boucheron perfumes I find they are all smell so beautiful, elegant and sophisticated. And their bottles are sooooooo beautiful as well too!

I loved this fragrance from the beginning. The body lotion is gorgeous, too. Can't imagine anyone not liking it.

I was so looking forward to it after reading the description. Then I got it; smelling it from the bottle it's ok though not as good as I've expected, but it definitely doesn't work with my chemistry. I wanted a floral & fresh blend, on my skin it turns too spicy, sour, & too warm, almost nose piercing and making my throat dry. Thank goodness it's non-lasting (another downside if u happen to like it). Bla...

Purchased without sampling, due to all the wonderful comments on this site. Bought the EDP and was certainly not disappointed. Long lasting, spicy-flowery scent. Will be one of my favorites!

Hi Celise, I asked the saleslady in a perfume shop in Europe about wearing Daytime vs. Evening scents. She told me that now adays women often wear perfume that is defined for the evening during the day and vice versa. She said that there are no more strict rules about when to wear a perfume, and women now adays just put on what they enjoy at anytime. Hope you find what works well for you. Enjoy your perfume! (I sure enjoy wearing perfume) BTW here are some of my favorites: Cinema from YSL, Lolita Lempicka, Burberry London, Tendre Poison from Dior, Dune from Dior, EDP from Gucci, Casmir from Chopard, Jaipur Saphir from Boucheron, Good Life from Davidoff, All about Eve from Joop...

I've always loved boucheron products, but when they came out with Initial I tried a sample... and boy this had my name written all over the bottle. Every time anyone comes into my office, they always I mean always tell me how nice it smells. I tried to purchase at the store, but no one carries this product. You can only get it online. That’s ok I get a better discount online. ;-)

beautiful and pure. passion. serene. pure. love it. wow. dare to order another though with my bucheron experience. wonderful

I'd been saving up for Boucheron Boucheron when I saw a bottle of INITIAL EDT (at a small discount). When I tested it I instictively knew it would be an intimate friend, even before the dry-down, which was amazing. (And NOTHING smells good with my chemistry.) INITIAL is a complex oriental that can pass for day wear in creative work environments. I've been looking for a couple of years for a grown-up scent after years of failures, essential oils, and cheap drug store perfumes. INITIAL is a distinctively classic WOW. There was some momentary doubt just during the transition to dry-down, which seems consistent with others' comments. But this seems to be part of its complex sexual suggestion, which is also restrained. The dry-down is a fascinating subliminal come-hither without the shouting. Definitely worth the wait. I completely agree wit SUE C: INITIAL is too sophisticated for any but very confident women in a very confident, classic wardrobe. I would not recommend it for a woman under about 30. The classic Bombshell scent for the 21st century. In INITIAL you won't have to worry about your Obsession reminding a man of his ex. You'll be distinctively different. Question: I understand day and night scents should be distinctively different. But how does one manage the transition without making the scents compete? BTW I have learned so much from all of you perfume divas out there! Can't wait to expand my collection and join the club.

Tatjana, what happened with you? I don't particularly like Initial because it is not very original: it is a sweet floral-oriental, not too overwhelming but all in all nothing special. It has not staying power on me at all. It is not a bad fragrance but not something I would buy.

like the beginning of a romantic evening and falling in love . id wear intials at any space in time. wonderful blessing from bucheron.

I smelled this scent two years ago and have been dreaming about it every birthday and Christmas since. I agree with those who wrote that is smells like pure luxury, and money...It makes the woman wearing it "Effortlessly Elegant". Much like Vera Wang (in that sense not the scent).

Never saw a person changing their mind three times in three minutes LOL :). As for me, I'm not sure myself, I think it is quite unique and very interesting and I would love to receive it as a gift, but not really sure I'm ready to spend my money...yet.

It's not for me, it smell like an old lady, it's not jovial, young.

I've just treated myself to some of this divine fragrance - I find the EDP worth the outlay as it is long lasting. This scent smells as beautiful and perfect as a pearl if they had a scent! If you usually avoid orientals and find them strong, this one is softer and more subtle and well balanced. I love the touch of cinnamon and the bottle is just beautiful. You will feel womanly, elegant and stylish in this fragrance, so please complement it with dressed up clothes - don't wear it playing tennis or grocery shopping! It would be perfect for brides.

I was never able to recognize what kind of scent it is, because it has not staying power on me. Very weird!

I'm a fan of vanilla scent! I love oriental fragrances more then anything. Initial is flori-oriental, I think and I absolutelly ladore it! So sexy....I feel so confident when I'm wearing it!!!

This is a highly unusual fragrance! It is unique and lovely.

What is wrong with me? NOW, I absolutely love this perfume and can't seem to get enough of it! It doesn't smell too "oriental" anymore; it actually smells like spicy flowers. I apologize for my hasty comments before. I have no idea how a perfume can have so many reactions. When I first received it, I wasn't sure if I liked Initial or not. Then I decided that I didn't like it, and now I've decided that I absolutely love it! THIS IS QUITE A FRAGRANCE! I now want to order a bigger bottle.....

I keep trying to convince myself to like this, but I can't. I TRULY wanted to love this scent as much as the majority of you on here do. But after the drydown on me it has a chemical bug-spray, mosquito repellant smell to it. WHY, OH WHY???? I really wanted to love this fragrance. I'm so sorry Boucheron, but this just doesn't work well with me. I think I'll stick with sweeter scents, because they tend to smell good on me. The "floriental" category is a very tricky one to carry. Good luck to those of you who can carry it off!

I just received this today (7/2/04). I'm still trying to figure out if it's spectacular or not. It's not what I thought it would be, but it is nice. Don't get me wrong, I like it. Initial is truly a very elegant scent, but I'm still trying to figure out what it is I like about it... It's spicy, woodsy, floral, and sweet. I'll give it a "Good" rating until I can get some responses from others.

I love it. really amazing scent.

I know why I love this fragrance. It's like a mouthful of the richest, smoothest, luxurius, pearlescent, velvety French vanilla icecream with just the right touch of cinnamon and other spices. Perfect!

I've just treated myself to some of this divine fragrance - I find the EDP worth the outlay as it is long lasting. This scent smells as beautiful and perfect as a pearl if they had a scent! If you usually avoid orientals and find them strong, this one is softer and more subtle and well balanced. I love the touch of cinnamon and the bottle is just beautiful. You will feel womanly, elegant and stylish in this fragrance, so please complement it with dressed up clothes - don't wear it playing tennis or grocery shopping! It would be perfect for brides.

Hi guys, I love Initial (actually all boucheron's fragrances ). Initial is quietly seductive, discrete, beautiful, luxurious, captivating.... and the list goes on. It is such a beautiful fragrance it seems to tell your mate "come snuggle and then ravish me but take your time doing it" It is so subtle but yet speaks volumes of substance. I just love it. It is extremely long lasting. I stop smelling it on myself and yet still get compliments well into the end of the day. It is very very strong. Husband likes it, sister loves it, gave it to her for Christmas. Try it on someone MJ and see how it smells on that person, maybe you just dont smell it but others can. Try again.

Initial doesn't do much for me. The smell doesn't last long. On the other hand my fiance loves it. It's one of his picks.

A fragrance so wonderful it bring JOY to my heart. My mate picked up the wrong brand . After wearing this for a year now I must say it must be from heaven. He can't get enough of smelling me and my scent after I've been in his car. Thanks Boucheron. I have the full line of all your products now. brandrI had sent him out for Bougeege and he and

This stuff smells wonderful when you first put it on and then it just fades into the sunset!!! Wish it had staying power!

Midnight. My fiance just called on his way home to say, "I just had to call and tell you that whatever you were wearing...it's the most beautiful fragrance I've ever smelled on you. It was a subtle fragrance that I noticed every once in awhile, and while I was driving along just now, I kept thinking, "what is that good smell?" Then I realized. It is you." He then asked me what it's called, how to spell it, and said, "Hmmm." (...I believe I know what I'm getting for Christmas!) ...if he can wait that long... How lovely to hear him say with regards to a beautiful fragrance, "It is you." It is not much different than if he were to say at the setting sun, "You are all those colors and more."

I was never able to recognize what kind of scent it is, because it has not staying power on me. Very weird!

My husband bought this for me in Paris. I get tons of compliments when I use it!!

Maggie, how would you describe the "twist" you mentioned in Initial eau de toilette and what difference does it give compared to the eau de parfum? I find Initial very subtle and original and like the pepper note. Have used the eau de toilette and the lotion but not yet the eau de parfum.

It's not for me, it smell like an old lady, it's not jovial, young.

Before I bought Initial I was wondering how oriental it could be, now I know. In China, in the summer, almost every home has a bottle of anti-mosquito body spray, which you can buy a big bottle with 1$ in almost any store, Initial smells exactly like that(only lighter). I don't know whether the disigner was inspired by it, but I do agree Initial smells really "oriental". For those who enjoy this perfume, feel free to like it, just keep in mind: try not to wear it if you are going to meet someone from "orient", 'cause the only interpretation would be: CHEAP!

I smelled this on a flight attendant on an Air France flight to Paris. I couldn't help noticing the fabulous scent, so I asked her about it. As soon as I got back to the US I bought it. It smells good on me - I guess each person's chemistry and how the scent reacts to the body chemistry is different, so some may not like it, or it doesn't smell good on them.

It makes you feel alive and sexy

Awful--sent it back--very chemically--yuck!!!!

I agree with Kathy G. and Carelia. I don't find anything special in Initial. It is floral/oriental, not overpowering, but nothing special and exciting about it. I wouldn't mind if someone near me wears it because it is not an agressive scent, but I forgot it soon.

I tried on Initial several times at the store where I work. I neither liked nor disliked it. It didn't really register much with me either way. I certainly wouldn't buy it for myself, but if someone was wearing it near me, it wouldn't bother me. I honestly don't sense anything special about it. It's not my type of scent, I guess. That also goes for Boucheron and Saphir, the other two Boucheron fragrances. They just don't appeal to me at all, alhtough I know many people go wild over Boucheron. I suppose that's why there are so many fragrances available, for all our different tastes. :)

one of the kind you will forget soon not too special.

I love this fragrance and my partner loves it as well. Very sensual!

In answer to your question yes and no. The fragrance probably won't be as strong on your skin as on the card. But in my opinion Initial is a strong fragrance however not in a bad way. If you think the fragrance would be too strong for you I would recommend using the shower gel and lotion as they are lighter versions of the fragrance. Hope this helps!!

I smelled this scent in a dpt. store not that long ago. However I smelled it on a little pice of paper - the kind they spray fragrances on so you can see what they are like. On paper this scent is very very sharp - I smelled alot of alcohol. My question is - does the sharpenss subside once the fragrance goes on the skin???

This is one of my fav perfumes. My boss bought this for me as a birthday present last year and can't believe hit on such a winner. This has the perfect combo of spicy sweetness. I'm already on my second bottle.

I've been searching for a fragrance that wasn't to floral, oriental, powdery, or green. Something that was soft, but distinctive. I've tried and bought many of the "popular" favs i.e. Chanel, Fracas, Anais Anais, but NOTHING compared to Boucheron. I've tried all Boucherons fragrances at the dept. store and Initial was my favorite. This fragrance is just beatifully made, and it smells even better.

Jessica, I know exactly what you mean this is not for everyone. I think this one is very unusual because it's not perfumey. And if you've never smelled it it's almost impossible to describe it. Here's Boucheron's description "A FLORAL AND WOODY, PURE ORIENTAL: Blackcurrant leaf, Mandarin, Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli, Pepper, Almond Honey, Everlasting Flower." It may sound spicy but the spices are subtle and well-balanced. On me this is just so light and not at all overpowering, no matter how much I spray on. It almost smells like pipe tobacco (which I love). I think it smells good but it's not one of my favorites, so for me I definately have to be in the mood to wear it. It's not real strong but it lasts a really long time, in that regard it kinda reminds me of the Bvlgari scents. To sum it up, it's very well balanced, unusual, and subtle.

Got a sample of this stuff. If you want to smell like an 80 year old that smells like she poured a whole bottle of cheap cologne on her Buy This!

i like this

I've been searching for the perfect wedding fragrance for yonks...and have found it!!! I'll be dripping in it on my wedding day in January!

Gorgeous fragrance, worth every penny and is a great addition to the Boucheron collection! It just fits right in!

Thanks! I kept telling the new rookie salesperson at Neiman's that this new concoction just did not seem to be in the Boucheron style...Guess she must have inhaled a bit too much of this stuff and gotten a reaction! Or was it me??

Hi, Lola, "MURMURE" is not Boucheron's scent but new Van Cleef and Arpel's scent! I don't like it either (very floral, sharp, I smell a lot of alcohol in it, it turns fragrance into some unpleasant smell very quickly!).

Boucheron just came out with a new fragrance,it's called Murmur (french for "whisper")and it's nothing like the others.It is described as a woody-floral,but I could detect only the florals.I don't like it much,I like Saphir and Initial much more.

Original, sassy Oriental. Plenty of kick at the beginning to this one. Drys down to a lovely, woodsy, still sassy (but a little more mellow) smell. Good smell, excellent lasting power. I have smelled 3 fragrances from Boucheron (I missed Jaiphur). This company sure know their stuff ;-) Great selection of fragrances.

This is a very elegant beautiful scent. I Stumbled upon this at a dept store the sales woman gave me a sample. I couldn't stop smelling my arm. It has got to be one of the most beautiful fragrances I've smelled. I had to buy a bottle I can see where this is going to be a favorite. Also the compliments I get when wearing it. I can't say enough how beautiful this is.

Hi, Melissa! If you want to try some more orientals, or semi-orientals, (anyway - I consider that you like warm and soft fragrances), you can try Lalique or Nilang by Lalique. Both are very soft, warm, hugging, very feminine fragrances, and they are not wildely popular so there are not many ladies who wear them. And one ultra-warm, ultra-feminine oriental is Coco by Chanel. But it is much heavier than Lalique's perfumes. I've tried Initial, and it is nice, but unfortunately not good staying power on my skin, so I can't smell it after half an hour. So I'm still undecided about it...

Melissa, you wanted to know the names of some other oriental fragrances. Here is a small list for you to consider. The ones I have listed are considered subtle orientals as compared to the sharp orientals like Opium and Obsession. But you might like these: Samsara (Guerlain), Adrienne Vittadini, Salvador Dali, Jill Sander Sensations, Byzance (Rochas), Ellen Tracy, or Eden (Cacharel). I'm sure you'll love one or more of these. They all smell so different and some of these you won't even believe that they are orientals, like Adrienne Vittadini is considered a refreshing oriental. It smells so different from Opium or Obsession. You should give some of these a try.

I really love this perfume!! I agree with several of the other posters, it smells very elegant, refined, and sophisticated! I have the perfume, body lotion, and shower gel and I love them all! The lotion is really great. I have never worn orientals before but now I would like to try some others, does anyone have any suggestions for similar fragrances? I would recommend this fragrance to anyone. Thanks Boucheron !!

This is the best by Boucheron so far! Soft, spicy, totally feminine. I just got this and can't stop smelling myself!

my favourite pefume so far , very sophisticated and sexy ,, i love it!!!

It is a magic fragrance, my lover went med after sent it... try it on!!! Is a must for every women who is in love..

One of The best fragrances out there. Very original, sophisticated and sexy. Lots of compliments from men and women. The bottle is lovely too.

Bummer! Just not me at all at all! Reminded me of some kind of mouthwashey smell. This will be a "stocking Stuffer" ..not a good one at all!

This smells a little like a holly candle--very rich, with body. It reminds me of christmas and mulled wine and the smell of pine needles and delicately scented potpourri of dried flowers. There is a really expensive home fragrance candle that smells of pine cedar and holly which is just divine and this reminds me of it. Its VERY STRONG use sparingly. But I love.

While previously touted at a Fall/Winter fragrance, Boucheron has come up with an Eau de Toilette for Initial that not only lightens it a bit, but even offers a little twist. Of course, it's beautiful - it's Boucheron!

I just got this. Wow. Wow, wow, WOW. Topmost florals are intriguing, exotic, and well-blended. Drydown: sheer heaven of woodsy powder. Very rich, scintillating, unique and beautiful. But the mini bottle doesn't stand on its own--it topples. Minor design flaw in an otherwise lovely container.

Thanks girls for help. It saunds good!

This fragrance is even more beautiful than it's distinctive bottle. The only scent I could even compare it to is Coco by Chanel. Initial is so much better on me though. It doesn't seem quite as heavy but oddly enough has better staying power. It's just wonderful all the way around as are all the Boucheron scents. I hope this helps you.

Initial had nice floral/fruit top notes, but at the heart and dry down is a very nice powdery/woodsy base. There's some spice in it but not nearly as much as Opium, Organza, Must de Cartier or any of those girls! It's a very refined fragrance that really lasts, but isn't cloying. It's the only "serious" oriental I feel comfortable wearing at work. Hope this helps!

Is it similar to some other oriental perfumes, could you compare it to some? Thanks. (Isn't it to overpowering like most of oriental scents?).

Wonderful! I just discovered it. It is seductive, light and powerful, sweet, refined. It has everything I look in a perfume. Boucheron holds on to his reputation.

This is an incredible scent. I broke down and purchased the body creme. It is sooooo rich! I would recommend this as a fall/winter scent, however. It reminds me of the holidays!!

I have searched for a new fragrance for awhile now, and I found Initial last night. This is the best fragrance I have found in along time! I love orientals to begin with, but this one takes the cake. It has a terrific staying power too! Highly recommend it, if you want to feel very sophisticated, and sexy! Its the best oriental fragrance out there!

I have worn Boucheron in the past, and when I tried Initial, I was impressed at how distinctive the Boucheron fragrances are. This one is definitely sophisticated and oriental. I love it!

A gorgeous floriental fragrance that is strong at first, but the drydown is so worth the wait. This can become overwhelming if a heavy hand is used in applying it, so I would suggest just a few well placed dabs on the backs of the knees and in the crooks of the elbows. This reminded me of a woman who wears real fur, is driven around in a limo regularly, knows and appreciates the finer things in life and isn't afraid to show that she has some expensive taste and class. Wear this on Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue (among other trendy places for the elite) and watch heads turn, LOL!

I WAS A SAMSARA BY GUERILLIAN USER FOR 9 YEARS. I RESEARCHED HIGH AND LOW FOR A NEW SCENT THAT MAKES ME FEEL AS GOOD AS SAMSARA DID AND AFTER MANY SAMPLES AND TRIALS OF DIFFERENT SCENTS, INITIAL BECAME THE CLASS WINNER, THE MOST ROMANTIC, NON OFFENSIVE, BEAUTIFUL SCENT I HAVE USED AND I GUARANTEE THAT I WILL BE HOOKED FOR ANOTHER 9 YEARS TO COME. ONCE YOU USE IT YOU WILL NEVER GO BACK!! THAT IS THE HONEST TRUTH!! AND THE LOTION WITH THE PERFUME IS THE BEST COMBINATION!!! DONT USE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER!

If you want men and woman stopping you, to ask what you are wearing; buy Initail!

If you want to smell like a woman who is a millionaire,buy intial. It is in a class by itself.

This fragrance is the most beautiful scent my nose has run across. I can't believe women have not found this perfume. It is a delight. Yes, I am glad that women are not wearing it like I am, however, I wish it had more exposure. It is simply the BEST.