Initio Parfums Prives Fragrance review
Initio Psychedelic Love Review: A Powdery Floral Masterpiece
Initio's 2017 release blends ylang-ylang, heliotrope, and myrrh for an intense, unisex scent.
In this review
Initio Parfums Prives has built a reputation for crafting fragrances that are as provocative as they are refined. With Psychedelic Love, released in 2017, the house enlisted perfumer Hamid Merati-Kashani to create a scent that captures the dizzying, euphoric rush of new romance. The result is a powdery floral that feels both vintage and modern, a unisex composition that demands attention without shouting.
From the first spray, Psychedelic Love announces itself with a burst of ylang-ylang and bergamot—a bright, almost candied opening that quickly settles into a heart of heliotrope, hedione, and rose. The heliotrope lends a cherry-almond powderiness, while hedione adds a translucent, jasmine-like lift. The base of myrrh and sandalwood grounds the fragrance with a resinous, creamy warmth, creating a long-lasting trail that many describe as hypnotic.
This is not a shy fragrance. It is designed for those who want to be remembered—a scent for evenings, special occasions, or any moment when confidence is key. Below, we break down every aspect of this olfactory journey, from its note evolution to its performance and value.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Performance Dashboard
6-10 hours
Moderate to heavy – projects about 1-2 feet initially, then gradually softens.
Strong – leaves a noticeable trail for the first 3-4 hours, then settles into a moderate aura.
When to Wear
Pros & Cons
- Distinctive powdery floral profile that is rare in modern perfumery
- Excellent longevity and strong sillage
- Unisex appeal – works well on both men and women
- High-quality ingredients with a smooth, well-blended dry down
- May be too overpowering for intimate or office settings
- Price point is high ($220–$280) for a 90ml bottle
- The heliotrope-heavy heart can smell like cherry cough syrup to some noses
- Limited versatility – best reserved for cooler weather and evening occasions
Price & Value
“Premium pricing that reflects the niche positioning and quality of ingredients. Justified for enthusiasts, but a significant investment for casual buyers.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported; the composition remains consistent across production runs.
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Guerlain l'Heure Bleue
Dior Hypnotic Poison
Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule
Byredo Bal d'Afrique (for the powdery-woody facet)
Clone Alternatives
You May Also Enjoy
Initio Side Effect (for a boozy, warm alternative)
Xerjoff Lira (for a gourmand powdery floral)
Parfums de Marly Delina (for a fruity-floral counterpoint)
Side Effect
Lift Me Up
Absolute Aphrodisiac
Atomic Rose
Initio Parfums Prives Oud for Greatness
Initio Parfums Prives Psychedelic Love
Layering Ideas
- Layer with a vanilla-forward fragrance like Maison Tahité Vanille Extreme to enhance the sweetness.
- Pair with a woody scent such as Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 to add an earthy dimension.
