Initio Perfumes: The Best Initio Scents and What to Layer Them With

Side Effect 2016 · Oriental

What it smells like: A rich, intoxicating blend of boozy rum, smoky tobacco, warm cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and sensual woods.

Best for: fall and winter.

Layer it with: Mancera Red Tobacco (98% fit). They share tobacco, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, sandalwood; 2 sprays Side Effect first, then 2 sprays Red Tobacco.

See the full Side Effect layering guide

Oud for Greatness Oriental Woody

What it smells like: Sooty smoky oud with saffron and sandalwood

Best for: fall and winter.

See the full Oud for Greatness layering guide

Absolute Aphrodisiac 2015 · Oriental

What it smells like: A rich, sensual blend of creamy vanilla, glowing amber, soft musk, and subtly animalic castoreum.

Best for: fall and winter.

Layer it with: Carolina Herrera Good Girl (98% fit). They share vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood; 2 sprays Absolute Aphrodisiac first, then 2 sprays Good Girl.

Atomic Rose 2019 · Floral

What it smells like: A lush, radiant rose fragrance layered with sparkling bergamot, spicy pink pepper, creamy jasmine, and a warm vanilla-amber base.

Best for: spring, fall and winter.

Layer it with: Al Haramain Amber Oud Exclusif Bleu (98% fit). They share pink pepper, bergamot, amber; 2 sprays Atomic Rose first, then 2 sprays Amber Oud Exclusif Bleu.

Musk Therapy 2021 · Woody

What it smells like: A luminous, creamy musk blending sparkling citrus, juicy blackcurrant, airy magnolia, and smooth sandalwood.

Best for: spring, summer and fall.

Layer it with: Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif (98% fit). They share bergamot, pink pepper; 2 sprays Musk Therapy first, then 2 sprays Delina Exclusif.

Rehab 2018 · Woody

What it smells like: A smooth, comforting blend of aromatic lavender, bright bergamot, creamy woods, earthy patchouli, and soft musk.

Best for: spring, fall and winter.

Layer it with: Amouage Lyric Woman (98% fit). They share bergamot, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, musk; 2 sprays Rehab first, then 2 sprays Lyric Woman.

Blessed Baraka 2015 · Oriental

What it smells like: A radiant blend of warm amber, creamy sandalwood, and sensual musk with a smooth, opulent presence.

Best for: fall and winter.

Layer it with: Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád (98% fit). They share amber, sandalwood, musk; 2 sprays Blessed Baraka first, then 2 sprays Hibiscus Mahajád.

High Frequency 2019 · Floral

What it smells like: A luminous magnolia and jasmine bouquet warmed by creamy almond, ylang-ylang, and smooth cashmere woods.

Best for: spring, fall and winter.

Layer it with: Ex Nihilo The Hedonist (97% fit). They share jasmine, sandalwood; 2 sprays High Frequency first, then 2 sprays The Hedonist.

Mystic Experience 2019 · Oriental

What it smells like: A warm, mysterious blend of roasted coffee, resinous myrrh, creamy sandalwood, and soft vanilla musk.

Best for: fall and winter.

Layer it with: Lattafa Yara (98% fit). They share sandalwood, vanilla, musk; 2 sprays Mystic Experience first, then 2 sprays Yara.

Paragon 2022 · Woody

What it smells like: A luminous yet mysterious blend of herbal lavender and sage, smoky palo santo, fruity plum, peppery spice, and creamy woods.

Best for: spring, fall and winter.

Layer it with: Penhaligon's Halfeti Leather (98% fit). They share bergamot, plum, sandalwood, musk; 2 sprays Paragon first, then 2 sprays Halfeti Leather.