INITIO Hedonist Collection – The Perfume Society

INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS have always viewed fragrance as a force capable of transforming emotion and intention. Every INITIO collection embodies an aspect of this philosophy – from The Magnetic Blends that explore raw attraction to The Carnal Blends which seek to ignite passion. But in this week’s blog, we’re focussing on the Hedonist collection, for some scented soul-seeking…

Even the name INITIO chose for the house expresses this olfactive ethos, coming from the Latin for ‘beginning’ or ‘initiation’, and this founding vision remains true: to restore perfume’s ancient power as a conduit of energy, emotion and instinct. Speaking of scent as ‘magic and magnetism’, INITIO’s own intention is reviving perfume’s role as an invisible force that connects mind, body and soul.

The Hedonist Collection, then, brings a sense of self-reflection – you can think of these scents a study in inner alchemy: how fragrance can go far beyond simply smelling nice (something we all obviously want) to being an invisible force that can help calm, elevate and restore the inner self.

At a time when many now naturally turn to fragrance as emotional self-care, The Hedonist Collection feels perfectly attuned to this moment. Crafted as a progressive ‘path to self-accomplishment’, each creation invites you to reset, reconnect and rise. These five perfumed experiences – Rehab, Musk Therapy, Paragon, Power Self and Lift Me Up – act almost as olfactory therapy, guiding wearers towards emotional balance and strength through scent’s profound neurological connection to mood.

So, how do you choose between them? We suggest making some time to explore them all and allowing yourself to contemplate what you are truly from your scent. Whichever you feel naturally most drawn to (and this may differ each day – so do come back and re-try them), whichever goes beyond an initial ‘oh that’s nice…’ to reach deeper, and achieve a response of ‘oh my goodness, I NEED this on my skin!’ That’s the one. You’ll know it when you smell it…

REHAB

An exquisite modern fougère composed to soothe and restore equilibrium. Bergamot and lavender open with herbal coolness, while cedarwood and patchouli anchor the composition in serene warmth. Sandalwood and hedione add radiance, allowing musk to melt into skin like silk. The result feels meditative yet exhilarating – a breath of calm within chaos. Designed as an olfactory detox from overstimulation, REHAB evokes a moment of stillness where clarity can resurface.

£275 for 90ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

MUSK THERAPY

A whisper-soft cocoon of creamy magnolia, milky sandalwood and delicate musks, MUSK THERAPY is perfumed mindfulness in motion. Zesty bergamot and Mandarin illuminate the opening, before blackcurrant and magnolia swell into a softly euphoric heart. White and pink musks linger like warm skin kissed by sunlight. There’s serenity here but also sensuality – a perfume for days when tenderness feels like strength.

£275 for 90ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

PARAGON

Inspired by spiritual purification, PARAGON pairs white sage and Palo Santo – aromatic woods long used for cleansing rituals – with serene lavender and peppered bergamot. Sandalwood and oud deepen its resonance, creating a scent that hums quietly with power. It feels at once ancient and futuristic, a reminder that purification need not be passive but can radiate strength. An olfactory aura of protection and positivity.

£275 for 90ml extrait de parfum uk.initioparfums.com

POWER SELF

Created using neuroscientific technology, POWER SELF is designed to enhance confidence and emotional resilience through targeted aroma molecules. A crisp, woody-floral blend of pink pepper, magnolia and glowing musks evolves on a base of cedarwood – warm, enveloping, yet charged with vitality. It’s an invisible armour for modern life, radiating calm assurance and quiet determination.

£275 for 90ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

LIFT ME UP

A luminous embrace of sunshine and softness, LIFT ME UP lives up to its name instantaneously. Sparkling bergamot and ginger give a joyful lift from the first breath, softened by sweet liquorice and golden cedarwood over a smooth trace of oud. This is INITIO’s most overtly radiant emotion enhancer – an energy-reset button bottled. Designed to awaken joy, optimism and a renewed sense of purpose, we’re spraying this to get through the greyer months.

£275 for 90ml extrait de parfum selfridges.com

Together, these five fragrances form a sensorially scented ritual – a way of using fragrance as emotional tuning fork, if you will. We love how the whole Hedonist Collection encourages us to think about reconnection – to the self, to serenity, and to the power perfume has always held to change how we feel…