INITIO POWER SELF AND REHAB REVIEW

Thank you for the samples, So Post. 

Power Self and Rehab are part of Initio's Hedonist collection, which they describe as: 

A gradual experience towards self-accomplishment. Each fragrance is an ascent that amplifies inner harmony. Reset, reconnect, rise, align your energy, and restore inner peace.

Before I delve into the two Extrait de Parfums, I must admit to being sorely disappointed with the scents and the brand. I was very excited when I saw an ad on Instagram offering free samples from Initio, as it's a brand I'm interested in trying. After trying, I immediately had to Google if it's a company that creates fragrance dupes. (If it were just one of them, then it's merely a coincidence. Having both is eyebrow-raising.) Surprisingly, it's not a dupe company, which begs the question: why the premium prices?

POWER SELF EXTRAIT DE PARFUM

White Flowers, Osmanthus, White Rose, Magnolia, Pink Pepper, Ambrox, Musk, Cedarwood

A unique formula scientifically designed to positively boost mental and emotional strength through targeted olfactory stimulation.

Transform your tomorrow with a new groundbreaking neuroscent technology that nurtures your mind, promotes and enhances wellbeing.

Join the movement of empowered individuals who are redefining what it means to feel powerful from the inside out.

POWER SELF, a unisex woody floral fragrance that creates an alluring and comforting sillage that resonates with your true self.

More than a fragrance, POWER SELF is a functional composition that empowers you to be the best version of yourself.

Become your super self.

This Chloe EDP dupe is $430 for 90ml... Do you see why I'm questioning the premium price points? I understand brands have similar scents. For example, Oriana from Parfums de Marly and Love Don't Be Shy from Kilian smell similar. Maison Louis Marie's Bois de Balincourt and Le Labo's Santal 33 are close to identical. The list goes on. 

To have the price be almost triple that of Chloe, you're better off buying the designer (or other dupes) rather than the niche. 

One can argue they're two different products: one is eau de parfum, whereas the other is extrait de parfum, but that argument is tenous in this scenario. The sillage of one spray of Initio isn't greater than that of the EDP. Since Power Self is less musky than Chloe and sweeter, I do not see it performing longer either. Even testing this in the crook of my elbow over the course of the hour has this fragrance fading fast. So, the extrait de parfum isn't giving you more bang for your buck/better price per spray. In conclusion, the fragrance concentration doesn't matter here. 

The fragrance is super floral, mildly musky, and sweet. I mainly get white flowers (Rose and Peony?). I'm not picking up on the Osmanthus, unless it's contributing to the sweetness I mentioned before. The Ambrox strongly comes through and reminds me of Glossier's You.

The brand lists this as Unisex, but the profile leans more traditionally feminine. 

For something so mild and unoriginal at a high price point, I do not and cannot like it on principle. 

REHAB EXTRAIT DE PARFUM

Bergamot, Lavender, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Hedione, Musk

REHAB is a sensory sanctuary, a reset to the physical body. Without a facade, it unveils a raw symphony of natural ingredients. A sparkling burst of Bergamot and Black Pepper mingle with soothing Lavender and an intriguing hint of spice. Resting on a foundation of creamy Sandalwood and velvety Musk, the result is an olfactory creation that is both delicate and deeply enveloping. REHAB soothes the physical body, paving the way for true serenity - a fragrance that resonates as deeply as it lingers.

All the complaints I had about Power Self also apply to Rehab, except longevity, because I hate Musc Ravageur and Shalimar, which Rehab reminds me of; this scent can't fade fast enough! I had PTSD the moment I smelled it and wanted to wash it off immediately. What are the chances of me having three different samples of the same scent at the same time? I'm already struggling to use up Musc Ravageur and Shalimar, and I do not know anyone I can offload them to. What am I supposed to do with this? 

I mainly get Patchouli and Sandalwood. Patchouli might be the root of my aversion to this type of smell. Rehab is a warm, musky scent, but not as animalic or bombastic as its predecessors. It's great that it's not as loud, but is a watered-down version of famous perfumes a niche you want to corner? You're admitting to being unoriginal and being of lesser quality by occupying this niche.

I agree that it's unisex. It's not as complex as the fragrances it copies; the opening and more worn-in profile smell the same. Whereas Shalimar and Musc Ravageur are briefly floral or citrus-y. Rehab doesn't develop much on my skin, which is a blessing and a curse. It's great that it doesn't transform into anything worse, but is this really all there is to it? Sorry for having high expectations.

Once again, for something at such a premium price point, I expected it to do more, and it needs to do more. At least improve upon the original that isn't watering down the perfume to potentially be "more palatable"... Frankly, these two are ridiculous, and I'm a little pissed, mainly because I'm stuck with another sample I don't like! Luckily, Power Self is wearable and will be used. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to explore the brand and for the two samples, but it's not fueling my desire to explore more from Initio.