I’d say I have a pretty extensive collection of perfumes. In fact, a whole section of my dressing table is proudly dedicated to quite an array, from warm and woody fragrances to florals and citrus scents. And while I love to tell my girlfriends about my many, many, favourites or artfully arrange my vast collection for optimal aesthetic purposes, there is only one brand I return to spritzing time and time again.
I first stumbled across Parfums de Marly in 2020, when I was interviewing The Receipt’s Podcast host and influencer Tolly T on an Instagram live. She started talking about her love for Delina, an iconic woody/floral fragrance from the brand, and I knew I had to get my hands on one. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked.
Founded by Julien Sprecher in 2009, the brand has already gone on to make its mark on the world of high-end, niche perfumery. "In the early 2000s, the great successes of perfumery seemed standardised and featureless,” explains Sprecher. "I then understood that Haute Parfumerie had a bright future ahead of it, and I told myself that I could bring something to this sector.”
One of my favourite scents from the brand, Valaya Eau de Parfum.
It’s no secret that the French do fragrance exceptionally well, and I regard their perfumery as the epitome of luxury–just look to brands such as Ex Nihilo, Diptyque, Kilian Paris and Frederic Malle. French history is at the core of Parfums de Marly, with Sprecher proudly stating he was influenced by the palace and gardens of Versailles, near where he was born and raised, and the brand name was actually inspired by Château de Marly, a residence of French nobility. Plus, the packaging itself is pretty special. If you’re looking for a certain je ne sais quoi with your next statement scent, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Here are the best Parfums de Marly fragrances that you won’t regret investing in.
The Best Parfums de Marly Perfumes
- Best floral scent: Parfums de Marly Delina, £270
- Best fresh scent: Parfums de Marly Valaya, £270
- Best sweet scent: Parfums de Marly Oriana, £270
- Best woody scent: Parfums de Marly Herod, £270
- Best warm scent: Parfums de Marly Athénaïs, £270
1. Parfums de Marly Delina
Key notes: Rhubarb, lychee, bergamot essence, Turkish rose, peony, vanilla, musk, vetiver
Delina is one of the brand's most iconic scents, and for good reason. I’ve lost count of how many people have asked what perfume I’m wearing whenever I have this on. It's a sweet, floral scent with notes of rose, peony and vanilla, but the musky base makes it smell so luxurious.
2. Parfums de Marly Valaya
Key notes: Mandarin, peach, bergamot, orange blossom, lily-of-the-valley, petalia, vetiver, musk, ambroxan, akigalawood, vanilla
Coming in at a very close second is Valaya. The best way I can describe this scent is like snuggling into fresh cotton sheets or breathing in the fresh air while walking through a garden. It's giving me sophisticated spring vibes for sure.
3. Parfums de Marly Oriana
Key notes: Mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, orange blossom, marshmallow, chantilly cream
This is one of my favourite perfumes ever, and I’ve tried a lot in my time. I wear it all year round, come rain or shine, for every occasion and every mood. I even took a little 30ml bottle on my honeymoon. It’s soft, floral and fruity with the finishing subtle sweetness of marshmallow and chantilly cream adding a delicious depth to the fragrance. Totally timeless.
4. Parfums de Marly Herod
Key notes: Cinnamon, pepperwood, tobacco leaves, vanilla pods, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli,
It isn’t just me that’s a Parfums de Marly fan–I’ve even got my husband on the hype. This has fast become his signature scent, but I also sometimes wear it. Sprecher notes that although the fragrances are categorised, he's found a lot of women wear the "masculine" scents and vice versa.
5. Parfums de Marly Athénaïs
Key notes: Neroli, bergamot, yuzu, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, ambrox
The newest scent, Athénaïs, is perfect for this time of year. It opens with a burst of bright neroli and bergamot, but once it settles on the skin, you are met with warm, rich notes of amber and jasmine. It's fresh and vibrant, but in true Parfum de Marly style, it has a rich undertone that makes you want to spritz it again and again.
6. Parfums de Marly Cassili
Key notes: Red currant, rose, plum, frangipani, mimosa, petalia, vanilla, tonka bean, sandalwood
This stunning fragrance is sweet, sparkly and effervescent. The perfect accompaniment to sipping a glass of Champagne in a super luxurious destination.
7. Parfums de Marly Meliora
Key notes: Blackcurrant, red berries, cassis, rose, lily-of-the-valley, ylang-ylang, musk, vanilla
This doesn't just look boujee, it smells it too. I generally only whack this out for super special occasions. It's a delicious concoction of fruity, floral notes that, while fresh and clean, also has a warm, woody undertone thanks to vanilla and cedarwood.
8. Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif
Key notes: Almond, bergamot, mandarin, orange blossom, white flowers, musk, akigalawood, sandalwood, vanilla
I know I've already mentioned Valaya, but according to deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay, the newer Valaya Exclusif also deserves a place on this list. "This is a rich, long-lasting take on the brand's iconic Valaya scent, and whenever I wear it, I have people chasing me down the street to ask me what perfume I have on. It's that good," she says.
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