Lily of the Valley Floris 1765

Many thanks to Sonnenfee for sending the generous sample. This floral classic was created in honor of the beautiful tradition of gifting a bouquet of lily of the valley on May 1st. As is well known, it is not possible to extract the pure essence from lily of the valley. However, this fragrance very authentically imitates the typical scent of the lovely flowers.

Immediately after spraying, I perceive the scent as very alcoholic, aldehydic, and sharply green.
Before my time at Parfumo, I would have probably sprinted to the bathroom right away to get rid of this old-lady scent. Eww, it smells like a spa toilet, old lady, and stale flower water, yuck!
Now I also wrinkle my nose, but I am optimistic. After the alcohol has evaporated, I notice a green, grassy scent. It smells just like when cutting flowers, or generally at the florist. A green, grassy, soapy freshness, already underlined by soft floral notes. Yes, it has something of a bathroom scent, but one belonging to a very well-off, mature lady.
The lemon shows itself only shyly. A few shavings and drops of juice from an organic lemon quickly retreat to the background. This noble lemon note has nothing to do with the juicy cascades found in modern fragrances.

Slowly, the blossoms announce themselves. Creamy white, soft, velvety. A wave of floral dust covers the petals and imparts a hint of innocent, powdery sweetness. At the same time, the scent has a slightly aquatic quality and reminds me of... a hairdresser.
However, not of suffocating clouds of hairspray and the puristic, lounge-like, and ultra-modern salons, but of the shops that have stood the test of time in many suburbs. The places where you were dragged by your mother as a child to get a decent and tidy haircut. In my case, a bob for my first communion, how charming.
That's exactly how it smelled during and after hair washing there. In the meantime, you had enough time to look at the old mirrors, wallpapers, and hairdryers. And the regular customers who have become part of the furniture, you surely know what I mean.
This feeling of nostalgia has been wonderfully captured. Not my cup of tea, but very authentic.

The initially green severity recedes into the background and makes way for the white blossoms. It appears very noble, pure, elegant, and powdery. You can almost see the lily of the valley standing in the dew-kissed grass. Gentle morning light highlights the white color of the flower cups very advantageously. A certain warmth resides in the scent at the same time, although it feels spring-fresh and breezy-cool. The musk also envelops the fragrance in a powdery and animal-soft cloud.

I would love to drive to the countryside in the morning with this scent and run and jump across a dew-fresh meadow with outstretched arms, wearing a white flowing dress. With the cool, fresh wind in my open hair, adorned with a flower crown. At the same time, feeling the first rays of sunshine on my shoulders.

The transformation of the fragrance is fluid and beautiful to observe. From green-fresh to powdery-floral to soft and slightly animalistic in the base.
The sillage is strong and not at all subtle. The longevity is impressive. The notes hold on for a long time and never lose their sublime and glorious impression.
The fragrance will work best in spring and summer. In terms of character, I would assign it to a proud and down-to-earth, mature woman who enjoys surrounding herself with luxury and radiates a natural elegance.
Now and then, I am reminded of Chanel No. 19 Poudré. The latter is definitely more modern and suitable for everyday wear for me.
Lily of the Valley impresses with a glamorous purity, noble floral notes, and green freshness. It is exactly what it claims to be, and has been implemented in a natural way.
The scent feels liberating, refreshing, feminine, noble in an elegant way, but for me, it is not really contemporary and is rather suited for mature women. Nevertheless, a timeless classic.