Burberry Body Review: The Modern Chypre That Defined an Era
Vivir Reporter's Deep Dive into Burberry's Iconic and Divisive Scent
When Burberry Body launched in 2011, it wasn't just another fragrance; it was a statement. Burberry, under then-Creative Director Christopher Bailey, aimed to redefine its image, moving towards a more contemporary, sensual, and sophisticated aesthetic. This scent was the olfactory embodiment of that vision, encapsulated by a striking campaign featuring model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley draped in a trench coat, evoking intimacy and modern allure.
Positioned as a modern chypre, Burberry Body deviated significantly from the brand's more traditional, often British-centric, fragrance offerings like Brit or London. It sought to capture a global audience, appealing to women who desired elegance with an edge. The fragrance was designed to feel like a second skin, an extension of the wearer's natural allure, rather than an adornment. This bold move signaled Burberry's ambition to be recognized not just for heritage, but for cutting-edge luxury.
The inspiration behind Burberry Body was deeply rooted in the brand's core identity: the iconic trench coat. But instead of the rugged practicality, it focused on the intimate sensation of the coat against the skin, the warmth, the protection, and the subtle sensuality it conveys. The concept aimed to celebrate the female form and confidence, translating these abstract ideas into a tangible, wearable aroma.
In the fragrance community, Burberry Body quickly became a talking point. Its distinctive blend of ripe peach, elegant rose, and prominent musk, anchored by a modern chypre structure, proved polarizing. Some hailed it as a groundbreaking, chic masterpiece, a unique signature scent. Others found its initial absinthe note challenging or its overall profile too sharp. Despite the divided opinions, it garnered a dedicated following and cemented its place as a significant, albeit now discontinued, chapter in modern perfumery.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Michel Almairac, a master perfumer known for his ability to craft distinctive, often warm and sophisticated scents with a unique signature. His other notable creations include Chloé Eau de Parfum, Joop! Homme, Gucci Rush, and Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a bold and distinctive aroma. A slightly boozy, herbaceous absinthe note immediately captures attention, quickly joined by a prominent, ripe, juicy peach. A hint of fresh freesia adds a bright, clean floral facet, making the opening both intriguing and slightly sharp.
Within 30 minutes to an hour, the sharp edges of the absinthe soften considerably. The peach mellows into a creamy, almost velvety presence, allowing a sophisticated rose to bloom. Powdery iris notes emerge, adding a touch of classic elegance, while a soft sandalwood provides a warm, slightly woody backbone, transitioning the scent into a more refined and less assertive phase.
The true character of Burberry Body settles in during the drydown, typically after 4+ hours. Cashmeran becomes the star, creating a soft, warm, and skin-like musk that feels incredibly comforting and sensual. Subtle hints of vanilla and amber add a delicate sweetness and depth, while the ghost of peach and rose linger, creating a clean yet intimate aura that lasts for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Expect Burberry Body to last a solid 8 to 10 hours on skin, often even longer on clothing. It's a reliable performer that won't fade quickly.
The fragrance projects moderately to strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming scent bubble. It's present without being intrusive.
Burberry Body leaves a distinct, elegant trail that is noticeable to those close by. It's a sophisticated sillage that leaves a lasting impression without announcing your arrival from across the room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and sophisticated scent profile unlike many mainstream releases.
- ✅ Excellent longevity, lasting a full workday and beyond.
- ✅ Versatile enough for various occasions, from office to evening.
- ✅ Distinctive peach-rose-musk blend creates a memorable signature.
- ✅ Elegant and luxurious bottle design.
- ❌ Can be polarizing due to its prominent absinthe and chypre structure; not a universal crowd-pleaser.
- ❌ The initial absinthe note can be off-putting for some users.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it harder to find and often more expensive on secondary markets.
- ❌ Can be too strong or cloying if over-sprayed, especially in warmer weather.
Price & Value
“For fans of its unique profile and collectors, Burberry Body is worth the investment, particularly if you find a well-preserved bottle. However, its current scarcity and price make it less suitable as a blind buy, especially for those new to chypres or who haven't sampled it before.”
📜 Reformulation History
Burberry Body was discontinued, so discussions around batch variations are less common. While minor differences between production runs are typical for any fragrance, no significant reformulations or batch-specific issues are widely documented prior to its discontinuation. The main concern for buyers now is sourcing authentic, well-preserved bottles.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright burst of green apple and peach, softened by freesia and a hint of green absinthe. It feels lighter and airier than the EDP.
Soft rose and tea notes emerge quickly, blending with a creamy sandalwood. The iris provides a subtle, powdery touch, less prominent than in the EDP.
A delicate, clean musk and warm cashmeran remain, sitting much closer to the skin. The amber is softer, and vanilla is less noticeable than in the EDP.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 4-6 hours on skin. Requires reapplication for longer wear.
Soft to moderate projection for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes intimate.
Leaves a soft, personal trail. Not as heavy as the EDP.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lighter and fresher scent profile
- ✅ More versatile for daytime and office wear
- ✅ Better suited for warmer weather than the EDP
- ✅ More accessible price point
- ❌ Shorter longevity than the EDP
- ❌ Less intense projection and sillage
- ❌ Lacks the depth and richness of the EDP
Price & Value
“A more accessible price point than the EDP, suitable for daily wear.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25-50
- Confident and elegant personalities
- Professionals who seek a distinctive signature scent
- Those who appreciate modern chypres and skin-like musks
- Individuals looking for a sophisticated, sensual, yet clean aroma.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Teenagers or very young adults
- Those who prefer extremely light, fresh, or overly sweet gourmand fragrances
- Individuals sensitive to prominent musk or powdery notes, as these are central to the composition.
The Family
A richer, more concentrated version of the original EDP, amplifying the warmth and depth, with a slight shift in emphasis towards the woody and amber notes.
A lighter, fresher interpretation, often featuring more prominent green apple and lemon notes in the opening, making it brighter and more suitable for warmer weather.
A limited-edition release featuring the original EDP scent in a specially designed rose gold bottle, often released for holiday seasons.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares the same perfumer (Michel Almairac) and a sophisticated, modern leather-chypre vibe with a focus on elegance and skin-like musk.
Features a prominent, clean, and sensual musk heart, combined with rose, creating a similar 'your skin but better' sophisticated aura.
Another creation by Michel Almairac, it shares a clean, fresh rose, and slightly powdery floral feel, though it's more overtly floral and less chypre.
A bold, musky rose chypre that, while more overtly sensual and vintage-leaning, shares the confidence and distinctive character of Burberry Body.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A popular oil-based dupe aiming to replicate the core scent profile of Burberry Body at a fraction of the cost, often praised for accuracy and longevity.
A UK-based clone house offering a spray version that users often cite as a close approximation, capturing the peach-rose-musk DNA.
While not a direct clone, it captures a similar clean, musky, slightly powdery floral vibe with a touch of fruitiness, offering a lighter, more accessible alternative for a similar mood.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate the clean, sensual musk and sophisticated rose combination.
If you enjoy modern chypre structures with a touch of fruit and patchouli, offering elegance and strong performance.
For lovers of clean, fresh, and slightly powdery rose-centric florals with good longevity.
If the sophisticated, skin-like modern chypre aspect appeals, this offers a similar refined elegance with a subtle leather accord.
A more contemporary and vibrant take on a rose chypre, offering a similar level of sophistication and complexity.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Light vanilla-based fragrances (to enhance warmth and sweetness)
- Clean musk oils or sprays (to amplify the skin-like, sensual drydown)
- Soft rose soliflores (to boost the elegant floral heart without overpowering)
🏆 Final Verdict
Burberry Body, despite its discontinuation, remains a standout in the world of modern perfumery. It's a testament to Michel Almairac's skill in creating a fragrance that is both intimately sensual and effortlessly sophisticated. This isn't a scent that screams for attention; rather, it whispers confidence and refined elegance. Its unique blend of ripe peach, elegant rose, and a distinctive musky cashmeran base creates an aroma that truly feels like a second skin – warm, comforting, and alluring.
For those seeking a signature scent that deviates from the mainstream, or collectors eager to acquire a piece of modern fragrance history, Burberry Body is a compelling choice. Its impressive longevity and moderate sillage ensure it makes an impression without overwhelming. While its initial absinthe note might require an open mind, the beautiful evolution into a powdery, musky rose is undeniably captivating. If you appreciate a fragrance with depth, character, and a touch of modern chypre sophistication, then securing a bottle of Burberry Body is an investment in timeless elegance.