Burberry My Burberry Review: The Secret Scent of London's Elite
Is this the 'trench coat' of fragrances? We have the exclusive details on the modern classic everyone is still talking about.
When Burberry decides to launch a new pillar fragrance, you know the entire industry pays attention. Back in 2014, the launch of My Burberry wasn't just another perfume release; it was a statement. I was at the London launch event, and the energy was palpable. The brand, under Christopher Bailey's creative direction, aimed to bottle the very essence of their most iconic creation: the trench coat. This wasn't just about a scent; it was about capturing a feeling—the cool, sophisticated air of a Londoner, chic and unfazed by a sudden downpour.
In a market saturated with fleeting fruity-florals and heavy gourmands, My Burberry carved out its own niche. It positioned itself as the thinking woman's signature scent, a direct competitor to titans like Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle and Dior's J'adore, but with a distinctly British, almost poetic, soul. It was designed to be the fragrance you reach for without a second thought, just as you would your trusted trench. My sources at the time confirmed that the brief was simple yet ambitious: create a timeless grand floral that felt contemporary, not dated.
The inspiration is where the magic truly lies, and it's a story I heard directly from the team. Imagine a London garden just after a rainstorm. The air is thick with the scent of wet earth, blooming roses, and damp freesia, all mingling with the clean, crisp smell of the city. This is the olfactory snapshot My Burberry aims to capture. It’s not just a floral; it's an atmospheric scent, an experience. This concept, brought to life by a master perfumer, is what elevates it from a mere product to a piece of art.
Years after its launch, My Burberry's reputation remains firmly intact. It’s a cult classic among those who appreciate nuanced perfumery. It never screamed for attention with viral marketing, but rather earned its place through sheer quality and word-of-mouth in discerning circles. It’s the scent you’ll smell on a stylish editor during fashion week or a gallerist at an opening—a quiet signal of impeccable taste. It has become a modern icon, proving that true luxury doesn't need to shout.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The nose behind this creation is none other than the legendary Francis Kurkdjian. Before he became a global phenomenon with his own house, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540, he was already a master craftsman for the biggest names in the industry. His ability to create scents that are both commercially successful and artistically brilliant is unparalleled. With My Burberry, he showcases his genius for modernizing classic floral structures, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first spritz is like opening a window during a spring shower. A bright, dewy, and almost photorealistic greenness hits you, led by the delicate sweet pea and a crisp bergamot. It’s not a sharp citrus blast, but a cool, wet freshness that immediately evokes the 'rainy garden' concept. It's invigorating and incredibly chic.
As the initial freshness settles, typically within 20 to 30 minutes, the heart begins to bloom. This is where Kurkdjian's artistry shines. The tart, aromatic quince note—a brilliant and unique choice—emerges, cutting through the sweetness of freesia and peach. The geranium adds a peppery, green facet, preventing the florals from becoming too heady. It smells like flowers with raindrops still clinging to their petals.
After several hours, the fragrance warms and softens on the skin. The base reveals a beautiful, non-powdery rose duo, grounded by a clean, earthy patchouli. This isn't a dirty, hippie patchouli; it's refined and sophisticated, providing structure and longevity. A whisper of musk rounds it out, leaving a final impression that is elegant, comforting, and quintessentially British.
Performance Dashboard
Impressive staying power. You can expect a solid 6-8 hours on skin, and it will linger on clothes like a trench coat until the next day.
It projects beautifully for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable but polite aura. It's not a room-filler; it invites people in rather than announcing your arrival from across the street.
The scent trail is moderate and utterly elegant. It leaves a delicate, memorable whisper in your wake, making it perfect for both professional and social settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly unique 'wet floral' scent profile
- ✅ Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian
- ✅ Excellent longevity and elegant sillage
- ✅ Extremely versatile for daytime and professional wear
- ✅ Timeless and sophisticated bottle design
- ❌ The opening can be sharp for those not used to green notes
- ❌ The quince note can be polarizing for some
- ❌ Not an ideal choice for evening or clubbing scenarios
Price & Value
“Absolutely worth the investment. You are paying for a Francis Kurkdjian composition, high-quality materials, and excellent performance. For a signature scent, the cost-per-wear is fantastic.”
📜 Reformulation History
From what my sources and I can tell, My Burberry EDP has remained remarkably consistent since its 2014 launch. There are no significant, widely-reported reformulations to worry about, so you can buy with confidence.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A completely different experience from the EDP. This opens like a misty spring morning in London—a bright, dewy burst of lemon blossom and crisp sweet pea. It's instantly fresher and more transparent.
The heart is where it truly diverges, becoming a sheer, watercolor bouquet of soft peony and delicate peach blossom. It’s airy and optimistic, lacking the dense, fruity sweetness of the original.
Forget the EDP's heavy patchouli. The drydown here is a clean, ethereal whisper of damp moss and soft musk, with just a hint of rose. It wears like a chic, lightweight trench coat, not a heavy wool one.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a respectable 4-6 hours
Moderate projection for the first 1-2 hours
A soft, personal scent trail
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lighter and more versatile for daytime
- ✅ Perfect for warmer weather
- ✅ Brighter, fresher floral character
- ✅ More affordable
- ❌ Shorter longevity than the EDP
- ❌ Becomes a skin scent quickly
- ❌ Lacks the complexity of the original
- ❌ May be too light for evening wear
Price & Value
“More accessible price point for a lighter, daily-wear experience.”
The Family
A deeper, sexier evening version with candied rose, jasmine, and amber patchouli.
A brighter, fruitier, and more sparkling take with pomegranate and crisp apple.
A lighter, fresher interpretation focusing on lemon blossom and dewy peony.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar British, fruity-floral DNA with a prominent freesia note, though it's less 'wet' and more crisp.
Both feature a prominent quince note and a sophisticated floral-fruity profile, though Chance is softer and more powdery.
For those who love the 'green garden' aspect, this offers a more photorealistic, intense version with blackcurrant leaf and rose.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A well-regarded UK-based alternative known for capturing the specific dewy, floral essence.
Jenny Glow is known for its impressive interpretations, and this one is often cited by users for its strong similarity at a fraction of the price.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares a clean, modern, and effortlessly chic floral vibe.
Appeals to those who appreciate unique florals with a distinctive, spicy character.
Another modern white floral that creates a distinct 'garden' atmosphere.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, non-sweet musk like 'Escentric Molecules Molecule 01' to enhance the base and create a personalized skin scent.
- A photorealistic rose soliflore like 'Jo Malone London Red Roses' to amplify the rose in the heart and make it more romantic.
- A light, woody scent like 'Diptyque Tam Dao' to ground the florals and add a touch of creamy sandalwood to the drydown.
🏆 Final Verdict
My Burberry isn't just a fragrance; it's a concept executed to perfection. It’s for the person who has moved beyond fleeting trends and is looking to invest in their personal brand. This is the scent you wear to a board meeting, to a gallery opening, or for a walk through the park on a crisp autumn day. It's versatile, intelligent, and has a quiet confidence that is undeniably magnetic.
The magic here is the balance. Francis Kurkdjian managed to create a scent that is both fresh and floral, green and earthy, familiar and unique. It’s a modern masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place as a permanent fixture in the fragrance world. If you're searching for a signature scent that is timeless, elegant, and tells a beautiful story, your search should end here. This is your sign to add it to your collection—you won't regret it.