Burberry My Burberry Review: The Quintessential London Garden in a Bottle
An insider's deep dive into the fragrance that redefined modern British elegance.
When Burberry decided to launch a fragrance that would embody the very soul of the brand, they didn''t just create a scent—they bottled a London fantasy. Launched in 2014, My Burberry was a landmark moment, a fragrance designed to be as iconic as the brand''s signature trench coat. Under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey, the goal was audacious: to capture the essence of a London garden after a sudden, refreshing rain shower. This wasn''t about following trends; it was about setting a new standard for what a modern, sophisticated floral could be.
Positioned as the flagship feminine fragrance for the house, My Burberry sits at the heart of the brand''s olfactory identity. It bridges the gap between the classic, powdery heritage of fragrances like Burberry London and the more contemporary, vibrant offerings that followed. In the crowded designer fragrance market, My Burberry carved out a distinct niche as an "elevated floral"—a scent that feels both timeless and utterly of the moment, appealing to those who want luxury without pretension.
The inspiration is pure British romance. Imagine the iconic Burberry trench, the unexpected warmth of a sunbeam breaking through grey clouds, and the dewy petals of English roses in a private garden. Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian (before his own brand became a global phenomenon) and Guillaume Flavigny were tasked with translating this poetic vision into a scent architecture. The result is a fragrance that feels both intimately personal and grandly cinematic, a scent that tells a story of refined beauty and resilient spirit.
In the fragrance community, My Burberry has earned a reputation as a "safe reach" with immense character. It''s a fragrance praised for its versatility and its surprising depth. It''s not a loud, party-seeking scent, nor is it a shy, fading violet. It has become a modern classic, a staple in many collections for its ability to feel appropriate for almost any occasion while still projecting a clear, confident identity. It''s the fragrance you wear when you want to feel put-together, elegant, and subtly alluring.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Francis Kurkdjian and Guillaume Flavigny. Kurkdjian, a legendary nose, is the founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian and creator of iconic scents like Baccarat Rouge 540, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, and Narciso Rodriguez for Her. Guillaume Flavigny, a senior perfumer at Givaudan, has a talent for crafting elegant, complex florals and has worked on numerous successful designer and niche projects. Their collaboration here is a masterclass in balanced, evocative perfumery.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first spray is an exhilarating burst of dewy freshness. The sweet pea and crisp bergamot are immediate, creating a luminous, almost watery-green aura. The geranium leaf adds a sharp, slightly peppery edge that cuts through the sweetness, perfectly mimicking the feeling of cool air and damp soil after a rain shower. It''s vibrant, uplifting, and unmistakably clean.
As the initial freshness settles (around the one-hour mark), the heart of the fragrance blossoms beautifully. The quince note emerges, providing a soft, fruity tang that is neither sugary nor tart. This seamlessly blends with the floral bouquet: the airy freesia, the creamy dahlia, and most importantly, the lush, honeyed Rose Centifolia. This is not a dusty, old-fashioned rose; it''s a dewy, living rose, full and romantic without being overpowering.
After 4+ hours, My Burberry reveals its sophisticated, grounded foundation. The floralcy softens and melds with the warm, earthy base notes. The patchouli is clean and modern, not dirty or hippie-ish. The unique "rain-soaked hay" accord provides a dry, aromatic texture that is utterly captivating. Finally, a soft amber and the lingering essence of Damask rose wrap the scent in a gentle, skin-hugging warmth that lasts for hours. The drydown is intimate, elegant, and incredibly comforting.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent for an EDT. Consistently lasts 7-9 hours on skin, and can be detected on clothing for 24+ hours.
Creates a moderate scent bubble of about an arm''s length for the first 2-3 hours before settling closer to the skin.
Leaves a beautiful, elegant trail, especially in the first few hours. It''s noticeable when you move but never intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exquisitely balanced and sophisticated scent profile
- ✅ Remarkably versatile for day-to-night wear
- ✅ Beautiful, high-quality packaging that feels luxurious
- ✅ Unique ''rain-soaked'' accord that sets it apart from generic florals
- ✅ Becomes a personal, skin-scent in the drydown
- ❌ The initial green/fresh opening can be slightly sharp to some noses
- ❌ Not the most groundbreaking or avant-garde fragrance
- ❌ The EDT concentration, while good, may require reapplication for some in very long days
- ❌ Can be perceived as ''safe'' by fragrance enthusiasts seeking extreme uniqueness
Price & Value
“Absolutely worth the price for a signature-worthy, beautifully crafted fragrance from a major house. It offers excellent quality, versatility, and a distinctive character that justifies its position.”
📜 Reformulation History
No major publicized reformulations have significantly altered the core scent profile since its 2014 launch. Batch variations are minimal and typical for a designer fragrance of this scale, with no widespread reports of a ''vintage'' vs. ''modern'' divide.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A brighter, more citrus-forward opening than the EDT, with the bergamot and lemon taking center stage.
The heart blossoms with a more pronounced gardenia and rose, offering a richer, more opulent floral bouquet.
A deeper, earthier base of patchouli and musk emerges, providing a more enduring and sophisticated finish.
Performance Dashboard
Impressive 10-14 hour wear, truly a full-day scent.
Assertive projection for the first 5-6 hours, then settles beautifully.
A noticeable, elegant trail that leaves a lasting impression.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Luxurious and sophisticated
- ✅ Exceptional longevity
- ✅ Richer, more intense scent profile
- ✅ Beautifully blended florals
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Less airy than EDT
- ❌ May be too intense for very warm weather
Price & Value
“A worthwhile investment for its enhanced richness and longevity.”
📜 Reformulation History
The Eau de Parfum has maintained its core profile, but slight nuances in the intensity of the floral heart can be observed across batches. Always seek out reputable retailers for consistency.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women 25-50 who appreciate timeless elegance
- Professionals seeking a sophisticated signature scent
- Fans of florals that aren''t cloying or overly sweet
- Those with a classic yet modern personal style
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who exclusively love gourmands or heavy orientals
- Anyone seeking an extreme, beast-mode performance fragrance
- Individuals who dislike any rose or fresh-green notes
The Family
A darker, more intense interpretation with peach, jasmine, and amber, perfect for evening.
A lighter, fizzier take with pomegranate, rose, and jasmine for a vibrant, playful feel.
A richer, more concentrated version with enhanced rose and patchouli for greater depth and longevity.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar DNA of fresh, modern rose, though Chloé is powderier and more peony-forward.
Another elegant, dewy floral bouquet with great daytime appeal, though lighter and less honeyed.
Captures a similar English garden elegance with peony and a soft, suede-like base.
Offers a comparable blend of floral, musk, and patchouli with a sophisticated, urban vibe.
💡 Clone Alternatives
An inspired-by oil perfume that aims to capture the dewy rose and fresh green essence at a lower price point.
A popular dupe known for replicating the sweet pea, rose, and fresh accord profile with good accuracy.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who loved the realistic, dewy rose heart and seek a more niche, green-rose interpretation.
Shares a similar vibe of elegant, elusive beauty and a clean, sophisticated drydown.
If the woody, aromatic base of My Burberry appealed, this offers a more cumin-spiced, cedar-driven rose experience.
A logical next step to experience the perfumer''s own, more extravagant and linear celebration of rose.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A vanilla-centric fragrance like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir to sweeten and warm the drydown
- A clean musk scent like Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her to amplify the skin-like intimacy
- A citrus-forward cologne like Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine to boost the fresh, sparkling opening
🏆 Final Verdict
My Burberry is more than a perfume; it''s a wardrobe essential for the modern woman. In a world of fleeting trends, it stands as a testament to timeless elegance. You should buy it if you''re searching for a fragrance that effortlessly transitions from a morning board meeting to an evening dinner, that feels both polished and personal, and that carries with it an air of quiet confidence.
It''s the scent you''ll reach for when you need to feel capable and beautiful all at once. It doesn''t shout for attention; it earns admiration through its refined composition and lasting grace. While fragrance enthusiasts may chase novelty, My Burberry offers something perhaps more valuable: reliable, breathtaking beauty. It''s the olfactory equivalent of a perfectly tailored trench coat—classic, protective, and forever stylish. Investing in this bottle is investing in a piece of modern fragrance history that will never go out of style.