Floris Fragrance review
Floris Lily of the Valley Review: A 1847 White Floral Classic
Timeless elegance from the oldest English perfumer, still fresh after 175 years.
In this review
In the world of fragrance, few names carry the weight of history like Floris. Founded in 1730, the London-based house has been crafting scents for royalty, celebrities, and discerning noses for nearly three centuries. Among its most storied creations is Floris Lily of the Valley, a white floral eau de toilette first released in 1847.
This fragrance is a direct olfactory translation of the delicate Convallaria majalis flower, often called the lily of the valley. It is a scent that has been worn by generations, from Victorian ladies to modern professionals. In this review, we examine its notes, performance, and place in the contemporary fragrance landscape.
With a Fragrantica user rating of 3.82 out of 5, it is not a crowd-pleaser in the modern sense, but it holds a devoted following. Let's see if this 175-year-old formula still deserves a spot on your dresser.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first 0–30 minutes are a bright, green burst. Amalfi lemon provides a sharp, citrusy sparkle, while green notes evoke crushed stems and fresh leaves. It is crisp and slightly tart, setting a lively stage.
From 1 to 2 hours, the heart emerges. Lily-of-the-valley takes center stage with its signature watery, slightly sweet floralcy. Violet adds a soft, powdery nuance, while rose and jasmine lend a classic floral richness. Ylang-ylang contributes a subtle creamy, banana-like undertone. The overall effect is a lush, dewy bouquet.
After 4 hours, the fragrance settles into a clean, musky base. The single base note of musk is soft and skin-like, allowing the floral heart to linger without becoming heavy. The green and citrus notes have faded, leaving a gentle, powdery floral musk that wears close to the skin.
Performance Dashboard
7 hours on skin, moderate for an EDT
Moderate – sits about an arm's length away
Good – leaves a noticeable trail for the first few hours
When to Wear
Pros & Cons
- Authentic lily-of-the-valley accord
- Bright, natural-smelling green opening
- Versatile for daytime and office
- Historic pedigree from a respected house
- Moderate price for a luxury brand
- Moderate longevity (7 hours)
- May feel dated to some modern noses
- Limited projection after the first hour
- Only available in EDT concentration
Price & Value
“Good value for those who love the scent, but the moderate performance may deter bargain hunters.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported. The formula has remained consistent for decades.
Who It's For
Ideal For
- Women who appreciate classic, understated florals
- Fans of vintage perfumery
- Those seeking a non-sweet, green floral for work or daytime wear
Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy gourmands or modern ambroxan bombs
- Anyone looking for strong projection or all-day longevity
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Diorissimo
Dior
Fracas
Robert Piguet
You May Also Enjoy
L'Air du Temps
Chanel No. 5
More from Floris
Vanilla Skin
Elite
Santal
Floris No. 89
1962
JF
Layering Ideas
- Layer with a simple musk like Kiehl's Original Musk for added depth and longevity.
- Pair with a green citrus cologne (e.g., Acqua di Parma Colonia) to amplify the fresh opening.
