Floris London Perfume Review: a Mediterranean idyll & a bright and bold original
Posted June 6th, 2007 by Puabi
in
I was fortunate to have the opportunity of sampling two beautiful scents recently, both released by the world-renowned perfumers Floris London, who are nearing their third century of existence as creators of distinctive, elegant fragrances. Many of their products are already classics of mythical status. The simple names of No. 89 and Special No. 127--preferred aromas of James Bond and Grand Duke Orloff of Russia respectively--are bywords for sophistication, and well into its eighth generation of family ownership, the company, instead of succumbing to our fast-paced times, is still providing the choicest of aromas to discerning individuals.
The two flavors of Seringa and Night Scented Jasmine, which I have enjoyed as eaus de toilette, seem to me fast bound for mythical status, too. On first encounter, I preferred Night Scented Jasmine of the two, and it's perhaps easy to see why. Released in its present form in October 2006 but based on Juan Floris' 1806 original, there is something immediately comprehensible about it. It's been called "evocative of balmy Mediterranean evening walks through air rich with the sweet heady notes of jasmine"—it is dreamy, multilayered but gentle. You can imagine the sounds of the surf and picture moonlight dancing on water as you bask in the top notes of violet, citrus, neroli, and mandarin.
Although Night Scented Jasmine is a sweet smell, it is anything but cloying. The heart notes are floral: jasmine, lily, rose, mimosa, iris, ylang ylang, gardenia, and narcissus. The mimosa and ylang ylang add an exotic exuberance to the other more immediately familiar elements, and all blend to perfection, providing a warm but refreshing center to the eau de toilette. The base of the fragrance is a harmony of musk, amber, vetiver, and sandalwood, keeping it firmly grounded. It won’t give you the dizzies, there's nothing to frighten away a person afraid of being overbold for their first time using perfume. I am practically a beginner at it myself, and I’ve taken to putting a little on before class each day. The Floris London catalogue does't call it "the choice for romantics" for nothing, and as I'm a romantic, I responded with immediate enthusiasm, allowing it to transport me to a twilit cove in Andalusia… Excuse me if I wax overpoetic, but I enjoy it immensely. In addition to eau de toilette, Night Scented Jasmine is available as eau de parfum, luxury soap, bath/shower gel, and enriched body moisturiser.
Seringa has been enchanting Floris London customers since 1992. The unassuming light green box belies the rich experience waiting within. If you're anything like me, your first whiff of it will be something of a surprise. Seringa is absolutely arresting from the first inhalation, so bold that it almost takes you aback at first; you can only appreciate its beauty fully when you leave behind your preconception that perfume should smell staid!
Where Night Scented Jasmine is classic with shades of traditional, Seringa embodies all the glory of venturous womanhood. It bespeaks a wearer who is not afraid of challenges and who knows how to enjoy the small pleasures of life. Top notes of mandarin, citrus, and bergamot melt into a heart of lilac, lily, rose, and carnation. Jasmine is present as both a heart and base note, and rounding out the whole are the other base notes of musk, amber, and tuberose. If you want to be truly unique, to stand apart confidently but without overstating yourself, this is the scent for you. It seems to me that it could never grow dated or old; there’s always some new and exciting layer to discover. Seringa is available as eau de parfum, eau de toilette, concentrated bath essence, skin conditioning body cream, bath/shower gel, body moisturiser, silken dusting powder, and talc powder.
My personal favorite option is the luxurious body soap. I was given a tissue-wrapped bar. Opening it was a pleasure, using it is still, and I am very happy to have the scent in this form, because I can take it with me to my apartment on the weekdays… my mom saved the eau de toilette bottle for herself, you see!
Review: About Floris London -- One of the world's oldest perfume makers, Floris London was established in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris in the elegant quarter of London`s St. James. For over 275 years, Floris has provided fragrance and fine toiletries to an incredibly loyal customer base. Run today by the eighth generation descendants of its founder, the company still occupies the original storefront and their fine products are found in Harrods and other fine stores around the globe.
Review: Warm, romantic and sophisticated. China Rose is a complex bouquet of exotic roses, sweetly oriental, it is a very rich, seductive fragrance. Created to appeal to women who love strong fragrances. The China Rose woman adores romance, it suits her voluble nature, and like the fragrance, she is complex, often mysterious but always sophisticated and self-assured.
Review: About Floris London -- One of the world's oldest perfume makers, Floris London was established in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris in the elegant quarter of London`s St. James. For over 275 years, Floris has provided fragrance and fine toiletries to an incredibly loyal customer base. Run today by the eighth generation descendants of its founder, the company still occupies the original storefront and their fine products are found in Harrods and other fine stores around the globe.
Review: Launched by the design house of Floris of London in 1990, FLORIS ZINNIA by Floris of London is classified as a fragrance. This feminine scent posesses a blend of: It is recommended for wear.
Price: $85.00
Review: Warm, romantic and sophisticated. China Rose is a complex bouquet of exotic roses, sweetly oriental, it is a very rich, seductive fragrance. Created to appeal to women who love strong fragrances. The China Rose woman adores romance, it suits her voluble nature, and like the fragrance, she is complex, often mysterious but always sophisticated and self-assured.
Price: $37.99 USD
Review: Floris Of London Cefiro 4 Piece Bath & Shower Travel Set From England. Cefiro is a fruit/floral fragrance for both men and women. Cefiro is a sophisticated yet subtle blend and sits at ease whether you are at work or at play. A contemporary light, green and gentle fragrance which lifts your spirits. With a blend of fresh top notes of lime, grapefruit, mandarin and lemon. Set Includes Conditioning Shampoo 1.7 Fl.Oz., Foaming Bath & Shower Gel 1.7 Fl.Oz., Enriched Body Moisturizer 1.7 Fl.Oz., & Luxury Hand Soap 2.64 Oz.
Review: About Floris London -- One of the world's oldest perfume makers, Floris London was established in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris in the elegant quarter of London`s St. James. For over 275 years, Floris has provided fragrance and fine toiletries to an incredibly loyal customer base. Run today by the eighth generation descendants of its founder, the company still occupies the original storefront and their fine products are found in Harrods and other fine stores around the globe.
Review: What is a Tester?: Testers come in the original manufactured packaging and may be labeled Demonstration or Not for Sale. Testers are intended for promotional display and therefore, may lack the designer caps and fancy outer box packaging.
Price: $59.99 USD
Review: Year Introduced:2002
Price: $43.99 USD
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