Perfume Blog

Instantly recognizable and irresistibly Instagrammable, it’s really no wonder that bottles produced by Parfums de Marly–and the brand itself–managed to gain a cult following online so quickly, despite having only been in business for a little over a decade. However, the dreamy beauty in the niche fragrance house’s scents demonstrates that its allure is more than meets the eye. In this article, Scent Split takes you into a deep dive into everything there is to know about the brand, and gives you a few recommendations on which fragrances to try out for yourself first:

About Parfums de Marly

With bottles that resemble flagons from times long past, you might think that Parfums de Marly has been around for centuries. On the contrary, though, the brand was only launched in 2009, making them a relative newcomer in the niche fragrance industry.

Being a very young company, Parfums de Marly is very much a contemporary fragrance house. However, the brand takes its inspiration from the past. Founder and owner Julien Sprecher counts perfumery and history among his greatest passions: his father adored perfumes, and the name of the brand is taken from the Château de Marly, one of the primary residences of King Louis XV of France. His court was widely known as “la cour parfumée” (the perfumed court in French). Perfumers flourished there, and incredible fragrances inspired by the beautiful gardens of Versailles and the surrounding area were created for the king during this era.

This fascination with the magnificence, opulence, and luxury of 18th-century French royalty, combined with Sprecher’s father’s love of fragrances, gave birth to Parfums de Marly. Sprecher describes his brand as “a fragrance house at the convergence of two spheres”: each scent is unabashedly, confidently modern, yet inspired by the lavish vibrance and flamboyant elegance of life at the royal residence from which the brand takes its name. Its “signature” offerings are all exquisitely crafted by Sprecher and his team of experts to evoke dreamlike images, bring vivid memories to the fore, and ignite intense emotions.

Experience Parfums de Marly fragrances today with Scent Split

Currently, Parfums de Marly offers over 30 fragrances that cover a wide and diverse olfactory range. Their perfumes are known for their confident composition: they are striking, clear, and remarkably self-assured. Below are some of their most compelling selections:

Delina

Delina is an olfactory enigma, sweet yet determinedly sensual. It is one of the most popular offerings from Parfums de Marly–so popular, in fact, that it is now considered an iconic scent among fragrance enthusiasts. Composed by Quentin Bisch, who trained at the Guerlain-founded ISIPCA in Versailles, this modern floral bouquet blends assertive floral accords such as Turkish rose, peony, and lily of the valley with fresh and juicy fruits, including rhubarb and lychee. Bergamot essence provides a distinct brightness to the scent at first sniff, while creamy vanilla, sensual Cashmeran, white musk, and vetiver add depth and complexity to the base.

Parfums de Marly posits that this is an all-season fragrance with a captivating character, and is best worn during the day. You’ll love this scent if you enjoy the decadent yet fresh scent of roses.

Delina Exclusif

Bolstered by the success of Delina, Parfums de Marly sought to create a fragrance that further improved upon the original formula without losing its well-loved DNA. The result is Delina Exclusif, which takes all the things that perfume enthusiasts loved about Delina and adds elements to elevate the scent. It, too, was created by Quentin Bisch. The scent counts lychee among its top notes, calling back to the original Delina. Here, however, the fruit is surrounded by pear and grapefruit instead. The feminine heart of this fragrance retains Turkish rose, surrounded by heady incense and vetiver. Vanilla, musk, and Evernyl form the base for a scent that is a resounding, applause-worthy encore that pays homage to the original while maintaining its individuality.

The brand recommends that this scent be worn on special evening occasions in the spring, fall, and winter seasons. If you loved Delina but are looking for something that isn’t as mainstream, Delina Exclusif might just be the fragrance for you.

Herod

Horses are magnificent creatures. Racehorses, in particular, were one of King Louis XV’s favorite pastimes. Herod is the name of a particularly accomplished racehorse that lived in 18th century France, and is the inspiration behind the fragrance of the same name from Parfums de Marly. Like the animal, it represents splendor and sheer majesty. Classified as a woody spicy fragrance, it was created by Olivier Pescheux, the same nose behind such popular scents as Diptyque’s Eau de Sens, Dolce & Gabbana’s The One Gold for Men, and the iconic Paco Rabanne 1 Million.

Herod is best known for blending tobacco and vanilla in a sensuous, alluringly primal way. Spices are found at the forefront of the scent: cinnamon and pepper. The heart is composed of tobacco leaf, incense, ciste, and osmanthus. Its base notes include vanilla, musk, vetiver, and ISO E Super, a synthetic note that helps boost other accords and is said to bring out the natural scent of the wearer’s skin. Parfums de Marly recommends wearing this sophisticated scent in the fall and wintertime, when its warming character shines best.

Layton

Layton is one of Parfums de Marly’s most joyful offerings. Inspired by the hustle and bustle of the Royal Court of Versailles at its height, it is as dazzling as you imagine The Perfumed Court to have been. The scent’s top notes reflect the exuberance of the era: citrus fruits such as bergamot and orange are blended with luscious apple, all wrapped with the soothing presence of lavender. At its heart is a floral bouquet inspired by the palace gardens, composed of geranium, jasmine, and violet. Vanilla, pink pepper, guaiac wood, and patchouli form the foundation of this intensely addictive fragrance that can be worn by men and women.

Like Delina, this is a fragrance that can be worn throughout the year. However, it shines best in the colder months with its cozy yet celebratory character.

All of our recommendations are, of course, available in sample sizes for you to try here on Scent Split. Experience the magic and beauty of these Parfums de Marly fragrances today by purchasing a genuine decant from us.

Looking for a super unique scent that is unlike anything you’ve worn before? You’ll want to check out Molecule 01. This is more than a perfume, so check out everything you need to know in this post before grabbing yourself a sample.

Molecule 01 is a perfume created by the German perfumer Geza Schön. It is unique in that it features only one ingredient: the synthetic aroma chemical Iso E Super. Iso E Super is a woody, velvety scent that is often used as a base note in perfumes. Schön sought to create a perfume that highlighted the unique qualities of Iso E Super and Molecule 01 is the result.

The scent is subtle and has been described as "skin-like" due to its ability to blend with the wearer's natural scent. Some people claim that they can't smell it on themselves, but others can detect it.

Molecule 01 is marketed as a unisex fragrance, and is sold in a minimalistic, clinical-looking bottle. It is not considered a traditional perfume, but rather a fragrance experiment, a minimalist scent that appeals to those who are looking for something different, and appreciate a more experimental approach to perfumery.

Molecule 01 is a one-of-a-kind perfume that challenges traditional perfumery by showcasing a single ingredient in an unconventional way. Its unique scent and minimalist packaging make it appealing to those who are looking for a different kind of fragrance experience.

What is Iso E Super?

Iso E Super is a synthetic aroma chemical used in perfumery for its woody scent. It is often used as a base note in perfumes, as it has a subtle, long-lasting scent that can help to enhance and prolong the overall fragrance of a perfume. It is also used as a fixative, which means it can help to hold the scent of other ingredients in a perfume over time.

Iso E Super was first synthesized in 1973 by the International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) company. It is considered a "super" version of another aroma chemical called ISO E, which has a similar woody, velvety scent but is less potent and long lasting.

Iso E Super is considered a versatile ingredient in perfumery and is used in a wide range of fragrances, including men's colognes, women's perfumes, and unisex scents. It is also used in other consumer products such as laundry detergents, cleaning products, and personal care items.

Is Iso E Super safe?

Iso E Super is considered to be a safe ingredient for use in perfumery. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established guidelines for the safe use of Iso E Super in perfumes and other fragrance products. The IFRA sets a maximum concentration limit of 0.7% for Iso E Super in perfumes, based on safety evaluations and studies.

It is generally considered to be a non-toxic and non-irritant substance. However, as with any fragrance ingredient, some people may be sensitive or allergic to it. It is also worth noting that, like all synthetic ingredients, Iso E Super may have potential environmental concerns, such as the impact on aquatic life and the potential to bioaccumulate.

In general, Iso E Super is safe to use when used in the concentrations and under the guidelines established by IFRA. As with any fragrance ingredient, it is always recommended to patch test and use in moderation.

It is always recommended to check the label of the product and the ingredients list to ensure that the product does not contain any allergen or any ingredients that one is sensitive to. If you have any concerns about the safety of a fragrance ingredient, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

What celebrities have worn Molecule 01?

Molecule 01 has been notably worn by several famous people. The subtle and long-lasting scent of the perfume, as well as its mysterious aura, has made it a popular choice among celebrities.

One famous person who has worn Molecule 01 is the British singer and songwriter, Björk. She has been known to be a fan of the perfume and has even mentioned it in interviews as one of her favorite fragrances. Björk is known for her eclectic and avant-garde style, and Molecule 01's unique and experimental approach to perfumery makes it a perfect fit for her.

Another famous person who has worn Molecule 01 is the American actress, Helena Bonham Carter. She has been known to be a fan of the perfume and has even mentioned it in interviews as one of her favorite fragrances. Helena is known for her versatility as an actress, and her bold and unique choices in films, and her choice of Molecule 01 as her fragrance of choice reflects her eclectic and daring approach to personal style.

The British actor and musician, Jared Leto, is also known to be a fan of the perfume. He has been spotted wearing it on various occasions and has even mentioned it in interviews. Jared is known for his eclectic sense of style and his willingness to take risks, both in his acting and his personal life, and his choice of Molecule 01 as his fragrance of choice reflects his nonconformist approach.

These celebrities, known for their eclectic and avant-garde styles, have chosen Molecule 01 as their fragrance of choice, reflecting its unique and experimental approach to perfumery.

Where can you get Molecule 01?

We have Molecule 01 in a variety of sizes right here in our online decant store. Our collection is meant to let you experience this popular perfume in an affordable fashion.

We have tried out the brand ourselves and have experienced the astonishing science behind Molecule 01. We couldn’t smell the scent ourselves but other people were quick to tell us they loved how we smelled.

While Molecule 01 is the most subtle, there are other varieties to check out. Molecule 01 Mandarin is vibrant and zesty. It’s sweet and fun. Molecule 01 Iris is delicate and floral. It’s a seductive scent that feels warm and inviting.

Rich, luxurious, positively intoxicating–these are the terms that are often used to describe oud in the fragrance world. Because of its distinctive character, though, oud also has a reputation for being quite the heavy and intense fragrance note.

This intensity, however, is also one of its strengths: oud perfumes are excellent for winter weather, cocooning the wearer in warmth and spice that bring the desert heat of the Middle East to mind–where it happens to have been used for centuries. Read on below to learn more about this mystical ingredient, and some oud-forward perfumes available here on Scent Split that you should consider trying this winter:

What is Oud?

Also referred to as agarwood, oud is a dark, resinous, fragrant wood that is often used in incense and perfume. The process of creating oud happens when the Acquilara (or aquilaria) tree is infected by a specific type of mold called phialophora parasitica. The tree then secretes a dark and aromatic resin as a defensive mechanism, thus creating oud.

What Does Oud Smell Like?

In its raw form, the smell of oud is said to be pleasant, complex, and completely unique–it bears no resemblance to anything else. In its perfume state, it is often described as an “oriental woody” note, or sometimes as a “soft fruity-floral”. The scent of oud also depends on where it’s sourced from–it has been described as warm, sweet, woodsy, earthy, and smoky, all at once.

One thing is for sure, though. The addition of oud to any fragrance gives it a distinctive sensuality that simply can’t be replicated; wearing an oud perfume is guaranteed to make heads turn. These are the scents you want to put on when you want to stand out and be noticed–they’re the ones that will make the people around you ask, “What are you wearing?” Here at Scent Split, we offer several niche perfumes that feature this accord prominently. Below are some of our favorites.

Oud for Greatness – Initio Parfums Privés

Natural oud is relatively rare and commands a high price. Initio Parfums Privés distinguishes Oud for Greatness from other oud-forward perfumes by insisting on using only raw and natural ingredients in their blend, creating a bottle that is pure and elemental from the get-go.

Introduced in 2018, Oud for Greatness is described as a warm spicy fragrance that opens with floral saffron, spicy nutmeg, and soothing lavender before revealing a heart composed of natural oud wood and agarwood oil in its most unadulterated forms. At the base of this scent are fresh patchouli and musk. The combination of these accords create a deeply layered, bold, and unapologetically intense fragrance that is a force of nature unto itself.

Oud Immortel – Byredo

Oud Immortel is Byredo’s tribute to and celebration of oud, paying homage to its deep cultural significance as an ingredient that has been used for centuries in incense and perfumes. It was launched in 2010.

Oud Immortel seduces slowly, but surely–top notes of zingy limoncello, intoxicating incense, and warm cardamom dance lightly upon its heart of Brazilian rosewood, patchouli, and papyrus. The oud can be found holding these accords together from beneath, mixed with earthy moss and smoky tobacco leaves. This is a dark and elegant fragrance, one that speaks softly but impactfully.

Oud Wood – Tom Ford

Oud Wood is part of the widely acclaimed Tom Ford Private Blend collection, the same family of fragrances that such hits as Fucking Fabulous, Eau de Soleil Blanc, and Rose Prick belongs to. Vogue named it one of their Best Colognes for Men to Try in 2022.

It takes its inspiration from the incense-soaked temples of the Middle East and envelops you in warm, exotic spices, evoking images of a mysterious faraway land. Oud Wood draws you in gently with exotic Brazilian rosewood and sweet cardamom before introducing the oud, blended here with clean vetiver, creamy sandalwood, and a fiery dash of Chinese pepper. The foundation of this fragrance is a rich, decadent combination of tonka bean, vanilla, and amber. Unlike other perfumes from Tom Ford that tend to open strong, Oud Wood draws you in softly and wraps around you gently, making it a comforting scent to wear when it’s cold outside.

Oud 27 – Le Labo

On their website, Le Labo claims that Oud 27 isn’t just pure oud–it’s more. The niche perfume house blends 27 different ingredients, including oud, in this amber fragrance that is inspired by the Arabian tale of One Thousand and One Nights.

Here, oud is at the forefront of the scent, followed closely by distinct yet delicate notes of saffron that is backed up by sweet cedar Atlas. Incense, patchouli, black pepper and gaïac add further warmth and complexity to the mix. Le Labo isn’t shy about saying that this perfume is powerful and overwhelming–they use those very words to describe the scent on their website. One thing is for certain, though. Oud 27 is unforgettable, and you’ll have an unforgettable time wearing it.

All of the scents listed above are available in decant sample sizes here on Scent Split. It’s the best way to try them out before committing to a full bottle. Don’t risk your money on a blind buy–get a genuine decant of these oud perfumes from us now.

Founded in Stockholm in 2006, Byredo is a relative newcomer when compared to other brands in the luxury fragrance and beauty space. In just two years and only an initial collection of 5 scents, though, the brand rapidly garnered interest, shooting up to the #2 spot on the Barneys New York list of best-selling fragrances by the tail end of 2009.

Part of the allure is certainly in Byredo’s inherent mystique. The fragrances all share the same unassuming flacons: a sleek bottle in clear glass topped by a dome, carrying simple white labels that only carry the branding and the scent’s name. This minimalist aesthetic evokes the brand’s Swedish roots: founder Ben Gorham is a native Swede who spent a good portion of his life in Stockholm.

The scents themselves are worldly and unabashedly modern. Gorham and his collaborators draw their inspiration from emotions and memories, utilizing unusual combinations of ingredients and notes to create fragrances that are as unique as they are utterly wearable. Every perfume is unisex and versatile, suiting men and women equally at all times of the day and night.

In the intervening years since its launch, Byredo has expanded its perfume lineup to 45 scents in total. This makes it difficult for newbies to narrow down which ones to try out first. Here are our recommendations for the Byredo fragrances that everyone should start with, all available in sample size decants here at Scent Split:

Gypsy Water

Gypsy Water is Byredo’s quintessential fragrance–the OG, if you will. It was the one that led the charge back in 2008, having been released first. Hype quickly built, and it continues to be one of the most well-known scents from the brand, thanks to endorsements from the fashion press and celebrities alike. It counts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Sienna Miller, and Kate Bosworth among its most loyal wearers.

Inspired by the beauty of the Romani culture, this is a woody aromatic fragrance that opens with playful notes of bergamot, juniper berries, lemon, and pepper. At its heart is incense and pine needle, as well as orris, one of the rarest perfume ingredients in the world. A combination of sandalwood, amber, and vanilla serve as a warm base for this feverish, exotic concoction.

Rose of No Man’s Land

The rose is one of the most popularly referenced flowers in perfume. Designers are inspired by it and often use it in their creations. Byredo has several perfumes that employ roses in their lineup, but Rose of No Man’s Land is arguably the best of them all.

Its name is derived from the term used to describe the nurses who came to the aid of soldiers during the First World War. The spicy rose scent, then, evokes the gentleness and bravery of those courageous women who inspired it. The top notes are pink pepper and Turkish rose petals, which then serve to amplify a heart of Turkish rose absolute and raspberry blossom. Underneath is a warm yet sedate base of papyrus and white amber.

Bal d’Afrique

Bal d’Afrique is French for “African ball”, and is Byredo’s love letter to a continent that Gorham’s father spent extensive time living and traveling in. It reflects those journeys as interpreted by Gorham and is described as a celebration of African influence and culture. Complex and distinctive, it’s an excellent choice for a signature scent–one that no one else smells like. Victoria Beckham and K-hiphop artist Crush are huge fans.

The fragrance brings the heat of the continent at first whiff, using notes of African marigold, bergamot, and buchu, a flowering plant native to western South Africa, to begin the voyage. Cyclamen and violet draw you further in. Bal d’Afrique then dries down to its base notes of Moroccan cedarwood and vetiver, completing the trip around one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in the world.

Mixed Emotions

Mixed Emotions is one of the newest additions to the Byredo perfume collection, only launched this year. Created to encapsulate the times we live in, most people first sampled this scent during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and can only agree that it certainly lives up to its name and inspiration.

It is a melange of conflicting notes that shouldn’t go well together, but does in some indescribable way. Mixed Emotions is a woody aromatic fragrance with an intense opening of blackcurrant and maté, a caffeine-rich South American tea that may explain why it also smells like tobacco to some. More tea is at the heart, specifically black Ceylon, mixed with fresh violet leaves. The base notes are birch woods and papyrus, providing a solemn, quiet ending to the tumultuous scent. It’s a roller coaster of a fragrance, perfectly named.

Mojave Ghost

Inspired by the Mojave Desert, Mojave Ghost is yet another heavy-hitter from Byredo, and is one of the brand’s most popular fragrances. It is intended to encapsulate the spirit of a wilderness so strong and willful that only the most resilient can grow in it. Raw and untameable, some aficionados say that while it is striking on its own, it can be made better by tempering it with other scents that feature lighter notes.

Mojave Ghost, like the desert it’s named after, tempts the senses with warm ambrette and nesberry at first. It then unleashes its fire with strong notes of sandalwood, magnolia, and violet, bringing desert flowers to mind. The base notes for this fragrance are cedarwood, vetiver, and a combination of musks that further emphasize that desolate yet majestic feeling of walking through dunes of sand at sunset.

All of these Byredo fragrances are available in our shop, where you can purchase genuine decants in sizes of 1mL, 2mL, 5mL and 9mL. We also offer full 100mL bottles of these scents in their original packaging, should you desire to add one of them to your permanent rotation. Check out the rest of our Byredo collection today, and don’t forget to browse the rest of our niche fragrance offerings.

In general, people tend to associate the scent of roses with springtime. Few other flowers, after all, can capture the pure energy of a world awash with blooms quite like it. In keeping with that philosophy, perfumers then prominently feature roses in fragrances that are released and intended to be worn during the warmer months. Enthusiasts also often recommend switching to fragrances that feature roses as a central note after the colder months have passed.

If you love the scent of roses, though, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t surround yourself with it even when the temperatures start to drop. It’s timeless, and it goes well with other fragrance elements that rise in popularity between autumn and winter.

The trick to wearing rose perfumes all year long is to pay attention to the fragrance notes that surround them. The autumn and winter months call for rich, warm scents that, in turn, give off an opulent vibe. Below are a few of our favorites here at Scent Split:

Portrait of a Lady – Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle

Launched in 2010, the Portrait of a Lady perfume was designed by French master perfumer Dominique Ropion, the same nose responsible for such iconic fragrances as La Nuit de L’Homme from Yves Saint Laurent and Flowerbomb from Viktor & Rolf (both also available on our website!).

The Portrait of a Lady perfume evokes roses at first sniff with its distinct rose top note. According to Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, 400 Turkish rose flowers are utilized in every 100mL bottle. The blooms dance upon a heart of intoxicating patchouli, permeated with the warm spices of frankincense and sandalwood. A compelling combination of blackcurrant, clove, and raspberry notes round out this beautiful Amber Floral fragrance that’s perfect for autumn or winter wear.

We offer the Portrait of a Lady perfume in various sample sizes, as well as the original 100mL bottle with its original packaging. To try this scent out for yourself today, simply choose a sample size from our available selections and add it to your cart. While marketed towards women, Portrait of a Lady is also a superlative cold weather fragrance for the adventurous man.

Lyric Woman – Amouage

Like Portrait of a Lady, Lyric Woman is an Amber Floral fragrance designed by Daniel Maurel for Amouage. He is also responsible for the perfumery house’s Epic Woman and Memoir Woman.

Lyric Woman evokes dark crimson roses in full bloom, but like all good things, it comes to those who wait. The fragrance gives off a strong opening of warm spices: bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. The heart opens up later to reveal floral notes of rose, angelica, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, given fire by feisty geranium. This complex scent is rounded out by woody base notes that give it a truly luxurious feeling, including oakmoss, musk, vetiver and sandalwood mixed with creamy vanilla and tonka bean.

Heady and intense, yet unabashedly modern, Lyric Woman is perfect for someone who fiercely indulges in her passions. Score a sample today by visiting the product page.

Tudor Rose – Burberry

Tudor Rose, like many other Burberry fragrances, takes its inspiration from the brand’s birthplace of England. It is part of the Burberry Bespoke collection and was launched in 2017. Francis Kurkdjian is the nose behind this fragrance; yes, the same Francis Kurkdjian as Maison Francis Kurdjian, home of the legendary Baccarat Rouge 540.

His creation for Burberry is an homage to the flower it’s named after, as well as the gardens where they can be found in full bloom. One whiff and you’re in the private gardens of Kensington Palace, the former home of the English Rose herself, Princess Diana. This unisex Chypre Floral opens with bergamot before revealing Bulgarian Damask and May roses beneath, mixed with the lightness of jasmine and peaches. Its base notes are composed of earthy ambergris and patchouli, wrapped in warm cashmeran and leather.

Tudor Rose is a lighter fragrance than the other selections on this list, which may make it a bit too bright for winter. However, it’s a lovely fall scent that will make you feel like you’re bringing a garden of roses with you everywhere you go.

Rose Prick – Tom Ford

The head-turning Rose Prick is also inspired by a garden awash with roses—the titular designer’s very own private one, in fact. Everyone knows who Tom Ford is—he’s fashion royalty, and many of his scents have garnered widespread acclaim. Released on Valentine’s Day 2020, Rose Prick is a unisex Cypre Floral from the Tom Ford Private Blend collection, which also includes such well-loved fragrances as Fucking Fabulous and Oud Wood

Often described as a classic rose fragrance with a twist, Rose Prick is a rose decidedly not by any other name—it’s Tom Ford, baby. The opening is chipper and zesty with Sichuan pepper and turmeric, before revealing a trio of roses at its heart: Bulgarian rose, Rose de Mai, and Turkish rose. Like our other selections here, it has base notes of patchouli and tonka bean, creating a rich, full-bodied fragrance.

Rose Prick is for the woman or man who knows themselves well and isn’t interested in apologizing for it. Elegant yet wild, it’s a gorgeous fall scent that should continue to bring you pure, unabashed joy throughout the winter months, too.

If you wish to try out any of the scents we've mentioned here, you’re in luck! Here at Scent Split, you can easily sample them. Consider browsing the rest of our extensive catalog, too!