A Full Review of Parfums de Marly Valaya

White florals are having a big moment in fragrance industry right now. Many designer and niche perfume brands have come out with their own interpretations recently. As a huge floral lover myself, I personally enjoy testing different types of white florals. The cream variety is one of my favorite fragrance families.

I was eagerly waiting for the launch of Valaya. Firstly, this was going to be the white floral release after Athalia, which caught my attention due to the complexity of the composition. Secondly, whatever Quentin Bisch has developed for Marly has been mostly appreciated and loved worldwide. I have had the bottle for about a month now, and I am happy to report that I quite like this scent.

What’s interesting about Valaya is that it’s very different from other white florals, not only in my collection but also in the consumer market. The introduction of Valaya doesn’t quite follow the same formula and that’s the best part about this scent. It’s a rejuvenating zesty opening followed by an alluring dewy floral heart, which ultimately leans into a complex creamy musk dry down. Throughout the development, the fragrance maneuvers into a bit of salty woody territory, but pops back on the usual track of fresh musky creamy floral that the perfumer intended it do so.

Valaya symbolizes femininity, romance and optimism. The opening burst of fresh mandarin with a little bit of bitterness seamlessly blends into sprightly bergamot, crisp aldehydes and a youthful peach note. The citric fruity blend was the right decision for the perfumer to sharpen up and recast the floral heart in a lighter, more youthful floral tone. The peach in Valaya is not the same as the peachy – plummy tone in Casilli. It almost feels like extracting the juice of the peach, which is not quite ripe yet but good enough as a mood booster, and the aroma of green nectarine essence.

The heart is a romantic awakening, and the reign of orange blossom is prevalent. Orange blossom more often goes into a powdery territory, but here it retains its freshness with a bit of neroli like character underneath. The lily and other petalias bring a certain charismatic effect on your skin with the help of some subtle synthetic notes, which in my opinion bring a sparkly feeling and imbues uniqueness.

The base is all about the strength of ambroxan and wispy clean vanilla, and to my nose the duo brings a warmth of sweet and salty sultriness to the forefront, without going strangely sour, which my skin chemistry approved and loved.  However, the key facet of this composition is the musk, and sure enough it gently caresses your skin in order to be the ultimate background for as long as the fragrance stays with you.

The fragrance projects moderately and becomes a sweet veil of soft musk towards the end but leaves an unbelievable scent trail despite being on the fresh side. This is a type of fragrance you would most certainly like to reserve for spring and summer. and the heat is bound to bring up the floral characteristics and make the scent ready to shine in the warmth of the sun.  This is a great choice for your professional environment, as well as a romantic evening during the warmer months.

I am not the biggest believer of following the dress code with your scent, but the beautiful white frosty packaging tempts me to wear something silky or flowy, so that we complement each other well.

Have you tried Valaya yet? What’s your thoughts on the new Parfums de Marly release?