Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum

What It Smells Like

Parfums de Marly Delina is a fruity rose fragrance, and the scent that made lychee and rose one of the defining pairings of the last decade. It is bright, tart and unmistakably pink, with a projection most floral perfumes never reach.

The opening is lychee and rhubarb with bergamot and blackcurrant. Lychee gives a watery, rosy sweetness, and rhubarb adds a sharp green sourness that keeps it from tasting like candy. A pinch of nutmeg warms the edges.

The heart is Turkish rose and peony, full and petal-like, supported by musk and by Petalia, a modern floral molecule that smells like fresh rose and peony petals. The base is soft rather than heavy: cashmeran, a musky wood material, with cedar, Haitian vetiver, a thread of incense and a little caramel and vanilla.

Fragrantica's community ranks rose as the leading accord, followed by floral, fruity and fresh. With more than 14,000 votes it is one of the most reviewed niche feminines on the site, rated 3.95 out of 5; a scent this distinctive divides people, and love is by far the most common vote.

Who Made It

Quentin Bisch is a perfumer at Givaudan and one of the most sought-after noses of his generation. For Parfums de Marly he is credited with Delina, Delina Exclusif, Delina La Rosée and Valaya, and he is also the author of Ganymede for Marc-Antoine Barrois. His work is known for bright, textured accords that carry a long way without feeling loud.

Who It's For

Delina is for anyone who wants a rose that is cheerful and modern rather than powdery or vintage. Fragrantica lists it as a feminine.

If you like fruity florals and want one with real presence, this is the benchmark. If you prefer quiet, skin-close scents, it may be more than you want. Delina Exclusif is the warmer, deeper version with vanilla and a touch of oud, and Delina La Rosée is the lighter, dewier one.

When to Wear It

Fragrantica voters place Delina in spring first and summer second, and day far ahead of night. The tart fruit and fresh rose suit warm, bright weather.

It is a natural choice for daytime events, weddings, brunches and celebrations, and it works for a romantic evening too. Parfumo's community rates both projection and longevity as above average, so two sprays go a long way.

About the House

Parfums de Marly was founded in Paris in 2009 by Julien Sprecher. The house takes its name and its imagery from the royal château of Marly and from the perfumed court of Louis XV, an era when fragrance was worn lavishly and horse racing was a royal passion. That is why every bottle carries a crest of two rearing horses, and why several of the fragrances, Herod, Godolphin and Darley among them, are named after celebrated horses.

The style is generous and easy to like: rich, long-wearing compositions, each built around one clear idea and usually signed by a well-known perfumer. Parfums de Marly is a boutique-only house at Redolia. It is sold at our perfumery at 92 West Main Street in Somerville, New Jersey, and not through the website. Read how our boutique-only houses work, then come in and try it on skin before you decide.