With its roots dating back to the 17th century, The House of Yardley was originally created around its iconic lavender soap. These days, lavender is the brand’s signature scent, and the brand is something of a connoisseur on the different species. (Back in the 1930s, it commissioned scientists to scour the globe for the most sought-after varieties, which led to the discovery of Lavandula Augustifolia. This unique species is still grown in England today and forms the basis of Yardley’s signature range.)
These days, Yardley remains true to its heritage and among its hero products is a line-up of Eau de Toilettes based around ‘Floral Classics’, which are light, refreshing and perfect for spritzing on when the weather warms up.
Heading the range up, is, of course, English Lavender, £9.99. Combining bergamot and clary sage with a heart of lavender, it is like a burst of summer flowers on your skin – the lavender notes are made more complex with a bouquet of geranium, jasmine, chamomile and violet. Gorgeous.
English Freesia, £9.99, meanwhile, is the latest addition to the collection. A light citrus floral fragrance, it has a sweet, youthful appeal and uses lemon, mandarin, and cypress with ginger and pepper as well as sandalwood, musk and amber.
This is the sort of fragrance to mist on when the sun is rising outside and the day ahead looks cloudless. It’s the perfect accessory to culottes, sheer blouses and raffia bags. Summer in a bottle.
Lily of the Valley, £9.99, is my fave. It is a ‘white’ floral and is feminine and summery with fruit pear accords lifting the heart of lily and freesia accords, enhanced with a pretty, musky base. It has a timeless appeal and reminds me of the sort of scent worn on the French Riviera in the Roaring 20s – enhanced by the Art Deco styling of the bottles. Glorious!
