Best Parfums de Marly Perfumes: Layton, Pegasus, Herod, Althair and More
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Parfums de Marly is a French niche house inspired by the horse-racing world of 18th century Versailles, and nearly every bottle is named after a famous horse. The line-up is big, the prices are high, and the names do not tell you much about the smell.
Here is our guide to the most popular Parfums de Marly perfumes, with the verified notes from our database, so you can find the right one quickly.
The quick answer
For a crowd-pleasing all-rounder, start with Layton. For something smooth and almondy, try Pegasus. For a warm tobacco scent, Herod. For a clean, fresh everyday scent, Percival or Greenley. For a rosy feminine pick, Delina.
The best Parfums de Marly perfumes
1. Layton: the all-rounder
Marketed for men | Launched 2016 | Eau de Parfum | Long-lasting per Parfumo community ratings (8.3/10)
Top: Apple, Bergamot, Cardamom · Heart: Lavender, Violet, Geranium · Base: Patchouli, Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Praline
Launched in 2016. Apple, bergamot and cardamom open into lavender, violet and geranium, over patchouli, vanilla, guaiac wood and praline. Parfumo users rate it long-lasting, 8.3 out of 10. It is the bottle most people start with.
2. Pegasus: smooth and almondy
Marketed for men | Eau de Parfum
Top: Anise, Bergamot, Almond · Heart: Cypress, Violet Leaf, Orange Blossom · Base: Ambroxan, Vanilla, Sandalwood
Anise, bergamot and almond on top, cypress, violet leaf and orange blossom in the heart, and Ambroxan, vanilla and sandalwood in the base. Softer and creamier than Layton.
3. Herod: warm tobacco
Marketed for men | Launched 2012 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Cinnamon, Pepper · Heart: Tobacco Leaf, Incense, Cistus, Osmanthus · Base: Vanilla, Musk, Cedar
Launched in 2012. Cinnamon and pepper lead into tobacco leaf, incense, cistus and osmanthus, finishing with vanilla, musk and cedar. A cosy pick for colder months.
4. Percival: clean and fresh
Marketed for men | Eau de Parfum
Top: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Pink Pepper · Heart: Lavender, Iris, Cardamom · Base: Fir Balsam, Tonka Bean, Ambroxan, White Musk
Bergamot, mandarin and pink pepper over lavender, iris and cardamom, with fir balsam, tonka bean, Ambroxan and white musk. An easy, clean scent for every day.
5. Greenley: crisp green apple
Marketed for men | Eau de Parfum
Top: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Green Apple · Heart: Petitgrain · Base: Ambroxan, Amberwood, Cedar
Bergamot, mandarin and green apple over petitgrain, with Ambroxan, amberwood and cedar in the base. Bright and green.
6. Delina: the rose favourite
Marketed for women | Launched 2017 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Bergamot, Lychee, Rhubarb · Heart: Rose, Nutmeg · Base: Cashmeran, Musk, Vetiver
Launched in 2017 and marketed for women. Bergamot, lychee and rhubarb over rose and nutmeg, finishing with cashmeran, musk and vetiver.
7. Althair: warm vanilla
Marketed for men | Launched 2023 | Eau de Parfum
Top: Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Cinnamon · Heart: Bourbon Vanilla, Elemi · Base: Guaiac Wood, Ambroxan, Praline, Musk
One of the newest bottles in the line. Orange blossom, bergamot and cinnamon over bourbon vanilla and elemi, with guaiac wood, praline and musk. Parfumo users rate it 8.3 out of 10 for longevity.
Torn between the two most popular? Read our Layton vs Pegasus comparison, or Herod vs Tobacco Vanille. You can also browse every Parfums de Marly perfume we cover.
Price
Parfums de Marly is a premium house. In our database, most of these are listed around $290 for 75ml; $400 for 125ml, and Delina at $250 for 30ml; $410 for 75ml. Check current UK prices before buying.
FAQ
What is the best Parfums de Marly perfume?
Layton is the most popular all-rounder. Pegasus is a smoother, almondy alternative, and Herod is the pick for warm tobacco lovers.
What is the difference between Layton and Pegasus?
Layton is spicier and fruitier, with apple, cardamom and lavender. Pegasus is creamier, with almond, anise and vanilla.
Is Parfums de Marly a niche brand?
Yes. It is a French niche house, and its perfumes are named after famous racehorses.
Which Parfums de Marly perfume is for women?
Delina, a rose, lychee and rhubarb scent, is marketed for women.
