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Valaya by Parfums de Marly

Women 2023

Perfumer
Quentin Bisch

Description

Valaya by Parfums de Marly is a fruity floral fragrance for women. Launched in 2023, this composition was created by perfumer Quentin Bisch. Its top notes of aldehydes, white peach, bergamot and mandarin give way to a heart of orange blossom, valley lily, petalia, Nympheal™, vetiver and Mahonia, closing with a base of musk, ambroxan, Akigalawood and vanilla.

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Quick summary

When to wear it (votes)

  • Winter 13%
  • Spring 37%
  • Summer 33%
  • Autumn 17%
  • Day 72%
  • Night 28%

Key notes

Community

5,247 votes

  • Positive 69%
  • Negative 17%
  • Neutral 14%
positive reviews 5.2 k community votes
LongevityLong-lasting SillageModerate Best momentSpring CharacterFeminine

The olfactory pyramid

A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.

The community speaks

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In the collection

Leading answer I want it

20,815 votes

Season

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Leading answer Spring

5,617 votes

Time of day

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Leading answer Day

2,769 votes

Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.

Fragrance profile

About Valaya

Main accord musky Year 2023 Gender Women Perfumer Quentin Bisch

Valaya by Parfums de Marly is a fruity floral fragrance for women. Launched in 2023, this composition was created by perfumer Quentin Bisch. Its top notes of aldehydes, white peach, bergamot and mandarin give way to a heart of orange blossom, valley lily, petalia, Nympheal™, vetiver and Mahonia, closing with a base of musk, ambroxan, Akigalawood and vanilla.

White flowers Flowers Woods and mosses Fruits, vegetables and nuts Musk, amber and animalic Spices

How it wears

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Longevity

Leading answer Long-lasting

2,779 votes

Sillage

Leading answer Moderate

2,662 votes

Character

Leading answer Traditionally feminine

2,853 votes

Value perception

Leading answer A little expensive

2,623 votes

Community reviews

40 reviews

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  1. vanumirasson

    Love at first sniff. One of the first niche scents I tried that opened my eyes to the balance in these fragrances. It’s my signature: citrusy, clean and bright. Upon spraying, you detect aldehydes with bergamot and mandarin; I sense less of the peach. As it dries down, it gains a subtle floral touch, then the musk with vanilla adds a very discreet warmth. Totally fascinated.

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  2. Gatitomalbado

    I’m not an expert on musks, so let’s get straight to the point. I detect dry peach, citrus, neroli, woods, a hidden rose and a brutal dose of musk that dominates everything. It smells dry, neat and clean, like the classics Number Five or Caleche but updated. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but adapts that clean elegance without being ‘skin’, but pure cleanliness. Longevity and sillage are its strong points. I’ve just finished a 2ml decant and want the full bottle, although I’ll have to save up for a good while due to the price.

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  3. Alegonzaburgos

    It’s the bride’s perfume; it smells spectacular and fresh, elegant as royalty. Its sillage is enormous and the best part is I can wear it for over 24 hours without olfactory fatigue. If you’re getting married, this is THE PERFUME.

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  4. I’d describe it as walking through a forest straight after rain. It’s magical and unique.

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  5. A super fresh, luminous and vibrant opening, very citrusy, green and aldehydic (for me, in excess). The heart is a white-musked floral, soft and relaxed. The base is a clean white woody tone, like luxury sheets. At first slightly soapy, then creamy without being sweet. My gripe is the performance: it disappears in 5-6 hours with zero projection. As a clean scent, I prefer Musk Therapy or Dubai Musk.

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  6. A disappointment. For the price, I expected at least two more hours. I put it on and after two hours it smells like nothing. I love it and it’s pleasant for everyday wear, but the poor longevity means it’s not worth it.

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  7. Woman in Love

    Fresh and bold, with an almost stinging but tender beginning, bright, crystal clear and full of sparkle. A charming scent. Longevity and sillage are excellent.

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  8. A perfume different from anything I’ve ever smelled. It didn’t convince me at first on a trip to Dubai, then I felt it again in Brazil and decided to buy it. It’s unique, feminine, delicate, not sweet but friendly. On my skin it lasts over 12 hours, but you have to be careful with the amount as it’s concentrated; two or three sprays are enough. You’ll receive compliments from the taxi to work and at home. Watch out: you have to wash your clothes because the perfume sticks to them.

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  9. Wlad Molina

    The fresh and sophisticated elegance of Valaya surprises with its balance. A citrus opening with a touch of peach, nothing sweet or extravagant. A fresh opening seeking cleanliness and serenity. Bought blind influenced by Mr. Félix, and yes, it’s unisex, although it leans slightly feminine for me without losing neutrality. It evolves with the orange blossom taking the lead: creamy, refined, with a solar touch without saturating. The dry down is enchanting: clean skin with peach, as after a perfumed shower. No heaviness, just freshness and an elegant sillage that lasts longer than expected. It conveys neatness and sophistication without effort. I give it 8.5/10. If you want to smell fresh, clean, floral and fruity without being cloying, it’s an excellent option.

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  10. PaperOrchid

    My perfect perfume, the dream of my life. It smells clean, fresh, sweet but not gourmand, like a bride on her wedding day. The longevity is very good on skin, it really is a jewel.

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  11. For the price, it’s a complete failure. If you apply too little, it doesn’t smell; if you apply too much, it gives you a headache. It feels synthetic, and that’s simply not acceptable. There are other options with a similar scent but better quality, such as Montblanc Signature or Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. I won’t be buying it again; even if I lose money, I’m selling it because it just isn’t for me. Le Labo fragrances are expensive, but they are niche, like the 13 or the 33, and other non-niche brands smell far better.

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  12. charlotinable

    I wore it for the first time today and was flooded with compliments… However, there’s something that doesn’t quite add up, and I can’t pinpoint which note it is. It reminds me very much of Cacharel Eden, which I absolutely love, but despite the similarity, Marly doesn’t quite convince me. Should I repurchase? I’m not sure, but at least it has generated good compliments and I can use it daily until it runs out.

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  13. It is a beautiful, elegant, and ethereal fragrance with presence. As it dries down, it becomes woody. It lasts over seven hours on the skin and more than 24 hours on clothes thanks to its woody base. Perfect for hot weather, but be careful with the sprays because too many will overwhelm you.

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  14. Persefonex

    It evokes a nymph in the forest dressed in white; something ethereal and subtle. On my skin, the aldehyde stands out at first, then gives way to the neroli blossom, which isn’t sharp. Usually, I find that flower repulsive, but here it is subtle and in perfect harmony with the aldehyde, the muguet, and the musk. Nothing strident; it’s all a symphony of subtlety. Delicate, clean, and nothing generic; it smells of a baby but an adult one. It’s now my daily wear; even my son uses it and it suits him well. It works for sleeping, mornings, the office, coffee with friends, summer, or spring. I don’t see it as suitable for special occasions or night outs.

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  15. anamaestracorreo

    It smells exactly like the Maison Alhambra inspiration… Let me warn you, it smells 99% like Gucci Rush, an DNA that is unbearable for me 👎🏼

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  16. I’m not a fan of white florals, but the hype convinced me to give it a try. The longevity is nuclear; on my skin, it smells of white flowers and some very overripe fruit, which doesn’t bring me comfort. Niche perfumery is for trying and enjoying, not for common scents—it’s for defined tastes. For me, it’s been deleted from the list of curiosities and… off to butterfly things.

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  17. MdmButterfly

    It’s odd. For a wedding, the bottle alone… It’s a citrus, tropical fruity, acidic and dry scent (hard to explain). It’s interesting and personally it lifts me; it’s not ‘rosy and angelic’. It reminds me of Bond 9’s Greenwich Village, without that dreadful resemblance to Baccarat. The accord matches Nora7Nora’s review almost perfectly; she described it flawlessly. It doesn’t disgust me as much, but I agree. It evolves, becoming unpleasant like overripe fruit… but it kicks off beautifully for the heat.

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  18. I’ve seen comments from women saying they wore this perfume to their wedding; I imagined something white floral, delicate and elegant… but it’s far from that. Here there’s only a synthetic citrus with lots of musk, nothing soft or elegant; it feels like Zara perfume.

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  19. jerry drake

    It’s a perfume with no grey area: you either like it or you don’t. At first, you think the fruity-citrus-aldehyde blend will flow quietly, then a synthetic note appears and hits you with a rare power. It’s useless to remove it; it sticks to your wrist and dances with you. On the first test, avoid the neck. Certainly, I’m not bothered by the synthetic part and can’t stop compulsively smelling my arm. The bergamot is very acidic at first but fades quickly, revealing the musk and vanilla. The musk makes it super fresh; it smells like clean laundry. No joke, this scent inspired me to start the washing machine. I was postponing the process and had sprayed Valaya on my wrist, and there I was, lost in thought, sitting on the sofa waiting for a call that probably wouldn’t come, while the scent of peach, musk and clean laundry filled my nose. Then they called trying to sell me something (is it normal to receive 5-6 calls a day?), I tried to abandon the idea of doing the laundry but it was useless. While filling the machine with jumpers and dreams that only special people know how to inspire, it was genuinely pleasant to have that scent accompanying me, with the floral part now taking centre stage. Especially as it approaches the base, it’s metallic like a robot yet spongy like cotton, with a dry smell, as if the tongue or palate wanted to drink. The spiciness disappears, but the acidity remains. Personally I liked it, but I recommend trying before buying.

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  20. Starts with a super fresh lemony note, but over time it turns bitter, acidic, and very woody. On my skin, it becomes excessively musky and I can’t stand it anymore. I wanted it, but the more time passes, the less I tolerate it.

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  21. Lorenapicazo

    It left me utterly confused, yet I adored it for being unique and special; I’d never smelled anything like it before. Though strange, it brings back memories from when I was little—a peculiar sensation. Upon spraying, it smells of powdery bergamot with that clean, freshly laundered laundry crispness. Then emerges a slightly sweet note, probably from the peach, yet without losing its freshness. Ideal for the ‘clean girl’ who always looks perfect. I’ll wear it in summer and spring, during the day. I absolutely love it!

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  22. I was curious because they said it was clean and elegant, but it was a total letdown. Perhaps I just don’t like citrus, but I expected something better; it becomes astringent and acidic, even giving me a headache. Even my mum, who does enjoy citrus, didn’t like it. I also find no elegance here; this perfume screams ACIDIC.

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  23. Valaya by Parfums de Marly is a fragrance that captivates, evoking elegance and sophistication. Fresh and floral notes blend with woody nuances in a unique and enveloping experience. Its trail is delicate yet persistent, perfect for any occasion, whether a formal event or a casual day. The bottle also reflects the brand’s luxury, making it an attractive addition to any collection. In short, it’s ideal for those seeking something distinctive and memorable.

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  24. Quite notable; it has a clean, soapy scent that is charming, reminding me of old artisanal soaps with flowers and grape. At first, it is very soapy, but then it blends with the fruits and vanilla, giving it a special sweetness. I see it more as a wardrobe staple if you prefer clean perfumes and don’t want the typical citrus or vintage aldehydes. Recommended; it feels very Parisian. Edit: If you want something like this but can’t afford it, Coach Dreams has similar styles.

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  25. A wardrobe neroli that never fails. It is luminous, soft, and long-lasting thanks to its fixation, especially noteworthy. It’s like a classic piano piece that always works, akin to Clair de Lune. Musk, neroli, and chemicals in perfect balance. Beautiful to infinity. Although neroli and citrus floral formulas usually don’t last long, here it stays for a long time in a sharp and homogeneous way. That classic fresh, tender fruity note made to last and accompany you for hours. Natural, musky cleanliness of flowers and chemically perfect fruits. A perfect interweaving of well-designed chemical light.

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  26. The smell of dirty t-shirts or drying wall paint from the ambroxan will pursue you relentlessly for days. A single spray on the wrist and after rubbing, re-rubbing, showering, sleeping, and waking up, the ambroxan was still there, like a dinosaur. If you are not prepared for such a commitment with such an insufferable note, run away from Valaya. There is little else to see here.

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  27. I love Valaya! Of the whole collection, it is my favourite, alongside Oriana. Both smell like princesses; one is a sweet gourmand… and this is a perfect musky citrus. No single note stands out, so the aroma is unique. Despite its notes, it lasts a long time, and I would like to know if there is any dupe to buy in Argentina, as it is impossible to acquire it from here due to the price.

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  28. I agree: it’s very synthetic and you either love it or hate it. A simple, luminous, and peculiar scent. At first, it smells like lemon or synthetic citrus (strangely, they don’t bother me), carbonated water, and woods. I was told it smelled like gin and tonic rubbed on the skin, and it does. It lasts and projects well; I had zero faith in it, and it has become my summer daily scent. I perceive it as unisex. I don’t recommend buying it blindly.

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  29. Oh, Valaya. What can I say? Compliment-generating, singular, yet familiar… or not? Had I seen you before? Could it be that in another life we crossed paths? A constant déjà vu full of disdain and abandonment, of dust and then cream, of artificial heaviness and then… love, perhaps. At first, it felt like a borderline perfume. Unpleasant, dry, intriguing. I wanted to win Valaya over. It even had its own life. I can’t explain it better. It put a distance between her and me, a polished, rough brick wall… and suddenly, ah. That melancholy so Marly arrives and sweeps everything away… so in reality, that was it, Valaya, you are simply heartbroken, dim, pure crumpled paper wrapping a peach straight from the orchard, beautiful like a neoclassical still life. I don’t know what it has; it is an eternal game of cat and mouse with this fragrance; its nonchalance that suddenly disarms you entirely, the deceptive freshness (that density that invades suddenly)… there is here a palette of salmon colours, blush, grey marengo, rococo pinks, and a memory of long, wide corridors; sometimes the synthetic afterglow that wraps the fruity aldehydic touch and the lying citrus becomes something relative to a freshly laundered, impeccable, impersonal luxury hotel bathroom; it gives way to a queen’s dressing room worthy of Marie Antoinette, to then offer you on a golden tray this silky languor, this apathy for life, which at the same time results so addictive. Valaya is a gem that does not enter at the first try, nor is it necessary; she will do it for you when she stimulates herself to your very last memory and clings like a magnet to every fibre of the clothes you are wearing.

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