Lily Crabtree & Evelyn for women

I understand why those hoping for something similar to Crabtree & Evelyn's original "Lily of The Valley" scent, might be dissapointed in "Lily"; it has none of the pious elegance usually found in white floral arrangements. It's not stuffy and formal. It's not endlessly virginal.

But I have to say, that's one of the reasons why I enjoy this new blend so much; it's vibrant and verdant. I've always found the natural scent of lily of the valley to be so beautiful; it's the smell of Spring, fresh and green, with a soft soapiness that gives it depth. However, every time I've tried to wear it as a note, it fails on my skin -- it's either too screechy, dusty, balsamic or, frankly, bloodless and cold.

"Lily" is something else, entirely. It's fresh and green, wet and overgrown, the mischevious scent of a woodland sprite. It opens on a brisk burst of crunchy greens and a cool, soft, white lily note. There's a hint of soap, but the lily sweetens as the scent matures and ylang adds a subtle carnality that warms the blend. The greens deepen into layers of foliage, but a wet, mineral note runs throughout the blend, giving the impression of rain -- rain running over bark, soaking blooms, pouring out of leaves. I don't know if the mineral note is intentional, or a result of C&E's new phthalate-free preservation system, but it conjures-up the imagery of stone and running water. As a result, "Lily" eventually ends on the idea of a gentle, bubbling brook.

This is an excellent scent and lasts the longest of their new trio ("Lavender" and "Rosewater" make up the others), especially for its price. But you have to be in the mood for a green, fresh, clean scent; something brisk and energetic, not your usual solemn elegance of Lily of the Valley blends. "Lily" is a walk in the woods, bright and alive -- and even a little wild. I'll probably be purchasing the whole line of bodycare products for Spring because I think it's worth having for days when I want to be "out and about"; hiking, going to parks and museums, that sort of thing.

Sprayed on some of this in the store. I was afraid it would be too strong, like I sometimes find lily-of-the-valley fragrances. But it's not. It's so soft, fresh and gentle, sometimes a little soapy (but not in a bad way).
It's something you would wear with a white dress in the summer, walking in a meadow. Not sexy in any way, but innocently romantic.

Definitely no lily of the valley here. And totally without it's own identity unlike its predecessor, which I will miss.