I come from Russia, and if you ask any Russian person what flower represents spring, 99% of them will tell you it’s lily of the valley. There are hundreds of folk songs, fairy tales, and old paintings depicting these fragrant buds as the bringers of spring and warm weather, and even nowadays it’s still customary to have a little bouquet somewhere in the house when they first start blooming. This year I followed the tradition, but instead of the usual bouquet I decorated my bathroom with Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise products.
Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise collection includes several bath & body products, signature perfume, room fragrances, and multiple gift sets. When I first heard about this release I assumed it would be limited edition, but Molton Brown decided to make it part of the permanent lineup, so you can bask in its delicate floral glory all year round. Blended with magnolia, peonies, and star anise, Jennifer Jabon – the nose behind the fragrance – elevates naturally complex lily of the valley note to new heights.
I always associated Molton Brown with a luxurious indulgence. The brand masterfully balances classic and modern, posh and edgy, which makes the products from this very traditional British company appeal to all demographics. I realize that it’s easy to find a good high end body lotion or body wash, there aren’t many brands that invest heavily in the fragrance part of their products, and even fewer manage to hit the nail on the head each and every time. Maybe that’s just me, but I feel like Molton Brown really gets what I want right now before I do.
I had forgotten about my love for lily of the valley because it’s not very popular here in the US, and star anise brings bag happy memories of my grandma’s cooking. Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise created this unique combination that I’ve never seen anywhere else, and it’s pure genius. Bittersweet notes of lily of the valley and sweet and spicy star anise deliver strong floral breeze with a mysterious spicy aftertaste. It’s like a compromise between me and my husband, who prefers when I wear “edible” scents, while I love my bittersweet rose and jasmine. And, well, lily of the valley 🙂
This is the part where I finally tell you about the products I received to try. I got the body wash, body lotion, and the hand cream trio, and of course, all of them were exquisite. The hand cream is pleasantly nourishing and keeps my hands hydrated for a long time. The body wash fills the entire bathroom with its aroma, turning a simple shower time into an aromatherapy experience. And the body lotion had a smooth milky texture that glided over the skin with ease, leaving it soft and strongly scented.
I think this goes without saying, but Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise collection is definitely not for people who prefer unscented or lightly scented skincare. It’s a fairly strong fragrance that will stay on the skin for a good part of the day, and there’s nothing you can do to wash it off. I applied the body lotion after my morning shower and could still smell it at the dinner table, so yes, it lasts quite a while.
BOTTOM LINE:
First and foremost, Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise is a rare treat in the beauty industry. It’s a collection for lily of the valley fans, hungry for someone to finally get it right. The fragrance is strong but not overpowering, and delivers a great balance of crispy green, floral, and spicy notes in every whiff. If I had to pick just one product, I’d recommend the body lotion because it can also be used as both your daily perfume and a hand cream. So next time you stroll through a local Nordstrom, stop by Molton Brown display and try it – it was love at first whiff for me!
You can purchase products from this collection at Molton Brown, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus.
Have you tried any Molton Brown products before? Do you like lilies of the valley? What flower do you associate with spring? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
