This 800-year-old fragrance brand is my top-secret for receiving compliments on my perfume.

      Anyone familiar with me knows that Italy is my absolute favorite destination in the world. What’s not to adore? It's a country that my taste buds and I could never tire of. From the tranquil beauty of the northern lakes and Dolomites to the historical allure of Rome, each visit has only strengthened my admiration for Italian culture. My upcoming trip is to Florence, and there’s one place at the top of my must-visit list—and it’s not a restaurant or a gelato shop. It's Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest beauty brands and perfume houses globally.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Santa Maria Novella) When it comes to heritage beauty brands, few can match the esteemed legacy of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Often hailed as the oldest pharmacy in the world, it opened its doors in Florence back in 1221, established by a group of Dominican friars who created the convent of Santa Maria Novella and cultivated a botanical garden for medicinal ingredients. Over 800 years later, this botanical craftsmanship persists. Its collection has grown through the centuries to encompass fragrances, skincare, and body care, with the stunning interiors of the store and every item in the wooden apothecary cabinets reflecting Florentine history. The fragrances are among the oldest globally, and the brand has even crafted scents for royalty. As a beauty editor, I can attest that Santa Maria Novella fragrances are regarded as some of the finest Italian perfumes. These luxurious scents are presented in beautifully crafted packaging, allowing you to enjoy a piece of the pharmacy at home, and their aromas are truly remarkable. Thankfully, you don’t need a trip to Florence to explore them, as they are readily available in the UK. I frequently wear some of the brand's most iconic fragrances—here are the ones I adore.

      Best Santa Maria Novella Perfumes

      (Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK) Best Overall: Acqua Eau de Parfum Best Luxurious Scent: L'Iris Eau de Parfum Best Botanical Scent: Necatrium Eau de Cologne Best Floral: Rose Gardenia Eau de Cologne Best Smoky Scent: Tabacco Toscano Eau de Cologne

      1. Acqua

      Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

      Acqua Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Pear, freesia, lotus, musk

      This was love at first spritz. It feels like diving into the cool, sparkling waters of an Italian lake or sitting by a soothing fountain under the shade of pear trees while enjoying an aperitivo. It's a fresh floral fragrance, the kind of aquatic scent that I want to spray generously on my skin during the summer—it’s so easy to wear. Its inspiration comes from the Grotta degli Animali, a 16th-century water fountain located in Villa Medicea di Castello.

      2. L'Iris

      Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

      L’Iris Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Galbanum, timur pepper, neroli, geranium, magnolia champaca, jasmine sambac, iris, musk, ambergris

      If you're seeking a fragrance that embodies Florence, this is it. Iris is not only the symbol of Florence, but the 16th-century French queen Catherine de' Medici (who commissioned the brand to create Acqua della Regina) introduced the tradition of iris-scented leather gloves to France. As one of the most costly ingredients in perfumery, it exudes luxury. This floral, powdery scent leaves you feeling sophisticated and fresh. If you want to embody the grace of a Renaissance queen, I highly recommend trying it.

      3. Nectarium

      Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

      Nectarium Eau de Cologne

      Key notes: Orange, lemon, lavender, honey accord, tobacco leaves, patchouli, tonka bean, labdanum

      Santa Maria Novella's newest fragrance is exclusive to Harrods, so you don’t need to travel to Italy for this one. It transports you directly to an Italian botanical garden. Initially aromatic, a bit smoky and bitter, it develops on the skin into a honeyed bloom that creates a golden, nectar-like haze, becoming sweeter as time passes. Combined with lavender, it evokes nostalgia and dream-like qualities. It feels as though I’ve entered a secret flower garden buzzing with bumblebees.

      4. Tabacco Toscano

      Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

      Tabacco Toscano Eau de Cologne

      Key notes: Bergamot, Tuscan tobacco leaves, leather, amber, birchwood, cedarwood, guaiacum, sandalwood, musk, vanilla

      I’m not usually drawn to smoky fragrances, but this one changed my perspective and has become one of my favorites. Rather