Pick of the Week: The Fragrances of Santa Maria Novella

When it comes to selecting the perfect fragrance, quality is everything. It takes the perfect balance of precise ingredients to create a scent that is unique, flattering & lasting. Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world's oldest pharmacies - they've been around since the 13th century, in fact - so we're pretty sure they know a thing or two about fragrances by now. Keep reading below to find out more about their amazing history...

The old pharmacy

The Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221 in Florence by the Dominican Friars who started making herbal remedies & potions to use in the monastery. Their reputation became world renowned and the pharmacy, sponsored by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, opened to the public in 1612. 

Many of Santa Maria Novella’s products have become a part of history: the world famous pot-pourri is still hand crafted in large terra cotta vats using local essences & plants as has 
been the tradition since the 1200’s. The first “Eau de Cologne” has been attributed to the pharmacy’s creation in the 1500’s of Catherine de Medeci’s “Water of the Queen.” She used the citrus & bergamot scented water constantly & gave it to all of her closest friends during her reign as the Queen of France. It’s popularity in France lasted into the 18th century whereupon a certain Italian, Giovanni Feminis, took it with him to Cologne & began to make it there, renaming it Acqua di Cologne or Eau de Cologne as a tribute to the city where it was produced. Today this refreshing mix uses the same original formula from the time of Catherine de Medeci & is simply called Santa Maria Novella. It is Santa Maria Novella’s Signature Fragrance and surely the most sought after of all of their scents. 

Some of the oldest products from Santa Maria Novella are among the most popular today. The Almond Paste is an excellent rich cream made from almond butter. The Rose Water can be used on the face for washing & removing make-up or for scenting linens. The Pot-Pourri with its pungent, spicy scent, is still hand made & left to ferment in large terra cotta jars. The Milky Soaps, scented with Santa Maria Novella’s own fragrances are made with whole milk to protect & soften delicate skin. And of course the Santa Maria Novella fragrances themselves; classic scents like Honeysuckle, Rose & Iris, exotics such as Patchouli, Marescialla & Calycanthus, &, romantics like Jasmine, Violet & Lily of the Valley.

Today, the Pharmacy is run under the direction of Eugenio Alfandery, a gentleman who has kept the tradition & legacy of Santa Maria Novella intact, while at the same time updating the centuries old methods & procedures that are the mainstay of the reputation of this great brand.

An early 20th-century photograph of the old distillery

This Just In: Caldrea Black Coriander Lime

Caldrea is a bit of a staple here at the Paris Market so we couldn't be more excited to introduce a new a fragrance by them, Black Coriander Lime. Caldrea always creates such unique fragrances & Black Coriander Lime is no exception. "This light midnight scent takes you on a journey. It begins at cool twilight- where dewey ferns & fresh limes gently deepen into more exotic hints of fennel & caraway, koa woods & peppercorn spice." And besides the amazing smells, what we love the most about Caldrea is that their fragrances are safe- not only for you & your home, but for mother earth! Be sure to stop by the store soon to sample Black Coriander Lime, as well as the rest of our Caldrea fragrances.

Quality of Craft: The Fragrances of Santa Maria Novella

When it comes to choosing a fragrance, quality is everything. It takes the perfect balance of precise ingredients to create a scent that is unique, flattering and lasting. Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world's oldest pharmacies. All of their products including their Acqua Di Colonia have been around for centuries, which undoubtedly speaks to the perfection of their craft.

First founded in 1221 in Florence by the Dominican Friars who started making herbal remedies and potions to use in the monastery. Their reputation became world renowned and the pharmacy, sponsored by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, opened to the public in 1612. The first “Eau de Cologne” has been attributed to the pharmacy’s creation in the 1500’s of Catherine de Medeci’s “Water of the Queen.” It’s popularity in France lasted into the 18th century whereupon a certain Italian, Giovanni Feminis, took it with him to Cologne and began to make it there, renaming it Acqua di Cologne or Eau de Cologne as a tribute to the city where it was produced. Today this refreshing mix uses the same original formula from the time of Catherine de Medeci and is simply called Santa Maria Novella.

Now, the Pharmacy is run under the direction of Eugenio Alfandery, a gentleman who has kept the tradition and legacy of Santa Maria Novella intact while at the same time updating the centuries old methods and procedures that are the mainstay of the reputation of this great brand. Santa Maria Novella products are made on site at their own factory in Florence using local ingredients. Each batch is hand made and supervised according to age old recipes and artisanal methods. With a cologne like Santa Maria Novella, quality speaks for itself. Sample any one of their fragrances and you'll never want another brand again.

Available at The Paris Market!

Rue de Marli's Bathroom Essentials

Now's the time to create some space because our new line of grooming products is planning a complete bathroom take over! Available in two intoxicating scents, original and citron de vigne, these bath and body products will instantly transform your bathroom into the streets of a spring morning in Paris. Apothecary-inspired and crafted using traditional soap making methods, each bath product consists purely of certified organic ingredients and plant based essential oils that hydrate and relax both you and your skin. Spring is almost upon us, which means it's time to start anew and hydrate and repair the dry skin winter has left us with. Come see us soon and bring a little bit of Paris back home to your bathroom. Your shelves will be overflowing with soaps, lotions, fragrances, candles and bath salts before you know it!

Available at The Paris Market.

Weekend Inspiration: From the Boudoir

The weekend is almost here, which means we're gearing up for some inspiration to keep the next two days filled with fun and excitement. This weekend we're focused on making sure our bathroom is stocked with our favorite toiletries. Inspired by the subtle scents of our fresh soaps and the soothing qualities of our various lip balms, our Boudoir shop is stocked full with beauty products that make you feel as wonderful as the products themselves. Next time you're looking to add some freshness to your own boudoir, you know where to shop!

The Subtlety of Simpatico

Choosing the right fragrance can be a difficult decision. Certain scents have the ability to overwhelm our sense of smell, resulting in an unwelcome sensation. Simpatico however, understands the art of subtlety. Inspired by the shore, Simpatico offers refined scents that are rooted in nature. Whether it be a candle, a bar of soap, perfume or any other product, Simpatico has a wonderful variety of refreshing fragrances to choose from. Hand-crafted in the United States, the company works hard to produce aromas that are unique and fresh and reminiscent of days spent outdoors.

Available at The Paris Market!