Flore

The Verdict

Carolina Herrera's Flore, released in 1994 and crafted by perfumers Rosendo Mateu and Carlos Benaim, is one of the most underappreciated floral fragrances of its era. Reviewers across fragrance communities consistently describe it as a refined, elegant composition that deserves far more recognition than it has received. One Fragrantica reviewer put it plainly: "I think Flore is one of the most lovely florals I've ever smelled."

Despite its discontinued status, Flore continues to inspire devotion among those who have experienced it. The fragrance has earned a reputation as a classic beauty that manages to feel fresh and modern without smelling outdated, a remarkable achievement for a composition now over three decades old.

What It Smells Like

Flore opens with a burst of bergamot and green notes laced with aldehydes and fruity accents, creating a fresh, slightly sour introduction. The opening has a prickly green quality that quickly gives way to the heart of the composition.

The heart is where Flore truly shines. A dense, lush bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, rose, lilac, and iris unfolds in layers, with different flowers emerging and receding depending on the weather and skin chemistry. One reviewer from Australian Perfume Junkies noted that during colder months, the fruity and green elements dominate, while spring warmth draws out the lily-of-the-valley.

The base settles into soft musk, sandalwood, and iris, creating an elegant, powdery finish. The overall effect is rich and juicy rather than prim or formal, a quality that distinguishes it from similar lily-of-the-valley compositions like Diorissimo.

When to Wear It

Flore is best suited to spring and early summer, when its green-floral character resonates with the natural world in bloom. One reviewer described the experience as "less office and more rolling around in a field of flowers," suggesting this is a fragrance for leisurely weekends, garden gatherings, and romantic occasions rather than boardroom meetings.

The composition adapts well to temperature changes, with warmer weather amplifying the floral heart and cooler conditions bringing forward the fruity-green top notes.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is one of Flore's strongest attributes. Multiple reviewers report that it "lasted forever and continued pumping out its loveliness for hours and hours." On Fragrantica, users praised its "superb longevity and performance," placing it well above average for a floral fragrance of this style. Sillage is moderate to strong, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming floral aura.

The Community Says

The fragrance community's verdict on Flore is overwhelmingly positive, with the primary source of frustration being its discontinuation. Basenotes reviewers describe it as "invigorating like bathing yourself in a mountain river" with "very uplifting, pure, dewy lily of the valley." Fragrantica users call it "the best perfume I've tried from Carolina Herrera" and note its favorable comparison to Diorissimo at a fraction of the cost. The Australian Perfume Junkies blog reports receiving "more compliments and inquiries on Flore than any other scent."

Who Should Buy This

Flore is ideal for women who love classic green-floral compositions and appreciate vintage fragrances with character and depth. Collectors of discontinued gems will find this especially rewarding. Those who have enjoyed Diorissimo but want something richer and more multifaceted should seek out Flore. However, it requires patience and hunting on secondary markets, as retail availability has long since ended.

The Bottom Line

Carolina Herrera's Flore is a beautifully constructed floral fragrance that time has only enhanced in reputation. Its discontinuation is widely mourned in fragrance circles, and for good reason: this is a composition that delivers genuine artistry, impressive longevity, and a lush, evolving bouquet that few modern releases can match.