The Beginning
Valley of Roses is an independent Irish perfume house, established in Kilkenny in 2014 by Andriana Tsankova, inspired by her childhood growing up in Bulgaria’s Valley of Roses, one of the world’s most important regions for perfume oil production.
Surrounded by rose oil and perfumery tradition from an early age, she developed a deep understanding of fragrance as something far more than scent. It was memory. Identity. Emotion.
When she later made Ireland her home, she brought that passion with her and opened the first Valley of Roses boutique on Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny.
This passion became the foundation of Valley of Roses.
Fragrance guides and gift ideas
Why Modern Perfumes Don’t Smell the Same Anymore (and How Independent Perfumery Brings Back the Magic)
✨ At Valley of Roses, we often hear customers say: “My favourite perfume just doesn’t smell the same anymore.” And you know what? They’re right. Designer perfumes today simply aren’t as rich, deep, or long-lasting as they once were. But there’s a reason why - and a solution.Have you ever noticed that your once-favourite perfume doesn’t smell the same anymore? You spray it, but the scent feels lighter, weaker, and fades away too quickly. You’re not imagining it. Designer perfumes today simply aren’t what they used to be 10 or 20 years ago. Here’s why - and how independent perfumery brings back the magic. 1. Reformulations Are Everywhere Same name, different fragrance inside. Big designer houses often change their formulas - and never tell you. Why do they do it? 💰 To cut costs. 📜 To comply with new regulations. 🎨 To “modernize” the scent. The result? A perfume that once felt rich and powerful might now seem diluted. (Just compare Dior Homme 2008 with the one sold today - they’re worlds apart!) 2. The IFRA Rules 📜 Perfumes are heavily regulated, almost like food. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) restricts or bans many classic perfume ingredients, such as: 🌿 Oakmoss – restricted. 🦌 Natural musk – banned. 🌼 Coumarin – restricted. ✔ Safer for the skin. ✘ But much weaker on the nose. 3. Cheaper Ingredients 🌱 The cost of natural raw materials is sky-high. Real sandalwood can cost up to €5000 per kilo. Ambergris? Even more. So what happens? Designer brands replace these treasures with cheaper synthetic alternatives. Yes, they smell good ✨ But they lack the depth, richness, and long-lasting power of natural ingredients. 4. The Secret of Batch Codes 🔢 Not every bottle of the same perfume smells the same. Each batch has a tiny code printed on the packaging - and it matters. Some batches are stronger. Others are weaker. Collectors even hunt for “vintage batches” like rare gold. 5. More Marketing, Less Perfume 🎬 Where does most of the money go? Not into better ingredients… but into: 🌟 Glossy ad campaigns with celebrities. 💄 Fancy packaging and PR. Meaning: you’re paying more for the name than for the fragrance. Why Independent Perfumery Is the Answer 🌹 At Valley of Roses, we believe perfume should be about quality, not compromises. While big houses water down their formulas, independent brands like ours focus on what truly matters: 🧬 High fragrance concentrations 🌿 Quality essences that last 💎 Luxury that’s accessible Our “inspired by” creations bring back the richness, depth, and magic that many designer perfumes have lost - all at a fair price. ✨ Perfume should be about emotion, memory, and beauty. That’s why at Valley of Roses, every scent is crafted to feel true, powerful, and unforgettable. ✨ Discover Perfume the Way It’s Meant to Be Ready to experience perfumes the way they’re meant to be? 👉 Explore our Inspired by Collection and find your new signature scent today.
Read more
WHERE WOULD YOU ESCAPE THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND? FIND YOUR SCENT MATCH 💫
The May Bank Holiday is finally here—and whether you’re jetting off, planning a picnic, or staying in with a good book, one thing’s for sure: you deserve to smell amazing while doing it. To make your long weekend even sweeter, we’re giving you 15% OFF everything—yes, everything! Just use code MAY15 at checkout. Hurry, offer ends midnight Monday! But that’s not all… We’re matching dreamy Bank Holiday destinations with Valley of Roses fragrances—so you can feel like you’ve travelled, even if you’re just popping to the garden. 1. Algarve Vibes Sun-kissed, breezy and effortlessly chic. Your scent match: Something citrusy and clean, with a hint of beachy florals—like our #585 Inspired by … City of Stars 2. Paris in Spring Think café terraces, fresh pastries and flirtation in the air. Your scent match: Powdery rose, vanilla, and sophistication—like our #543 Inspired by … Baccarat Rouge 3. Aegean Coast Waves, whitewashed houses and warm sunsets. Your scent match: Fresh aquatic notes with soft woods—like our #522 Inspired by … Eau de Soleil Blank 4. At-Home Chill Mode Blankets, candles, and total comfort. Your scent match: A cosy, creamy gourmand —like our #429 Inspired by … Vanilla Antique 5. Road Trip Ready Adventure, playlists, and the open road. Your scent match: Something bold, fresh and energising—like our #398 Inspired by … Idole Which one are you this weekend? Tell us on Instagram and we’ll help you find your scent soulmate. P.S. Don’t forget—15% OFF sitewide with code MAY15. Ends Monday at midnight, so spritz while you can!
Read more
BEST SELLER ALERT 🚨
There is nothing shy about #592 Inspired by … Burberry’s new Goddess perfume. It’s a potent, heady fragrance that vanilla addicts will love. It’s also worth mentioning that the lasting power of this scent is outstanding—so if you struggle with perfume fading on your skin, here is one that won’t. WHAT’S IN IT?This warm scent's creamy goodness lies in how the vanilla was harvested. Collected by hand, the vanilla beans are dried in the sun for up to seven weeks. Then, they are stored in wooden boxes to mature and develop their sweet signature aroma. That trio of vanilla in different strengths is mixed with lavender, cocoa and ginger root. WHY DO WE LIKE IT?It’s warm and sweet without being overpowering or cloying. The addition of lavender adds a woody appeal. Its luxe-rich quality makes it perfect to wear on a warm sunny day, and that hint of woody intrigue makes it a no-brainer for nighttime wear. You can't go wrong with this scent if you are looking for a grown-up take on what could be a timeless vanilla-laced fragrance.
Read more
Why Gifting Your Dad an Aftershave from Valley of Roses Makes Father’s Day Extra Special
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and with it comes the annual challenge of finding the perfect gift to show your dad just how much he means to you. While ties, socks, and gadgets are all classic choices, there's something uniquely personal and thoughtful about giving the gift of fragrance. Here’s why an aftershave from Valley of Roses could be the most special Father’s Day gift your dad has ever received. A Touch of Elegance and Sophistication Aftershave is more than just a grooming product; it’s an experience. Each application brings a moment of luxury and refinement to your dad’s daily routine. Valley of Roses offers a range of aftershaves that exude elegance and sophistication, perfect for the modern man who appreciates the finer things in life. Each scent is carefully crafted to provide not only a refreshing finish to his shave but also a lasting impression that speaks of class and style. A Personalised Gesture Choosing an aftershave for your dad shows that you’ve put thought into his gift. Fragrance is deeply personal, and selecting a scent that aligns with his personality and preferences demonstrates your understanding and appreciation of who he is. Whether he prefers woody, spicy, or fresh notes, Valley of Roses Perfume has a diverse selection to match his unique taste, making it a personalised gift that he will cherish. Creating Lasting Memories Scents have a powerful ability to evoke memories. The fragrance you choose for your dad can become a signature scent that he associates with your love and thoughtfulness. Every time he uses his Valley of Roses aftershave, it will remind him of this special Father’s Day and the bond you share. It’s a gift that keeps giving, creating lasting memories with every use. Enhancing His Daily Routine An aftershave is an essential part of many men’s grooming routines, providing benefits beyond its pleasant aroma. It soothes and hydrates the skin, helping to prevent irritation and leaving the face feeling refreshed. By gifting your dad a premium aftershave from Valley of Roses, you’re enhancing his daily routine with a touch of luxury, showing that you care about his well-being and comfort. A Symbol of Appreciation Father’s Day is all about celebrating the incredible role that fathers play in our lives. An aftershave is a sophisticated and mature gift that symbolizes your appreciation for his guidance, support, and love. It’s a way to thank him for everything he’s done, wrapped in a bottle of carefully curated fragrance that he’ll be proud to use. "This Father’s Day, elevate your gift-giving with an aftershave from Valley of Roses. It’s more than just a practical present; it’s a thoughtful gesture that adds a touch of elegance to his daily life, creates lasting memories, and shows your deep appreciation. Celebrate your dad in style with a gift that truly speaks to his sophistication and your love." - Andriana x Explore the exquisite range of Valley of Roses aftershaves and find the perfect scent for your dad today. Make this Father’s Day one to remember with a gift that’s as special as he is.
Read more