The timeless beauty item that links Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Florence Nightingale

There is a classic beauty item that was loved by the late Queen and other powerful women throughout history - and can still be bought today

Queen's perfume
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Marilyn Monroe, Florence Nightingale, AND Queen Elizabeth II were apparently all fans of this unique beauty product that is still sold today.


While the Queen used a number of beauty products during her lifetime, there was one iconic product that she purchased from a brand that has existed for centuries and has been purchased by a number of famous faces throughout history.

Floris London was established in 1730 and the brand claims that everyone from Marilyn Monroe to  King George IV has purchased its products.

The brand claims, "Floris founder Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth began selling perfume, combs and shaving products in the elegant quarter of London’s St James. The Floris shop they opened at 89 Jermyn Street remains the heart of the business and is still run by their descendants today."

In 1820, the brand first received a royal order. "Floris received their first Royal Warrant as Smooth Pointed Comb Maker to HM King George IV. Skilfully made combs were a specialty of Floris at this time, along with a collection of toothbrushes and mouthwashes, and greatly valued by the company’s elite clientele."

King George IV

King George IV

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Their royal clientele extends all the way into the modern era. Princess Diana opened a Floris factory in Devon in 1989 and up until her death, the Queen was reportedly a purchaser of the perfume sold by the brand.

Floris is the only perfume brand to hold the Royal Warrant which is an official recognition by the Queen of the perfumeries value to Britain and as a pillar of history. There is speculation that the Queen was a fan of the White Rose scent, but this was never confirmed by the late Queen or the brand.

Queen

(Image credit: Stuart C. Wilson / Stringer / Getty Images)

White Rose Eau de Toilette 100ml $80.00 (£80.00) | Floris
£80 at Selfridges

White Rose Eau de Toilette 100ml $80.00 (£80.00) | Floris

The top notes of this perfume are; aldehydic, carnation, and green. The heart notes are iris, rose, jasmine, and violet. The perfume also features base notes of amber, musk, and powdery notes.

The scents sold by the brand were reportedly also adored by Florence Nightingale in 1963. Apparently the Lady with the Lamp even wrote a note to the shop to compliement thier 'nosegays'.

"Florence Nightingale had returned from the Crimean War, and was busy setting up a training school for nurses at St. Thomas’ Hospital in Waterloo. In our Jermyn Street shop we display this treasured letter written by Florence Nightingale in 1863 to 'Mr Floris' thanking him for his 'beautiful sweet-smelling nosegays'," said Floris.

Florence Nightingale

(Image credit: Getty)

Marilyn Monroe was also a fan of Floris, particularly the scent Rose Geranium. On their website, Floris claims, "During the 1950s Floris increasingly exported orders to the United States where the brand was gaining popularity. A receipt in our collection dated December 1959 shows a purchase of Rose Geranium made for Marilyn Monroe Miller while she stayed at Beverly Hills Hotel, California."

Marilyn Monroe

(Image credit: Baron / Stringer / Getty Images)

Winston Churchill was also a purveyor of fragrances from this brand. Floris explained that they have framed a former receipt, and still sell the products purchased by the former Prime Minister. 

"A receipted invoice dated December 1934 for fragrances purchased by Winston Churchill including Special No.127 Eau de Toilette and Stephanotis, both of which are still available in the Floris Signature Collection." 

Queen

(Image credit: Getty)

Other notable purchasers of the perfumes sold by Floris include Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond, and Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.