Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Rose helped us and I have only the best words for her! She was incredibly kind, pleasant and professional. Really professional service, nice approach - kudos to her! I didn't come with the intention of buying perfume this time, but after her presentation and kindness, I had to. Truly an example of how perfumery workers should treat customers. I am delighted with both the products and her service.

I love this brand and shopping in the NY store is always a pleasure. Recently many products I love changed, they discontinued Nori night cream which works amazingly for me, the F cream doesn’t smell the same and not as rich as before, the most disappointing thing is my favorite perfume Rosa is changed, the package changed from the beautiful frosted glass bottle, and smells very different. I’ve been using SMN Rosa for a decade, I would give 10 stars for the old one, it became my scent, every time I wear it I feel great, I could actually smell the rose and received so many compliments. But now the notes are not the same, it doesn’t last long as the old version and doesn’t have the elegant rose fragrance any more, instead of it, it begins with a strong alcohol scent and left with some grass tone to it. I really miss the old bottle Rosa, the old formula was well balanced and classic. Today I went to SoHo store and found out the notes are different, they changed the roses types, took out mimosa and a few others, add vanilla to it. How I wish they would stick classic as they were known through, those old formulas were tested throughout times which is the main thing distinguishing SMN from other brands. Luckily I found last two bottles of old version from Aedes perfumery, they can last me for a while until I can find permanent replacement elsewhere.

I’ve been thinking of this place for weeks because the first time I walked by, it smelled so good! Had to come back and actually walk in this time . Beautiful little shop. Ashley was great sharing the history and the details of each product with me. Ended up loving a fragrance and purchasing on the spot. Great stop this afternoon, highly recommend.

I recently traveled to Firenze on a family vacation (September/2023) Of course, I was excited to visit the oldest pharmacy in Italy. I purchased 5 candles and Citta di Kyoto acqua de Colonia. Much to my dismay non of my purchases honored the advertised quality. Neither the colonia, nor the candles have any scent. Sadly, I will not recommend their products. I wish I can get my money back 🙁

Have to say that I’m really disappointed they discontinued the beard oil here, but ultimately the products remain top-notch and the staff is always very friendly and helpful. Please strongly consider bringing the beard oil back :)

I have been buying Santa Maria Novella Pot Pourrie cologne for years at a store in Sonoma , CA. They no longer carry it so I ordered it online. The bottle I received had almost no scent at all!! You should not be selling it.

The Melograno is the most incredible perfume. Earthy yet seriously rich. They have a client for life.😘

What a great store, and the employees are awesome. It goes without saying that Santa Maria Novella products are all incredible. I can’t recall his name but the gentleman who helped us was very knowledgable and guided us in the right direction on some fragrances, his choices were spot on. I would buy every item that they make if I could afford it.

Rose helped us and I have only the best words for her! She was incredibly kind, pleasant and professional. Really professional service, nice approach - kudos to her! I didn't come with the intention of buying perfume this time, but after her presentation and kindness, I had to. Truly an example of how perfumery workers should treat customers. I am delighted with both the products and her service.

I love this brand and shopping in the NY store is always a pleasure. Recently many products I love changed, they discontinued Nori night cream which works amazingly for me, the F cream doesn’t smell the same and not as rich as before, the most disappointing thing is my favorite perfume Rosa is changed, the package changed from the beautiful frosted glass bottle, and smells very different. I’ve been using SMN Rosa for a decade, I would give 10 stars for the old one, it became my scent, every time I wear it I feel great, I could actually smell the rose and received so many compliments. But now the notes are not the same, it doesn’t last long as the old version and doesn’t have the elegant rose fragrance any more, instead of it, it begins with a strong alcohol scent and left with some grass tone to it. I really miss the old bottle Rosa, the old formula was well balanced and classic. Today I went to SoHo store and found out the notes are different, they changed the roses types, took out mimosa and a few others, add vanilla to it. How I wish they would stick classic as they were known through, those old formulas were tested throughout times which is the main thing distinguishing SMN from other brands. Luckily I found last two bottles of old version from Aedes perfumery, they can last me for a while until I can find permanent replacement elsewhere.

I’ve been thinking of this place for weeks because the first time I walked by, it smelled so good! Had to come back and actually walk in this time . Beautiful little shop. Ashley was great sharing the history and the details of each product with me. Ended up loving a fragrance and purchasing on the spot. Great stop this afternoon, highly recommend.

I recently traveled to Firenze on a family vacation (September/2023) Of course, I was excited to visit the oldest pharmacy in Italy. I purchased 5 candles and Citta di Kyoto acqua de Colonia. Much to my dismay non of my purchases honored the advertised quality. Neither the colonia, nor the candles have any scent. Sadly, I will not recommend their products. I wish I can get my money back 🙁

Have to say that I’m really disappointed they discontinued the beard oil here, but ultimately the products remain top-notch and the staff is always very friendly and helpful. Please strongly consider bringing the beard oil back :)

I have been buying Santa Maria Novella Pot Pourrie cologne for years at a store in Sonoma , CA. They no longer carry it so I ordered it online. The bottle I received had almost no scent at all!! You should not be selling it.

The Melograno is the most incredible perfume. Earthy yet seriously rich. They have a client for life.😘

What a great store, and the employees are awesome. It goes without saying that Santa Maria Novella products are all incredible. I can’t recall his name but the gentleman who helped us was very knowledgable and guided us in the right direction on some fragrances, his choices were spot on. I would buy every item that they make if I could afford it.

A nod to the 'old world', actual handmade, non-compromised, efficacious and enhancing products. Staff go beyond assist to both educate and story-tell of an incredible history. This is the beauty of version of getting lost in an antique bookstore running your fingers along spines of works by the greats. Here you will inhale untainted scents and select from products unspoiled by science, purely cultivated and carefully distributed to retain nature and originality. Orig Post 11/23/12 #dodrinkdine

This place looks like a big deal and full of prestigious scents but it really smells like old clothes. No matter how many perfumes I tried, nothing was appealing. They are way overpriced which I get but at least offer since unique scents. I asked for a particular scent but the agent kept trying to push me to buy random other items, thinking I know nothing about the various scents in the perfume. Thank you, next!

Sales associates always provide skin care samples; it's nice. I use the rose water spray for my linens and the herb water to freshen up bedrooms for guests!

This is a beautiful space, their fragrances are to the left and home fragrances roche right of the entrance. The sales associate was very helpful but also gave me space to explore. My favorites are Tabacco Toscano Santa María Novella and Rosa Novella (great for fresh rose lovers) their fragrances are colognes so they're on the light side of the spectrum but last pretty long for heat they are. They're beautifully composed and definitely gift worthy.

non existent service and terrible quality of candles don't waste your money ever on them

Amazing products, hands down the best I've ever used. From their hand creams to perfumes, every product I've used has been outstanding and nothing else like it on the market. Rosa Novella perfume has become my signature scent now. Living in California this is the store that ships me all my products ( I wish I lived in Italy) and their shipping is super quick and customer service has been great when I've called with questions. I've become a customer for life.

Well, it's now been about two months since I emailed them and I STILL have not gotten a response. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I will go directly to Florence to buy my products instead.

The oldest perfumery/pharmacy in the world. Established in 1221 in Florence, Italy. Opened to the public in 1612. The formulas were developed by Dominican monks. Many of those original formulas are still used today. The stunning history has a stunning aesthetic to match. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the original store in Florence yet. But even just in viewing the pics alone, it's more than evident that every aspect of the place is breathtaking. The New York store handled an order of cologne for me to be shipped to California. And despite my concerns given some unflattering reviews, everything was smooth as silk. My bottle of melograno arrived right on time. And, unsurprisingly, even the packaging is elegant. What else? There's both the Talented Mr. Ripley & Casino Royale references. SMN was the perfumery of choice for Marge Sherwood & Vesper Lynd. If it's good enough to be the favorite of THE (only) woman that broke James Bond's heart, then it's good enough for me. There are candles that fragrance a room without even being lit. Potpourri that has the reputation for being the best in the world, & transforming a house into a home. Almond hand cream that is said to be the gold standard. Pomp & circumstance, unbelievable history, & first rate products. Some complain about it being pricey, but given the pedigree, it's relative. And I must point out, $125-$135 for a 100 ml (3.4 oz) bottle of perfume is actually reasonable. A same sized bottle of Jo Malone perfume is also $125. Whereas a bottle that's only half the size (50 ml, or 1.7 oz) of Tom Ford perfume is $225. Elegant, quiet luxury. Santa Maria Novella is pure refinement. 5 stars.

What an amazing place to stumble upon while strolling the streets of Nolita! It's not inexpensive by any means, but then again either is a plane ticket to Florence and that's exactly where this place brings you which is priceless! A beautiful, huge open space with gorgeous wooden floors, floor to ceiling mirrors and tables filled with authentic Italian beauty products and gems from the original store in Florence which is based off of oldest pharmacy in Florence in the Santa Maria Novella Piazza of 1200. All of the recipes date back centuries and they don't really make them like this anymore. Well, except here that is. How incredible!! The face creams while again, not cheap are so thick, creamy and Luxurious. You cannot find this quality nowadays. The perfumes are simple scents like Rose, Verbena and Patchouli and are pure. A little dab will do you! They sell gorgeous Tuscan vases and dishes in those unmistakable blues and yellows. I mean, truly gorgeous stuff! The employees were surprisingly very welcoming, letting me sample whatever I please! Usually higher end boutiques like these have stuffy sales staff. That was absolutely the opposite from what I experienced. Even with expensive glass items and two little ones in tow, they were very welcoming to us all. Such a great little find and a nice way to journey back to Florence! Come for a super special gift for yourself or anyone with great taste!! They sell online too!

I've been a fan and customer for ten years. Purchased many bottles of mostly after shave. Great, great scents and the right amount of alcohol. Light in affect, not excessively perfume-y. But I'm offended by the last salesperson interaction. What am I on about? I made a quick visit to the shop, hoping to see my favorite Italian salesperson. Sadly she wasn't there (Tuesday). Bought what I needed and was in a total rush. Last day of my time in NY and needed to pee badly. Despite shopping here specifically for ten years, NO was the answer when I asked to use the bathroom. No, you don't have to provide this service but a little consideration would go a long way. To you, young man, you are fired.

I love this soap. This is the best soap ever!!!! After wash your face, you know the difference.

Melograno and Potpourri are my two favorite Santa Maria Novella frags, and the staff here makes purchasing them (or anything else, for that matter) a sheer joy. Bright, airy, and spacious venue. You can also buy both Lorenzo Villoresi AND Eau d'Italie products here -- a very pleasant little bonus for the incorrigible scenthounds among us. It's very close to the old St. Patrick's, too -- VERY easy to locate in a city that's often daunting to tourists and travelers alike. (P.S.: I'm a traveler -- not a tourist.) A "must stop and shop" place on all our trips to NYC.

I just got the rose candle that looks like a huge sink. Terrible and dagerous. And a room deodorizer that has not spray pump. They told me they don't accept returns of open products...how are you supposed to know if like it or not if you don't open your package? NEVER AGAIN will I be taken by this store.

The monks know how to make natural products and they know how to expand their business. The people here are very friendly and knowledgeable. I am experiencing contact dermatitis. They knew exactly what to give me and gave me a sample of the product to try before deciding whether to purchase it. Their products are extremely rare to find. I went to their original store in Florence, which was beautiful. It was nice to find their store here. I recommend their rose room air freshener that hangs. It probably has a better name, but I am too lazy to dig in my bag..Anyway, it is great! Keeps my room smelling like roses.

I was just there to pick up some of my favorite items and the two lovely sales ladies were beyond amazing. I was in a terrible rush and they had everything beautifully packaged within minutes for me. The best products ever made and impeccable customer service. Ten stars.

The RUDEST staff, especially the lady manager with dark hair at the NYC store. DO NOT GO HERE! Classless place with the worst service. I'm a New Yorker and totally appalled by my experience here. Just gave birth 7 weeks ago and received a huge gift of baby products from this place that I can't use since my baby has sensitive skin with fragrances, so I went to exchange or get a gift card, and they wouldn't entertain this kind of service. When I said this was ridiculous, I was told "we're from Italy", okay!?!?? Not sure what that meant! Everything was still packaged in the original form with the greeting card and very obviously not used. This is my first review on yelp due to the disgusting and rude behavior I received.

We've been a big fan of the potpourri for years purchasing Santa Maria Novella's products online. However, the experience of visiting their store in NYC is just incredible! The pride this company takes in its products, heritage and history becomes evident through its staff who were highly professional, helpful and informative. A must stop if you love scents and fragrances.

I am obsessed with the Acqua di Maggio cologne water with its notes of Iris, Rose, and Scotch Broom. I also go straight to the source with their soapy floral Ginestra perfume, and I find their Nostalgia fragrance with its sunshine and rubber accords so intriguing. The New York store is spacious and dark, lending to the feeling of the history of the brand. Their soaps are decadent and their potpourris transporting. Italian fragrances tend towards opulent and heavy, so if you're looking for modern, playful, light fragrances, this might present some challenges. But if you appreciate a deep scent steeped in tradition, Santa Maria Novella is the place to go.

The worst customer service ever. We were looking for a particular perfume brand and had found it at this place from the internet. We went in today and found a selection from the brand. We were treated really badly by this male shop assistant who was rude, unhelpful and arrogant. We had fully intended to buy but decided not to in the end after such poor treatment. Elitist. Snobbish. Arrogant.

I went to Santa Maria Novella hoping to find a thoughtful gift for my boss who loves beauty products and anything Italian. I went during a workday so I knew I would avoid the weekend crowd however, the experience left much to be desired. I was greeted by a gentlman first who disappeared in the back and another woman was the only one on the floor to man the cash registers and assist the other customers. Two more customers came after I did and they seemed to know what they wanted however, I had to wait quite a bit before any assistance was offered. I knew there were 3-4 associates in the back so I'm not quite sure why they didn't come out to the floor to assist me which irritated me as I waited 10 minutes as she had to gift wrap and ring up the register. Finally, when she was able to assist me, sales associate thought it was a chore to help me pick things out. Quite a few of the soaps were sold out when I was trying to purchase the three soap gift set since Jasmine and Verdana were both sold out. She must have been having a bad day or obviously hate her job because the experience with her made me never want to come back to this place or offer a recommendation to my coworkers. I was sorely disappointed about this experience as usually anything with beauty and bath provides me with a happy experience. Based on other reviews, I may have to go to Italy to experience the real nature of Santa Maria Novella.

Hmmm, well, these shaving products are exceptional. The have a preshave and a shaving cream that are the best I've tried. I first found them at Bergdorf, but they don't sell it anymore, so I went to the downtown shop most recently. I can highly recommend these shaving products to any guy who wants to make shaving more comfortable and avoid cuts etc. The store is beautiful, but here are some drawbacks. The sales people are distracted, scattered and without priorities... Here's my real rant. The price of these products skyrocketed last year. The preshave I use went from $38 to $52 and the shaving cream from $18 to $25. 12 months ago, Bergdorf explained that it was due to the weak dollar (last year). Oh brother. Also, it's a few ounces of shaving cream and three pounds of packaging. I'd gladly forgo the 3 pound ceramic thing it comes in enclosed in a thick box with instructions? This will be my 4th one. I would feel too guilty even recycling a 5th. SMN, how about you refill the one I have already? We save the environment some hassle, I don't have to pay for all that packaging, you will keep my as a loyal customer... everybody is happy... Ah well, maybe in some other reality.

Recommended for: organic/natural cosmetics, candles, and more... Service 5, Selection 5, Quality 5. Strolling through Soho up lafayette to go to Union Square for dinner, this store catches my eye and am instantly floored by the sights and smells of the store. My sales associate carefully and diligently explained the history of the company and how all of the products were still hand made according to recipes that date back over 150 years ago. Me being a noob, he explained all the purposes for things and I sniffed who knows how many scents. Got the pomegranate soap, and a milk salt/scrub thingy (i don't remember). Will definitely be back for more. One of two locations in the US, this is definitely a place to check out, explore and feel great, even if you don't or never have used anything aside from soap, shampoo and conditioner on yourself (like me). Sean Approved: Absolutely Yes!

I became familiar with these products during my first trip to Florence. They were sold at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella on Via Della Scalla. The pharmacy was founded by Dominican friars in the 1200's and opened to the public in the 1600's. The formulations of their fragrances and soaps have been unchanged since then. I bought several bars of soap to take home years ago and became addicted. The soap leaves your skin so soft and beautifully fragrant. I have brought more home on subsequent trips but haven't been to Italy recently. When I discovered the retail satellite in NYC I was thrilled and couldn't wait to stock up. The store is lovely with a broad selection of fragrances, soaps, lotions, home fragrances and candles. My only complaint was the lack of testers in the soap area. It is difficult to get a good wiff through the thick waxed wrapper. Fix that little issue and you earn the 5th star.

Beauty addict? Looking for a tasteful hostess gift? Want to find the right perfume for someone special? This home fragrance and personal care store is filled with luxurious imported candles, lotions, bath salts, pretty soaps, soap dishes, and perfumes. The store is gorgeous and uncluttered, with dark wood shelves and wood floors. The big draw is their wide selection of Santa Maria Novella products including colognes, potpourri, soap and skin care. Love the complex, spicy, herbal scent of their signature, hand-picked Tuscan potpourri. They're also known for importing Claus Porto products.

The sales people are entirely hands off if you want to browse and spray. No hovering, no insisting on spraying for you. The layout is uncluttered and the space is beautiful. They have Santa Maria Novella fragrances, body products, home scents, etc.. Double check before you spray yourself in case what you're preparing to test is actually a home spray. There's also a huge array of soaps and candles to lust after. Besides the SMN line, they also carry Lorenzo Villoresi scents--give Piper Nigrum a sniff!, and the Eau D'Italie fragrances--both hard to find lines. Definitely worth dropping by if you're in the area. And the quiet space is a nice respite after fighting the hordes in Uniqlo.

Well, What can I say, I Fell in love with SMN when I was living in Italy about 10 years ago. The NYC location is a very different experience than the Florentine experience, and the prices seem to be about double what you would pay in Italy, (even with the Euro) but that hasn't stopped me from restocking on my favorites till I am back in Florence. I have loved everything I have tried, but some of my absolute favorites are The Latte Per Il Corpo, The Sapone di Latte (in any scent), The Almond paste and of course the satchels of Potpourri. When in the shop, you might say to yourself, "Is a bottle of body lotion really worth $78. or a box of 3 soaps for $48.00" The answer is undoubtedly yes! Sure they are Pricey, but worth every penny! Part of me does think it is a shame that you can buy these luxurious products in NYC (and even on-line) since for me, so much of the experience of SMN is wrapped up in the vaulted ceilings, antique displays, and austere ladies of 16th century the shop in Florence.

I love this shop! Like other reviewers, I became familiar with the products after visiting the pharmacy in Florence. I had purchased a fragrance while there, but was haunted by what had been my alternate choices. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover this outpost in NYC! The store itself is beautiful - airy and spacious. The staff was extremely helpful and gracious. I prefer to get some assistance and then be left to browse on my own, and the sales associates seemed to intuitively know when to let me be and when to check in with me. The shop is well stocked across the board, and when I was having a tough time making a decision about the fragrance choice, the sales associate let me know that samples (very generously sized) could be purchased for a minimal price. When I "casually" dropped a hint to my husband for a birthday gift, he arrived on the doorstop with a perfume name and the store's address. They took extremely good care of him, so much so that he commented on it when I opened my coveted bottle of Gelsomino. Yes, the products are expensive. No, the staff isn't going to follow after you incessantly, spraying and offering constant suggestions. But if you are open to a more relaxed experience and are looking for something unique, I cannot recommend them enough.

What an absolutely wonderful store full of great products. I went in to find a great cologne and ended up buying a few things for Mother's Day too. It's terrific if you don't mind the luxury prices.

Heaven. No, seriously. This is the most amazing and glamorous shop for perfumes, candles, hair and skin care. The store is elegant and inviting. There are countless products, all beautifully packaged, calling your name. I am a huge fan of the Santa Maria Novella perfume line - some of the original recipes for their products were developed back in the 1600's, by monks in Italy. My favorite scent of theirs is "Sicily" - it's sunshine in a bottle. The sales associates are extremely knowledgeable about the history and details of all the products. This is a great place to indulge yourself in products that you love as well as explore and try fun, new items.

Who doesn't have a million and one broken and crumbled decorative soap bars? This place is a bit of a hodge podge of beautiful scents filling a somewhat store. They sell soaps, perfumes, teas, hand lotions, air mists, and this little sticks with oil that insert nice smells into a room. The staff is a bit stand offish but the store is set up nicely and easy to navigate. I feel that the perfumes and just about everything else were priced quite reasonably and would make a great gift for just about anyone (who smells).

Amazing perfumes and the staff was so helpful and friendly! The minute we walked in we were greeted by the both a man and a lady. They both helped us at the perfume counter and sprayed a variety of perfumes to find the ones we like. They explained what was in each perfume and the categories for each scent. I first heard about this store while I was Florence, Italy but was not able to make it there. I was glad to find out they have a store in NY. Beautiful store and the perfumes are very high quality. I purchased the Alba di Seoul which is more of a cologne with Korean pine, bergamot, and patchouli. It's a light cologne with just a hint of sweetness. Amazing!

Don't shop here. They totally scammed me. I got a gift card to this store and they wouldn't let me use it. I can't believe that's how they treat customers.

Ciao, mi chiamo kuv, piacere... Santa Maria Novella is a Florentine institution, our Khiel's, and within 5 minutes in this store you'll understand why. The fragrances are uniquely Italian, and everything from the candle scents to soaps can be traced to a specific region, flower, dish, etc. You should definetly give the almond cream a try...

Good product but the sales rep (maybe she is the owner) with red hair was rude. I was talking to her about the home essence and when other walk in, she just ignored me and by the time she focus back on me, I just have to give her an awkward smile. Funny how they mentioned they provide the home essence to Four Season Hotel - which I stayed often. If they have the Four Season customer service, the appropriate way when a new customer walk in is the other 2 sales rep who aren't serving customers to greet them while she should continue to have complete focus on me. That's how great customer service work. They should visit Four Season, Ritz Carlton or St Regis to learn more if they aspire to be a luxury brand

This is a beautiful and fragrant shop to peruse. I didn't buy anything because I was not in the market to buy. I'd come here to pick up a hostess gift. The salesgirls left us alone. Naturally their items are of higher quality and price, however I heard LAFCO has great sales once in a while... I'll be waiting for that.

Very bad service . No exchange when I found I am allergic to the bath oil . The manager told me it should be the re-sale or unused condition . Bad bad

This is more about the delivery. I ordered the potpourri yesterday at lunchtime. It's scheduled for delivery tomorrow at lunchtime. Talk about fast shipping!

ahhhh, Lafco, SMN, and Heather. Three of my favorite things in NYC. This is a complete slice of heaven. I am a product whore with attention deficit, this store now has my complete focus. The store it's self is beautiful and instantly relaxing. The staff presents a wonderful old time and very classy way of sevice and salesmanship that I rarely see and greatly appreciate. And last but not least Santa Maria Novella, aahhhh, What can I say... In a world were most products all come from the same 4 manufacters, these beautifully hand crafted luxurious products are a godsend. Lafco you have completly ruined me I can never go back to ordinary products that often do not live up to thier promises. Your store and products are top notch!!! thank you Beau Glover

I just bought some men's cologne from here that is wonderful. I will withhold from saying which scent it is exactly because I don't want everyone in the city wearing it :) The reason I'm pointing this store out though is because they have many unique items that I haven't seen anywhere else. Candles, creams, soaps, etc. You can tell that all of the product is of the highest quality and the fragrances are amazing. I also found the staff to be quite helpful, as they know a lot about the products. In addition, the store is spacious and has an easy layout to navigate. The only negative is that the items are quite expensive, but I guess you're paying for one of a kind product.

They are rude and condescending. I will never set foot in this store again. Since I like their products I will have to purchase online. What a horrible staff -- shame on this company for treating their customers so poorly.

OBSESSION. My trips to NYC are never complete without a stop into Santa Maria Novella. The most exquisite skincare/home/fragrance products I've ever come across, everything from this store is like a treasure. The store itself is absolutely intoxicating. The store's director, Segen, is such a darling, and knows every detail about every product in this store. Segen, will you marry me?? Their melograno products are my favorite, as is their milk body lotion. They also have these new floral/wax products that are not only beautiful, but keep your clothes smelling amazing, while keeping pests away. How smart are those Franciscan monks? They also have fabulous men's products that smell delightful. If your beau is into fancy shmancy products, this is the place to splurge. If he's not, buy him something anyway.

I come here for the Santa Maria Novella "Sandalo" and the Laurenzo Villarosi "Vetiver" -- my signature scents (SHH)... The store is beautiful, burnished, calm, clean, lush and luxurious... The staff is extremely accomodating and helpful and patient, never condescending... I've yet to explore the lotions and teas and air mists and incense and blankets -- the furthest I've gone is the soaps -- but I really love this place.

You can buy happiness here. Intoxicating scents surround you like a gorgeous mist inside this dreamy Italian pharmacy. The products are works of art- 150 years of perfection. Since my favorite pomegrante pillar was sold out, I got the massive Iris candle for a friend. The encyclopedic sales woman thought it was a risky purchase, which made it even more appealing. My friend loved it. Bella Santa Maria Novella...

This is an update to my original review. I've purchased quite a bit of SMN since then. The bar soaps, lotions, and wax tablets are amazing. The foot creme is the best I have EVER tried and the floral waters (rosewater, mint water, etc) are very nice and well worth getting IMO. I liked the almond hand cream and love the porcelain jar packaging. The melograno shampoo was a bit drying but I adore the scent of the honey hair creme, which does what it says in terms of moisturizing. I plan on getting some pot pourri at some point. I have stayed away from their candles because I don't think they are fragrant enough for me. Some might like their more subtle scents. HOWEVER, the "vinegar" I bought isn't really vinegar but a concoction of chemicals that smell like nail polish remover. Seriously, this is toxic stuff! I tried to use it as some sort of antiseptic (there are alcohols in it in addition to the perfume), but the violette scent cannot overcome the nail polish remover scent. Ugh. SMN wouldn't do a return or an exchange, which I would have been very happy with. As a good customer, that REALLY would have been so appreciated, but no. I threw out the "vinegar" and will be more careful going forward. This is the only product that I was disappointed with, but it really is horrendous. Not thrilled to waste the money. Sarah, my favorite SA, just left. She will be missed and I wish they had done more to keep her.

Made the mistake of thinking that since I bought the wrong cologne in the Florence store that I could exchange it here. It wasn't that I couldn't do it so much as the attitude. Won't go there again.

The Soap in this place is amazing. I bought the Shaving Cream ($25!) and wow its great stuff. I know its normally more than what I spend on a can of shaving cream but this will last a good long while. The oils get absorbed right into your skin and gives a nice close shave. Smell great too, very mild.

I can't say enough good things about coming here... gorgeous store and very outgoing staff. Always very helpful when I'm trying to find a great gift for someone. In particular, their LAFCO candles are the IDEAL gift for mother/mother-in-law... fills the room with an amazing fragrance, but not overpowering like many of their competitors.

SMN has really beautiful products. The fragrances take you back to different parts of Italy, the creams are luxurious, and the packaging, just very old world, I love it. The also carry other lines as well, like Linari home fragrances (I own three of the diffusers and they last for about a year), Claus Porto, House and Home candles, and Eau D'Italie, which is from Le Sirenuse in Positano Italy. After staying at Le Sirenuse for my honeymoon (our splurge hotel), it was nice to see and smell the products. It brought me back immediately to Italy, and made me wish I was there. Ahhh, if you want to take a trip to Italy, but can't afford it, stop by here and experience Italy through the fragrances.

I had received a small bag of Santa Maria's wonderful potpourri for my birthday, and went to the store for another bag ($35/100g, but my bedroom smells like a medieval Italian castle). Being an absolute perfume fan, I wanted to smell their colognes, which a wonderful associate named Sara S. assisted me with, full of patience and good humor in light of my endless desires to sample yet another fragrance. The colognes range from very unique to unspectacular, but I would say there is something for every taste. They are pricey, at $125/100ml and I chose 2. Sara let me browse the store undisturbed, but was right on hand to answer my questions. Actually I was glad when other customers came in, because it gave me a reason to leave. Otherwise I would have spent a lot more than I did - beautiful quality products and the excellent assistance I received from Sara, along with the fact that she is not only fluent in English but also in Italian and my native German, made this shopping experience a real treat. I will definitely be back for more of their unique fragrances and my favorite potpourri.