101 GUIDE TO LIIS
Every fragrance tells its own narrative, and for Liis that scent story is a form of art. Founded by two visionary entrepreneurs, Liis dreams up a range of alluring aromas that captivate the senses while evoking emotions. With a commitment to conscious craftsmanship and high-quality blends, the brand has quickly gained recognition for its exquisite creations.
Paying homage to its world-renowned success, here at Cult Beauty we caught up with co-founders Leslie Hendin and Alissa Sullivan to get up close and personal with all things Liis.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- The making of Liis
- Liis’ fragrance philosophy
- The inspiration behind Liis’ fragrance
- Liis’ conscious commitment
- Best Liis products
- What’s next for Liss
THE MAKING OF LIIS
Although Liis co-founders Alissa Sullivan and Leslie Hendin were raised just minutes apart in Marin County, California, they didn’t cross paths until years later, when a mutual friend introduced them at a wedding in 2009. “Liis is our shared obsession come to life. Growing up minutes from one another yet never meeting, we each collected perfume in tiny boxes, fascinated by the jewel-like quality and transformative nature of our treasures” recalls Alissa.
While Alissa was trained by the famed classical perfumery school ISIPCA in Versailles, Leslie was working hard as an artist and self-taught perfumer. “We met halfway across the globe and founded Liis as a creative expression using scent as medium. Drawing on personal experiences, emotions and perspectives as inspiration, each uniquely minimalist scent composition tells a story to be interpreted by the wearer” shares Leslie.
And thus, Liis launched its first discovery set in 2020 – and the rest is as they say, history.
LIIS’ FRAGRANCE PHILOSOPHY
Combining two passions, fragrance and freedom of expression, Liis’ scents are deeply inspiring and are designed to connects its wearer to themselves, their identity, emotions, subconsciousness and other time and places. “We love how scent is personal and open to interpretation. Our main philosophy is to create beautiful, wearable fragrance that blends perfectly with who you are, that doesn’t overpower” explains Leslie. “Worn daily as a second skin, our fusions invite you to experience scent as you wish—to create your own world where anything is possible” adds Alissa.
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND LIIS’ FRAGRANCES
Describing fragrances as a medium, Liis’ signature scents celebrate feelings with personal meaning. “Like visual art, music and literature, each fragrance tells a story inspired by moments close to us” says Alissa. “This can be an emotion, song, poem, place, or an idea. We combine these connections with hero notes that we’re equally as drawn to. For example, Studied is inspired by taking space for yourself to be thoughtful or creative and centres on ambrette – a beautiful, fruity floral musk note that we really love” expands Leslie.
LIIS’ CONSCIOUS COMMITMENT
But what sets Liis apart from the rest? Aside from the brand’s sophisticated scents which can be worn at any time or place for any occasion, it also ensures that all aspects of its products are made with Mother nature in mind. “Powered by organic sugarcane alcohol Liis’ fragrances are made from exceptionally high quality, conscious ingredients – sourced from around the world. Formulated without preservatives, dyes, phthalates, sulphates, our brand is cruelty-free, vegan and allergy-tested. In creating something to share with the world, it was important to us to be as conscious as possible” reiterates Alissa.
BEST LIIS PRODUCTS
So now we know, the who, what, when and whys, it’s time to reveal the best Liis offerings on the market right now… Noses at the ready!
£165.00
Paying homage to the coastal simplicity, Liis’ Bo Eau de Parfum captures nature’s most serene and captivating elements. Balancing soft woody notes with a subtle hint of floral freshness, this olfactory offering is grounded with a medley of green moss, cedarwood and hints of jasmine. More than just a fragrance — this tranquil treasure is a tribute to moments of quiet reflection and the understated beauty that surrounds us.
£165.00
Inspired by Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own, Liis’ Studied Eau de Parfum encourages you to take space for yourself to let your throughs and creativity to run wild. Connoting the layers of complexity that define our experiences through its notes, it opens with illuminating pear and warming, musky ambrette before mixing with carrot, orris and soft cashmere. It’s the ideal scent for those wanting to focus and find some much needed clarity.
£165.00
Proving that opposites do attract, Liis’ Ethereal Wave Eau de Parfum fuses angelic allure with emotional depth. Mesmerising your senses, this citrus symphony mixes vibrant bergamot with warm cardamom and black and white tea. Combining freshness with complexity, this alluring aroma creates an embracing cloud that will leave everyone around intrigued to uncover more.
£165.00
For those day where you have no obligations or plans, immerse yourself in Liis’ Floating Eau de Parfum. Celebrating freedom and those carefree moments, this famed fragrance lifts your spirits with its sparkling top notes of bergamot and ripe peach, before settling with a assortment of wild orchid and fresh flax. Savour independent moments with each spritz and take charge of your own day ahead.
£165.00
Telling the story of the flowers frozen in ice and dramatic winter skies transforming into spring, Liis’ Rose Struck Eau de Parfum is a flourishing fragrance that’s just as refreshing as it is alluring. Capturing fleeting moments where fruity cassis and zesty tangerine evolves into iced matcha tea, this blossoming blend is complete with damask rose and rose centifolia.
MORE FROM LIIS
£165.00
£165.00
£39.00
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIIS
“This fall we have two new launches we’re very excited to share, including expanding into new categories” conclude Leslie and Alissa.
Stay tuned!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
