Disclosure: Twisted Lily is one of SCNTMIX's affiliate partners, so we may earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. That's why we've included the downsides too. Details checked October 2026.
The short answer: yes, Twisted Lily is a legitimate niche fragrance retailer. It opened in 2013 as a boutique at 360 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, founded by Eric Weiser and Stamatis Birsimijoglou, and has sold online ever since. The physical shop has closed, and today it's an online store focused on niche and indie houses like Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Xerjoff, Maison Crivelli and Born To Stand Out. Its biggest plus: most fragrances come with a sample size, so you can try before you buy a full bottle.
Who is Twisted Lily?
Twisted Lily started as a small fragrance boutique and apothecary in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, covered by Fragrantica and CaFleureBon when it opened in 2013. It built its name on hard-to-find niche and indie perfume, including brands that were new to the US. The Brooklyn store has since closed, and the business now runs entirely online at twistedlily.com.
Are Twisted Lily perfumes real?
Twisted Lily sells niche houses directly as a specialist shop rather than through the grey market, and it describes itself as a source of "genuine artisanal fragrances." Unlike discount stores, it doesn't sell testers or unboxed stock at markdowns, so you pay close to the brand's own price but get full retail packaging. Its samples are cut from genuine bottles.
What do customers say?
Be aware that Twisted Lily has very few public reviews. As of October 2026 its Trustpilot page shows a 2.4-star score from only 15 reviews, with one in the last year. Most complaints are about shipping: glass samples broken in padded mailers, slow replies and missing items. Praise centers on the selection and fast shipping. With so few reviews, the score swings on a handful of orders, so treat it as a caution about packaging rather than about authenticity.
Shipping and returns
- Shipping (US): free on orders over a minimum spend; check the banner at the top of the site.
- Returns: within 14 days of fulfillment. For a full refund the product must be unopened, unused, with the cellophane intact; opened items may get store credit instead.
- Return shipping: a flat return fee applies unless the item was faulty or wrong.
- Final sale: samples, discovery kits and custom bundles can't be returned.
- Damaged items: send unedited photos and video first; they'll refund, exchange or replace.
See what's in stock at Twisted Lily
How to get the best value from Twisted Lily
- Start with a sample. Niche perfume is expensive; a sample lets you wear it for a few days before buying the bottle.
- Use discovery kits to try a whole house at once.
- Read our Scent Score first. Every bottle below links to its SCNTMIX profile with real buyer reviews, so you know if it's worth the price.
- Film the unboxing. Their damage policy asks for photos and video, so record opening the parcel.
Bestsellers worth buying at Twisted Lily
Each name opens its SCNTMIX profile with the Scent Score, real buyer reviews and the Buy button.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540: the cult amber-saffron scent; try the sample first.
- Xerjoff Erba Pura: loud, juicy fruit and musk with huge projection.
- Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád: rich hibiscus and leather, a niche favorite.
- Born To Stand Out Dirty Milk: creamy, cozy milk and musk.
Other trusted places we buy from
- FragranceNet: the biggest discount catalog, testers and older favorites.
- FragranceShop.com: discount designer and Middle Eastern bestsellers.
- The Fragrance Outlet: 100+ US stores plus online, bundles and Arabian houses.
- Twisted Lily: niche and indie houses, with samples.
- MicroPerfumes: samples and travel decants of designer and niche scents.
Frequently asked questions
Is Twisted Lily legit or a scam?
It's legitimate. Twisted Lily opened as a Brooklyn boutique in 2013, was covered by fragrance press at launch, and has sold online since. The shop closed but the online store is active.
Does Twisted Lily sell fake perfume?
There's no credible pattern of fake bottles. Twisted Lily is a specialist niche retailer selling in full retail packaging, not a grey-market discounter.
Why are Twisted Lily's Trustpilot reviews low?
It has only about 15 reviews, so a few bad shipping experiences pull the score down. Most complaints are about broken samples in transit and slow replies, not authenticity.
Can I return perfume to Twisted Lily?
Yes, within 14 days of fulfillment if it's unopened with the cellophane intact. Samples and discovery kits are final sale, and a flat return shipping fee applies.
Does Twisted Lily sell samples?
Yes. Most fragrances have a sample size, and there are discovery kits for many houses. It's the cheapest way to try niche perfume.