The Liis story begins with a chance encounter at a wedding in 2009. Alissa Sullivan and Leslie Hendin, both from Marin County, California, discovered their shared passion for perfume. As children, they had both collected tiny perfume bottles like precious jewels.

Alissa trained at the prestigious ISIPCA perfumery school in Versailles and later worked for Penhaligon's. Leslie earned her master's in design at Central Saint Martins in London. These different backgrounds - classical perfumery and modern design - continue to shape the brand's DNA today.

The name "Liis" comes from the shared letters in their first names. They began developing their first fragrances in 2017. The beta discovery set launched in 2020, followed by three full-size perfumes in 2021.

The brand embodies California ease paired with French perfumery artistry. Liis views fragrance as a second skin - subtle, personal, and transformative. Each scent tells a story and invites personal interpretation. Their philosophy: beauty lies in simplicity, elegance in restraint.

Inspiration comes from personal experiences, emotions, and places. Bo emerged from a hidden coastal artist enclave. Studied was inspired by Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own." These literary and geographical references make each Liis fragrance an olfactory journey.

The brand creates fragrances meant to be worn daily, blending with the wearer rather than overpowering them. This approach reflects the founders' belief that scent should enhance identity, not mask it.

The collaboration with renowned perfumer Jérôme Epinette defines the Liis collection. Epinette, known for his work with Le Labo and other niche houses, translates the founders' vision into olfactory masterpieces.

Bo stands as the brand's signature scent. This woody composition blends redwood pine, cedar, and guaiac wood with incense, tobacco, and vanilla. The fragrance evokes a coastal forest and creates a meditative atmosphere. Wearers describe it as a "warm embrace" and "meditation in the woods."

Studied showcases Liis's fruity side. Juicy pear meets ambrette seeds and cashmere musk. This skin scent feels like a second skin - warm, comforting, and subtly sweet.

Floating embodies pure lightness. Peach and bergamot float over wild orchid and fresh linen. The fragrance captures the feeling of a day without obligations.

Newer creations like In This World show the brand's evolution. Blood orange and eucalyptus meet fig and lavender - a California coastal garden in a bottle.

All Liis fragrances feature an 18-20% concentration. They use organic sugarcane alcohol and avoid preservatives, dyes, and phthalates. The bottles with their ceramic-inspired caps required over a year of development.

The brand's approach to longevity differs from traditional luxury perfumes. Rather than lasting 12+ hours, Liis fragrances offer 4-7 hours of intimate wear. This aligns with their "second skin" philosophy - present but never overwhelming.

Liis positions itself in the premium niche segment. At €165 for 50ml Eau de Parfum, the brand targets discerning customers who value quality and uniqueness. The price reflects high-quality ingredients and extensive development processes.

The target audience consists of gender-neutral fragrance lovers aged 25-45. They appreciate minimalism, sustainability, and conscious consumption. Liis wearers don't seek loud statement fragrances but subtle daily companions.

The brand focuses on direct-to-consumer sales through their website. In Europe, Liis is available through select niche retailers like Ministry of Scent and Cult Beauty. Discovery sets allow testing multiple fragrances before committing to full sizes.

Packaging reflects the sustainability philosophy. Outer packaging uses compostable, uncoated paper. The alcohol comes from domestic sources in the USA.

Liis fragrances particularly suit people who value clean beauty. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and allergy-tested. The moderate sillage makes them office-appropriate, while good longevity ensures subtle presence throughout the day.

For newcomers, the Unseen Discovery Set offers the most popular scents. Those preferring woody notes should try Bo. Lovers of fruity compositions should reach for Studied or Floating.

The brand's value proposition lies in its unique positioning between accessible luxury and artisanal craftsmanship. While not the most long-lasting or projecting fragrances, they offer something increasingly rare in modern perfumery: restraint and subtlety.

Liis represents a new generation of fragrance houses that prioritize wearability over performance metrics. For those seeking intimate, personal scents that enhance rather than announce, Liis offers compelling options in the crowded niche market.