Penhaligon’s, the renowned British perfumer, traces its origins back to the 1800s when William H Penhaligon perfumed his dream of becoming an ‘olfactory entertainer and a skilled barber.’
From the citrusy delights of Luna, opulent Empressa, or romanticly floral Elizabethan Rose, there is a feminine Penhaligon’s perfume for every occasion.
I managed to get my hands on the fabulous Penhaligon’s Scent Library and have selected only 5 perfumes from it to review for this article.
Best Penhaligon’s Perfumes
Quintessentially British and utterly elegant, here are my thoughts on the 5 best Penhaligon’s perfumes for women.
1. Empressa Eau de Parfum
Review
Empressa is definitely a favourite; inspired by ‘the beauty of pearls, precious silks and fine fabrics’, it’s a complex mix of fruity, spicy, floral and wood similar to Coco Mademoiselle.
The opening is a citrus burst of blood orange and bergamot, with juicy peach and flowering rose most notable in the heart. It finally settles into an exotic base of patchouli, musk and woods.
Top Notes:
Blood Orange, Bergamot, Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Peach, Cassis, Dewberry, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Nutmeg
Base Notes:
Vanilla Pod, Frankincense, Cocoa, Amber, Musk, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Seasons & Longevity
I’d say Empressa is ideal for spring, summer and fall. Perfect for evening events or a bold statement at the office. Lasts 5+ hours.
2. Luna Eau de Toilette
Review
Luna Eau de Toilette captures the essence of a moonlit night – mystical and serene. I feel it’s a softer, whimsical scent, ideal for those who prefer their fragrances with a dreamy touch.
It opens with a refreshing blend of lemon and bergamot reminiscent of a crisp, clear night. The heart is mostly rose and jasmine, with crisp juniper berries and a touch of musk as it settles.
Top Notes:
Bergamot Oil, Lemon Primofiore Oil, Orange Bigarade Oil
Mid Notes:
Rose Accord, Jasmine Petal Accord, Juniper Berry Oil
Base Notes:
Fir Balsam, Amber Gris, Musks
Seasons & Longevity
Luna is a spring and summer delight. It’s light and fresh, perfect for daytime outings or elegant evenings, lasting 5+ hours.
3. Elizabethan Rose Eau de Parfum
Review
Elizabethan Rose is a modern twist on classic perfumes. This slightly green scent reminds me of spring, subtly awakening the senses without overwhelming.
Opens with an unusual blend of hazelnut leaf and almond, leading to a heart of rich, luscious rose. The gently woody, musky base gives it an earthy anchor.
Top Notes:
Hazelnut Leaf, Almond Oil, Cinnamon
Mid Notes:
Red Lily, Rose Centifolia, Rose Absolute
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Musk, Wood
Seasons & Longevity
Not overly sweet or extravagant, I’d consider it a graceful daywear perfume with understated elegance. Elizabethan Rose is a scent that whispers rather than shouts and lasts 6+ hours.
4. Quercus Eau de Cologne
Review
Quercus is crisp, clean, and utterly refreshing. It’s a scent that brings a sense of calm and clarity, evoking the image of a serene forest.
Opening notes are a citrus melody of lemon, lime, and bergamot, instantly energising. The white floral heart features jasmine and Lily of the Valley, with an elegant undercurrent of oakmoss and wood.
Top Notes:
Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Lily Of The Valley, Cardamom
Base Notes:
Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Galbanum, Musk, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
It’s a quintessential summer fragrance, ideal for everyday wear or a sedate country walk. Beware, Quercus only lasts 3+ hours!
5. Coveted Duchess Rose Eau de Parfum
Review
Coveted Duchess Rose Eau de Parfum is elegance and femininity bottled. This perfume is a delicate whisper of a scent, like a secret garden in bloom.
It opens with a bright, juicy Mandarin note, leading into a heart of pure, soft rose. The base of musky wood adds a subtle depth, making it intriguingly sophisticated.
Top Notes:
Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Rose
Base Notes:
Musky Wood
Seasons & Longevity
This perfume is a spring and summer love affair, perfect for daytime wear, garden parties, or a quiet evening with someone special. Only lasts around 3+ hours, though.
Ellisa’s Top Pick
Empressa Eau de Parfum
Empressa Eau de Parfum is my top pick because it’s a beautifully rose scent with a distinctive blood orange note. Also, it smells similar to Coco Mademoiselle, which is no bad thing.
Conclusion
Exploring these Penhaligon’s perfumes has been such a delight! Each fragrance offers its own unique charm and personality.
I will say that they don’t last as long as I had expected, considering the price, but they do smell expensive and elegant.
Remember, the perfect perfume is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. So, if you get the chance, try them out in-store or consider ordering their Scent Library.
Also Read: 7 Head-Turning Clive Christian Perfumes For Women
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
