Ever heard of Penhaligon’s? It’s a British perfume house that has been crafting exquisite fragrances since 1870. The brand, which has received a Royal Warrant from The Duke of Edinburgh, boasts a rich heritage that is truly impressive.
I first discovered Penhaligon's perfumes while living in the UK. Beyond their enchanting, Victorian-inspired bottle designs, their scents captivated me with their beauty and regal quality. It was love at first sniff; each fragrance transported me to a charming English garden, a place of pure enchantment.
But sometimes, I wonder why brands decide to discontinue some of their most delightful creations? It’s a curious pheno-menon in the perfume world.
Take Orange Blossom, for instance. This scent is a beautifully complex blend that opens with creamy, slightly sweet neroli, a hint of citrusy bergamot, and cheerful lemon. It unfolds into a subtle mix of orange blossom, delicate white flowers, and a whisper of rose. The dry down is soft and intimate, with musk, sandalwood, cedar, and a touch of vanilla.
Though it's an EDT and doesn't last all day, it leaves a gentle, classy impression. It's heartbreaking to see such a lovely scent discontinued; I've nearly finished my bottle and still long for its return.
Then there's Ellenisia, a popular choice for weddings with its quintessentially British, vintage-like charm. It’s soft yet powerful, with a touch of sweetness from plum and vanilla, enveloped in a light, airy aura.
The fragrance starts with a gentle floral green note, a hint of citrus, and unfolds into a lush bouquet of jasmine, tuberose, gardenia, and a hint of rose. The dry down is a smooth blend of plum, vanilla, and gardenia. Ellenisia makes me feel like a princess, perfect for when I don a flowery dress and embrace my feminine side.
For a touch of elegant citrus, I turn to Penhaligon’s Cousin Flora. This unisex scent, perfect for sharing with my husband, opens with a sparkling citrus that’s neither sour nor bitter, but rather aromatic and herbal.
The musk, though slightly animalic, is restrained, making the fragrance mischievously unpredictable—sometimes bright, sometimes green and aromatic.
The dry down is always refreshingly clean, reminiscent of classic aromatic soap with a hint of mandarin. I love layering it with sweeter scents for a subtly ambrosial effect.
It’s a shame Penhaligon’s has discontinued some of their most beautiful fragrances. I hold out hope they’ll bring back Orange Blossom, perhaps with a new formulation as an EDP.
Have you ever fallen in love with a fragrance only to find it dis-continued? Or have you tried any of these scents?
