As both a fragrance and history lover, the Penhaligon's array of luxe and archival scents, with their sculptural and bow-clad bottles, has intrigued me to no end. So, I immersed myself in the brand, quizzing experts and testing their most iconic blends to scope out the best Penhaligon's perfumes to invest in.
Established in 1870 by William Penhaligon, the eponymously-named perfumery is just so quintessentially British and praised by many as boasting some of the best perfumes for women. Each scent seems to offer a glimpse into ages past, immersing you in opulence and fine craftsmanship, whilst still, simultaneously managing not to feel stuffy and overly mature. They span everything, from timeless and photorealistic florals to more intensive oud perfumes, some of which are even rumoured to have been worn and loved by royalty.
Naturally, with such a lavish reputation and storied past, inevitably comes quite the cost. There's also the matter of which, out of the many blends Penhaligon's offers, should you choose as your new signature (their first, Hammam Bouquet, launched way back in 1872, and the collection has grown considerably since then). Now there, I can help you, having tried an array of best-sellers, first-hand...
The 9 best Penhaligon's perfumes, as tested and picked by us
While you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, Penhaligon's packaging does very well at drawing you in with its opulent-looking boxes, bow-adorned bottles and charming tales behind each scent. Every detail is thought about and curated to reflect the expertly crafted notes within, so much so that it feels as though you're not just buying a perfume, but an antique. That said, while some of their fragrances are definitely classic and traditional, the brand isn't dated. There are plenty of modern blends to choose from, be it perfumes that smell like suncream or powdery, iris aromas.
So, for those seeking a scent that commands attention and radiates expense, Penhaligon's perfume collection is worth a perusal, especially where these nine blends are concerned.
RRP: from £85 for 30ml | Notes: Violet leaf, mimosa and musk
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
As something of a history fan, Jane Austen-obsessive and frequent National Trust visitor, I'll admit that the ornate Penhaligon's packaging calls to me like a moth to a flame. You really can picture The Favourite, for instance, displayed on a dresser in some grand estate, having belonged to a duchess of ages past (such is its luxurious allure with that big pink, velvet bow), but I'm pleased to report, it doesn't smell like it. It's immediately fresh and bright, with hints of sweet violet followed by powdery iris and mimosa. These delicate, almost soapy florals then meld with a warm and musky base that makes this scent feel more unexpected and chic - compared to classic, headier florals. True to its name, it's actually one of my favourite Penhaligon blends.
Who should buy it: Fans of musky florals and slightly powdery perfumes.
RRP: £175 for 100ml | Notes: Blackcurrant, ylang ylang and cedarwood
Reviewed by: Laura Honey and Naomi Jamieson
Naomi: Solaris is an example of Pengaligon's more modern blends and is everything I want from a solar perfume; it's creamy, warm and almost salty - like sun-warmed, suncream-covered skin. It's more lightweight compared to the brand's other, more trailing fragrances and feels so apt for summertime wear. The blend of juicy blackcurrant, ylang ylang and cedarwood just captures the feeling and nostalgic scent of beachy vacations perfectly.
Laura: Solaris is my current summer staple. It's like suncream, but luxurious. Think warm skin, bright citrus, and creamy woods. Totally dreamy.
Who should buy it: those looking for a luxe but summery blend that is wearable and not too overpowering.
RRP: £215 for 100ml | Notes: oud, bergamot and rose
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
Halfeti is truly a scent that commands the room and will likely appeal to fans of both oud and rose perfumes, being that those are its leading notes. It's bold but deeply sophisticated. Personally, I'm not a fan of very heavy, oudy scents, but even I can appreciate the intoxicating power of it. The initial whiff is all oud, with its smoky, almost whiskey-like richness, which gradually makes room for wafts of classic rose. It's a head turner, thanks to its distinctive sweet and smoky trail, and one I would classify as more of an evening scent. Its staying power is truly impressive, so much so that I think it officially deserves a spot amongst the best long-lasting perfumes.
Who should buy it: those seeking a very distinctive scent that is very recognisable as a Penhaligon's blend,
RRP: £175 for 100ml | Notes: jasmine, fir balsam and bergamot
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
Fresh and sparkling, Luna opens with a crisp breeze of fir balsam, layered over soft rose and jasmine. It's lightweight and designed to pay homage to the 'beautiful dappled softness of moonlight,' and it certainly delivers just that. It's delicate and cool, ideal for those who favour citrus perfumes and are on the hunt for a clean, everyday scent. I would describe it as elegant and uncomplicated, and frankly, after sampling Penhaligon's more intensive blends (like Halfeti), completely refreshing.
Who should buy it: Ideal for those seeking a fresh and soft everyday, citrusy scent.
RRP: £175 for 100ml | Notes: hazelnut leaf, rose centifolia and vetiver
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
You can immediately picture this perfume in the background of a Tudor oil painting, with its sheer, ruffled collar and wax-like rose seal. Again, you shouldn't let a perfume's packaging sway you, but I just love how it looks on my dresser. Aside from that, though, it is rightfully touted as one of the best rose perfumes on the market, thanks to its delicate and refined portrayal of the flower. It's airy and fresh, which are not words I would usually use to describe a rose scent, but here we are. There's also a powdery quality to this fragrance that mingles with green hints of vetiver to create a very clean and elegant signature.
Who should buy it: Fans of rose perfumes, looking for a classy, daytime iteration.
RRP: £140 for 100ml | Notes: citrus accord, hyacinth and clove
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
Aptly named Bluebell, this perfume truly smells like a carpet of dew-covered bluebells growing somewhere in the British countryside. It's fresh and almost herbaceous, with a blend of citrus notes adding a hint of sharpness, while hyacinth and clove marry to give this scent a floral, earthy quality. It's truly springtime bottled and ideal for those seeking a chic, photorealistic-type of flower fragrance. Bluebell is also widely rumoured to have been a favourite of Princess Diana's.
Who should buy it: Fans of green, floral perfumes who are seeking something mature and very classy to add to their collection.
RRP: | Notes:
Reviewed by: Laura Honey and Naomi Jamieson
Naomi: If you're already a fan of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, you will adore Empressa. It offers a similar juicy hit, with hints of peach and blood orange, followed by warm patchouli and vanilla, but personally, I think it's slightly lighter - in a good way. It smells familiar and very chic."
Laura: It’s feminine but not overly sweet, with juicy top notes and a soft, woody dry down.
Who should buy it: anyone seeking a grown-up fruity perfume, and as mentioned, those who already love Coco Mademoiselle.
RRP: £245 for 75ml | Notes: jasmine, coffee, incense and oud
Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson
A scent for those who want to make a statement, Bewitching Yasmine smells almost as it sounds. Its notes of jasmine and smoky incense feel very vintage and refined - if you were to tell me it was once a favourite of an old, iconic Hollywood movie star, I would believe you, instantly. It's heady and rich, with its blend of incense and oud lending an intense, spicy warmth to the classic floral top notes, that lingers on the skin. There's a smokiness to it that I love, the sort that would tempt me to wear it in winter - layered with all my best knits.
Who should buy it: those who favour strong, statement-making scents
RRP: from £145 for 50ml | Notes: Bergamot, green clover, rose, matcha accord, jasmine, musk and patchouli
Reviewed by: Lauren Scott
If I were ever worried about Kiss of Bliss being too sweet, I needn't have been. The matcha and jasmine notes make it a refreshing scent that's perfect for springtime days (or any day, for that matter). Despite being delicate, I find the perfume lingers on my clothes for an impressive amount of time.
Who should buy it: Gourmand fans looking for something sweet but not too sweet.
How we tested Penhaligon's perfumes
Like with all our fragrance guides, from the best lavender perfumes to patchouli scents, I - and a few other members of the beauty team - spritzed, sniffed and wore every Penhaligon perfume featured, for at least an entire day to examine its longevity and silage. A few are even fragrances we've worn on and off for months (if not years).
I also quizzed our very own Home eCommerce Editor, Laura Honey, who is not only a Master Perfumer but a former Penhaligon's Fragrance Consultant, on her favourites - and asked for her recommendations for which scents (aside from the ones our team already liked and owned) to trial.
How to choose a Penhaligon's scent & who will love them
Now, this question is always a bit subjective when it comes to perfume. Scent is deeply personal, so you should go off notes and olfactory genres that you know you love, like floral fragrances, for instance.
That said, longevity should also be a factor in your purchasing: look for lingering base notes like vanilla, jasmine and sandalwood. The scent's concentration is also key, as an eau de toilette vs a parfum tends to be lighter and less long-lasting.
As for who might gravitate more towards Penhaligon's perfumes, in general, in case you're wondering if the overall feel will suit your preferences or are planning to gift one, Honey recommends them for those who see fragrance, "as part of their identity." She explains that, "The blends have real depth and personality, so they work beautifully as signature scents. I can remember customers looking for a fragrance their future children will associate with them, or something unforgettable to wear on their wedding day, and Penhaligon’s always delivers."
How to shop Penhaligon's for less
There's no denying that Penhaligon's is on the more premium side, with 100ml bottles typically costing around the £175 mark. But we do have a few tricks to enjoying the brand's best-selling blends for less.
RRP: £48
"Don’t sleep on the body products, " says Honey, "The Halfeti shower gel is seriously powerful and makes your perfume last even longer. Same goes for the hair and body mists, if you can get your hands."
RRP: £50 | Set includes: 5ml bottles of The Favourite, Luna, Halfeti, Elisabethan Rose and Empressa
Both Honey and Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, recommend the Penhaligon's sets for those wanting to trial a blend before fully investing. Prickett shared that she has taken a mini travel bottle of The Favourite and Luna on holiday before, because they're the perfect size - and longevity-wise, a little drop goes a long way, meaning even these tiny bottles last quite well.
RRP: £48 for 30ml
Like the best Diptyque perfumes and many of the Chanel perfumes, you can find hair mist versions of several Penhaligon's blends - like Halfeti - which cost under £50 and still surround it in their luxe notes.
A glimpse inside the brand, per an expert
If you're keen to learn more about the brand, which has been crafting fine fragrances for over 150 years, Honey has all the intel.
"Not many people know that Penhaligon’s has Cornish roots. It was founded by William Penhaligon in 1870 after he moved to London, where he became barber to the royal court. Inspired by Turkish baths, he created the now-iconic Hammam Bouquet, which is still available today. His fragrances quickly became the talk of high society, and Penhaligon’s went on to earn multiple royal warrants and an impressively glamorous fan base."
Honey says that Penhaligon's is all about 'distinctive' and well-crafted fragrances. "They don’t follow trends: each perfume is blended with character and confidence, and people often recognise a Penhaligon’s scent as soon as they walk into the room.
"They’re bold, elegant, and designed to be remembered. They’re also incredibly high quality. I’ve genuinely swum and showered wearing one, and it still clung to my skin afterwards, not many perfumes can say that. And of course, there's the quintessentially British heritage and storytelling that people fall in love with."
Penhaligon's perfume FAQ
Is Penhaligon perfume worth the money?
"A little goes a long way," says Honey: "The concentration and staying power means a bottle will last ages. But you’re also investing in craftsmanship, from the heritage and artistry to the fine ingredients and elegant packaging. Plus, if you visit a store like the one in Bath, the service alone is worth the trip. It’s like stepping into a different world."
What Penhaligon's perfume do expert's love?
"For longevity, it has to be Halfeti," quips Honey: "That scent carries. Everyone who wears it loves to recount how often they've been stopped in the street and asked what fragrance they're wearing. It’s got a bright citrus top note, but then it deepens into this sandalwood, oudy, rose-infused base. Utterly addictive." Honey also counts Empressa and Solaris among her favourite Penhaligon scents.
What is Princess Diana's favourite perfume?
It is widely rumoured that Princess Diana was a fan of and wore Penhaligon's Bluebell, which, as the name suggests, is a fresh and elegant homage to the flower.
