Penhaligon's Perfumes

Making Perfume Since 1870, With a Sense of Humour

Penhaligon’s was founded by William Penhaligon in Victorian London. Some of its fragrances have very British-sounding names, with history playing a part in their inspiration.

Then you come across the Portraits. English gentlemen keeping secrets. A loud American. A woman whose perfume features salted caramel. All fictitious characters, of course.

Their fragrances are real, though, and the stories don’t always tell you what to expect from the scent.

Halfeti: What’s in a Name?

Halfeti is a town in southeastern Turkey associated with unusually dark roses. Penhaligon’s borrowed its name for Halfeti Eau de Parfum, which combines bergamot, grapefruit, rose, Levantine spices and an oud note.

The citrus brings freshness, but rose, spice and woods are important parts of the fragrance. Don’t expect a light rose scent. There’s also Halfeti Leather, which takes a more leathery direction alongside bergamot and oud.

It isn’t simply the original Halfeti in a different bottle. Compare the full fragrance names when shopping, especially if you’re replacing one you already wear.

The Portraits: A Peculiar Cast of Characters

Look at the bottle caps. A stag, a bull, a cat and plenty more. ach represents a character within the Portraits’ fictional social circle. The fragrances have their own personalities too.

Lord George and Mister Sam Make Different Impressions

The Tragedy of Lord George has a woody, aromatic character with a traditional shaving-soap feel. Penhaligon’s describes it as a modern take on a classic fougère.

The Blazing Mister Sam brings hot and cool spices together with cedarwood and patchouli. Tobacco also features in the brand’s description.

One suggests a reserved gentleman. The other makes rather more of an entrance. When choosing between them, think about whether you prefer that familiar aromatic character or a spicier, tobacco-tinged fragrance.

Changing Constance: Salted Caramel Meets Spice

Changing Constance combines cardamom, pimento and salted caramel. Cardamom adds an aromatic spiciness. Pimento brings further warmth, while salted caramel supplies the sweetness.

If you enjoy gourmand perfumes and want something beyond a straightforward vanilla scent, Constance could be worth comparing.

The Bewitching Yasmine: Jasmine With Incense and Oud

The Bewitching Yasmine pairs jasmine with incense and an oud note. Those darker elements change the character of the flowers.

If you’re comparing it with Halfeti, look at the floral difference. Halfeti brings rose and citrus into its spicy, woody composition. Yasmine focuses on jasmine alongside incense and oud.

Sartorial: Inside the Tailor’s Workshop

Sartorial takes inspiration from a British tailoring workshop. Violet, black pepper and aldehydes feature in its aromatic fougère composition. The metallic effect is intended to evoke the tools used by tailors.

An unusual reference for a perfume, but one that gives Sartorial its own character. Consider it if you enjoy traditional aromatic fragrances and are curious about that metallic twist.

Juniper Sling: A Nod to Gin

Gin gets much of its characteristic aroma from juniper berries. Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette builds on that association, with juniper berry, angelica, black pepper and vetiver among its notes.

Juniper brings an aromatic freshness. Black pepper adds spice, while vetiver gives a drier, woody character.

Inspired by London in the 1920s, it offers another direction to explore if you usually shop for citrus or aromatic fragrances.

Luna and The Favourite: Two Softer Options

Not every Penhaligon’s fragrance heads towards dark woods and spice. Luna Eau de Toilette combines citrus, jasmine, soft rose and fir balsam. The balsam adds a green, woody aspect to the flowers.

The Favourite Eau de Parfum takes a more powdery direction with mimosa, iris, musk and sandalwood. Compare Luna if you prefer citrus and flowers. Look at The Favourite if powdery florals and musk appeal more.

Penhaligon’s Fragrances at a Glance

Buy Penhaligon’s Perfume Online in South Africa

Check the full fragrance name, concentration and bottle size before ordering.

Portraits fragrances are commonly offered in 75ml Eau de Parfum bottles. Other fragrances, including Luna and Juniper Sling, are Eau de Toilettes. The range also includes Eau de Cologne options such as Endymion and Quercus.

Compare available Penhaligon’s perfumes and prices at ScentRepublic South Africa. You can also browse our perfumes for women and perfumes for men.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penhaligon’s Perfume

Does Halfeti smell like rose?

Rose is part of Halfeti, alongside citrus, spices and an oud note. Expect a richer composition than a straightforward fresh rose fragrance.

Why do some Penhaligon’s bottles have animal heads?

The animal-headed caps identify fragrances from the Portraits collection. Each represents a fictional character.

Which Penhaligon’s perfume is inspired by gin?

Juniper Sling draws inspiration from gin, with notes including juniper berry, angelica and black pepper.

Which Penhaligon’s perfume contains salted caramel?

Changing Constance pairs salted caramel with cardamom and pimento.

What’s the difference between Luna and The Favourite?

Luna combines citrus, flowers and green fir balsam. The Favourite takes a more powdery floral direction with mimosa, iris, musk and sandalwood.

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