The Penhaligon's fragrance our Mumsnet users love and wear

When it comes to luxury fragrance, this Penhaligon's scent is a Mumsnet holy grail

Laced with peach, vanilla and shimmering blood orange, this bright, unforgettable fragrance from Penhaligon's wins our Mumsnet users over and over again.

By Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Apr 10, 2024

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Our Mumsnet users are somewhat experts when it comes to fragrance and are often on the hunt for a great deal on some of the most sophisticated brands available.

One of these brands is Penhaligon's, the renowned British perfume house that has been crafting luxurious fragrances since its founding in 1870. With a rich heritage that spans over a century, Penhaligon's is an established beacon of olfactory excellence, often blending tradition with innovation. The result? Captivating scents that are adored by our MNers and beyond.

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Empressa (100ml), £195

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Fragrance notes

Base note: Patchouli
Head note: Bergamot
Heart note: Peach

What we like

Sweet, but not too sweet
Sophisticated scent
Long-lasting while wearing

Key specs

RRP on writing: £195 | Quantity: 100ml | Origin: Made in England | Top notes: Blood orange, bergamot, mandarin | Heart notes: Peach, cassis, dewberry, rose, neroli, geranium, cardamom, pink pepper, nutmeg | Base notes: Vanilla pod, frankincense, cocoa, amber, musk, patchouli, sandalwood

What Mumsnet users say

dikwad · Tried & Tested

I wear Empressa and it lasts all day. I also use the body wash and I can smell that on my skin for ages afterwards.

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soontobemama · Recommended

Empressa is a beautiful scent, not too heavy and has similar notes to Coco Mademoiselle, so if you like that, it might be a good one to try?

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Bananabreakfast123 · Recommended

I wear Empressa. It's light and fresh so really easy to wear. I got the five minis as a gift and it's by far my favourite then bought a big bottle. I also like Elizabethan Rose.

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One particular scent that is consistently mentioned over on our style and beauty board is Empressa. And, as its name suggests, it's designed to leave an impression.

Penhaligon's Empressa scent is loved for several, compelling reasons. With top notes of blood orange, bergamot, mandarin, and peach, Empressa opens with a burst of citrus freshness that immediately captivates. This gradually gives way to a heart of dewberry, rose, geranium, and neroli, adding a delicate floral elegance to the composition.

Finally, the base notes of amber, vanilla, patchouli, and musk provide a warm and sensual foundation, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the skin.

More Penhaligon's scents our MNers love

I love Halfeti and it lasts absolutely ages. Can still smell it on my skin the next day. If I get any on my clothes I can smell it until I wash the clothes!

dullandgrey

Halfeti (100ml), £195

Penhaligon's
selfridges.com

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I wore Luna for my wedding day, it was gorgeous and smelling it transports me back to the day 🥰

SnottyLottie

Luna (100ml), £160

Penhaligon's
selfridges.com

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My favourite summer scent is Quercus, then either Savoy Steam or Blenheim Bouquet in autumn / winter.

AffIt

Quercus (100ml), £135

Penhaligon's
selfridges.com

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About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise self care. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty, wellbeing, skincare, and make-up products, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.