Penhaligon's

Penhaligon's goes back to 1870 in Britain, when William Henry Penhaligon, a barber from Cornwall, founded the house and later served as perfumer to the court of Queen Victoria. Today it pairs that history with playful, character-led scents, many named like people in a story. Warm spice runs through much of it: cardamom, saffron and black pepper over vanilla, amber, tobacco and sandalwood. Start with Halfeti, woody and spiced with an aromatic lift. Changing Constance is caramel and vanilla with a peppery glow, and The Blazing Mr Sam is tobacco and spice over woods. Empressa is the bright one, citrus and fruit.

12 perfumes from Penhaligon's, decanted in sizes from 3ml so you can try before you buy a bottle.