
The Favourite
powdery up front, then violet, settling into floral.
About
The Favourite by Penhaligon's is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women. The Favourite was launched in 2020. The nose behind this fragrance is Alienor Massenet. Top notes are Violet, Freesia and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Mimosa, Iris and Jasmine Sambac; base notes are Musk, Ambroxan and Sandalwood. "The…
Nose: Alienor Massenet
Some retailer links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Wear Ledger
Opening · mid · drydownOpening· 0–30m
Heart· 2–4h
Drydown· 6h+
Olfactory readout
Accord mixWear intel
Community dataSkin chemistry varies. Sample before you blind-buy.
Wardrobe slot fits
Where it belongs- Best woody perfumes for men — Woody drydown anchors fall and evening slots.
- Best office perfumes for men — Close projection reads desk-safe at two sprays.
- Best perfumes for beginners — More Penhaligon's picks for labeled wardrobe slots.
Before you buy
Wear-tested answersWhat does The Favourite smell like?
powdery up front, then violet, settling into floral. Dominant accords: powdery, violet, floral.
What notes are in The Favourite?
Top: Violet, Freesia, Mandarin Orange. Heart: Mimosa, Iris, Jasmine Sambac. Base: Musk, Ambroxan, Sandalwood.
How long does The Favourite last?
Wearers tag this as moderate. Expect 4–6 hours for most people. Heavier application can stretch that.
Is The Favourite loud?
Close reach on skin. Arm's-length projection. Fine at work with a light hand.
What season is The Favourite best for?
Spring is the top pick (42%). Summer is second at 27%. Try it on skin in the season you're unsure about before a full bottle.
Day or night for The Favourite?
Day wear leads at 76%. Night is a secondary pick at 24%.
Is The Favourite for men or women?
Catalog lists it for men. On skin, 86% read it as female. Sample first if you're buying blind for someone else.
Who made The Favourite?
Composed by Alienor Massenet. Released in 2020.
Smells like this
Similar profile
Guerlain
L'Instant Magic
Men · 2007
powderyfloralviolet7 shared accords, 5 shared notes

Agent Provocateur
Agent Provocateur Maitresse
Men · 2006
muskypowderyfloral7 shared accords, 3 shared notes

Guerlain
Samsara Eau de Parfum
Men · 1989
powderywoodyyellow floral6 shared accords, 5 shared notes

Guerlain
Samsara Eau de Toilette
Men · 1989
powderywoodyyellow floral6 shared accords, 5 shared notes

Caron
Fleur de Rocaille (1993)
Men · 1993
white floralfloralpowdery6 shared accords, 5 shared notes

Guerlain
Insolence
Men · 2006
violetpowderyfruity6 shared accords, 4 shared notes
Wardrobe quiz · 15 questions · ~3 min
Does this earn a slot?
Fifteen questions on when you wear fragrance, what you skip, and what already works. Three explained picks before you blind-buy again.











