A perfect summer catch: Penhaligon's Violetta

It is a mystery, but I can't help wondering how things (e.g. shampoo, shower gel, toner, etc.) always run out at the same time. It has to be always the ones that I adore most so it saddens me deeply. Spring has finally come and I was rearranging my fragrance collection the other day but guess what. My three signature spring/summer eau de toilette/cologne (Diesel Fuel for Life Her, Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay and Stella McCartney Delicate) had literally a couple of spritz left. Oh no!!!!!

Calm down and carry on. 

Instead of running down to a pharmacy, I decided to save the purchase until my trip down to London which was coming soon. While there was a definite plan, I didn't see it coming so soon. It didn't take no more than a couple of hours since I arrived in London to find the absolute gem: Penhaligon's Violetta.

Penhaligon's Viloletta

Honestly speaking, my depth knowledge of perfume is pretty shallow. Like every girl out there, I have been always liking smelling like an absolute bombshell, but really, the only time that I get to purchase these bad boys is when I go to the airport. However, the encounter with Jo Malone a few years ago was s total game changer for me. I started chasing after more rare, upmarket ones rather than the usual designer bottles in high street pharmacies. Yes, they cost more but you get to wear the most unusual, unique scent of your own.  If you know the power of scent, you know what I am talking about. 

I haven't been to a Penhaligon's boutique before; frankly speaking, I didn't even know they had one in Edinburgh. I was introduced to the one in Covent Garden, London by a new friend of mine before our visit to the Royal Opera House for La Fille mal Gardee performance. It was supposed to be a quick browsing and we didn't even make it to the second store... There is really nothing else to say but I loved everything about the Penhaligon's boutique in Covent Garden: very English design and the most kind store attendants.

As it was my first time, I got to try quite a few scents but didn't take much long to make my mind up. Penhaligon's Violetta is a perfect candidate for a signature summer scent in many ways. The website describes its personality as Original & Surprising that is "created in 1976, Violetta is a dark, dusky and mysterious fragrance suffused with the achingly nostalgic purity of violets. Surprisingly green and sharp to begin with, it becomes lush and velvety as it develops. The sweet violets are complimented by green notes of garden geranium and supported by subtle woods and musks at the base. One of our most surprising fragrances, it captures the elusive toilet with the incredible clarity and potency".

I do agree with the description above; it is one of the most unique scents that I've ever tried and I love it. The scent reminds me of violet candy; it's potent, but not too heavy, just like light summer breeze. I like the base scent of sandalwood, cedarwood and musks as well as a hint of citrus which comes from lemon, bergamot and geranium. Combined with violet, they make the perfect "original & surprising" fragrance of all time. By no doubt, I am absolutely in love with it. Initially, I was thinking about getting Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt as so many people rave about it, but I am so glad that I got Violetta. Quite honestly speaking, I was tempted by Wood Sage & Sea Salt, but I was never a big fan of woody scent which reminds me of homme products such as aftershave. I think I am naturally more attracted to sweet scent which is not too strong and Violetta is just a perfect match for me.

You can purchase Violetta (RRP £85/100ml) at Penhaligon's boutiques or their website.

Have you tried Penhaligon's Violetta? What is your signature summer fragrance?

Thanks for reading.

Kyra x