The Favourite

Perfume Pyramid

Longevity

Sillage

When To Wear

Pros & Cons

This perfume reminds me of

Fabled Fragrances Bathory

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2008

★★★★★ 4.03/5 (402)

Marina Picasso Chapeau Bleu

1994

★★★★★ 3.90/5 (252)

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2012

★★★★★ 3.44/5 (261)

James Bond 007 pour Femme

2020

★★★★★ 3.59/5 (37)

Cerruti pour Femme Cerruti 1995 Eau de Toilette

1995

★★★★★ 3.62/5 (510)

Cerruti pour Femme Cerruti 1995 Parfum

1995

Carolina Herrera VIP Rosé Smiley

2022

★★★★★ 4.02/5 (65)

Reviews

1. S

   Sofia Brandt Like February 26, 2026

   Everyone keeps talking about The Favourite, so I finally gave it a proper test. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. The base rests on Musk and Ambroxan — warm, grounded and easy to live with. In cooler weather it sits closer to the skin, which I actually prefer here. A solid addition for anyone who enjoys this style.
2. H

   Harper Silva Ok March 5, 2026

   I picked up The Favourite (2020) mostly on a whim, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The drydown leans on Musk plus Ambroxan and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. The very first sniff is crisp Violet with Freesia peeking through, very much my kind of start. I get about four to six hours before it turns into a skin scent. Pleasant, though I would not call it essential.
3. A

   Arlo Jansen Dislike May 5, 2026

   A decant of The Favourite sat in my box for weeks before I finally wore it. Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. The first minutes are all about Violet with a hint of Freesia — it grabs attention without being pushy. Three sprays last me most of the day without ever becoming cloying. I wanted to like it more than I did.
4. H

   Hugo Hasegawa Dislike May 16, 2026

   Everyone keeps talking about The Favourite, so I finally gave it a proper test. The base rests on Musk and Ambroxan — warm, grounded and easy to live with. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. I wanted to like it more than I did.
5. W

   Wren Lindberg Dislike May 16, 2026

   I have owned The Favourite for a while now and my opinion has only gotten stronger. The opening is built around Violet and Freesia — bright and immediately recognizable. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. Three sprays last me most of the day without ever becoming cloying. The composition is well made but not for me.
6. T

   Tess Popescu Like May 29, 2026

   Penhaligon’s knows how to compose, and The Favourite (2020) is proof. That first spray gives a lovely Violet/Freesia impression that dries down smoothly. After about twenty minutes the heart settles into Mimosa with Iris, which is where the fragrance really shines. It wears beautifully in the office; I can still catch it on my scarf at the end of the day. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
7. Y

   Yara Holloway Ok June 7, 2026

   Picked up a sample of The Favourite after reading the community buzz (2020). The opening is built around Violet and Freesia — bright and immediately recognizable. The drydown leans on Musk plus Ambroxan and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. It is not the loudest scent I own, but the balance suits it well. Worth sampling before committing to a bottle.
8. M

   Mara Kim Like June 9, 2026

   Everyone keeps talking about The Favourite, so I finally gave it a proper test. The opening is built around Violet and Freesia — bright and immediately recognizable. As it settles, Musk and Ambroxan come through and give it real depth. Performance is consistent: comfortable sillage and several hours of wear on my skin. Well done — recommended if the notes appeal to you.
9. M

   Mateo Khan Love June 29, 2026

   Picked up a sample of The Favourite after reading the community buzz (2020). Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. After about twenty minutes the heart settles into Mimosa with Iris, which is where the fragrance really shines. It is not the loudest scent I own, but the balance suits it well. This has earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
10. C

    Celeste Barlow Dislike July 8, 2026

    I picked up The Favourite (2020) mostly on a whim, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. As it settles, Musk and Ambroxan come through and give it real depth. The first minutes are all about Violet with a hint of Freesia — it grabs attention without being pushy. I get about four to six hours before it turns into a skin scent. I wanted to like it more than I did.
11. S

    Sofia Draper Like July 21, 2026

    I picked up The Favourite (2020) mostly on a whim, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The heart is the best part for me: Mimosa and Iris feel carefully balanced. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
12. H

    Harper Vargas Love July 28, 2026

    I keep reaching for The Favourite more than I expected to. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. As it settles, Musk and Ambroxan come through and give it real depth. It wears beautifully in the office; I can still catch it on my scarf at the end of the day. Full-bottle worthy without a doubt.
13. M

    Max Sinclair Dislike August 3, 2026

    A couple of wears in, The Favourite has really grown on me. Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. The heart is the best part for me: Mimosa and Iris feel carefully balanced. It lasts through a full workday on me, which is exactly what I want. I can see its quality, but it simply is not my style.
14. J

    Jude Bianchi Like August 19, 2026

    For a 2020 release, The Favourite deserves more attention than it gets. Give it a little time and Mimosa with Iris comes forward — smooth and well done. Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. It projects politely for a couple of hours, then stays close and cosy. I can see this getting a lot of wear in my collection.
15. H

    Hugo Herrera Like August 25, 2026

    My first Penhaligon’s experience was this one, The Favourite (2020). The drydown leans on Musk plus Ambroxan and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. In cooler weather it sits closer to the skin, which I actually prefer here. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
16. L

    Linnea Vargas Ok 3 weeks ago

    I needed a full wearing before I made my mind up about The Favourite. Right away I get mostly Violet alongside Freesia, fresh and very easy to wear. The very first sniff is crisp Violet with Freesia peeking through, very much my kind of start. The trail is there if someone steps close, not across the room. It is fine, but it does not stand out in my collection.