Review: Orange Blossom by Penhaligon's (2010)

Many scents are described as soft, but few actually convey the sensation of resting your head on a floating pillow of immaculately-shaped petals. Penhaligon’s Orange Blossom – the latest release in their ‘Anthology’ line of reissues, put together by Bertrand Duchaufour – is just such a fragrance: a quiet, verdant little cushion. Eschewing the eponymous ingredient’s animalic tones, the opening opts for a blanket of gentle white buds, not unlike last year’s much-praised Amaranthine. Citrus notes peer through and more traditional florals – mainly rose and jasmine – are allowed a moment to shine as well, although they too are kept elegantly pearly. Finally, the smoky woodiness of petitgrain is just permitted to hover in the background, brushing the whole with a wisp of richness. On paper, the effect is much sharper and more citrusy, so a combination of fabric and skin application is probably the way to go with this one, but regardless of how you choose to wear it – and despite the fact, that strictly speaking, it should have a different mame – you’ll most likely enjoy the tender halo it creates around you.