Created by Aliénor Massenet and launched in 2020, The Favourite draws on a very specific idea: a duchess and the whimsical sophistication of a lady of the court. Penhaligon's shapes that inspiration into a floral Eau de Parfum with impeccable manners, where elegance feels neither stiff nor ornamental, but lively, cultivated and quietly magnetic.
The opening is built around bergamot and mandarin, bringing immediate brightness and a polished citrus lift, like the first impression of someone whose presence is noticed before a word is spoken. Violet leaves introduce a smooth green nuance with a subtle velvety edge, while freesia keeps the composition airy and refined. From the start, the fragrance suggests poise with ease rather than distance.
At the heart, mimosa gives The Favourite much of its identity. Its soft, powdery glow creates a floral texture that feels graceful rather than decorative. Iris deepens that impression with a silky, distinguished quality, adding a cosmetic elegance that feels very much in keeping with the courtly inspiration. Sambac jasmine brings dimension and floral richness, yet remains controlled. This is where the perfume fully reveals itself: not as an opulent bouquet, but as a composed floral with nuance, softness and quiet confidence.
The base of musk, amber and sandalwood extends the story with measured warmth. Musk softens the outline, amber adds comfort, and sandalwood provides a creamy, steady structure beneath the florals. The overall effect is polished and reassuring, with a sense of intimacy that never loses its formality. The Favourite captures a recognisable feeling: the calm assurance of someone who knows exactly how to hold attention, and never needs to ask for it.
